Blast from the past! Nickelodeon has been home to childhood hits for years — and kids growing up in the 2000s will never forget the network’s leading ladies.
From Amanda Bynes, Emma Roberts and Keke Palmer to Jamie Lynn Spears and Miranda Cosgrove, women had a major presence on Nick from 2000 to the mid-2010s. While Bynes’ comedic legacy stretched from the late ‘90s to 2002 with The Amanda Show, Palmer didn’t burst onto the teen-TV scene until 2008 with True Jackson, VP.
Cosgrove cemented herself as a Nick darling in 2004 when she played the bratty sister on Drake & Josh alongside Drake Bell and Josh Peck. A few years later, she lanced her own show, iCarly, which also brought fan-favorite Jennette McCurdy into the spotlight.
While the ladies, who were just kids when they became famous, told different stories on screen, many of them had similar hardships while living in the public eye at a young age.
“For sure there was pressure,” Cosgrove revealed during a September 2022 episode of the “Reign With Josh Smith” podcast. “Even when you’re not on TV or acting or anything, just growing up, there’s a lot of pressure to try to figure so many things out.”
The California native, who reprised her role of Carly Shay on 2021’s Paramount+ reboot of iCarly, noted that she often found herself ignoring any positive feedback.
“When I was younger, I would go through and kind of ignore all the nice comments and look for the one mean one,” she explained of her experience on social media as a young celebrity. “I would be going through for awhile and be like, ‘Oh, found it!’”
Her remarks came one month after her former costar McCurdy released her debut memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, which detailed her troubling childhood and hard moments in Hollywood.
“I think seeing yourself is particularly difficult with growing up in the public eye, because you’re so public-facing and seen as one thing,” the comedian, who later starred on Nick’s Sam & Cat, wrote in the book. “That makes the reality of you so much more unseen and invalidated and unacknowledged. But now, because I see myself, I can accept being seen by others.”
The former child star also noted how difficult it was to see her Sam & Cat costar Ariana Grande become a megastar once their show ended in 2014.
“Every time something exciting happens to her, I feel like she robbed me of having that experience myself,” McCurdy recalled, claiming that Nickelodeon treated her differently than Grande. “And every time someone calls me a good sport, all I feel is how much I don’t want to be one.”
While the “God is a Woman” singer has yet to comment on McCurdy’s book, Cosgrove told The New York Times in August 2022 that she had no idea what her costar was dealing with when they were kids. (McCurdy also alleged that iCarly creator Dan Schneider caused her trauma on set.)
“I love Miranda to pieces. I always will. She has such a special place in my heart,” McCurdy told Entertainment Tonight after her book hit shelves. “She helped me grow as a person and heal as a person, and I hope I did the same for her. I just love her so much.”
Scroll down to see what some of your favorite Nickelodeon ladies from the 2000s are doing now:
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2000s Nickelodeon Leading Ladies: Where Are They Now? Amanda Bynes, Keke Palmer, Emma Roberts and More
Blast from the past! Nickelodeon has been home to childhood hits for years — and kids growing up in the 2000s will never forget the network’s leading ladies.
From Amanda Bynes, Emma Roberts and Keke Palmer to Jamie Lynn Spears and Miranda Cosgrove, women had a major presence on Nick from 2000 to the mid-2010s. While Bynes’ comedic legacy stretched from the late ‘90s to 2002 with The Amanda Show, Palmer didn’t burst onto the teen-TV scene until 2008 with True Jackson, VP.
Cosgrove cemented herself as a Nick darling in 2004 when she played the bratty sister on Drake & Josh alongside Drake Bell and Josh Peck. A few years later, she lanced her own show, iCarly, which also brought fan-favorite Jennette McCurdy into the spotlight.
While the ladies, who were just kids when they became famous, told different stories on screen, many of them had similar hardships while living in the public eye at a young age.
“For sure there was pressure,” Cosgrove revealed during a September 2022 episode of the “Reign With Josh Smith” podcast. “Even when you’re not on TV or acting or anything, just growing up, there’s a lot of pressure to try to figure so many things out.”
The California native, who reprised her role of Carly Shay on 2021’s Paramount+ reboot of iCarly, noted that she often found herself ignoring any positive feedback.
“When I was younger, I would go through and kind of ignore all the nice comments and look for the one mean one,” she explained of her experience on social media as a young celebrity. “I would be going through for awhile and be like, ‘Oh, found it!’”
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Her remarks came one month after her former costar McCurdy released her debut memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, which detailed her troubling childhood and hard moments in Hollywood.
“I think seeing yourself is particularly difficult with growing up in the public eye, because you’re so public-facing and seen as one thing,” the comedian, who later starred on Nick’s Sam & Cat, wrote in the book. “That makes the reality of you so much more unseen and invalidated and unacknowledged. But now, because I see myself, I can accept being seen by others.”
The former child star also noted how difficult it was to see her Sam & Cat costar Ariana Grande become a megastar once their show ended in 2014.
“Every time something exciting happens to her, I feel like she robbed me of having that experience myself,” McCurdy recalled, claiming that Nickelodeon treated her differently than Grande. “And every time someone calls me a good sport, all I feel is how much I don’t want to be one.”
