For many people, Lacey Chabert is forever associated with the heartwarming, iconic teen comedy Mean Girls. That role, along with countless other films and TV projects, catapulted her into the Hollywood spotlight at an early age. She was the girl everyone admired—beautiful, talented, and seemingly destined for stardom. But as the years went by, many began to wonder: why isn’t she in the headlines anymore? Why isn’t she the name we’re hearing about in Hollywood’s buzz? It seems like, in some ways, she quietly vanished from the limelight, but the truth is much different.
Lacey appeared to be heading down that familiar Hollywood path—one filled with big blockbusters, magazine covers, and red carpet appearances. Many of her contemporaries, including women she acted alongside early in her career, managed to maintain their prominence, evolve their careers, and stay relevant in the ever-changing landscape of entertainment. Lindsay Lohan, for example, was once also a teenage icon who faced her own struggles but eventually made a comeback that kept her in the spotlight for all the right reasons. She’s been open about her battles, her setbacks, and her triumphant moments, and she remains a household name.
Meanwhile, many are left asking: what happened to Lacey? Over the years, she’s been somewhat silent, or at least out of the constant hustle that defines Hollywood’s most visible stars. But that doesn’t mean she’s disappeared or stopped living her life. In fact, she’s doing quite well—just quietly so, at her own pace.
In September 2016, she welcomed her first child—a beautiful daughter named Julia. Becoming a mother brought immense joy into her life, and it marked a significant turning point. She shifted her focus toward her family, and her priorities changed in ways she hadn’t fully anticipated. She’s spoken openly about feeling a mix of excitement and responsibility, knowing her life would never be the same again. In some interviews, she described how her days now revolve around her daughter’s needs, mornings filled with cuddles and playdates, and her mind often preoccupied with the joys and challenges of motherhood.
At the same time, Lacey continued to love her work in the entertainment industry. She’s always been passionate about acting, but she’s also been thoughtful about how her career evolves—about what stories she wants to tell and what projects she wants to be part of. In 2018, she reflected on her life at that point, saying, “I think I would have been surprised two years ago if you had told me this is what my career would look like right now, but it’s such a great fit for who I am and where I am in my life today.” She’s clearly someone who values balance—between her family and her career—and she’s making deliberate choices to prioritize what matters most to her.
Despite her personal joys, she often finds herself lumped into the category of “the girl from Mean Girls,” which sometimes feels like a box she can’t escape. The industry and public perception tend to cling to the past, to her teenage breakout role, and hold on to the images that made her famous. It’s a narrative many underestimate—how difficult it can be for stars like her to redefine themselves after years in the limelight. While colleagues and friends in Hollywood have continued to push forward, explore new projects, and grow their brand, she’s sometimes felt a bit left behind.
And it’s worth noting that her peers—some of whom started out alongside her—have earned tens of millions of dollars and secured blockbuster deals year after year. Some have even become household names outside of acting, branching into fashion, business ventures, or hosting gigs. And while Lacey has her own career credits and a net worth estimated around $4 million, it’s relatively modest compared to some of her contemporaries. Still, she takes all of that in stride, proud of her humble beginnings and her roots, which she’s always spoken about with affection and gratitude.
In fact, her humble roots are part of what keeps her grounded. She loves her small town, where she grew up in Mississippi and Louisiana, and she’s often spoken about how proud she is of her family, her background, and her journey to Hollywood. She’s the kind of person who appreciates the simple things—the warm community, the early days of her career, the support of her fans who’ve been with her through thick and thin. Even if she’s not constantly on magazine covers, she’s not caught up in chasing fame for fame’s sake. Instead, she’s quietly building a life that she loves.
Looking ahead, it’s clear that Lacey is still in the game, just in a different way. She’s expressed interest in exploring other facets of her industry—acting, yes, but perhaps also producing, mentoring, or even stepping into new creative roles. It’s exciting to think about what she might do next, what stories she’s eager to tell, and how she’ll redefine her career on.
