Where Are They Now: The “Roswell” Edition

Over the years, American television has hosted its fair share of teenage dramas with varying degrees of success. While some made little to no impact on viewers, others made a long-lasting impression, spawning fervent fanbases that have kept the shows alive long after their expiration dates. One such series is Jason Katims’s Roswell, which premiered in 1999 and ran for three seasons. However, in that brief time frame, it established itself as a beloved cult classic, earning an impressive amount of critical praise due to its dynamic characters, intriguing storylines and distinct science-fiction edge.

Set in Roswell, New Mexico, the show follows the exploits of three half-human/half-alien hybrids as they attempt to keep their true identities a secret. Nevertheless, an incident at a café inevitably exposes them for what they are and sets in motion a string of events that would define their lives for the duration of the show’s run. In addition to combining teen angst and romance with sci-fi elements, the show also introduced audiences to a host of young acting talent, including Shiri Appleby, Katherine Heigl, Jason Behr, Colin Hanks, Adam Rodriguez and Emilie de Ravin. But what ever happened to the cast after the show closed its doors for the final time? Lucky for you, I took the time to find out, so let’s grab our Tabasco, turn up the Dido and take a trip back to Roswell High!

Shiri Appleby (Liz Parker)

From the pilot episode until the series finale, Shiri Appleby played Liz Parker, who is largely considered the heart and soul of the show. After it ended, she went on to star in several movies, including Swimfan, The Battle of Shaker Heights, Undertow, Havoc, I’m Reed Fish, The Killing Floor, What Love Is, An American Christmas Carol, The Devil’s Candy and The Meddler. She also scored major roles in the shows Six Degrees, ER, Life Unexpected, Dating Rules from My Future Self, Chicago Fire, Girls, UnREAL and, most recently, Code Black.

Jason Behr (Max Evans)

Throughout the entirety of the show’s three seasons, Jason Behr played Max Evans, an alien-hybrid and one of the Royal Four. To this day, this remains his most noteworthy role. After Roswell ended, Behr landed parts in a variety of movies, such as Happily Even After, The Grudge, Man of God, Shooting Livien, Skinwalkers, The Tattooist, The Last International Playboy and Senseless. His most recent acting credit was in 2012, starring in the show Breakout Kings as the character Damien Fontleroy.

Katherine Heigl (Isabel Evans)

Before starring in Grey’s Anatomy as Izzy Stevens, Katherine Heigl played another Izzy—Isabel Evans, the alien-hybrid sister of Max Evans on Roswell. In many ways, this role helped launch Heigl’s career. Her most notable post-Roswell acting credits include the movies The Ringer, Knocked Up, 27 Dresses, The Ugly Truth, Life as We Know It, New Year’s Eve, The Nut Job, One For the Money, Home Sweet Hell and Jenny’s Wedding. In addition, she landed a part in the show State of Affairs. Fans can anticipate seeing her in the films Unforgettable and The Nut Job 2.

Brendan Fehr (Michael Guerin)

After playing the alien-hybrid Michael Guerin on Roswell, Brendan Fehr landed parts in the movies Biker Boyz, Nemesis Game, Sugar, Childstar, The Long Weekend, The Fifth Patient, The Other Side of the Tracks, Stranded, Guardians of the Galaxy and Only I. Additionally, he also scored roles in a number of shows, such as CSI: Miami, Samurai Girl, Bones, Nikita, The Night Shift and Better Call Saul. He’s currently slated to appear in the upcoming short film The Last Transmission.

Majandra Delfino (Maria DeLuca)

Prior to portraying Maria DeLuca on Roswell, Majandra Delfino was making a name for herself on The Tony Danza Show and Kate Joplin. When Roswell ended in 2002, she began to score guest spots on a variety of shows, such as Boston Public, Help Me Help You, Quarterlife, Men of a Certain Age, State of Georgia and Friends With Better Lives. She also landed roles in the movies Reeseville, Don’t Come Knocking, State’s Evidence and Life as We Know It. Her most recent acting credit was in 2015, starring as the character Mona Lisa in the TV movie Nerd Herd.

Nick Wechsler (Kyle Valenti)

After starring in Roswell as Sheriff Jim Valenti’s son, Kyle, Nick Wechsler acting career on television took off. He guest-starred on the shows Malcolm in the Middle, Tru Calling, North Shore, Cold Case, Crossing Jordan, Vanished, Without a Trace and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Then, in 2011, he scored the part of Jack Porter on the show Revenge, which he continued to play until 2015. From there, he was cast as a recurring character on The Player. Fans can expect to see him in the upcoming short film Owen & Owen and in the TV movie Recon.

Colin Hanks (Alex Whitman)

For Colin Hanks, acting runs in the family—but how could it not when your parents are Tom Hanks and the late Samantha Lewes? Without a doubt, Roswell serves as Hanks’s big break into the industry. After exiting the show in 2001, he starred in the miniseries Band of Brothers as the character Lt. Henry Jones. From there, he began to rake in roles on the big and small screen. His film credits include: King Kong, Along With Her, Careless, Untraceable, The House Bunny, W, Barry Munday, Lucky, The Guilt Trip, Parkland, Vacation and Elvis & Nixon. Furthermore, he landed parts in the shows Mad Men, Numb3rs, The Good Guys, Dexter, Burning Love, NCIS, Bad Teacher, What Lives Inside, Fargo, Life in Pieces and Talking Tom and Friends.

William Sadler (Sheriff Jim Valenti)

William Sadler’s acting career both before and after Roswell is an extensive one. Prior to landing the part of Sheriff Jim Valenti, he was starring in the movies Die Hard 2, The Hot Spot, Rush, Trespass, Freaked, Ambushed, Disturbing Behavior, Reach the Rock and The Green Mile, as well as the shows Private Eye and Dear John. After Roswell ended, he scored roles in Wonderfalls, Third Watch, Tru Calling, Traveler, The Pacific, Mercy, Three Rivers, Fringe, Damages, Homeland, From Dusk Til Dawn: The Series, Hawaii Five-O and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. He also starred in the films Devour, Confess, Purple Heart, Premium, A New Wave, The Mist, Eagle Eye, Last Day of Summer, Mineville, Open Gate, Being Flynn, Iron Man 3, The Suspect, Frank the Bastard, Freedom and Freeheld. Fans can anticipate seeing him in the upcoming movies The Final Curtain: The Last Days of Ed Wood, Jr, The Drifter, Melvin Smarty, The Statement, The Hollow, The Duel and Living Among Us.

Emilie de Ravin (Tess Harding)

After playing alien-human hybrid Tess Harding on Roswell, Emilie de Ravin went on to have a very successful career. She scored starring roles in the films The Hills Have Eyes, The Perfect Game, Public Enemies, Remember Me and The Chameleon. Then, in 2004, she landed the part of Claire Littleton on Lost, which remains one of her most memorable roles. She is currently playing the character Belle French in the hit fantasy show Once Upon a Time.

Adam Rodriguez (Jesse Ramirez)

Last but not least, we have Alex Rodriguez, who joined the cast as the character Jesse Ramirez in the show’s final season. Post-Roswell, Rodriguez has gone on to star in a number of shows, such as Ugly Betty, CSI: Miami, The Goodwin Games, Reckless, The Night Shift, Empire and Jane the Virgin. He also scored roles in the films Love and Debate, Splinter, Unknown, Take, A Kiss of Chaos and Let the Game Begin. Fans can anticipate seeing him in the upcoming TV movie Chunk & Bean and in the film CHiPs.