While the “God is a Woman” singer has yet to comment on McCurdy’s book, Cosgrove told The New York Times in August 2022 that she had no idea what her costar was dealing with when they were kids. (McCurdy also alleged that iCarly creator Dan Schneider caused her trauma on set.)
“I love Miranda to pieces. I always will. She has such a special place in my heart,” McCurdy told Entertainment Tonight after her book hit shelves. “She helped me grow as a person and heal as a person, and I hope I did the same for her. I just love her so much.”
Scroll down to see what some of your favorite Nickelodeon ladies from the 2000s are doing now:
Credit: Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock; Courtesy Amanda Bynes/Instagram
Amanda Bynes
Bynes was one of Nickelodeon’s biggest names in the late ‘90s and early 2000s after getting her start on All That. She then helmed her own sketch comedy series, The Amanda Show, from 1999 to 2002. The California native continued to have success on TV, starring on What I Like About You and Rugrats. She appeared in She’s the Man, Hairspray, and Easy A before taking a step back from Hollywood in 2010.
Off camera, Bynes struggled with substance abuse and other personal issues which resulted in her being placed under a conservatorship in 2013. The Big Fat Liar actress sought help and eventually graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in June 2019. In February 2020, she announced that she and Paul Michael were engaged. Two years later, she filed to end her conservatorship after nearly nine years which was granted in March 2022.
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Christina Vidal
After her stint as a ‘90s Disney Channel Original Movie leading lady — she played soul skater Garbiella in 1998’s Brink! — Vidal made her way to Nickelodeon. The New York native portrayed Taina Maria Morales on Taina from 2001 to 2002 and the short-lived series quickly became a fan-favorite. The actress was later seen on 10-8: Officers on Duty, Code Black, Training Day, United We Fall and The Terminal List. Vidal was also part of the band Gemstone and sang on multiple soundtracks including Taina and the movie Freaky Friday.
The Chasing Papi actress married Marcus Emanuel Mitchell in 2016. The couple share two daughters: Willa born in January 2018 and Ava born in July 2020.
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Lindsey Shaw
Shaw’s first acting role was portraying Jennifer Ann “Moze” Mosely on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide. The show ran from 2004 to 2007 and helped launch the actress’ TV career. The Nebraska native went on to star on Aliens in America, 10 Things I Hate About You, Suburgatory, Faking It, Hers and History and Pretty Little Liars. Her film credits include Secret Summer, Olden Times and Reboot Camp.
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Emma Roberts
The New York native burst onto the Hollywood scene in 2001 and three years later she became a fixture on Nickelodeon. Roberts played Addie Singer on Unfabulous from 2004 to 2007. She went on to star in Wild Child, Valentine’s Day, Scream 4, Billionaire Boys Club, Holidate and About Fate. Her TV hits include The Backyardigans, Scream Queens and playing multiple characters on American Horror Story.
The Aquamarine actress began dating Evan Peters in 2012 and after hitting a rough patch in 2013 they got engaged that same year. The pair called off their engagement for good in 2019 after dating on and off for years. Roberts moved on with Garrett Hedlund and the duo welcomed their son, Rhodes, in December 2020. Us confirmed in January 2022 that the Country Strong actor and the We’re the Millers star had called it quits.
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Melise
Melise (whose full name is Elizabeth Melise Jow) rose to fame after playing Geena Fabiano on Unfabulous from 2004 to 2007. After guest starring on multiple series, she had a recurring role as Anna Zhu on The Vampire Diaries, Cadence Nash on The Troop and Lucy Stone on Big Time Rush. Melise went on to star on Star-Crossed, The Flash, How to Be a Vampire and The Shannara Chronicles. She been voicing Kate Cha/Dupli-Kate on Invincible since 2021.
The Oklahoma native keeps her personal life quiet but appears to have a boyfriend according to social media.
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Jamie Lynn Spears
Spears was a regular performer on All That from 2002 to 2004 before landing her own Nick series in 2005. The actress played Zoey Brooks on Zoey 101 for four seasons before its conclusion in 2008. She voiced the animated version of her character on Wayside from 2005 to 2008 and then on The Backyardigans until 2013. The Mississippi native stepped back from the spotlight for a few years before returning to TV in 2020 as Noreen Fitzgibbons on Sweet Magnolias. She once again reprised the animated Zoey Brooks in 2022 for Alice’s Wonderland Bakery series. Throughout her career, Spears has released one album, 2014’s The Journey, and multiple singles, including 2020’s “Follow Me.”
Britney Spears’ younger sister welcomed her first child, daughter Maddie, in June 2008 with Casey Aldridge. Less than two years later, the couple called it quits. Jamie Lynn moved on with Jamie Watson and the pair tied the knot in March 2014. The pair share daughter Ivey, whom they welcomed in April 2018.
Britney and Jamie Lynn have been at odds for years, which the TV actress detailed in her 2022 memoir, Things I Should Have Said. Jamie Lynn claimed that she tried to help the “Toxic” singer through her personal struggles, but Britney has clapped back, alleging that she did nothing of the sort.
