1. Carson Daly
MTV in the 2000s shaped a generation with bold reality stars, unforgettable hosts, and music personalities who became household names. Carson Daly became the face of MTV’s TRL during the 2000s, guiding fans through daily countdowns and countless celebrity appearances. After leaving MTV, he transitioned smoothly into mainstream broadcasting, becoming a longtime host on NBC’s Today and The Voice. He also launched his own late-night show, Last Call with Carson Daly, which ran for nearly two decades before ending in 2019. Beyond television, Daly has taken on producing roles and remains active in radio, continuing his passion for music discovery. Today, he’s seen as one of the few MTV alumni who successfully bridged youth culture into traditional network TV while keeping a warm connection to longtime fans.
2. La La Anthony
La La Anthony first rose to fame as a charismatic MTV VJ, hosting Total Request Live and Direct Effect. Her energetic presence helped define the network’s early 2000s style, especially as hip-hop and pop culture surged. After MTV, she expanded into acting, taking roles in shows like Power and films such as Think Like a Man. She later became a bestselling author and launched successful ventures in beauty and fashion. Anthony also appears frequently on talk shows and continues producing television projects. Today, she’s recognized as one of MTV’s most successful cross-industry talents, maintaining a visible presence in entertainment while connecting with fans through philanthropy and entrepreneurial work.
3. Rob Dyrdek
Rob Dyrdek became an MTV staple after Rob and Big and later Fantasy Factory showcased his skateboarding life, entrepreneurial projects, and offbeat comedic style. Since then, he has built a media empire through production work, most prominently with Ridiculousness, which has aired thousands of episodes and remains one of MTV’s most dominant programs. Offscreen, Dyrdek founded the Dyrdek Machine, a venture-creation business that has supported numerous startups. He continues to advocate for skateboarding and youth programs while balancing family life. Though he shifted away from reality-show antics, he remains one of MTV’s most consistent contributors and a major architect of the network’s modern programming identity.
4. Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi
Snooki burst into global fame on Jersey Shore, becoming one of MTV’s most recognizable personalities through her confident, humorous, and often unpredictable moments. After the original series ended, she continued appearing on spinoffs and reality shows, eventually reuniting with the cast for Jersey Shore Family Vacation. Outside MTV, she built lifestyle brands in fashion, home goods, and podcasting. Snooki also wrote several books and became a mother of three, often sharing family-centered content with fans. While her public image has matured, she still embraces her MTV legacy and remains one of the most iconic reality stars to come out of the network’s 2000s lineup.
5. Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs on Making the Band
Sean Combs, known then as P. Diddy, brought a new style of competitive reality television to MTV through Making the Band. The show produced memorable groups like Da Band and Day26 while revealing the intense pressures of the music industry. After the show, Combs continued leading major business ventures in fashion, beverages, and entertainment. He remained active as a music producer and executive, earning multiple awards and expanding his brand. Recent years, however, brought significant legal challenges and public scrutiny, shifting much of his attention away from media projects. Despite this, his MTV era remains one of the most influential in shaping modern music-based reality programming.
6. Bam Margera
Bam Margera became one of MTV’s breakout stars through Jackass and later his own series, Viva La Bam, where his wild stunts and pranks defined the network’s early 2000s edge. After MTV, he continued skateboarding and filmmaking but faced a long and public struggle with addiction and health issues. In recent years, Margera has stepped away from major television projects to focus on recovery and family life. He remains active on social media, occasionally sharing artwork and personal updates. Though his life has taken challenging turns, his MTV legacy as one of the network’s most daring and expressive personalities remains deeply remembered by fans.
7. Tila Tequila
Tila Tequila rose to fame both as a Myspace phenomenon and as the star of MTV’s dating series A Shot at Love, which became one of the network’s most talked-about reality shows. After the show ended, she appeared in various small television projects and attempted music releases, but her public image shifted dramatically due to years of controversial statements and personal struggles. Today, she is largely removed from mainstream entertainment and shares sporadic online content focused on her personal beliefs. While her MTV tenure was brief, her show marked a significant moment in the network’s experimentation with dating formats during the 2000s.
8. Audrina Patridge
Audrina Patridge became widely recognized through The Hills, where viewers followed her friendships, career pursuits, and on-screen relationships. After the series concluded, she explored acting roles and hosted several lifestyle and travel programs. Patridge later returned for The Hills: New Beginnings, reconnecting with longtime castmates and fans. She has also authored a memoir and built partnerships in beauty, wellness, and fashion. Today, she remains active on social media, sharing updates on motherhood and personal projects. Her MTV journey helped launch a steady career in entertainment, allowing her to remain a familiar face long after the original show ended.
