Pop Culture
By: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 Belair.’ 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.
• All That- “She thinks she’s all
that”
• Blazed – “Man, I’m so blazed.”
• 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.