{"id":30798,"date":"2025-07-16T15:33:17","date_gmt":"2025-07-16T15:33:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=30798"},"modified":"2025-07-16T15:33:17","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T15:33:17","slug":"that-cant-be-her-netizens-cant-recognize-this-90s-idol-who-turned-46-her-transformation-amid-criticism-of-her-aging-body","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=30798","title":{"rendered":"‘That Can’t Be Her’: Netizens Can’t Recognize This ’90s Idol Who Turned 46 \u2013 Her Transformation amid Criticism of Her Aging Body"},"content":{"rendered":"

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From a ’90s teen idol to a Hollywood star speaking out against an industry and society focused on age, take a look at how this actress has changed over the years.<\/p>\n

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Once celebrated for her girl-next-door charm and youthful looks, this ’90s star has found herself at the center of a social media storm in 2025. After making a rare red carpet appearance, netizens were quick to weigh in on her transformation.<\/p>\n

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\"The<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The famous actress photographed in 1990 in Munich, Germany. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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1990<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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In 1990, this future star was already capturing attention with her fresh-faced charm and girl-next-door beauty. With her wide smile, expressive eyes, and signature brunette curls, she embodied the youthful, all-American look that defined the era’s teen idols.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The famous actress photographed in 1990 in Munich, Germany. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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1994<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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\"The<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The ’90s idol at the ABC Television Affiliates Party on June 9, 1994, at Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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1995<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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The famous actress circa 1995. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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1996<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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The famous actress photographed at the Fashion Caf\u00e9 in New York on August 5, 1996. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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1997<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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By 1997, this star had firmly established herself as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces. With\u00a0breakout roles<\/a>\u00a0in both “Party of Five” and the box office hit “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” she became a fixture on television screens and movie posters alike.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The Hollywood star at the “U-Turn” premiere on September 22, 1997, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Along with her career, her look had evolved as well. Gone was the sweet, wide-eyed teen of the early ’90s \u2014 in her place stood a more polished and confident young woman.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Her soft features had matured, framed by sleek, shoulder-length hair and a radiant smile that became part of her signature appeal during this era.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The Hollywood star at the Seventh Annual Environmental Media Awards on November 2, 1997, in Pacific Palisades, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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1998<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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The Hollywood star at the “Can’t Hardly Wait” premiere on June 2, 1998, at the Mann’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The famous actress at the “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer” premiere on November 11, 1998, at the Mann National Theatre in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Carson Daly and the famous actress at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The ’90s idol at the Teen People Magazine Launch Party in 1998. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Freddie Prinze Jr and the famous actress on the set of “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer” in 1998. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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1999<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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The famous actress at the FOX Television Upfront Party on May 20, 1999, in New York. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The ’90s idol at the 5th Annual Blockbuster Entertainment Awards in 1999. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2000<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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By 2000, this ’90s idol’s star power had only grown. Riding the momentum of hits like “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer” and “Can’t Hardly Wait,” she continued to dominate both film and television.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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With her\u00a0career<\/a>\u00a0reaching new heights, her image had also matured. She now carried a more refined look \u2014 a leaner frame, radiant complexion, and a polished, camera-ready presence that reflected her years in the spotlight.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The ’90s idol at the 26th Annual People’s Choice Awards. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2001<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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The Hollywood star at the premiere of “America’s Sweethearts” on July 17, 2001, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2002<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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The famous actress at the 2002 Teen Choice Awards in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2003<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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The famous actress at the Harrods January Sale on December 29, 2003, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The famous actress during the MTV Bash – Carson Daly event in Hollywood, California, 2003. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The Hollywood star during the Los Angeles Mission Christmas Party in 2003. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2005<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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By 2005, this famous actress had noticeably evolved from the youthful ing\u00e9nue of the ’90s into a more sophisticated and polished version of herself.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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With darker hair, sharper styling choices, and a more defined sense of glamour, she embraced a grown-up Hollywood image that aligned with her maturing career.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The ’90s idol visiting “Late Show with David Letterman” on September 20, 2005, in New York. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Her features, once defined by soft innocence, now carried a refined elegance. High cheekbones and a sculpted jawline gave her a striking, camera-ready presence that marked this new chapter in both her professional and personal evolution.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The Hollywood star during the 57th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California, 2005. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2006<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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The ’90s star at “The Envelope Please” Oscar viewing party on March 5, 2006, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The famous actress at The 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on August 27, 2006, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2008<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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The ’90s idol at the 60th Annual Emmy Awards on September 21, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2010<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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By 2010, this Hollywood star’s look had softened from the high-glam styles of the mid-2000s in favor of a more understated, elegant approach.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Subtle makeup, fuller brows, and shoulder-length curls framed her face, giving her a classic, timeless beauty that reflected a shift toward maturity and confidence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The Hollywood star at Chelsea Handler’s book launch party for “Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang” at Bar 210 at The Beverly Hilton hotel on March 17, 2010, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2011<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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The famous actress at the 3rd Annual Give & Get Fete benefiting Dress For Success Worldwide-West on November 7, 2011, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2013<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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The Hollywood star at the Valentine’s Day event for “The Client List” at Mel’s Diner on February 14, 2013, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2014<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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The Hollywood star at the photographed on April 1, 2014, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2018<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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By 2018, the signs of aging had begun to show, as they do for everyone. Fine lines and subtle wrinkles were more noticeable, particularly around this famous actress’s eyes and mouth, lending her face a maturity that reflected both her age and experience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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This year also marked a return to television with her\u00a0role<\/a>\u00a0on “9-1-1,” reintroducing her to audiences in a new light.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The famous actress at the FOX Summer TCA 2018 All-Star Party on August 2 in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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The Hollywood star at the Paley Center For Media’s 2019 PaleyFest LA – “9-1-1” at the Dolby Theater on March 17 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The ’90s idol at the FOX Summer TCA 2019 All-Star Party on August 7 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2020<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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By 2020, this ’90s idol appearance had taken on a more relaxed and playful tone. Embracing a casual, at-home style during the pandemic era, she experimented with bold choices like pink-tinted hair and minimal makeup.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The famous actress on “The Talk” on April 6, 2020. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2021<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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The famous actress filming the series “9-1-1” in 2021. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2022<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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The famous actress from a post dated March 27, 2022. | Source: Instagram\/jenniferlovehewitt<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The famous actress from a post dated May 22, 2022. | Source: Instagram\/jenniferlovehewitt<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2023<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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The Hollywood star from a post dated February 14, 2023. | Source: Instagram\/jenniferlovehewitt<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The Hollywood star from a post dated September 26, 2023. | Source: Instagram\/jenniferlovehewitt<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2024<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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This actress was none other than Jennifer Love Hewitt, who, in 2024, embraced her changing appearance at 45 with confidence. Fine lines and other signs of aging were more visible, but her warmth and signature smile remained.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Still, having been in the spotlight for decades, the actress openly addressed the criticism she faced for aging in Hollywood.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Jennifer Love Hewitt at the “9-1-1” ABC premiere event on March 11, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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While she loves her age, Hewitt admitted the hardest part of aging as a celebrity was the public’s reaction. “Fans pick\u2026 this age that they love that they think represents you, and you’re never supposed to grow beyond that,” she\u00a0said<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, she\u00a0added<\/a>, “Age is age. I think women really come into this\u2026 acceptance of themselves and comfortability in their 40s that is beautiful.”<\/p>\n

