Teen People's Sexiest Guys Ever from 2004: Catch Up with the Heartthrobs 20 Years Later

See where 20 of 'Teen People's' Sexiest Guys Ever from the October 2004 issue are now, including No. 1 hottie Orlando Bloom and 'Nobody Wants This' star Adam Brody

orlando bloom teen people 2004; 2024
Photo:

Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock 

It’s been exactly 20 years since these men were named the Sexiest Guys Ever by Teen People.

In Teen People’s October 2004 issue, readers cast their votes — and we tallied them up to compile a list of the year’s 50 sexiest in movies, TV, music and sports. 

At the top of the rankings was Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean heartthrob Orlando Bloom. Years before he was happily engaged to Katy Perry, the action star catapulted to celebrity crush status as the elf Legolas and blacksmith Will Turner.

From Bloom and The O.C.’s Adam Brody to Sexiest Man Alive titleholders Adam Levine and Brad Pitt, many of Teen People readers’ favorite men are now bona fide stars in their respective fields.

Read on to see what all the buzz was about for 20 of these men, according to the 2004 article — and where the Sexiest Guys Ever are now.

01 of 20

Orlando Bloom

Orlando Bloom during 2004 Toronto International Film Festival ; Kering Hosts 3rd Annual Caring for Women Dinner, New York, USA - 09 Sep 2024
Orlando Bloom in 2004; in 2024.

George Pimentel/WireImage; Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

WHY HE WAS HOT: “He has a supersexy accent, crushworthy curls and a daredevil sense of adventure (he's been known to surf, bungee jump and snowboard). What more could a girl ask for?”

WHERE IS HE NOW? Orlando Bloom found love with pop star Katy Perry, and the pair became engaged in 2019. They share a 4-year-old daughter, Daisy Dove. Bloom also shares son Flynn, 13, with ex-wife Miranda Kerr.

As he juggles fatherhood, Bloom continues to grace the silver screen. His latest film, The Cut, sees him as a boxer coming out of retirement to grind for a championship.

The on-screen swashbuckler has kept his daredevil spirit, too, releasing the three-part series Orlando Bloom: To the Edge earlier this year. The documentary saw the adventure lover attempt three extreme sports — wingsuiting, free diving and rock climbing — to push himself to his limits.

02 of 20

Milo Ventimiglia

Milo Ventimiglia during 2003-2004 WB Upfront at Sheraton New York in New York City, New York, United States. Actor Milo Ventimiglia attends the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards on February 25, 2024 in Santa Monica, California.
Milo Ventimiglia in 2003; in 2024.

Jim Spellman/WireImage; Amanda Edwards/Getty

WHY HE WAS HOT: “He's prime boyfriend material—just look how crazy he was about Rory on Gilmore Girls! To get inside his head, talk about The Sopranos and vintage cars (two of his favorite things).”

WHERE IS HE NOW? In addition to reprising his swoon-worthy Gilmore Girls role in the 2016 miniseries, Milo Ventimiglia landed the role of a lifetime as Jack Pearson in This Is Us. The NBC drama brought him three Emmy nominations for outstanding lead actor.

Recently, Ventimiglia's wife Jarah Mariano — whom he wed in 2023 — announced that the pair are expecting their first child.

03 of 20

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt during "Along Came Polly" Los Angeles Premiere; Brad Pitt attends the "Wolfs" photocall during the 81st Venice International Film Festival at Palazzo del Casino on August 1, 2024
Brad Pitt in 2004; in 2024.

Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic; JB Lacroix/FilmMagic

WHY HE WAS HOT: “The Troy boy even looks good in a skirt! What makes him yummier still? His obvious adoration of wife Jennifer Aniston.”

WHERE IS HE NOW? Two-time Sexiest Man Alive Brad Pitt and his new girlfriend Ines de Ramon are going strong. He's also reunited with longtime friend and frequent costar George Clooney for the thriller Wolfs.

Oh, and no big deal: Pitt picked up two Academy Awards since making the list, winning Best Picture for 12 Years a Slave which he produced and his first acting Oscar for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

04 of 20

Josh Hartnett

Josh Hartnett at the "After The Fall" Broadway Opening Night - After Party at B.B. Kings in New York City, New York. Josh Hartnett attends "La Trampa" photocall at the Four Seasons Hotel on August 01, 2024 in Madrid, Spain
Josh Hartnett in 2004; in 2024.

Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic; Borja B. Hojas/WireImage

WHY HE WAS HOT: “This tall, dark and handsome actor is totally unaffected by the Hollywood machine. He keeps it real by staying true to his Minnesota roots.”

