In an industry obsessed with what’s next, it’s always a surprise when a familiar name from the past steps back into the spotlight. Some faded quietly, others left amid controversy, and a few simply moved on to different chapters in life. But this year, these seven celebrities proved that comebacks aren’t just possible—they’re sometimes even better than the original rise to fame.
Whether through music, film, or internet virality, these stars reemerged in 2025 in a way that nobody predicted—and everyone noticed.
1. Lindsay Lohan
After years of living under the radar, Lindsay Lohan returned in a major way this year. Her lead role in a new Netflix rom-com marked her official comeback and immediately sparked nostalgia among millennials. But this wasn’t just a “remember her?” moment—Lohan’s performance earned surprisingly positive reviews, and she quickly followed up with a guest spot on Saturday Night Live, where she poked fun at her past. Her revamped public image—mature, self-aware, and still funny—has drawn attention from a younger Gen Z audience, proving that she still has star power, just in a different form.
2. Brendan Fraser
Brendan Fraser’s career revival has extended well beyond awards season. After winning his Oscar in 2023, some assumed his return would be short-lived. But 2025 saw him take on a lead role in a psychological thriller series that dominated streaming charts. Fraser’s grounded and emotional performance once again reminded audiences of the heart he brings to every role. He’s also found a second life as a convention favorite, charming fans with humility and gratitude at every stop. He’s not just back—he’s beloved.
3. Fergie
Fergie had been relatively quiet since her solo career slowed down in the mid-2010s. But 2025 saw the singer make a bold return to music with a new EP that drew inspiration from her early-2000s sound while updating it for today’s club scene. The project dropped without much warning, but thanks to a viral TikTok dance challenge featuring her comeback single, the internet took notice. Her surprise appearance at Coachella—complete with a mash-up of “Fergalicious” and her new tracks—cemented her return as more than a one-time nostalgia trip. Even younger listeners unfamiliar with her original hits are now fully on board.
4. Rick Moranis
Beloved for his roles in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and Spaceballs, Rick Moranis stepped away from acting in the ’90s to focus on raising his children after the death of his wife. For decades, he stayed almost entirely out of the public eye. But in 2025, he made a heartfelt return in a new Apple TV+ comedy series, where his gentle humor and everyman appeal reminded fans exactly why they missed him. He’s been welcomed back with open arms—and now he’s rumored to be developing a sequel to one of his original hits. His comeback has been as wholesome as it is unexpected.
5. Leighton Meester
Leighton Meester, best known as Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl, found new life in a completely different kind of role. She stunned fans with a performance in a gritty HBO miniseries where she plays a deeply flawed crime reporter investigating corruption in her hometown. Critics praised her for shedding the “it girl” persona and revealing serious acting chops. TikTok quickly picked up on the role, with montages comparing her 2000s character to her 2025 version, leading to a massive wave of renewed interest in her career. With a second season and a film role already in production, Meester is now being taken seriously in ways she never was before.
6. Kevin Federline
Once the punchline to celebrity gossip, Kevin Federline surprised everyone in 2025 with the launch of a podcast that turned out to be… actually good? Called Second Verse, the podcast explores life after fame, fatherhood, co-parenting, and music industry truths—delivered with a level of candor no one expected. Federline’s self-awareness and surprising humility made headlines, especially when he openly discussed his past mistakes and Britney Spears’ conservatorship with nuance and respect. Listeners have praised his honesty, and he’s now in talks to adapt the podcast into a docuseries. It’s the kind of comeback that doesn’t rely on spectacle, but substance.
7. Ashlee Simpson
Ashlee Simpson’s return wasn’t flashy—but it hit the right note with fans. Her surprise acoustic album, Bare, showcased stripped-down versions of her old hits along with a few new tracks full of emotional depth. TikTok users quickly latched on, using her ballads in sad edits and nostalgic content. A short documentary followed her songwriting process and included rare behind-the-scenes clips from her early 2000s fame, reigniting appreciation for her original artistry. Ashlee has since booked multiple music festivals, and her merch drop sold out in minutes. Her comeback proves that slow and soulful sometimes wins over flashy and fast.