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Erik Buckingham and Erin McDowell
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2022-10-03T17:38:21Z
- "Mean Girls" was released on April 30, 2004, and has become a much-quoted classic.
- Most of the characters were juniors in high school and around the ages of 16 or 17.
- Many of the actors who played high school students were in their 20s at the time.
"Mean Girls" centers around the characters' junior year in high school, making most of the characters around the age of 16.
However, some of the cast members were as old as 26 at the time of filming.
The teen comedy, which was released on April 30, 2004, told the story of Cady Heron, played by Lindsay Lohan, as she tried to fit in with a group of superficial girls known as "the Plastics."
Written by Tina Fey, the movie won several Teen Choice Awards and MTV Movie & TV Awards, and it has earned its right as a teen classic.
Keep scrolling to see the real ages of the "Mean Girls" cast, from Regina George to Kevin G.
Queen bee Regina George was around 16 or 17 in "Mean Girls."
With multiple Spring Fling Queen titles under her belt, Regina George entered her junior year at the start of "Mean Girls." She becomes the film's central antagonist, as Cady Heron hopes to date Regina's ex-boyfriend Aaron Samuels.
Rachel McAdams was 26 during filming.
Rachel McAdams was 10 years older than her "Mean Girls" character. In the same year, she played 17-year-old Allie Hamilton in "The Notebook."
Mark Waters, director of "Mean Girls," initially thought McAdams was too old to play Regina, according to E! News. Waters later realized he couldn't pass on McAdams's talent and felt it would make sense that Regina grew up too fast.
The main character, Cady Heron, was 16.
After being home-schooled in Africa for 12 years, Cady and her family moved to Evanston, Illinois, where she entered her junior year at North Shore High School.
Lindsay Lohan was 18.
Lindsay Lohan was much closer in age to her character than her counterpart Rachel McAdams. Out of the four main actresses in the movie, she was also the youngest.
Lohan actually wanted to play Regina at first, and McAdams first auditioned for the role of Cady. Lohan told Entertainment Weekly she wanted to be "the cool girl on set," but director Mark Waters told her, "No, Cady is the heroine, and that's who you are."
The third member of "The Plastics," Gretchen Wieners, was also 16.
As Regina's sidekick, Gretchen was the gossip of the group. Known for being the daughter of the man who invented Toaster Strudel, Gretchen refused to apologize for being popular. Did we mention she tried to make "fetch" happen?
Lacey Chabert was 21 while filming "Mean Girls."
While not the oldest member of the cast, Lacey Chabert was still five years older than her character in "Mean Girls," making her the second oldest out of the four girls.
She told Entertainment Weekly that she turned 21 on the day they filmed a scene of the girls walking in the mall. The crew gave Chabert a cake, and everyone in the mall sang "Happy Birthday" to her.
Chabert has since left comedy to pursue other genres. She told Accessshe has appeared in 18 Hallmark movies since "Mean Girls."
Karen Smith was 16 in "Mean Girls" as well.
Karen Smith's peers often criticized her intelligence, but she remained confident enough to become the school's meteorologist by her senior year. Smith's most iconic one-liner, "On Wednesdays, we wear pink," reflects the important rules "The Plastics" kept for themselves and remains a staple in pop culture.
Amanda Seyfried was 19 during filming — three years older than her character.
As the second-youngest girl in the group, Seyfried told Entertainment Weekly that she had just graduated high school before filming "Mean Girls," and that jumping into filming was terrifying.
Seyfried told EW, "I don't know what I would have done without Lacey Chabert. She was my angel. She took me in, and we'd hang out in her trailer and listen to Dido."
Janis Ian, also a junior, was presumably 16.
As Regina's ex-best friend, Janis helped Cady sabotage Regina's reputation throughout the film. In an interview with Buzzfeed, Lizzy Caplan — who played Janis — actually agreed that her character was a mean girl herself. At 16, Janis captured the layered backstory that often comes with bullies in high school.
Lizzy Caplan was 22 while filming "Mean Girls."
Caplan was similar in age to Lacey Chabert during filming.
In her interview with Buzzfeed, Caplan reflected on her character being a secret mean girl, saying, "She was way craftier than the other mean girls. She was a mean girl with spy plans — with purpose!"
Damian was also around 16 in "Mean Girls."
Damian was also one of Cady's first friends at school and was Janis' sidekick.
Despite portraying the outdated and problematic "Gay Best Friend" trope, Damian was by far one of the funniest characters in the film. His one-liners like "She doesn't even go here!" and "You go, Glen Coco!" make him an icon to this day.
During filming, Daniel Franzese was 26 —a decade older than his character in "Mean Girls."
He ties with McAdams for the largest age gap between a cast member and their character in the film.
Franzese, now in his 40s, told the Observer that although he was 10 years older than his character, Franzese saw himself in Damian — except Damian was out of the closet and Franzese wasn't at the time. However, the openly gay persona he feared being associated with turned out to be the vehicle through which Franzese came out himself: during the 10-year anniversary of "Mean Girls."