WHERE IS HE NOW? The Virgin Suicides star remains tall, dark, handsome and totally unaffected by Hollywood. Josh Hartnett is still a movie star, landing roles in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer and M. Night Shyamalan's Trap, but lives a quiet life in southeast England with his wife Tamsin Egerton. The couple welcomed their fourth child this year.

05 of 20

Adam Brody

adam brody 2004; 2024
Adam Brody in 2004; in 2024.

Jim Spellman/WireImage; FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty

WHY HE WAS HOT: "As adorkable Seth, Adam has given geeks sex appeal. With his witty wise-cracks and cool taste in tunes (Death Cab for Cutie), he's the thinking girl's heartthrob.”

WHERE IS HE NOW? The Adam Brody renaissance is in full swing with the Netflix rom-com series Nobody Wants This. As a hot rabbi who seduces Kristen Bell's Joanne, Brody shows he hasn't lost his charm.

The O.C. alum is married to former Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester, a 2000s icon in her own right. Brody and Meester wed in 2014 and share two children, a son and a daughter.

06 of 20

Usher

Usher 2004 - 2024
Usher in 2004; in 2024.

KMazur/WireImage; Kristina Bumphrey/Billboard via Getty

WHY HE WAS HOT: “He's absolutely gorgeous and oh-so-romantic. Want proof? He gives out at least a dozen roses to fans at every gig.”

WHERE IS HE NOW? Usher's receiving his own flowers these days, landing the spot as the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show performer. The same night, he married longtime girlfriend Jennifer Goicoechea — with whom he shares two children — in a surprise Vegas ceremony. The eight-time Grammy award winner also has older sons from a previous relationship.

The eight-time Grammy winner is currently embarking on his Past Present Future tour to support his most recent album, Coming Home.

07 of 20

Andy Roddick

Winner of the "Best Male Tennis Player" award, Andy Roddick poses backstage at the 12th Annual ESPY Awards held at the Kodak Theatre on July 14, 2004 ; Andy Roddick attends Charity Day 2024 hosted by The Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund at Cantor Fitzgerald on September 11, 2024
Andy Roddick in 2004; in 2024.

Mark Mainz/Getty; Paul Morigi/Getty

WHY HE WAS HOT: “This sports god, commonly referred to as A-Rod, has the fastest serve in the game, so it's no surprise that he works out...a lot. Guess that's why we're constantly drooling over his six-pack abs, killer legs and sun-kissed locks.”

WHERE IS HE NOW? Andy Roddick retired from tennis in 2012 with one Grand Slam championship to his name and 32 titles overall.

The sports star will make a foray into film when he joins pal Ben Stiller in an upcoming pickleball movie. In the meantime, he's raising a son and a daughter with his wife of 15 years, Brooklyn Decker, and running the Served with Andy Roddick tennis podcast.

08 of 20

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake 2004 Grammy awards ; 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Justin Timberlake in 2004; in 2024.

Gregg DeGuire/WireImage; Jamie McCarthy/WireImage

WHY HE WAS HOT “Justin's close relationship with his mom, Lynn, is just as sweet as his baby-blue eyes. And when the southern charmer busts those moves, how could you not want to be his señorita?”

WHERE IS HE NOW? Justin Timberlake fulfilled his potential tenfold, nabbing 10 Grammy Awards over the course of his career and four Emmy wins. To support his sixth studio album Everything I Thought It Was, the 2000s' pop prince kicked off his Forget Tomorrow World Tour in April 2024.

Timberlake married actress Jessica Biel in October 2012, and the pair have two sons together.

09 of 20

Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard 2004 - 2024
Dwight Howard in 2004; in 2024.

Frazer Harrison/Getty; Disney/Eric McCandles/Getty

WHY HE WAS HOT: “The fact that he was the NBA's number one draft pick (right out of high school!) is certainly impressive—and he has a gorgeous smile too. We're hooked.”

WHERE IS HE NOW? Dwight Howard turned his No. 1 draft pick into an 18-year NBA career, playing in the league until 2022. He's since taken his talents to Asia, becoming a player and partial owner of the Taiwan Mustangs in The Asian Tournament. The athlete joined the cast of Dancing with the Stars season 33, partnering with Daniella Karagach.

The basketball player fathered five children between 2007 and 2013 with different women. Howard only has full custody of one, but he makes an effort to keep in touch and visit his other children.

10 of 20

Ian Somerhalder

Ian Somerhalder arrives at the ABC's Winter Press Tour Party on Wisteria Lane on January 23, 2004 in Universal City, California.
Ian Somerhalder in 2004; in 2024.

