Since its release in 2001, Legally Blonde has become one of the most beloved American comedy films of its decade. The film was based on the novel by Amanda Brown, a fashion-loving law school graduate who based the iconic protagonist off of herself. Like Elle, Brown struggled to fit in among her fellow academics. When Hollywood got their hands on the debut novel, a bidding war ensued for the rights to create a film adaptation.

The result was an upbeat and empowering movie that continues to inspire intelligent women to be themselves while promoting kindness, community, and authenticity. Elle Woods, a fashion merchandising major, is set to graduate from undergrad as the president of her sorority and, so she hopes, as the fiancée of Warner Huntington III.A successful social life and picturesque relationship makes Elle feel confident in what the future has in store, until her old money boyfriend unexpectedly and coldly dumps her. He has plans to pursue politics, and a frivolous girl like Elle just won’t do as a politician’s wife. Heartbroken, Elle sets off to follow Warner to none other than Harvard Law School in an effort to impress him and win him back, only to find he has hastily become engaged to the haughty Vivian Kensington. As she discovers purpose in her new and extraordinary life path beyond impressing a boy, Elle finds her footing in a previously unwelcoming environment to become one of the best and brightest in her class.

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Legally Blonde raked in over $141 million at the box office, receiving favorable reviews from critics and audiences alike who could simply not resist the charm and endearment of this feel-good movie. More than two decades after its release, here is what the cast of the iconic movie are today.

Reese Witherspoon / Elle Woods

     MGM Distribution

Legally Blonde owes much of its success to its leading lady, Reese Witherspoon. The formidable actress brought heart and wit to the role of Elle Woods, bringing to life a character that has become timeless and iconic in pop culture. Not only is Elle Woods an often-quoted character, but her iconic look has inspired Halloween costumes for well over two decades. Reeese Witherspooon starred in Legally Blonde after ten years in the film industry, during which time she appeared in successful and critically acclaimed projects such as The Man on The Moon, Cruel Intentions, and American Psycho. Following the success of Legally Blonde, Witherspoon’s career skyrocketed as she garnered worldwide recognition and more leading roles. After an eight-year marriage and two children with Cruel Intentions co-star Ryan Phillipe, Witherspoon remarried to Jim Toth, with whom she has one child. Witherspoon’s recent projects include the critically acclaimed series Little Fires Everywhere and Big Little Lies.

Jennifer Coolidge / Paulette Bonafonte

     MGM Distribution Co.

Upon the release of the second season of White Lotus, Jennifer Coolidge is experiencing a career resurgence and a newfound prestige in Hollywood. Having appeared in hit films like Legally Blonde and American Pie in supporting roles, Coolidge became popular as a character actress with a distinctive voice, which has suited her for primarily comedic roles. Her recent work in White Lotus has earned her a Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe. Though her role in Legally Blonde was relatively small, it produced iconic and unforgettable moments such as the “bend and snap” routine.

Luke Wilson / Emmett Richmond

     MGM Distribution Co 

The youngest brother to fellow actors Andrew and Owen, Luke Wilson has starred in a number of comedy and drama films throughout the ’90s and 2000s. Following his role in HBO’s Enlightened in 2013, Wilson seems to have taken a hiatus from acting, reappearing in the CW series Stargirl. Wilson leads a relatively private personal life.

Selma Blair / Vivian Kensington

     MGM Distribution Co

Selma Blair starred alongside Reese Witherspoon in the 1999 film Cruel Intentions, with the two actresses sharing the screen once again as Vivian Kensignton and Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, respectively. Selma Blair continued to enjoy roles in a series of commercially successful projects following the 2001 release of Legally Blonde, appearing in titles such as Hellboy and American Crime Story. In 2018, the actress opened up about her struggle with multiple sclerosis.

Matthew Davis / Warner Huntington III

After starring in Legally Blonde as the undeserving and unrequited love of Elle Woods, Matthew Davis found his next major success in the CW series The Vampire Diaries. He appeared in the supernatural romantic drama as Alaric Saltzman, a role he reprises in the Legacies spin-off. Davis is married to actress Kiley Casciano, with whom he has two children.

Holland Taylor / Professor Elspeth Stromwell

The Philadelphia-born actress got her start on Broadway, eventually transitioning into a television soap opera role. This gave way to increased career diversity as Holland Taylor exhibited her mastery of both dramas and comedies, starring in a number of popular television sitcoms. Holland Taylor furthermore starred in a number of movies, including George of the Jungle, The Truman Show, and How To Make An American Quilt. Taylor is openly gay, dating longtime girlfriend Sarah Paulson.

Linda Cardellini / Chutney Windham

Linda Cardellini got her start in a number of primetime programs, including Boy Meets World, 3rd Rock From the Sun, and Step by Step. Following this successful string of sitcom roles, CArdellini was propelled to greater recognition with her roles in Freaks and Geeks and the Scooby-Doo franchise, wherein she played Velma. Since appearing in Legally Blonde, Cardellini has also appeared in Brokeback Mountain, Mad Men, Gravity Falls, and The Curse of La LLorona. Cardellini has been engaged to Steven Rodriguez for ten years, with whom she has one daughter.

Raquel Welch / Mrs. Windham Vandermark

A sex-symbol of the 1960s, Raquel Welch rose to stardom after her iconic role in One Million Years B.C. Though Welch had few lines in the film, her popularity soared on account of her striking beauty and sex appeal. This led to decades of consistent film work as one of the most recognizable and popular pin-up girls of the ’60s. Since her role as Mrs. Windham Vandermark, Welch has gone on to sporadically star in film and television roles. Having been married and divorced four times, Raquel Welch has two children.

Victor Garber / Professor Callahan

Surprisingly, the Canadian actor got his start as a folk singer in a small musical group called The Sugar Shoppe. The band achieved some success, even appearing on late night television, before it eventually disbanded. After a career in theater that spanned over two decades and a role in the 1997 blockbuster Titanic, Victor Garber starred as the devious Professor Callahan in Legally Blonde. He has since starred in a number of hit movies and series, such as Green Lantern, Annie, Argo, and The Flash. He is openly gay, and married his partner Rainer Andreesen in 2015.

Moonie / Bruiser Woods

The cutest cast member by far, Moonie starred as the fellow Gemini vegetarian bestie of Elle Woods. Moonie grew up with another famous Chihuahua, Gidget, who is known for starring in a number of Taco Bell commercials. Gidget was actually the one intended to play Bruiser Woods, but the four-legged star was simply too booked and busy, leaving the role to Moonie. Moonie lived a long and happy life, passing away at age eighteen in 2016. His Legally Blonde co-star Reese Witherspoon shared a touching tribute to him on social media, and his legacy continues to live on in his iconic work.