It’s been almost 20 years since 13 Going on 30 premiered, and yet this 2004 film still holds its spot among the best rom-coms of all time. Starring Jennifer Garner in one of her most memorable roles, and directed by Gary Winick, this production follows Jenna, a 13-year-old teenager whose only dream is to become popular. Having been humiliated by her schoolmates at her own birthday party, Jenna wishes to be an adult and lead a different life. Soon after, she wakes up in 2004, in her 30s, with an unknown life and no idea how she got there. However, not all that glitters is gold: Jenna soon realizes that she made some bad decisions that alienated her from the people who mattered most to her.
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Mark Ruffalo starred alongside Garner in this film, forging an extremely popular couple whose chemistry transcended the screen. So much so, earlier this year, they both aroused attention when it was announced that they were cast in the science fiction film The Adam Project, starring Ryan Reynolds. Garner and Ruffalo seized the opportunity to recreate a scene from the 2004 film, with the two of them snuggling up on a couch. Besides these stars, 13 Going on 30 featured many of the industry’s top performers. Here’s a look at there the 13 Going 30 cast is today.
Jennifer Garner
Columbia Pictures
Over the course of her career, Jennifer Garner has starred in a number of films and TV series, and to this day, Jenna Rink remains one of her most memorable roles. In recent years, the actress has kept herself busy, both as the star and producer of several shows and movies. In 2020, she was featured along with many other stars in the miniseries Home Movie: The Princess Bride, produced in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic to raise money for World Central Kitchen. She also co-starred in the movie Yes Day, inspired by the children’s book of the same name by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld that premiered last year on Netflix. This past May, she started working on the miniseries The Last Thing He Told Me, in which she stars and also serves as executive producer.
Mark Ruffalo
Mark Ruffalo has an acting portfolio that ranges from rom-coms to thrillers, including children’s films, comedies, and dramas. But one of his most iconic roles is that of Bruce Banner/Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, from 2012 onwards. He recently reprised this role in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. In recent years, Ruffalo garnered many accolades for his work in the series I Know This Much Is True and the film Dark Waters, which he also produced. He is currently involved in several upcoming projects, such as the film Poor Things, starring alongside Emma Stone and Willem Dafoe, Mickey7, and the series All the Light We Cannot See.
Christa B. Allen
In 13 Going on 30, Christa B. Allen is the teenage version of Jenna Rink, one of her best-known roles, along with Charlotte Grayson in the series Revenge. She worked with Garner once again in Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, playing a younger version of her character. Throughout her career, she has been featured in films such as Youth in Revolt, One Wish, and The Valley, and made cameo appearances in Grey’s Anatomy, The Suite Life on Deck, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. In recent years, Allen was mostly featured in TV films and appeared in the TV series Code Black and Grand Hotel. Last year November, Allen herself turned 30 years old, and to honor the occasion, she recreated one of Garner’s scenes as older-Jenna (via BuzzFeed).
Sean Marquette
Sean Marquette played a younger version of Ruffalo’s character, but he is best known for voicing Mac on the show Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends and for his character of Johnny Atkins on The Goldbergs and its spin-off, Schooled. Other than these projects, Marquette made some cameo appearances in the series Ghost Whisperer, NCIS, and Bones. He also voiced Peter Parker / Spider-Man in the video games Ultimate Spider-Man, Spider-Man: Battle for New York, and Spider-Man 3.
Judy Greer
Thanks to her performance in 13 Going on 30 and other rom-coms, Judy Greer became Hollywood’s most sought-after best friend. This actress was involved in more than 150 projects, mostly playing supporting roles. She has kept herself very busy these last few years: in 2022, she was featured in the movies Three Months, Family Squares, and Hollywood Stargirl, as well as the shows The Thing About Pam and The First Lady. She is also starring in the Hulu series Reboot, which premiered last September. But that’s not all: Greer also appears in My Father’s Dragon, Halfway to Somewhere, Flint Strong, Mabel and Eric Larue, all of which are either still filming or in post-production.
Andy Serkis
This director, producer, and performer is the eighth highest-grossing actor of all time, with world-acclaimed performances. He is known for roles such as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and Caesar in the Planet of the Apes reboot series. In recent years, Andy Serkis appeared in films such as A Christmas Carol, SAS: Red Notice, and The Batman, the film starring Robert Pattinson in which Serkis played Alfred Pennyworth. He also directed Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle and Venom: Let There Be Carnage. Andy is currently working on two projects playing different roles: the film Animal Farm, where he serves as director, producer and writer, and Half Bad, a miniseries in which he acts as executive producer.
Ashley Benson & Brie Larson
Most of the audience probably doesn’t remember that Ashley Benson and Brie Larson played minor roles in 13 Going on 30: they were both members of The Six Chicks, the very exclusive group of girls who tease Jenna on her birthday. Both actresses have really blossomed in their careers throughout the years. Benson gained widespread popularity for her role as Hanna Marin in the teen series Pretty Little Liars, and went on to star in films such as Spring Breakers, Ratter, and Her Smell. This same year she starred in the film Private Property alongside Shiloh Fernandez, and is currently working on the upcoming movies American Metal and Lapham Rising.
Meanwhile, Larson is known for starring in both blockbusters and independent films, gaining further recognition for her role as Captain Marvel in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In 2022, Larson created and directed the Disney+ documentary series Growing Up, in which different people recount their experiences as they go through their teenage years. Additionally, she is a cast member of the upcoming movies Fast X and The Marvels.