Vince Bucci/Getty; Jason Mendez/Getty

WHY HE WAS HOT: “A former Guess? model, this blue-eyed hottie needs an athletic woman to keep up with him. When he's not working, you'll find him doing yoga or horse-back riding.”

WHERE IS HE NOW? Ian Somerhalder went on to lead the popular teen series The Vampire Diaries before taking a step back from acting. These days, the Lost star's main priorities are off-camera as an environmental activist, producer and father to two children with his wife of nine years, Nikki Reed.

11 of 20

Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams in 20024 and in 2024.
Pharrell Williams in 2004; in 2024.

Evan Agostini/Robert Okine/Getty

WHY HE WAS HOT: “You'd think that a guy with his looks, fame and fortune (as evidenced by his $1 million yellow-diamond ring) would happily be a player, but Pharrell says he's always looking for the One. Pick me!”

WHERE IS HE NOW? Pharrell Williams has worked with a host of A-list names in his three-decade career, including Rihanna, Ariana Grande and Beyoncé. He's won 13 Grammy Awards, too, and earned a solo No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with his 2013 song "Happy."

The prolific producer and songwriter married his longtime partner, fashion designer Helen Lasichanh, in October 2013. The couple has four children together (with three being triplets!).

12 of 20

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal attends the New York Premiere of "The Day After Tomorrow" on May 24, 2004 in New York City.
Jake Gyllenhaal in 2004; in 2024.

Peter Kramer/Getty; Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty

WHY HE WAS HOT: “The indie-movie prince is making major moves in the big leagues, but he doesn't take himself too seriously. As long as we can keep losing ourselves in his dreamy blue eyes on-screen, we'll take him very seriously!”

WHERE IS HE NOW? Jake Gyllenhaal has remained faithful to indie movies throughout his career (see: Brokeback Mountain), but he's dabbled in blockbusters like Spider-Man: Far From Home as Mysterio. Most notably, the Donnie Darko actor has established himself as a premier action-thriller star with films like 2014's Nightcrawler and 2024's Road House.

In the love department, Gyllenhaal has quietly dated French model Jeanne Cadieu since 2018.

13 of 20

Eminem

Eminem Launches New Sirius Radio Channel "Shade 45"- 10/28/2004; Eminem a.k.a. Marshall Bruce Mathers III attends a ceremony honoring Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 30, 2020
Eminem in 2004; in 2024.

Carley Margolis/FilmMagic; Kurt Krieger/Corbis via Getty

WHY HE WAS HOT: “When he's not building up those muscles, he's making us laugh out loud in the recording booth. And how sweet is his devotion to daughter Hailie Jade?”

WHERE IS HE NOW? Slim Shady, who retired the moniker this year with his album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), is becoming a grandfather! His beloved daughter Hailie Jade revealed her pregnancy to him in a sweet moment from his "Temporary" music video.

Eminem lives a low-key life close to his daughter and maintains a staunch loyalty to his hometown, Detroit.

14 of 20

Nelly

Nelly during 2004 MTV Video Music Awards; Usher's "Coming Home" Album Release Event on February 14, 2024 in Atlanta
Nelly in 2004; in 2024.

KMazur/WireImage; Prince Williams/WireImage

WHY HE WAS HOT: “Ladies (like rumored sweetie Ashanti) love his shy smile, and when we get the occasional look at the six-pack under his Vokal tank top, it gets really hot in herre!”

WHERE IS HE NOW? Turns out the rumors were true: Nelly and Ashanti did date until they split in 2013. But in a September 2023 interview, the couple confirmed that they had reunited. In December, they secretly wed, and seven months later, welcomed their first child, a son.

Since the list, the "Hot in Herre" singer has released four albums, as well as appeared in film (The Longest Yard with Adam Sandler) and on TV (his BET reality series Nellyville and season 29 of Dancing with the Stars).

15 of 20

Colin Farrell

Colin Farrell attends the unveiling of the "Alexander" window display showcasing costumes from the film at Barneys of New York in Beverly Hills on November 6, 2004 in Beverly Hills, California; Colin Farrell attends HBO's "The Penguin" New York Premiere at Jazz at Lincoln Center on September 17, 2024 in New York City.
Colin Farrell in 2004; in 2024.

Frederick M. Brown/Getty; Cindy Ord/WireImage

WHY HE WAS HOT: “Colin knows he's a total bad boy — and he's proud of it. Sure, the troublesome Irish lad may not be the type you'd bring home to Mum, but it never hurts to look.”