9. Pauly D
Pauly D became a standout personality on Jersey Shore with his upbeat energy, memorable catchphrases, and passion for DJing. After the show, his music career grew significantly, leading to major Las Vegas residencies and international performances. He later starred in The Pauly D Project and returned for Jersey Shore Family Vacation, remaining one of the franchise’s most active cast members. Beyond television, Pauly D continues touring as a DJ and collaborates with clubs and brands. His ability to turn MTV stardom into long-term success in music makes him one of the most enduring personalities from the network’s 2000s era.
10. Whitney Port
Whitney Port gained recognition on The Hills as the calm, thoughtful counterpart to the show’s more dramatic storylines. Her spin-off series, The City, followed her move to New York and provided a closer look at her work in fashion. After MTV, Port built a career as a designer, podcast host, and digital creator, often sharing candid insights into motherhood and wellness. She has collaborated with major brands and continues to release lifestyle content that resonates with longtime fans. While she transitioned away from reality TV stardom, she remains a respected voice in fashion and online media.
11. Steve-O
Steve-O became one of MTV’s most unforgettable figures through Jackass, where his fearless stunts and humor pushed reality TV into new territory. After years of struggling with addiction, he entered long-term recovery and rebuilt his career through stand-up comedy, a successful YouTube channel, and national tours. He also released books and documentaries exploring his life behind the scenes. In recent years, Steve-O appeared in Jackass Forever, reuniting with the original cast and introducing a new generation to the franchise. Today, he focuses heavily on wellness, advocacy for animals, and creative self-produced projects, redefining himself far beyond his MTV daredevil roots.
12. Kristin Cavallari
Kristin Cavallari became a central figure on Laguna Beach and The Hills, earning attention for her confidence and on-screen presence. After MTV, she expanded her career into acting, hosting, and authorship before shifting her focus to entrepreneurship. She launched the lifestyle brand Uncommon James, which grew into a multi-location business offering jewelry and home goods. Cavallari also starred in her own reality series, Very Cavallari, which highlighted her work and personal life. Today, she remains active in fashion and media while raising her children and producing digital content. Her evolution from teen reality star to business owner remains one of MTV’s standout success stories.
13. Ashton Kutcher (Punk’d)
Ashton Kutcher changed MTV prank television with Punk’d, a show that blended hidden-camera mischief with celebrity culture. While already known for acting, the success of Punk’d expanded his influence behind the camera as a producer and creator. After MTV, Kutcher starred in major films, joined Two and a Half Men, and became widely known for his technology investments. He co-founded companies focused on tech innovation and philanthropy and remained active in advocacy work. Though he stepped away from Punk’d years ago, the show’s format continues to inspire prank and reaction content across platforms. Kutcher today is recognized more for entrepreneurship and charity than for reality TV.
14. Hilary Duff (Laguna Beach Narrator for Season 3 Promo Campaign)
Although Hilary Duff was not a cast member on Laguna Beach, she became associated with MTV’s early promotional campaigns, including narrating key materials for Season 3. By the mid-2000s, Duff had already established herself as a singer and actress, and MTV regularly featured her music and appearances. Afterward, she continued releasing albums and transitioned into steady television work, including starring roles in Younger and How I Met Your Father. She also authored books and built lifestyle and children’s product brands. Today, Duff balances acting with motherhood and business ventures, maintaining a stable presence in entertainment long after her MTV-linked years.
15. Chanel West Coast
Chanel West Coast first gained visibility on Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory and later became a longtime co-host on Ridiculousness, where her laugh and commentary turned her into a recognizable MTV staple. Outside MTV, she pursued a music career, releasing singles and collaborations while performing at festivals and clubs. She has also explored acting roles and developed fashion projects. In recent years, Chanel became a mother and launched lifestyle content centered on wellness, entertainment, and her creative work. Though she stepped back from Ridiculousness after more than a decade, she remains a familiar face to MTV audiences from the 2000s and beyond.
16. Vanessa Minnillo (Now Vanessa Lachey)
Vanessa Minnillo became one of MTV’s most recognizable VJs in the 2000s, hosting TRL and numerous red-carpet specials. Her warm interviewing style and on-screen confidence helped her transition smoothly into mainstream television after her MTV years. She later married singer Nick Lachey and expanded her career into acting, appearing in shows such as Dads, Truth Be Told, and NCIS: Hawai‘i, where she took on a leading role. Minnillo also co-hosts Love Is Blind alongside her husband, adding to her long-running reality TV presence. Today, she balances family life with an active acting and hosting career, remaining a familiar face to audiences who grew up watching MTV.
