Not all trending names are A-list stars with blockbuster movies or chart-topping albums. Sometimes, it’s the forgotten faces, scandal survivors, or nostalgic icons who unexpectedly re-enter the public conversation—and when they do, the internet pays attention. In 2025, a wave of unlikely celebrities is suddenly everywhere again, proving that fame never truly fades—it just waits for its next viral moment. From reclusive childhood stars to controversial internet figures, here are 7 celebrities who’ve surprised everyone by trending all over again.
1. Macaulay Culkin – From Reclusive to Red Carpet Royalty
Once the most famous child actor in the world thanks to Home Alone, Macaulay Culkin spent much of his adulthood avoiding the spotlight. But 2025 has marked a real turning point. He recently received a long-overdue star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, delivering an emotional speech that resonated with both longtime fans and newer audiences. His appearance at multiple fashion weeks alongside fiancée Brenda Song also sparked a wave of admiration for his quiet but confident return. Culkin’s comeback isn’t driven by a new movie or a PR push—it’s organic. His charm, humility, and ability to poke fun at his own past have made him a fan favorite all over again.
2. Colleen Ballinger – Cancelled, But Still Clicking
YouTube personality Colleen Ballinger, known for her alter ego Miranda Sings, saw her career nosedive in 2023 following allegations of inappropriate fan interactions. Instead of a typical apology, she uploaded a bizarre ukulele song that became instantly infamous. Yet despite—or perhaps because of—the backlash, Ballinger remains a hot topic. From Reddit threads to YouTube commentary channels dissecting her every move, she’s the subject of endless internet debate. While her subscriber count may have dipped, her cultural presence hasn’t. She’s a perfect example of the internet’s bizarre fascination with controversial creators who just won’t disappear.
3. Avril Lavigne – Pop-Punk Resurrection Queen
Avril Lavigne never fully vanished, but in 2025 she’s managed to become cool again—especially among Gen Z. After hopping on a TikTok trend using her own 2000s-era music, Avril started trending organically as a “throwback queen.” She’s leaned into this resurgence with a throwback tour and a surprise collaboration with Machine Gun Kelly that brought her iconic style to a new audience. What makes Avril’s revival so successful is that she hasn’t tried to rebrand—she’s doubling down on what made her a star in the first place: unapologetic pop-punk energy, thick eyeliner, and no-nonsense attitude.
4. Richard Simmons – The Reclusive Icon Resurfaces
Fitness guru Richard Simmons vanished from the public eye nearly a decade ago, sparking endless rumors, podcast investigations, and concern. While Simmons himself hasn’t fully stepped back into the spotlight, he’s trending once again thanks to a new biopic in the works starring Pauly Shore. This casting news opened the floodgates: old workout clips, memes, and fan theories resurfaced on TikTok and Twitter. Gen Z is discovering him for the first time, while millennials are reliving childhood memories of sweating to the oldies. It’s a bizarre but heartwarming revival that no one could’ve predicted.
5. Taylor Lautner – The “Other Taylor” Finds His Voice
Most people remember Taylor Lautner as Jacob from Twilight, or as one-third of the internet’s favorite mid-2000s love triangle. But in 2025, he’s trending for very different reasons. Now married to a woman also named Taylor Lautner (yes, really), he’s leaned into his awkward fame with humor and self-awareness. Lautner’s goofy TikTok videos, podcast appearances, and supportive public comments about Taylor Swift’s re-recordings have made him unexpectedly loveable again. No longer the brooding heartthrob, he’s now a laid-back, self-deprecating meme—and it’s working.
6. Amber Heard – Quiet Comeback or PR Experiment?
After the sensational Johnny Depp trial in 2022, Amber Heard relocated to Spain and disappeared from Hollywood. But whispers of a comeback began earlier this year when she quietly attended several indie film festivals. With new international roles and low-profile press appearances, Heard appears to be attempting a rebrand without the noise of Hollywood. Online reactions remain polarized, but her name keeps trending with every public sighting. Whether this is the start of a full-blown return or just a cautious test of the waters, one thing is clear—people are still very much interested in what Amber does next.
7. Corey Feldman – From Conspiracy Theories to Cult Following
Corey Feldman has long been a polarizing figure in pop culture, but 2025 has seen him take an unexpected path back into the spotlight. His bizarre Masked Singer performance, combined with renewed conversations around his activism against Hollywood abuse, have reignited curiosity about his life and legacy. He’s also become a kind of online cult icon—mocked, admired, and endlessly memed. Whether you’re watching him for entertainment, nostalgia, or to unravel his latest theory, Feldman has become internet gold.