WHERE IS HE NOW? Colin Farrell has tempered much of his "bad boy" persona over the years as he's raised his two sons. His oldest child, James, was born with the rare genetic disorder Angelman syndrome. In August 2024, Farrell announced the launch of the Colin Farrell Foundation to support adults with intellectual disabilities and their families.

The Irish actor has stayed booked over the years and found Oscars success with a nomination for 2022's The Banshees of Inisherin. He led the 2024 drama series The Penguin and will star opposite Margot Robbie in the 2025 romantic fantasy A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.

16 of 20

Austin Nichols

austin nichols 2004; 2024
Austin Nichols in 2004; in 2019.

Jim Spellman/WireImage; Michael Tran/Getty

WHY HE WAS HOT: “The University of Southern California alum is sooo romantic, he once scaled a wall to steal a kiss from his favorite girl.”

WHERE IS HE NOW? Austin Nichols went on to lead the one-season HBO show John from Cincinnati and star as Spencer Monroe in the AMC horror series The Walking Dead. In Tyler Perry's war drama The Six Triple Eight — releasing on Netflix in December 2024 — the One Tree Hill alum will appear alongside Kerry Washington, Susan Sarandon, Oprah Winfrey and more.

17 of 20

Jason Mraz

Jason Mraz in 2004 and in 2024.
Jason Mraz in 2004; in 2024.

J. Merritt/FilmMagic/Mike Coppola/Getty Images

WHY HE WAS HOT: “The too-cute guitar guy lets those who've fallen in love with his laid-back vibe get inside his head with his constantly updated — and superpersonal— Web journal (jasonmraz.com).”

WHERE IS HE NOW? Jason Mraz was only getting started in 2004. The singer-songwriter's biggest hits came in 2008 and 2012 with the singles "I'm Yours" and "I Won't Give Up," which hit the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2010, he nabbed two Grammy Awards for his songs "Lucky" with Colbie Caillat and "Make It Mine."

Mraz came out as bisexual in an interview with Billboard in 2018, revealing that he had experiences with men even while dating his then-wife Christina Carano.

He competed in the 2023 season of Dancing with the Stars, placing second behind Xochitl Gomez.

18 of 20

Chad Michael Murray

Chad Michael Murray at Planet Hollywood to promote new show "One Tree Hill" and meet with fans on January 16, 2004, in New York City - Chad Michael Murray attends the Los Angeles Special Screening Of Netflix's "Mother Of The Bride" at The Bay Theater on May 08, 2024 in Pacific Palisades
Chad Michael Murray in 2004; in 2024.

Peter Kramer/Getty; JC Olivera/FilmMagic

WHY HE WAS HOT: “This hunky Hill heartthrob is sooo considerate...just ask his fiancee-costar, Sophia Bush. He recently restored a '65 Mustang for his sweetheart. Good looks and he's handy too!”

WHERE IS HE NOW? Though Chad Michael Murray and Bush split in 2006, the former teen sensation found his forever with Sarah Roemer, his costar in the TV series Chosen (where he starred alongside fellow Sexiest Guy Ever, Milo Ventimiglia). Roemer and Murray married in January 2015 and have three children.

Murray will reprise his Freaky Friday role more than 20 years later for the sequel, Freakier Friday, with Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan. He also returned to his CW roots to star in Sullivan's Crossing, which was renewed for a third season in June 2024.

19 of 20

Hidetoshi Nakata

Hidetoshi Nakata 2004 - 2024
Hidetoshi Nakata in 2004; in 2024.

Jun Sato/WireImage; Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

WHY HE WAS HOT: “His sharp style and stellar soccer skills have made him an icon in Italy and a hero in his home country of Japan. And it doesn't hurt that he looks so fine when kicking butt on the field.”

WHERE IS HE NOW? The Japanese soccer icon retired at 29 in July 2006 after a 10-year professional career. But he's retained his sharp style and stardom in his home country, staying active in the fashion industry and entering the restaurant business. He's also developed his own sake line, Japan Craft Sake Company.

20 of 20

Adam Levine

Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine 2004; 2024
Adam Levine in 2004; in 2024.

Christina Radish/Redferns/Getty; Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty

WHY HE WAS HOT: “Look at that chiseled jaw and those gorgeous brown eyes! Plus, he's a hunk with heart — writing Songs served as lyrical therapy after his last big breakup.”

WHERE IS HE NOW? On top of claiming the Sexiest Man Alive title in 2013, Adam Levine has led Maroon 5 to three Grammy Awards and four No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. The frontman also spent 16 seasons as a coach on The Voice and is set to return for his 17th in 2025.

Levine married model Behati Prinsloo in July 2014, and the couple have three kids together. They welcomed their most recent child, a son, in January 2023.

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