Child Stars

MTV Stars Then & Now

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Jenny McCarthy Then: The former Playmate of the Year joined the MTV family in 1995 as the co-host of dating show “Singled Out.” Her success earned her a short-lived sketch show called “The Jenny McCarthy Show” that blossomed into an unsuccessful sitcom.

Now: The 40-year-old mother and autism activist and hosted last year's NBC reality series “Love in the Wild." —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photos: Handout, Christopher Polk, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Carson Daly Then: In 1998, Daly left his gig as a KROQ DJ to host MTV’s “TRL,” which he helmed through 2002.

Now: In addition to staying busy with his talk show “Last Call with Carson Daly,” the multi-tasking Daly, 39, currently acts as host of NBC’s singing competition “The Voice.” —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photos: Jim Cooper, Jeff Christensen, AP Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Downtown Julie B... Then: In 1986, Downtown Julie Brown joined the five original VJs at MTV, and quickly established herself as the host of Club MTV. She worked in various roles until 1992.

Now: Brown has hosted a number of shows since leaving MTV, most notably E!’s “The Gossip Show.” The 53-year-old currently serves as executive producer of the TMI Show for Billboard.com. —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photos: Frank Micelotta, Michael Loccisano, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Daisy Fuentes Then: Fuentes joined MTV in 1993 as its first Latina VJ. As the host of “House of Style,” she quickly became one of the channel’s most popular personalities.

Now: Fuentes’ post-MTV career included stints as a model, soap star and the host of a multitude of shows, from her own talk show, “Daisy,” to “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” the Miss U.S.A. pageant and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” The 46-year-old has also released her own workout game for Nintendo Wii as well as a line of fragrances, hair care products, jewelry, home accessories and clothing. —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photos: Albert Ortega, Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Kurt Loder Then: The esteemed journalist and former Rolling Stone editor joined MTV in 1987, frst as the host of news program “This Week in Rock,” and later as anchor and correspondent for MTV News. He was among the first to break news of Kurt Cobain’s death in 1994.

Now: While still an active rock critic and journalist, the 68-year-old Loder released his third book, a collection of film reviews titled “The Good, the Bad and the Godawful: 21st-Century Movie Reviews,” in 2011. —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photos: Adam Nadel, AP Images; Kevin Winter, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Martha Quinn Then: Quinn joined MTV in 1981 as one of the five original VJs, and worked for the channel in various capacities for the following decade.

Now: The effervescent 54-year-old (shown here attending the June 2012 premiere of “Rock of Ages”) can be found championing ‘80s music on SiriusXM’s The 80s on 8 channel as the host of “Martha Quinn Presents.” —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photo: Frazer Harrison, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Dan Cortese Then: Cortese was a fixture of MTV from 1992-1997 as the host of rock-meets-jock segment MTV Sports.

Now: After leaving MTV Sports, Cortese guest-starred in a number of sitcoms and hosted numerous short-lived reality series, including “My Dad Is Better Than Your Dad,” “Crash Course” and “Money Hungry.” The 45-year-old actor was most recently seen in a 2011 episode of “Hot in Cleveland.” —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photos: Diane Freed, David Livingston, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Alison Stewart Then: Stewart made her MTV debut as an on-air reporter during the channel’s “Choose or Lose” coverage of the 1992 presidential race. She won a Peabody Award for her contributions.

Now: Stewart (shown here in 2010) left MTV in 1996 to begin a successful career as a news journalists for ABC, NBC, NPR and MSNBC, where she served as a daytime anchor and primary substitute host for “Countdown with Keith Olbermann.” In January she started her newest gig as correspondent for “60 Minutes.” —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photo: Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Ananda Lewis Then: Lewis departed a job at BET in the late ‘90s to join the MTV staff as the host of “TRL” and “The Hot Zone.” She also hosted topical programs including a post-Columbine forum on school violence and memorial tributes to Aaliyah.

Now: Lewis left MTV in 2001 to launch her own talk show, “The Ananda Lewis Show.” The 40-year-old has since appeared in several sitcoms and served as host of shows including “Celebrity Mole” and “America’s Top Dog.” —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photos: Charley Gallay, Kevin Winter, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Pauly Shore Then: “The Weasel” was a wildly popular VJ from 1989-1994, hosting his own show, “Totally Pauly,” as well as several MTV Spring Break installments.