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Erin Sanders
Sanders played one of Zoey’s pals, Quinn Pensky, on Zoey 101 from 2005 to 2008. She then starred on The Young and the Restless, Big Time Rush and Six Degrees of Separation. Her movie credits include Guilty, Limelight, The Call and Four Hour Layover in Juarez.
The California native is currently dating Adam Johan.
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Miranda Cosgrove
Cosgrove caught fans’ attention while playing the annoying little sister, Megan Parker, on Drake & Josh from 2004 to 2007. When the show ended, the California native quickly moved on with her own series, iCarly, in which she portrayed web star Carly Shay from 2007 to 2012. Cosgrove is also known for voicing Margo in the Despicable Me franchise and playing Shea Moore on Crowded. In 2021, she reprised her role of Carly for Paramount+’s reboot of the beloved show iCarly.
In between acting gigs, the School of Rock actress attended the University of Southern California.
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Jennette McCurdy
The California native began acting in 2000 and seven years later, she became one of Nick’s biggest stars while playing Sam Puckett on iCarly. The series, which ran from 2007 to 2012, gave life to a spinoff, Sam & Cat, starring McCurdy and Grande and lasted one season from 2013 to 2014. The actress then appeared on Adam and Wiley’s Lost Weekend and Between and starred in The Last Virgin in LA, Little Bitches and The First Lady. In 2014, McCurdy stepped behind the camera, writing, directing and producing episodes for What’s Next for Sarah? as well as multiple short films.
In 2020, the former child star went on tour for her one-woman tragicomedy show called I’m Glad My Mom Died. That same year, she launched her “Empty Inside” podcast. McCurdy released her I’m Glad My Mom Died memoir in 2022, which detailed her complex relationship with her late mother, her early acting days and more.
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Keke Palmer
Palmer had been acting for years before she landed the lead role of True Jackson on True Jackson, VP in 2008. The show, which ended in 2011, launched the actress into superstardom as she continued to make hits like Joyful Noise, Hustlers and Lightyear. The Illinois native’s TV credits include Winx Club, Scream Queens, Berlin Station, Star, Scream: The TV Series, Human Resources and 2022’s The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.
The Madea’s Family Reunion actress made history in 2014 when she became the youngest-ever talk show host with Just Keke on BET. That same year she starred as the first Black Cinderella on Broadway. In 2019, she became a cohost for the Strahan, Sara and Keke show until its 2020 cancelation. The former VMAs host has released one studio album and multiple mixed tapes since her 2007 music debut. In 2018, she launched her own record label, Big Boss Entertainment.
The Nope actress confirmed her relationship with Darius Daulton in 2021 but sparked split speculation in March of the following year. During her Saturday Night Live debut in December 2022, Palmer confirmed her first pregnancy.
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Victoria Justice
Justice joined the cast of Zoey 101 during season 2 as Lola Martinez. Two years after the show ended, the actress landed her own Nick series, Victorious, which ran from 2010 to 2013. Justice portrayed teen Tori Vega on the show and performed her own songs. The Florida native released three EPs from 2012 to 2021 and four singles, including 2021’s “Too F*ckin’ Nice.” Justice also continued to find success on TV with Eye Candy, The Real Bros of Simi Valley and 50 States of Fright. Her movie credits include The Outcasts, Bigger, Summer Night, Afterlife of the Party and A Perfect Pairing.
The actress is currently dating TikToker Evan Berger.
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Elizabeth Gillies
Gillies rose to fame while playing Tori’s frenemy, Jade West, on Victorious from 2010 to 2013. The New Jersey native went on to portray Daphne on Winx Club and Gigi on Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll before landing the role of Fallon Carrington on the CW’s reboot of Dynasty in 2017. Before the series’ 2022 end, Gillies tried her hand at directing, working on two episodes of the drama. Her other work includes releasing one EP, multiple singles and 25 promotional singles from 2012 to 2021.
Gillies married music producer Michael Corcoran in August 2020.
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Ariana Grande
Grande made her Nickelodeon debut in 2010 as Cat Valentine on Victorious, which wrapped in 2013. She then teamed up with McCurdy for the short-lived Sam & Cat spinoff. The Florida native has since starred on Winx Club, Scream Queens and Don’t Look Up. She is set to portray Glinda in the two-part Wicked movie in 2024 and 2025. The “Dangerous Woman” songstress has released six studio albums from 2013 to 2020 and won two Grammys. Despite so much musical success, Grande experienced a low when a bomb exploded at her 2017 concert in Manchester, killing 22 and injuring more than 100 others. The former child star later hosted the One Love Manchester concert in honor of the victims. In November 2021, she launched her R.E.M. Beauty brand.
The “No Tears Left to Cry” singer dated Mac Miller from 2016 to 2018. Roughly four months after they split, the rapper died in September 2018, which devasted Grande. The musician, who got engaged to Pete Davidson in June 2018, split from the comedian four months later. She moved on with real estate agent Dalton Gomez, whom she married in May 2021.