Franzese said he has seen the impact of a film as seemingly lighthearted as "Mean Girls." One fan wrote to him saying that after previously being bullied for his weight and femininity in school, a group of girls told him, "You're Damian – come sit with us."
Aaron Samuels was around 17.
As a senior at North Shore High School, Aaron Samuels was a year older than the other characters in "Mean Girls." He and Cady met in calculus class, and he eventually became her tutor and love interest — despite the fact that he had recently gotten back together with his ex-girlfriend, Regina George.
Jonathan Bennett was 23 when he starred in "Mean Girls."
Bennett was six years older than his character. He had the second-largest age gap between him and his character, behind both Rachel McAdams and Daniel Franzese, who were a decade older than their characters.
Kevin G. was presumably 16 in "Mean Girls."
Kevin Gnapoor is best known for his performance at the winter talent show. One of his most well-known lines from the film, "Don't let the haters stop you from doing your thang," was a source of advice for Cady before she went to the Spring Fling despite being grounded.
Rajiv Surendra was 15 at the time.
Surendra was the youngest of the group listed and closest to the actual age of his character. However, after "Mean Girls," Surendra struggled to find acting gigs that didn't stereotype Indian men as nerds or terrorists, he told MTV News.
Aside from acting, Surendra has been practicing calligraphy his whole life and even drew the cover of his own memoir, "The Elephants in My Backyard."
Mrs. George is assumed to be in her early 30s.
According to a fan-made Wiki page for the movie, June George is 33 years old, making her around 17 when she had Regina. She is a supportive mother, yet often acts like a teenager herself. She loves wearing pink and wants to be seen as a "cool mom."
Amy Poehler was 32 years old when she filmed "Mean Girls," making her the same age as her character.
At the time of filming and the movie's release, Poehler was a prominent cast member on "Saturday Night Live" alongside her costar and "Mean Girls" writer Tina Fey.
Fans are surprised to this day when they learn that Poehler was only 7 years older than Rachel McAdams when they filmed the movie, despite playing mother and daughter.
Ms. Norbury is also around 32 years old.
She is Cady's math and homeroom teacher and the coach of the North Shore Mathletes, which she encourages Cady to join. After Cady writes in the Burn Book that Ms. Norbury is a drug pusher, Ms. Norbury is critical of Cady's choices and reputation after joining the Plastics.
Tina Fey was 33 years old when she filmed "Mean Girls."
Fey wrote both the "Mean Girls" screenplay and the Broadway musical adaptation, which were based on the non-fiction book "Queen Bees and Wannabes" by Rosalind Wiseman. Fey is also known for her role as Liz Lemon on "30 Rock" and for starring on "Saturday Night Live."
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FAQs
How old the stars of 'Mean Girls' were compared to their characters? ›
Bennett was six years older than his character. He had the second-largest age gap between him and his character, behind both Rachel McAdams and Daniel Franzese, who were a decade older than their characters.
How old were the girls during Mean Girls? ›"Mean Girls" was released on April 30, 2004, and has become a much-quoted classic. Most of the characters were juniors in high school and around the ages of 16 or 17. Many of the actors who played high school students were in their 20s at the time.
How old was Cady in Mean Girls? ›Lindsay Lohan as Cady Heron, a 16-year-old girl who transfers to a public high school after being homeschooled her whole life in Africa and Aaron Samuels' love interest. Jessie Wright as 5-year-old Cady.
What grade are the main characters in Mean Girls? ›Typically, seniors dominate the Main Cast, but with only a few participating this year, underclassmen deservedly filled many roles. Notably, the three “Mean Girls” — Regina, Karen, and Gretchen—are played by two juniors and a sophomore.
Is Cady a sophomore in Mean Girls? ›After being homeschooled in Africa for her entire life, Cady starts her junior year at North Shore High School. Cady's befriended by Janis and Damian.
Will there be a Mean Girl 3? ›'Mean Girls' Sequel Isn't Happening Because Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams & Team Aren't Being Respected With The Payment? Reports State “Negotiations Are…”
What is the age range for Mean Girls musical? ›For parents thinking about taking their kids along to the show, we recommend Mean Girls for ages 12 and older. There is a lot of crude humor similar to the movie with the mention of sex, alcohol and drugs. It's a story about high school, after all!
How old was Cady at the time of her accident? ›Part One: Welcome. Cadence Sinclair Eastman (AKA Cady) is seventeen, almost eighteen. She's had an accident she can't remember, and she's got a traumatic head injury that's left her with crippling migraines.
Who does Cady have a crush on? ›Cady tells Regina that she has a HUGE crush on her Regina's ex, Aaron Samuels.
Why did Regina like Cady? ›Regina invites Cady to the table, after saving her from the sleazy Jason. Regina did not know her, but she thought Cady was very pretty, which was apparently her motivation for inviting Cady into the clique.
Who is the meanest girl in Mean Girls? ›
In the film, the school's 'mean girls,' aka The Plastics, are at the top of the food chain before Lindsay Lohan's Cady Heron arrives. Regina George leads The Plastics and is truly the meanest of them all.
