The beloved stars of “Boy Meets World” are now in their forties, and life has taken them in different directions—one of them has even drifted away from the rest. It’s incredible to look back and see just how much they’ve changed since their teenage years on that unforgettable ABC series. Let’s take a look at how they’re doing now.
“Boy Meets World” was a television show that aired from 1993 to 2000, bringing to life the journey of a young teen figuring out the world around him. With his two siblings and loyal best friend by his side, he tackled the ups and downs of growing up, leaving a lasting mark on a generation of viewers.
From losing touch to walking down the aisle, and even facing battles with anxiety, the three main stars have truly been through it all since the show came to an end. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane to see what they’ve been up to over the years and how they look today.
Ben Savage
Before his rise to fame in “Boy Meets World,” the actor appeared in several made-for-TV movies and films. It wasn’t until he took on the lead role as Cory Matthews in the series that his career truly soared.
Ben Savage on the set of “Boy Meets World,” 1993 | Source: Getty Images
Despite the demands of acting, Ben Savage, now 44, stayed focused on his education, graduating from Stanford University in 2004 with a degree in Political Science. In the summer of 2003, he even interned at the office of U.S. Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania.
Rue McClanahan and Ben Savage on the set of “Boy Meets World,” 1993 | Source: Getty Images
Years later, in January 2023, he became engaged to Tessa Angermeier. The couple, who began dating in 2018, shared the news through a simple Instagram post.
They shared a photo posing by a pond in Owensville, Indiana, where Angermeier proudly displayed her diamond ring. A month later, in February 2023, the lovebirds reportedly tied the knot in Los Angeles, California.
Rider Strong
He is best known for his roles as the rebellious Shawn Hunter in “Boy Meets World,” Brick Flagg in “Kim Possible” (2002–2007), and Tom Lucitor in “Star vs. the Forces of Evil” (2015–2019). The actor’s portrayal of Shawn showcased him as the son of a troubled family, with an alcoholic father and a mother who often disappeared for long stretches.
Rider Strong on the set of “Boy Meets World,” 1993 | Source: Getty Images
In a July 2021 interview, Rider Strong, shared his gratitude for being “closer than ever” with his former “Boy Meets World” castmates. The California native mentioned reconnecting with Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle, and Trina McGee a month before the interview.
Like Savage, the 44-year-old is also a married man. He tied the knot with actress Alexandra Barreto in October 2013 in Oregon, just one day after his former co-star Fishel’s wedding.
The pair, who first met as co-stars on the short-lived WB series “Pepper Dennis” in 2006, later welcomed their first child, a son named Indigo “Indy” Barreto Strong, in December 2014.
Will Friedle
The actor is best known for playing the lovable yet dim-witted Eric Matthews in “Boy Meets World” and voicing characters like Terry McGinnis in “Batman Beyond” (1999) and Ron Stoppable in “Kim Possible” (2002). He has also voiced roles in video games such as “Kingdom Hearts II” (2005).
Will Friedle on the set of “Boy Meets World,” 1993 | Source: Getty Images
Similarly to Savage and Strong, Will Friedle, 48, is also a family man. In September 2016, he took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce his marriage. Two years later, in October 2018, Savage, Fishel, and Friedle reunited at New York Comic Con to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary. The former co-stars reminisced about their time on the series, shared inside jokes with fans, and reflected on the lasting legacy of “Boy Meets World.”
During the event, Friedle, who is also a voice-over actor, opened up about his struggle with anxiety after the show ended, saying, “What brought me to voice-over was anxiety. I was planning to do more on-camera work, but then I got hit with these anxiety attacks that prevented me from doing that.” He went on to express gratitude for voice-over work because it allowed him to perform and act at the same time.
Will Friedle attends the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Festival on September 22, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
Fast forward to a June 2023 interview, Friedle and Fishel revealed that they had lost contact with their former co-star, Savage. The group had been attending conventions together until he suddenly stopped without explanation.
Fishel recalled that Savage was there for her when her son was born prematurely in June 2019 and was in the NICU. The actress, who played Topanga Lawrence in “Boy Meets World,” shared that she and Savage had a tight bond, especially during that difficult time. He even checked up on her quite often.
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But then, as she put it, “He ghosted us.” Up until that point, the pair hadn’t spoken to Savage in three years, with Friedle making several unsuccessful attempts to reconnect. “He disappeared — I wish I knew why,” Friedle shared, emphasizing there was no falling out or animosity. He explained that Savage seemed to have “just woken up one day” and decided he no longer wanted certain people in his life.
He went on to share that he sent a message to him, saying, he had known him for 30 years and asked, “What’s going on?” Friedle then added that he told Savage, he would call him every day until told not to. “That lasted about three weeks or a month, every single day,” he recounted.
Despite their current estrangement, Fishel remains hopeful about reconnecting with Savage. She reflected on how people are on their own unique journeys and expressed that, while they may have their differences, she will always care for him and wish him well. Fishel believes their story isn’t over yet, though she admitted, “time will tell.”
The journey of the “Boy Meets World” cast has been filled with both heartwarming reunions and unexpected distance. Despite the challenges, there remains a sense of hope that time will bring them back together once more.
