A beloved ’00s teen idol made waves after appearing at the NYC premiere of her latest Netflix movie. While some admired her glowing appearance,

After her latest appearance, fans now question what changes the star has undergone and what her journey has entailed. Let’s revisit her beginnings as a Hollywood star and the journey that led her to where she is today.

Rising to Stardom: A Hollywood Fairytale

Her career began before she started school when she modeled for Ford at just three years. In just a short period, she had appeared in over 60 commercials for major brands like Pizza Hut and Jell-O.

By the age of seven, she had transitioned to acting, landing her first significant role on the soap opera “Another World” as Ali Fowler. But it was in 1998, at just ten years old, that she captured widespread attention with her starring role in the Disney remake of “The Parent Trap.”

Her portrayal of identical twins Annie and Hallie brought her critical acclaim and several nominations. It also earned her a Young Artist Award for Best Leading Young Actress in a Feature Film. Building on her early success, she quickly became a fixture in Hollywood.

By her early teens, she was a go-to talent for family-friendly blockbusters. “Freaky Friday,” where she starred opposite Jamie Lee Curtis, showcased her ability to balance heartfelt moments with humor, while her turn in “Mean Girls” cemented her as a pop culture icon.

In the latter, she played Cady Heron, a transfer student navigating high school’s cliques, in a performance that remains one of her most recognized roles to this day.

Despite her young age, she also played a pivotal role in shaping her characters. During the production of “Mean Girls,” she initially vied for the role of Regina George, eager to break away from her previous girl-next-door image.

Although she ultimately played Cady, she took an active role in developing her character’s look, even decorating props like her cell phone with Swarovski crystals to add a personal touch. As her star continued to rise, she became one of the most recognizable and bankable faces of the early 2000s.

By the time she turned nineteen, she was not just a celebrated actress but a seasoned entertainment industry veteran, earning millions and commanding lead roles in various films.

A Tumultuous Fall from Grace

While her on-screen performances solidified her place in Hollywood, her personal life began to unravel in her late teens. The pressures of fame, combined with the temptations of the spotlight, took a toll on her.

By the age of 20, she was arrested for her first DUI after crashing her car outside a club in Los Angeles. Cops found cocaine in her vehicle, marking the start of a string of legal and personal issues that would dominate headlines.

In a candid 2013 interview, she reflected on this period, admitting, “It was the first time I’d taken drugs; I was out in a club with people I shouldn’t have been with, and took cocaine, and got in the car. It was so stupid.”

Despite her acknowledgment of the mistake, the public and media scrutiny around her actions intensified. Accusations of theft, frequent stints in rehab, and breaches of parole added to her mounting troubles.

At one point, she was sentenced to 90 days in jail, though she only served two weeks. Her legal woes weren’t the only challenges she faced. She once faced allegations of stealing a necklace from an LA store, which further marred her reputation.

However, she maintained her innocence, explaining, “They didn’t show the real in-store video tape to anyone, because that shows the store attendant putting it on me and me taking out cash to pay for it.”

She added that she had even taken out cash to pay for the necklace, but the attendant told her to return it the following day. Although the charge was eventually reduced to a misdemeanor, the damage to her public image was significant.

As headlines about her struggles overshadowed her work, her career began to stall. Despite her talent and past successes, she found herself battling not only addiction but also the relentless judgment of the public eye, making this period one of the most challenging ones in her life.

A Path to Reinvention

In recent years, the former teen idol, Lindsay Lohan, has taken significant steps toward rebuilding her life and career. She made headlines in 2022 when she revealed she had married financier Bader Shammas.

She announced their engagement in November 2021, and by March 2023, she shared the joyful news that they were expecting their first child. Months later, they welcomed a baby boy named Luai—an Arabic name meaning “shield” or “protector.” The exact date of his birth, though kept private, marked a new chapter in her life.

Alongside her growing family, she has continued acting. She recently starred in the Netflix holiday movie “Our Little Secret.” The film, which also features Kristin Chenoweth and Ian Harding, brought her back into the public eye.

At the premiere, she appeared radiant in a sheer black dress, posing alongside her husband. Despite the warm reception of her Netflix project, her appearance drew mixed reactions on social media. Fans noticed her transformation, with some questioning whether cosmetic procedures had played a role in her changed look.