Now: After enjoying a moderately successful career as a movie actor (“Encino Man,” “Son in Law,” “Bio-Dome”), Shore (shown here in 2011) released the well-received semi-autobiographical mockumentary “Pauly Shore Is Dead.” He capitalized on that success in 2009 with the release of “Adopted,” another mockumentary in which he travels to Africa to adopt a child, a la Angelina Jolie. —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photo: Frazer Harrison, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Matt Pinfield Then: In 1995, the bald musical brainiac launched his MTV career hosting “120 Minutes.” He soon added a slew of additional shows to his resume, including "MattRock," "Pinfield Suite," "Pinfield Presents," "Rocks Off," “Say What?,” “MTV Live,” and more than 100 MTV specials.

Now: After a fruitful career within the music industry that included stints as a major label A&R rep, radio DJ and TV host, the 46-year-old Pinfield (shown here attending the 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony) once again took up the reins as host of “120 Minutes,” which is now a monthly series on MTV2. —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photo: Mike Coppola, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Bill Bellamy Then: The comedian joined MTV in 1994 as the host of MTV Jams before establishing his own program, “The Bill Bellamy Show,” in 1996.

Now: The 48-year-old comedian released a new stand-up special, “Bill Bellamy: Crazy Sexy Dirty,” on Showtime last summer. —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photos: Brenda Chase, Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Kennedy Then: The former KROQ personality joined MTV as the host of “Alternative Nation” from 1992-1996, during which time she helped to popularize bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam.

Now: Now 40, Kennedy can be heard hosting the “Music in the Mornings” program on KYSR in Los Angeles. —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photo: Frazer Harrison, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Karen Duffy Then: The model and TV actor joined MTV in the early ‘90s and made an instant impression as the precocious “Duff.”

Now: Following a bout with sarcoidosis of the central nervous system, for which she underwent chemotherapy, Duffy released a well-received autobiography, “Model Patient: My Life As an Incurable Wise-Ass,” and returned to TV. The 51-year-old currently hosts TLC’s “House of Tiny Terrors.” —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photos: George De Sota, Theo Wargo, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Iann Robinson Then: This heavily tattooed, outspoken metal enthusiast made a name for himself at MTV from 1999-2003 as a no-nonsense interviewer and news correspondent. He was also responsible for the revival of “Headbangers Ball.”

Now: Robinson (shown here in 2001) went on to work as a DJ, TV host and musician. He currently co-owns a comic book publishing company and writes for male lifestyle website CraveOnline. —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Chris Hardwick Then: From 1995-1988, Hardwick co-hosted the MTV dating show “Singled Out” alongside Jenny McCarthy and, later, Carmen Electra.

Now: In 2011, the 41-year-old began hosting BBC America’s Saturday night Britcom block, as well as a live AMC talk show centering on the “Walking Dead” titled “Talking Dead.” Chris continues to do stand-up comedy, hosts an online podcast called "Nerdist" and will host an upcoming panel show on Comedy Central. —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photos: Chris Pizzello, AP Images; Jason Kempin, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Jesse Camp Then: Camp (above, left) rocketed to fame as the winner of MTV’s first “Wanna Be a VJ” contest in 1998. He served as intermittent host of “TRL” for about a year before being given the boot.

Now: Following his stint at MTV, Camp attempted to launch a career as a rock musician. He released one album under the name Jesse & The 8th Street Kidz that All Music Guide called “unbearable.” He has spent the last few years working as a clerk at a pet supply store and a telemarketer for a non-profit liberal organization. —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photo: Nick Ut, AP Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Colin Quinn Then: The former bartender found stardom on MTV as the sidekick and announcer of the game show “Remote Control” from 1987-1990.

Now: Quinn followed up a stint on “Saturday Night Live” with a short-lived comedy sketch show and an equally brief talk show. In 2011, the 53-year-old’s one-man Broadway show “Colin Quinn Long Story Short” aired as a special on HBO. He will appear in the movie "Grown Ups 2" later this year. —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photo: Theo Wargo, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
John Norris Then: Norris has been part of the MTV framework since joining as a writer in 1986. He eventually served as an on-air alternative for Kurt Loder on MTV News before leaving to join “Extra.” He returned to the fold in 1996.

Now: After being chopped by Viacom in 2008, Norris took his journalism skills to online music magazine Noisevox. —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photos: Frank Micelotta, Astrid Stawiarz, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Nina Blackwood Then: Blackwood appeared on MTV as one of the five original VJs before leaving in 1986 to host both “Rock Report” for “Entertainment Tonight” and “Solid Gold.”

