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Gen Xers fell in love with this 1994 film about graduates facing life after college. Valedictorian Lelaina (Winona Ryder) videotapes her slacker friends' lives, but when she meets a yuppie TV executive (Ben Stiller), she must decide between him and her unemployed musician best friend (Ethan Hawke).![Gen X Classic]()
Some of the biggest stars of the 90s and 2000s appeared in 'Reality Bites,' but where are they now? Click through to see who sold out (a GenX non-no), and who's holding on to his or her artistic integrity...![Winona_Ryder_Then_srfed]()
Late ‘80s films like ‘Beatlejuice’ and ‘Heathers,’ as well as a high profile relationship with Johnny Depp made the actress (born Winona Horowitz) a household name. Movies like ‘Mermaids’ led to ‘Reality Bites,’ in which Ryder starred as Lelaina, an aspiring filmmaker caught between two men.![Winona_Ryder_Now_uioiwo]()
Now 38, Ryder has a somewhat troubled image, mostly stemming from a 2001 shoplifting arrest. Since ‘Reality Bites,’ she’s appeared in hit films like ‘Little Women,’ ‘The Crucible,’ ‘Girl, Interupted,’ and last year’s ‘Star Trek.’ Ryder will next appear in ‘The Private Lives of Pippa Lee.’ She's been nominated for two Academy Awards, but has largely underachieved, especially given her early promise. (REUTERS)![Ben Stiller Then]()
‘Reality Bites’ was comedy star Stiller’s directorial debut, and he also starred in the film. Ben played Michael, a TV executive trying to fit into Lelaina’s slacker social circle as her boyfriend. Stiller’s parents are comedians Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller. (Universal)![Ben_Stiller_Now_kjoi]()
Since ‘Reality Bites,’ Stiller has become a Hollywood A-lister, starring in comedies like ‘Zoolander,’ ‘The Royal Tenenbaums,’ ‘There’s Something About Mary,’ and ‘Meet the Parents.’ Throughout his career, Stiller has written, starred in, directed, and/or produced over 50 films and television shows. His films have grossed more than $2.1 billion worldwide, with an average of $76 million per film. Movies out this year include ‘Little Fockers’ and ‘Greenberg.’ Now, 44, the star has two children with wife Christine Taylor. Oh yeah, and he also starred in 'Dodgeball.' Our personal favorite. (AP)![Ethan Hawke Then]()
Hawke’s breakout hit was 1989 drama ‘Dead Poets Society.’ Films like ‘White Fang’ and ‘Alive’ led to his role as elitist slacker Troy in ‘Reality Bites.’ (Universal)![Ethan_Hawke_Now_kiuoi]()
Since ‘Reality Bites,’ Hawke has starred in films like ‘Before Sunrise’ and ‘Training Day.’ He has two children with ex wife Uma Thurman and is currently married to his children’s former nanny. The couple welcomed a daughter in 2008. Now 39 and the author of two novels, Hawke has focused his attention on theater recently starring in acclaimed productions like ‘The Cherry Orchard.’ The actor is currently directing his second play, ‘A Lie of the Mind,’ which opens February 18. In other words, he's kind of exactly like his character in 'Reality Bites.' (REUTERS)![Janeane_Garofalo_Then_kjop]()
Before Garofalo played promiscuous roommate and Gap employee Vicki, she was a stand-up comedian and cast member on ‘Ben Stiller Show’ and ‘Saturday Night Live.’![Janeane_Garofalo_Now_jhjk]()
After ‘Reality Bites,’ Garofalo starred in movies like ‘Wet Hot American Summer,’ ‘Dogman,’ ‘Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion,’ and ‘The Truth About Cats and Dogs.’ She appeared on shows like ‘Mad About You,’ ‘Seinfeld,’ and ‘Newsradio.’ The actress appeared on the 2005-2006 season of ‘The West Wing,’ and joined the cast of ‘24’ in 2009. In 2007, Garofalo voiced a character in Pixar’s ‘Ratatouille.’ Now 45, Garofalo circulates regularly in NYC’s comedy scene. She is politically active and was a host for Air America Radio, which is now in bankruptcy. You can't win 'em all. (AP)![Steve Zahn Then]()
Zahn’s big break was ‘Reality Bites.’ He played mild-mannered roommate Sammy, who struggled with coming out to his family.![Steve_Zahn_Now_sd_f_s]()
After ‘Reality Bites,’ Zahn appeared in ‘Friends,’ and starred in movies like ‘That Thing You Do,’ ‘Riding in Cars with Boys,’ ‘Rescue Dawn,’ and 2008 romantic comedy ‘Management’ (opposite Jennifer Aniston). Now 42, Zahn is married with two children. His next film, ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ hits theaters this year. (REUTERS)![Swoosie_Kurtz_Then_kjo]()
The actress was famous for her hit TV show ‘Sisters’ when she got the role playing Lelaina’s mother Charlane in ‘Reality Bites.’ (AP)![Renee Zellweger Then]()
In a blink-and-you’ll-miss-her role, Zellweger played Tami, Troy’s one-night-stand. (REUTERS)![Renee_Zellweger_Now_sdf]()
Zellweger was an unknown actress when she did ‘Reality Bites’ in 1994. The next year she broke out with ‘Empire Records.’ Subsequent films include ‘Jerry Maguire,’ ‘Nurse Betty,’ and ‘Bridget Jones’ Diary.’ Zellweger became a bonafide movie star, and her next movies included ‘Chicago,’ ‘Cold Mountain,’‘Cinderella Man,’ and ‘Leatherheads.’ High profile relationships include those with Jim Carrey, Jack White, and a weird, quickie marriage/annulment with Kenny Chesney. Now 40, Zellweger will appear this year in films ‘Case 39’ and ‘My Own Love Song.’ Her new face freaks us out. We like the old one better. (REUTERS)Then/Now: The Cast of 'Reality Bites'
Did all of the stars of this Gen X gem end up selling out?
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- Then/Now: The Cast of 'Reality Bites'
