From Stu and Steve to Scooby-Doo's sidekick, Shaggy, any '90s or early '00s movie felt complete unless Matthew Lillard it was

When it comes to millennial cult classics, Lillard was an undeniable staple. Appears in romantic comedies summer catch And He is all In the movie that would launch him into "horror icon" status, screamLillard's magnetic relief and screen appeal were seemingly everywhere and scream director Wes Craven Knew it from the beginning.

"Wes Craven pulled me aside one day and said, 'Someday, you're going to win an Academy Award,'" Lillard once recalled at a 1996 shooting convention. “I said, 'Shut up. You should call my mom and dad and tell them. ' So he brought the phone and he called my mother. "

The actor has been a devoted fan for decades, but he previously rejected the idea of ​​being beloved for his past work — until recently.

“Now, I love being able to celebrate things (like) scream), he said The Rolling Stones In an October 2024 interview. “Not that I'm interested, like, holding them so tightly. But all my life I always thought, 'Who cares about what I've done before? Let's just move on to the next one. ' Now, as I get older, I'm not so keen on the latter. "

Lillard admits there's a bit of a "2.0 era" in his career — he recently starred in hits like Good girls, Five Nights at Freddy's And more - and he couldn't be more grateful for the love.

“I am very grateful for that. You know, when you're young and up and coming scream Happened, you're always looking for what's next, what's more, right? Especially as a young actor, you're like, 'scream Happened, but yeah, whatever it is - I want more. ' And when you're at the top of your journey, when you're coming to the end of your career - I'm not at this point, but I'm not the new kid on the block, right? You must appreciate it so much on such a deep level," he said. "It's so funny, you know. The moment you're like, 'Oh, I'm s–,' you instantly delete. When you fall the furthest. "

While Lillard may be at the peak of his career now, fans will never forget when it all started. Keep scrolling for a look back at Lillard in his best roles of the '90s and his best of the '00s:

'Serial Mother' (1994)

Lillard's first foray into the horror genre came in 1994 serial motherA dark comedy about housewife Beverly Sutin (Kathleen Turner), who finds out that he has a taste for murder after running someone over with his car. A young Lillard portrays her son Chip, who grows up to be increasingly out of control - and dangerous - as his mother. The film is as silly as it is scary and sets Lillard up for what would be an impressive career in the horror-comedy genre.

'Mad Love' (1995)

a year later serial mother hit theaters, Lillard was cast crazy loveA dark romance starring Drew Barrymore And Chris O'Donnell As Cassie and Matt, a pair of teenagers in love who decide to take a cross-country road trip as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Lillard only had a small role in the film as Eric, one of O'Donnell's friends, but the project proved his range as an actor — and his ability to hang with the greats.

'Hackers' (1995)

Paired with Lillard - continuing to perform alongside the greats Angelina Jolie For 1995 Hackerwhich follows a group of teenagers as they uncover a criminal conspiracy planning to use a computer virus to capsize five oil tankers. The film introduced a new elevated tone for Lillard, who—while still sporting his then-signature long locks—portrayed Emmanuel "Serial Killer" Goldstein in this cyberpunk flick Way.

'Scream' (1996)

There could be six (about seven) movies scream franchise — and endless amounts of unmasked Ghostfaces — but no one can beat Billy's original duo (Skeet Ulrich) and Lillard's Stu. Lillard's raw craze makes him a great villain, but his skills mask his murderous streak as a likable best friend that allows him to make top-level cover before the truth is revealed.

Screaming is undoubtedly where Lillard burst into mainstream stardom. Some of the best moments of the final act were actually enhanced by Lillard—"You hit me with the phone, Dick!" —and remains one of the best of the electrocution franchise by his brutal death. So good, in fact, that fans still see Stu return to take revenge on Final Girl Sydney (Neve Campbell) all these years later. I mean, someone can survive a TV falling on their head, right? ... right?

'SLC Punk! (1998)

Every teenage outsider of the 90s found solace in the 1998s SLC Punk!An offbeat comedy about duo Heroine Bob (Michael A. Gurzian) and Stevo (Lillard) who walk the streets of America's "most conservative city" Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City as just two dedicated punks. The movie itself is an underrated timeless classic, with a surprisingly impressive supporting cast - including - Devon Sawa, Jason Segel And Christopher McDonaldTo name a few – and a story of finding your own way in a world that forces you to conform.

Lillard, as always, with his smile, flourishes and lights up the screen, steals the show at every turn - and not just because of that great, bright blue hair.

'All That' (1999)

Some might argue that Lillard's Brock Hudson—a vain, self-centered reality star—is hitting his stride on MTV. real world K started dating high school queen B Taylor Vaughn (Jody Lynn O'Keefe) - was meant to be a villain in this beloved 1999 romantic comedy. And while the character is in her 20s and dating a teenager with a definite ick factor, Lillard still makes Brooke undeniably memorable with her iconic line delivery, epic wardrobe and highly impressive dance skills.

Decades later, people are still talking about the awesomeness of a love story Freddie Prinze Jr And By Rachel Lee Cook Jack and Lainey were — but you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who didn't follow along, "but Matthew Lillard's Brock was the real star of the show."

'Summer Catch' (2001)

Lillard jumps in again as the perfect comic relief for this underrated romantic comedy starring Prinze Jr. Jessica Biel. Lillard plays baseball catcher Billy Brubaker in the film, a teammate of Prinze Jr.'s Ryan Dunn. Both are on their way to the major leagues, hoping that a summer league turn will catch their eye.

The movie is a typical early '

'Thir 13en Ghost' (2001)

Lillard returned to his horror roots for this first '00s gem, trading in humor for jump scares and gore. While Lillard was technically supporting the cast in this truly terrifying flick, his role as ghost hunter Dennis led the story as it unfolded, and Lillard proved that he can play the villain as well as the victim any day. (Warning: Do not watch this film if you are not prepared for endless nightmares.)

'Scooby-doo' (2002)

Some know Lillard as Stu or Stevo, while others know him best as Norville "Shaggy" Rogers from the 2002 live-action Scooby-Doo. actor star Sarah Michelle Gellar, Linda Cardellini and former costar Prinze Jr. to create the iconic core four — plus one highly entertaining Kinin — detectives.

Some actors might struggle with bringing such a well-known and beloved comic book character to life, but Lillard flawlessly captures Shaggy's nervous, goofy personality with his vocal performance, body language, mannerisms and ability to work with CGI doggos. He was so good, in fact, that he reprized the role in the 2004 sequel and became the official voice of Shaggy in all subsequent animated movies and TV shows from 2010 to 2020. Jonks!