Pop CultureBy:Emily Stanzel

Will Smith

Background: Willard Carroll Smith Jr. was born and raised in west Philadelphia by his parents Willard and Caroline smith.

• During the 1990’s will smith quickly became popular for his role on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-air.’ Which aired for about six years successfully. He continued his career in many films including ‘The pursuit of happiness.’ and was ranked as the most bankable star by Forbes.

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Background: Sarah Michelle Gellar was born April 14th 1977 in New York City where she was an only child raised by Arthur and Rosellen Gellar.

• Sarah made her debut appearance in the TV movie ‘An invasion of Privacy.’ and is well known for being the lead character of the series ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ from 1997-2003. She is also recognized for her role as Daphne in the classics ‘Scooby-Doo’ during 2002 and 2004 where she starred along side her love interest Freddy Prinze Jr.

Drew Barrymore

• Background: Drew Blyth Barrymore was born in Culver city, California and raised by John and Jaid Barrymore who is also an actress.

• Drew is well known for her directing, screenwriting, producing, modeling and not mention acting skills. She made her first appearance at eleven months old in the series ‘The Walton's.’ as Mellissa. During 1990 she wrote an autobiography by the name of Little Girl Lost and partnered up with Nancy Juvonen for the production of ‘Flower Films’ during 1997.

George Clooney

Background: George Timothy Clooney was born May 6, 1960 in Lexington, Kentucky and raised by his Pageant queen Mother and his father Nick Clooney, a former anchorman.

• Clooney made his break during 1994 when he was cast as the doctor on ER, Dr. Doug Ross. During the filming George also starred in ‘One fine day’ during 1996 and took the role of Batman in Joel Schumacher’s Batman and Robin (1997)

Julia Roberts

Background: Julia Fiona Roberts was born October 28 1967 in Smyrna, Georgia where she was raised by Betty Lou and Walter Grady Roberts as a Catholic.

• Julia became popular soon after starring in the romantic comedy ‘Pretty Woman’ which made $464 million dollars worldwide. She played ‘The Pelican Brief’ during 1993 and ‘My best friends wedding’ during 1997. The 90’s proved to be a very successful time for her as she continued filming well into 2013 where she appeared in ‘August: Osage County’ where she earned a 4th academy award nomination.

Icons of the 90’s

Kurt Cobain became very popular in Britain during the 1990’s around the time that Nirvana signed a record with Geffen Records. He was well known for introducing ‘grunge’ which can be anywhere from of music to way of dress. Some think of it as a lifestyle involving very alternative ways. Kurt presented us with a very different but moving style of music and a way of dress that is hard to miss.

The formation of ‘Marilyn Manson and the Spooky Kids’ began during 1990 when Brian Warner teamed up with guitarist Scott Mitchell Putesky. The name eventually shortened to just Marilyn Manson who became an icon that is hard to forget. The band was not concerned about being politically correct, but bringing an image that the world hadn't seen yet. One that would open eyes and turn heads. Manson easily attracted the rebellious.

Layne Staley was the lead singer of the band ‘Alice in Chains’ who also had a large impact on the grunge movement during this time. Their album dirt quickly went platinum despite Layne’s substance abuse. Layne’s rough childhood shocked and inspired the public with stories of his parents divorce and the death of his father which haunted him for years. This gave people something to relate to and take comfort in.

Slang

• All That- “She thinks she’s all that”

• Blazed – “Man, I’m so blazed.”

Fads• Beanie Babies

Beanie babies are a popular line of children’s stuffed animal made by Ty Warner Inc. The stuffies were launched in 1993 and a later version was known as teenie beanies. These toys were popular among young kids and even teens. They were also received in McDonalds Happy meals.

Power rangers began as a live action show that aired on fox during the 1990s. It was very popular among young boys and teens for its super hero feel. It has come a long way and is now known as ‘Power rangers super megaforce’ in the United states.

Fashion

• Dark Lipstick was very popular among young and elderly women. Mostly red, dark purple and black in the later years.

• Grunge was at its peak with bands like Nirvana, Pearl jam and Soundgarden. It was common to see baggy pants, shaggy hair and loose fitting tops.

• Neon colors were found among women and sometimes men. Bright jackets and pants as well as sunglasses.

Music

Nirvana- This unforgettable band was formed during1987 in Aberdeen, Washington, USA. They signed to an independent label ‘Sub Pop Records’ and released the album Bleach. During the 90’s they were well known for the album Nevermind and In Utero.

Stone Temple Pilots- Were formed in Long Beach, California during 1992. They were well know for the albums core and purple during this time. They disbanded during 2003 and reunited during 2008.

Pearl Jam- Another great band formed in Seattle, USA during 1990. Vocalist Eddie Vedder produced an irreplaceable sound that can be found in the album ten during 1991.

Technology

• The world wide web and internet protocol were created by Tim Berners-Lee.

• VHS tapes were the rage of the 90’s, and created by companies including SONY and JVC.