17. Johnny Knoxville
Johnny Knoxville became the ringleader of MTV’s Jackass, blending humor, danger, and inventiveness to create one of the channel’s most influential reality franchises. After MTV, he built a steady film career, starring in comedies and action projects while continuing to produce Jackass movies. The 2022 release of Jackass Forever brought renewed attention to the cast and introduced younger viewers to Knoxville’s trademark style. Beyond entertainment, he has supported various creative ventures, including voice roles and documentary appearances. Though age has slowed the intensity of his stunts, Knoxville remains a central figure in physical comedy and an enduring symbol of MTV’s experimental 2000s spirit.
18. Kristin Veitch (Host of MTV’s “TRL Presents”)
Kristin Veitch, sometimes credited as Kristin Holt, appeared on MTV as a correspondent and host for TRL Presents and other specials during the 2000s. She later expanded her career into entertainment reporting for outlets like Entertainment Weekly and TV Guide. After transitioning away from on-camera hosting, Veitch remained active in media production and digital content, contributing to various lifestyle and entertainment projects. Her time at MTV showcased her upbeat presence and interviewing skills, helping her stay connected to Hollywood coverage for several years. Today, she maintains a lower on-screen profile but continues working creatively behind the scenes.
19. Heidi Montag
Heidi Montag became a central and often controversial figure on The Hills, where her friendship changes and relationship with Spencer Pratt shaped much of the show’s storyline. After MTV, she ventured into music, reality competitions, and lifestyle projects. Montag and Pratt later returned for The Hills: New Beginnings, revisiting their earlier fame with a more reflective perspective. She has openly discussed personal struggles and growth, sharing insights through podcasts and social media. Today, Montag focuses on family life, wellness, and digital content while remaining one of the most memorable personalities to emerge from MTV’s reality boom of the 2000s.
20. Spencer Pratt
Spencer Pratt rose to prominence as one of MTV’s most talked-about reality figures through The Hills, where his relationship with Heidi Montag and sharp on-screen persona shaped much of the drama. After MTV, he embraced social media, gaining attention for humorous commentary and behind-the-scenes insights into reality television. Pratt also cofounded a crystal and wellness business, which he continues to promote alongside podcasting and interview projects. With The Hills: New Beginnings, he returned to reconnect with fans and reflect on his early fame. Today, Pratt blends entrepreneurship with content creation, remaining a recognizable pop culture figure from MTV’s 2000s era.
21. Lindsay Lohan (MTV Movie Awards Icon of the 2000s Era)
Although not an MTV host, Lindsay Lohan was one of the most dominant pop culture figures featured across MTV during the 2000s, regularly appearing in music countdowns, specials, interviews, and the MTV Movie Awards. After early film success, she faced legal and personal struggles but steadily rebuilt her career. In recent years, Lohan signed a multi-film deal with Netflix, starred in holiday features, and launched lifestyle ventures including a podcast and beauty collaborations. She also welcomed her first child, embracing a more private family-focused life. Lohan’s MTV era remains closely tied to her evolution from teen star to enduring entertainment figure.
22. Lisa Kennedy Montgomery (Kennedy from MTV)
Kennedy became a well-known MTV VJ in the 1990s and continued making appearances into the early 2000s, known for her sharp wit and energetic interviewing style. After leaving MTV, she shifted into political and pop culture commentary, hosting programs on Fox Business and appearing as a guest on various news panels. She also wrote books discussing her career and viewpoints. While her professional focus moved away from music television, Kennedy remains a recognizable media personality with a long-running broadcasting career. Her transition illustrates how MTV veterans often found new homes in journalism and commentary after their time on the network.
23. Brian McFayden
Brian McFayden became a familiar face on MTV as a TRL host and correspondent, interviewing top artists and guiding viewers through the network’s peak years of music countdown culture. After MTV, he continued hosting for outlets including The CW, Fox Sports, and local news stations. McFayden later shifted into behind-the-scenes work in media production while making occasional on-air appearances. His MTV years remain a memorable part of the network’s early 2000s identity, especially for fans who watched TRL after school. Today, he maintains a lower public profile but still works within broadcasting and digital media.
