The New 'Mickey Mouse Club' Cast: Where Are They Now?
By Amy & Nancy Harrington, GetBack.com | Thursday, April 23, 2009, 5:22 PM
Can you find your favorite MMC star?
Everett Collection
April 24 marks the 20th anniversary of "MMC," the new, new "Mickey Mouse Club" that hit TV in 1989. Whoever cast the series was a talent-spotting genius. Among the sea of tweens and teens that blessed the ensemble between 1989 and 1995 were future Emmy, Grammy, and Golden Globe winners. One would be nominated for an Oscar. Another was the future recipient of VH1's Best Belly Button Appearance Award. Let's check in with some of "MMC's" most famous — and not-so-famous — alumni and see what they're up to now.
[Photo gallery: See The New Mickey Mouse Club Cast: Where Are They Now?]
JC Chasez (1991-1995)
After skyrocketing to fame with fellow "MMC" castmate Justin Timberlake in the boy band *NSYNC, Chasez continues to perform as well as write and produce for such acts as Boyz & Girlz United and Wild Orchid. But big-time J.T.-level success has thus far eluded JC. His solo breakout seemed assured when he was booked to headline the Pro Bowl halftime show in 2004. Sadly, Timberlake and Janet Jackson's now infamous wardrobe malfunction moment at the previous week's Super Bowl left the NFL rethinking its halftime policy, so JC was replaced by hula dancers and conch-shell blowers. Bye, bye, bye, superstardom.
Keri Russell (1991-1993)
Keri's best known post-"MMC" for her Golden Globe-winning role on the addictive TV series "Felicity." Her greatest impact on the entertainment industry to date is the WB's very strict haircutting policy. You see, at the beginning of the show's second season, Keri had shorn her character's signature long, curly locks, resulting in a ratings plummet. Many think this wasn't coincidental, although the series' move to a new time slot on a new night (but how could that matter, right?) couldn't have helped, either. Anyway, network executives were not pleased. From that point forward, any actor's barber-chair trips had to receive prior approval from the suits.
Lindsey Alley (1989-1995)
This original cast member rode the "MMC" bus all the way, from first season to cancellation. Later she graduated from high school and secured a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater from the University of Missouri. Alley continues to be seen on screens and stages. Credits include the roller-derby series "WSL RollerJam," the one-woman show "Look Ma… No Ears!," and the role of Hokey Pokey Woman #5 in the family comedy "Bedtime Stories," starring Adam Sandler and former "MMC" cast mate Keri Russell.
Ryan Gosling (1993-1995)
Gosling's proved to be more than just a pretty face. After sweeping the women of the world off their feet in 2004's sentimental "The Notebook," he received an Oscar nomination for his role in the indie film "Half Nelson" (2006). While his on again/off again romance with "Notebook" co-star Rachel McAdams and brief relationship with the much-older Sandra Bullock have landed him in the tabloids from time to time, Ryan has become a respected actor with three films set for release in the next year: "All Good Things," "The Dallas Buyer's Club," and "Blue Valentine."
Justin Timberlake (1993-1995)
Who'd have thought that Justin Timberlake of "MMC" and *NSYNC fame would grow up to be kind of cool? Not only has he won multiple Grammys, American Music Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards, the pop singer also has an Emmy for the "SNL" Digital Short he co-wrote and co-starred in with Adam Samberg, "D*ck in a Box." The major stud has had relationships with Britney Spears, mega-celebrity Cameron Diaz, and, currently, the very sexy Jessica Biel. But J.T.'s sweet surprise is his comedic talent. If you think "Saturday Night Live" hasn't been good in a long time, slip a Timberlake-hosted episode in the DVD player. We guarantee he'll make you laugh — a lot.
Rhona Bennett (1991-1995)
After "MMC," Bennett appeared on the series "Homeboys in Outer Space" and in guest spots on shows like "Living Single," but found her real success in music. She released a self-titled solo album in 2001 then joined En Vogue's ranks two years later. She's been a member of that R&B club ever since.
Britney Spears (1993-1995)
The most notorious "MMC" alum seems to have done it all, good and bad, at the ripe old age of 27. She's had hit records, a Grammy, and yes, the VH1 award for Best Bellybutton Appearance (for those of you who were guessing). She's also an ex-wife and mother of two who seems to be constantly trying to outrun the paparazzi — that is, when she isn't dating them. But with her dad making sure she gets a handle on her life and back-to-back high-charting hits (including the #1 "Womanizer" single) from comeback album "Circus," Britney may finally be back on track.
Dale Godboldo (1991-1995)
Godboldo seems to be a man in search of his big break. He's been working consistently since "MMC," surfacing on a few TV series, including the Kristin Chenoweth sitcom "Kristin" and "Goode Behavior." But the shows just don't last. Maybe his part as a record label executive in the upcoming "Fame" remake will help bring Dale back into the spotlight.
Christina Aguilera (1993-1995)
Christina Aguilera, now a multi-Grammy winner, seems to have done the unthinkable: she's overcome the usual stigma of child stardom and managed to MOSTLY avoid tabloid drama. She seems to be enjoying a happy family life and acceptance within the industry as a genuine vocal talent. Besides music and occasional TV and film appearances, Aguilera has endorsed Fetish make-up, Skechers, and Coca-Cola. She also has had not one but TWO fragrances of her own: Xpose and the Fifi Award-winning Simply Christina.
Ricky Luna (1990-1995)
Since leaving "MMC," Ricky's had roles in "War of the Worlds," "ER," and "Lizzie McGuire." He's also the lead in the upcoming "Lunar Effect," with Danny Trejo. But music is clearly Ricky's other passion. The songwriter (he wrote the theme for SiTV's "Dating Factory") sang lead on the compilation album "Costars Ill Matico Volume One" and is releasing his own "Electro Bomba" dance record in advance of a summer tour.
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