20 celebrities who act as emotional support for millennials

In the '90s and early '00s, Sarah Michelle Gellar was that girl. She showcased very early on that she had the range to play everything from a true crime wiz to an evil step-sister to a woman who could absolutely slay.

Every generation has that one celebrity who is very much like their representative, and for millennials, that is Jonathan Taylor Thomas. He was everywhere during their childhood, and when he decided to step away from the limelight, it hurt. Today, he's more like the millennial version of Bigfoot, a mythical creature they never see but one they will always believe in.

Brandy was a star before she could legally get behind the wheel of a vehicle with her music. Soon after being a chart-topper, she turned around and picked acting roles that helped a generation of girls feel represented in the media with Moesha and 1997's Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella.

When a celebrity from one's childhood fails to age, it allows that person to deny they're also aging. That is why millennials have an attachment to Paul Rudd and his otherworldly skincare routine.

Britney Spears helped build the soundtrack to millennials' collective adolescence, and because of that, they have pledged allegiance to her.

Adam Brody played one of the most lovable characters in the 2000s on The O.C. and became a top-tier crush to many who were ready to dive headfirst into an addicting teen series.

The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers followed a straightforward layout that has never failed children’s television: crime-fighting individuals with assigned colors. And while every Ranger was beloved and held a place in the hearts of millennials everywhere, Amy Jo Johnson, a.k.a. the Pink Ranger, was definitely a fan favorite held in high regard.

Goosebumps and The Baby-Sitters Club set the foundation for millennials' obsession with reading, but Harry Potter took that to new extremes. So it’s only natural that the actor who would go on to portray the main character in the hit book series would be revered well after his days at Hogwarts were done.

Gabrielle Union won many over as the head cheerleader who would not let anything slide in Bring It On, and since then, she has continued to make millennials feel a certain type of way, in the best way possible.

Friday nights in the '90s used to be a kid's dream come true on ABC with a two-hour block of the cheesiest sitcoms known to man, including Full House. As corny as it was, it was also an endearing part of that time in millennials' lives, and John Stamos was such a huge reason why, as Uncle Jesse. He was also among the most attractive humans anyone had ever seen on the small screen and still is.

When it came to must-see, wholesome television, Boy Meets World was it. Nineties kids lived for the friendship between Cory and Shawn, the wisdom of Mr. Feeny, and the love story that Cory and Topanga had. The latter was played by the one and only Danielle Fishel. Yes, the guys were all great, but Topanga represented more than a pretty face. She was also the smartest character on the show, and she proved early on that she wasn’t a side character. She was a dynamic piece of the show that made the show so popular.

Not every star from millennials' childhoods has been able to stick around the way Kenan Thompson has, and for that, they are grateful. He also often celebrates his past while pushing forward with new and exciting projects like Good Burger 2.

There was a lot of great teen content in the '90s and early '00s, but Hilary Duff tapped into the tween market like no other with Lizzie McGuire. Playing that everyday girl-next-door who wasn't the most popular kid and later the likes of A Cinderella Story helped make her a relatable force to be reckoned with. Also, as she got older and proved to be one of the least problematic child stars, it made millennials feel happy to see her live an authentic, sweet life.

There are very few musical artists that everyone in a generation can agree on, but for millennials, that artist is Usher. That's why his 2024 Super Bowl Halftime performance was so successful with people aged between 30 and 45.

The X-Files helped launch a new level of fandom when the internet was still fresh in the homes of sci-fi nerds, and Gillian Anderson's no-nonsense Dana Scully had a lot to do with that. Fans will always associate her with that role but have been known to allow new characters of hers to enter their hearts like her latest role on Netflix's Sex Education.

Dirty Dancing is to Gen X what The Mummy is to millennials: a generational sexual awakening.

From a Tiger Beat dream to a total scream queen, Jennifer Love Hewitt was someone people either loved or wanted to be. There was no in-between.

So many millennials have placed Joseph Gordon-Levitt on a pedestal as the perfect man to bring home to mom, and for good reason. He can sing and act, that's obvious. However, he continuously comes across as a charming sweetheart.

Millennials have been ride or die for Beyoncé since she was a child of Destiny.

Devon Sawa went from a teen heartthrob to a bonafide King of Horror, but the best part about him and why he's one of the GOATs to millennials is that he’s hilarious. Just look at his X account, and it’s easy to fall in love with him even more today than many did when he was in Little Giants all those years ago due to his humor and his ongoing beef with his Chucky co-star, the doll.