24. Ashley Parker Angel (Making the Band / O-Town)
Ashley Parker Angel rose to fame through MTV’s Making the Band, where viewers watched the formation of O-Town. After the group’s initial success, he pursued a solo career and later transitioned into acting, particularly musical theater. He performed in major touring productions such as Wicked and Hairspray, earning positive reviews. Angel also engaged with fitness and entrepreneurial projects, sharing wellness content with fans online. Although he stepped away from mainstream pop music, he continues performing and connecting with audiences through stage work. His journey represents one of MTV’s early reality-to-career pipelines that helped launch young talent into long-term creative paths.
25. Ryan Sheckler (Life of Ryan)
Ryan Sheckler became one of MTV’s standout personalities through Life of Ryan, the reality series that followed his life as a teenage professional skateboarder. Airing from 2007 to 2009, the show documented his contest schedule, sponsorships, and family dynamics in San Clemente, California, giving viewers a look at both fame and personal pressure at a very young age. After MTV, Sheckler stayed committed to skateboarding, winning major competitions, launching the Sheckler Foundation to support children and injured athletes, and partnering with global brands. He later moved into more selective media work, including event commentary and digital series, while focusing on his health and family life.
26. Nick Cannon (Wild ’N Out)
Nick Cannon became a major MTV figure when he launched Wild ’N Out in 2005, blending improv comedy, hip-hop battles, and celebrity guests in a format that became one of the network’s longest-running franchises. After MTV, Cannon expanded his career into hosting America’s Got Talent, The Masked Singer, and several radio and TV projects. He also pursued music, film production, and philanthropic work while continuing to manage a busy entertainment schedule. Wild ’N Out eventually returned under his leadership, proving its lasting influence on MTV culture. Today, Cannon remains one of the most versatile personalities from the 2000s era, balancing fatherhood, business ventures, and multiple hosting roles.
27. Hilary Burton Morgan (MTV’s TRL VJ)
Before becoming known for One Tree Hill, Hilarie Burton Morgan first appeared on MTV as a TRL VJ, where her friendly style and enthusiasm resonated with young viewers. Her time on MTV helped launch her acting career, leading to major roles not only on One Tree Hill but also in series like White Collar, Lethal Weapon, and Council of Dads. In later years, she co-hosted the popular podcast Drama Queens alongside her former castmates and authored books focusing on motherhood, community, and personal growth. Today, she lives a quieter life on a farm with her family while continuing creative projects that stay true to her roots.
28. Brody Jenner
Brody Jenner became a well-known MTV face through The Hills and Bromance, where his friendships, family connections, and calm on-screen demeanor made him a standout presence. After MTV, he appeared in additional reality series, including Keeping Up with the Kardashians and later The Hills: New Beginnings. Outside television, Jenner pursued DJing and music production while sharing lifestyle and travel content with fans online. He has also focused on wellness, entrepreneurship, and family life in recent years. His MTV legacy continues to follow him as one of the early influencers who helped define reality TV celebrity culture in the 2000s.
29. Angela Simmons (Run’s House)
Angela Simmons became widely recognized from MTV’s Run’s House, which followed the daily life of Rev Run’s family. Her entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on, leading her to co-found the Pastry footwear brand with her sister Vanessa. After MTV, Simmons continued building businesses in beauty, fashion, and wellness while appearing in Growing Up Hip Hop, where she took on both cast and executive producer roles. She frequently uses her platform to advocate for women’s health, mental well-being, and community outreach. Today, Simmons remains active as a businesswoman, public figure, and mother, maintaining the visibility she first gained through MTV.
30. Vanessa Simmons (Run’s House)
Vanessa Simmons, also introduced through Run’s House, emerged as a polished and business-minded presence on MTV. Alongside Angela, she helped launch Pastry, a successful sneaker brand that became popular among teens and young adults in the late 2000s. After MTV, Vanessa pursued acting roles, hosting opportunities, and additional entrepreneurial ventures. She also joined her sister on Growing Up Hip Hop, where the two continued sharing their careers and family life with viewers. Today, Simmons remains active in entertainment, philanthropy, and digital projects while raising her daughter. Her MTV origins helped shape a long-lasting career rooted in creativity and entrepreneurship.
Each of these figures reflects a different slice of MTV’s lasting influence. Their journeys continue to show how a single moment in youth culture can ripple forward for decades.
This story Where Are They Now? 30 Unforgettable MTV Personalities From the 2000s was first published on Daily FETCH