Now: Blackwood currently hosts a weekday show on SiriusXM’s The 80s on 8 channel and co-hosts “The Big '80s Top 40 Countdown” with other original MTV VJs each weekend. —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photo: Neilson Barnard, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Serena Altschul Then: The former Channel One News correspondent joined MTV in 1995 and by the following year was working for MTV News. She later hosted the shows “MTV Unfiltered,” “Breaking it Down” and “True Life.”

Now: The 42-year-old Altschul followed a gig as host and producer at CNN with a job at CBS News. She currently serves as a correspondent for “CBS Sunday Morning.” —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photos: Michael Paras, AP Images; Dario Cantatore, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Adam Curry Then: Curry served as an MTV VJ from 1987-1994, hosting popular shows like “Headbangers Ball” and “Top 20 Countdown.”

Now: The 6’5” Curry was an early advocate of the Internet and earned the nickname The Podfather for his pioneering work in podcasting. The 48-year-old (shown here entertaining Dutch troops in Iraq in 2004) currently hosts the podcast “No Agenda” on his own Mevio network. —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photo: Bullit Marquez, AP Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Kari Wuhrer Then: The actress and singer enjoyed a quick rise to fame as the co-host of “Remote Control” during its second and third seasons.

Now: One pair of breast implants later, Wuhrer (shown here in 2000) left MTV to pursue a career in film. Two failed films after that, her career consisted primarily of straight-to-video sexpliotation flicks. The 45-year-old appeared most recently in the Syfy original “Alien Tornado.” —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photo: Chris Weeks, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Alan Hunter Then: Hunter joined MTV in 1981 as one of the five original VJs, working for the channel in various capacities through 1987.

Now: The 56-year-old actor and TV host (shown here in 2010) can be heard alongside the other surviving original VJs on SiriusXM’s The ‘80s on 8 channel. —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Mark Goodman Then: As one of MTV’s five original VJs from 1981-1987, Goodman interviewed countless stars of the ‘80s and hosted shows including “The Week in Rock,” “120 Minutes” and “The Top 20 Video Countdown.”

Now: Goodman (shown here in 2011) can be heard broadcasting seven days a week on SiruisXM’s The ‘80s on 8 channel. The 60-year-old also frequently conducts interviews and hosts specials for VH-1 and VH-1 Classic. —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photo: Neilson Barnard, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Riki Rachtman Then: This tattooed talker joined the MTV family in 1990 as the new host of “Headbangers Ball,” a job he reportedly procured with a little help from his pal Axl Rose.

Now: The 47-year-old TV and radio personality (shown here in 2006) currently hosts a NASCAR-themed radio show called “NASCAR 24/7 Live” and owns and operates a rock club called the Cathouse. In the late 2000s, he hosted a number of “Rock of Love”-related specials co-starring his buddy Bret Michaels. —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photo: Ethan Miller, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Chris Connelly Then: Connelly’s nine-year run at MTV from 1993-2001 included a correspondent gig for MTV News and a movie review show, “The Big Picture.”

Now: Connelly departed MTV for ESPN in 2001, and has since worked for “20/20,” “Good Morning America” and “Nightline.” —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photo: Michael Loccisano, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Tabitha Soren Then: Soren served as an anchor for MTV News from 1991-1999, and is perhaps best remembered as the face of MTV’s “Choose or Lose” campaign.

Now: Now a respected photographer, the 45-year-old Soren opened an exhibit of her work at the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art last year. —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photo: Jay Malonson, AP Images; Robert Mora, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Dave Holmes Then: The runner-up on MTV’s first “Wanna Be a VJ” contest in 1998, Holmes ultimately proved to be far more successful and popular than the show’s winner, Jesse Camp. He was immediately hired following the contest and went on to host “120 Minutes,” a “Real World” reunion special and, perhaps most memorably, the “Say What? Karaoke” show through 2001.

Now: Holmes (shown here in 2003) works on-air at FX and currently hosts a podcast called “A Drink with Dave.” He has also been seen in commercials for Ford. —XFINITY Entertainment Staff (Photo: Kevin Winter, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Sway Calloway Then: The rapper and radio host joined MTV in 2000 and soon became a fixture on “TRL” and the hip-hop-centric “Direct Effect.”

Now: Sway opted out of his MTV contract in 2005, but the following year signed a new deal that included the ability to create projects under the MTV banner. The 42-year-old (shown here in 2012) also hosts a weekday morning show on Eminem’s SiriusXM channel Shade 45.- Xfinity Entertainment Staff

(PhotoChristopher Polk, Getty Images)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
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