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Jennifer Love Hewitt from a post dated November 24, 2024. | Source: Instagram\/jenniferlovehewitt<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2025<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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In 2025, Hewitt\u00a0celebrated turning 46<\/a>\u00a0in February and shared an inspiring series of makeup- and filter-free selfies on Instagram.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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In her candid caption, she reflected on embracing her natural appearance and the personal growth that came with this stage of life. The post highlighted her commitment to authenticity, showing fans a more vulnerable and unfiltered side of herself.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Jennifer Love Hewitt from a post dated February 21, 2025. | Source: Instagram\/jenniferlovehewitt<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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However, a few months later, the ’90s idol made a\u00a0red carpet appearance<\/a>\u00a0to promote her new movie, “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” a reboot of the classic horror franchise that helped launch her career.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Jennifer Love Hewitt from a post dated March 22, 2025. | Source: Instagram\/jenniferlovehewitt<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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It was this public outing that sparked mixed reactions online about her change in appearance. One person\u00a0commented<\/a>,\u00a0“I hardly recognize her! Not because she doesn’t look good, but because she was so so thin before.”<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Jennifer Love Hewitt from a post dated May 9, 2025. | Source: Instagram\/jenniferlovehewitt<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Another echoed the sentiment,\u00a0writing<\/a>,\u00a0“It’s only shocking because she was so thin before.”<\/i>\u00a0Someone else added,\u00a0“That can’t be her, in her Instagram account she looks way thinner, I’m confused right now, hmmmmmmm [sic].”<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Jennifer Love Hewitt from a post dated June 8, 2025. | Source: Instagram\/smalltown_weirdo<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Others shared similar thoughts, with comments pointing out how different the actress looks now. Still, not all the responses were negative.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Jennifer Love Hewitt from a post dated June 15, 2025. | Source: Instagram\/jenniferlovehewitt<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Jennifer Love Hewitt from a post dated July 4, 2025. | Source: Instagram\/bffsandbabes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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One fan\u00a0commented<\/a>,\u00a0“Curves for days! Weight may fluctuate, value does not,”\u00a0<\/i>while another wrote,\u00a0“Oh look, a normal beautiful woman. Refreshing.”<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Jennifer<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Jennifer Love Hewitt at the world premiere of “I Know What You Did Last Summer” at The United Theater on Broadway in Los Angeles on July 14, 2025. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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More netizens praised Hewitt for showing up confidently and naturally on the red carpet without the extreme measures often seen in Hollywood.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Jennifer<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Jennifer Love Hewitt at the world premiere of “I Know What You Did Last Summer” at The United Theater on Broadway in Los Angeles on July 14, 2025. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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“No Ozempic or Botox, just curves for days,”\u00a0<\/i>one person\u00a0commented<\/a>, while another added,\u00a0“It’s nice to see a celebrity with no Botox!! She looks beautiful.”<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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