What personality type is Cady Heron? ›Cady Heron is an ISFJ personality type. To begin with, Cady was rounded and trustworthy, you could count on her to stick to her word. However, when she didn't get what she wanted, she became passive-aggressive and manipulative.
Who is the best girl in Mean Girls? ›Karen Smith. Amanda Seyfried has many highly ranked roles on Rotten Tomatoes that include the award-winning Les Miserables and even the critically beloved First Reformed, but many of her fans would say that her role as Karen Smith in Mean Girls is the best.
What grade is Regina in Mean Girls? ›Queen bee Regina George was around 16 or 17 in "Mean Girls."
With multiple Spring Fling Queen titles under her belt, Regina George entered her junior year at the start of "Mean Girls." She becomes the film's central antagonist, as Cady Heron hopes to date Regina's ex-boyfriend Aaron Samuels.
Karen is largely considered the funniest character in Mean Girls for her innocent nature and awkward personality. She was arguably very nice as well, as she didn't go out of her way to belittle anyone, seeing as she never really understood much of anything, to begin with.
Is Cady from Mean Girls African? ›Cady grew up in Africa with her mother home-schooling her. She loved animals and nature. A picture is seen by Aaron Samuels of Cady when she was a little girl on an elephant. Cady's first love was Nfume, but he ended up not liking her back.
Is Mean Girls a feminist movie? ›This portrayal of teenage girls presents a problematic form of feminism that consists of cacophonous fighting and competition against each other in a way that goes against the overall interests of women.
When did Netflix remove Mean Girls? ›'Mean Girls' is leaving Netflix on September 30th, three days before October 3rd. Emre.
Is there a Mean Girls movie? › Why is Mean Girls R rated? ›Parents need to know that Mean Girls is a 2004 comedy centered on Cady (Lindsay Lohan), a new girl in a high school dominated by a clique of popular girls. Mature humor includes crude jokes, sexual references, mentions of venereal disease, underage drinking, and comic violence. Teen girls call one another…
Is Mean Girls inappropriate for a 12 year old? ›
Mean Girls is rated PG-13.
The movie's PG-13 rating is for sexual content, language, and some teen partying. This film probably wouldn't be appropriate for kids or tweens, but it remains a solid choice for families with teens. Especially if it prompts a discussion on bullying and popularity.
MEAN GIRLS is recommend for ages 10+. Includes some mature content. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre.
Why does Cadence have migraines? ›During Summer Fifteen, Cadence suffers a serious head injury recalling only that she struck her head in the water. She loses most of her memories of that summer and begins to suffer from migraines.
Was Regina George in love with Cady? ›Regina was immediately enamoured of Cady and showered her with a level of interest she had yet to show anyone else. Up until that point, Regina George had been able to keep herself safely tucked in the closet; but Cady forced her out of her dormancy because she was so attractive that Regina wanted to keep her close.
What was Cady diagnosed with? ›Cady is one of just over 100 people around the world diagnosed with HNRNPH2-Related Disorder. A single-point gene mutation on the HNRNPH2 gene affects her body's ability to splice RNA properly, meaning messages within her body often get garbled or aren't delivered at all.
Did Aaron really like Cady? ›He develops a liking to her and invites her to a Halloween party. Cady gets overwhelmed and answers to him "Grool!" However, Regina George, his ex-girlfriend, finds out about Cady's crush on Aaron, quickly seduces Aaron at the party and wins him back.
Did Cady push Regina? ›Cady tells us that Regina didn't kick the bucket; she just got hurt. Some people said they saw her head go all the way around, Exorcist-style. Some people said they saw Cady push her. (She didn't.)
What does Regina call Cady? ›“Get In, Loser.
Not only does she call Cady, one of her “best friends,” a loser but she also doesn't give her any choice in the matter. It's not really an invitation so much as it's an order.
In other fun facts from the set, McAdams couldn't fully bleach her hair, so she wore a wig in order to go blonde for the role. “I just thought that was very Regina -- long, blonde, Barbie hair,” McAdams said during an interview on set at the time of filming. “The color looks perfect.”
Why did Regina hate Gretchen? ›Regina is overly controlling and Gretchen is clingy, willing to do anything to keep Regina's trust and friendship.
What is the deeper meaning of Mean Girls? ›
The movie depicts numerous flaws in the education system, from improper health education (“Don't have sex, because you will get pregnant…and die”) to absurd rules and oblivious adults. The plot centers around one thing — insecurity.
Who was the real villain in Mean Girls? ›15 years later, actress Lizzie Caplan agrees that her character, Janis Ian, was the real mean girl.
Who is the unpopular mean girl? ›Janis Ian in Mean Girls personifies the unpopular mean girl. The resident social outcast is actually a lot like her nemesis Regina George.
What is the most famous Mean Girls scene? ›An iconic Mean Girls scene is when Regina's mom says "I'm not a regular mom, I'm a cool mom." She's wearing a pink velour sweatsuit that looks like it was swiped from Regina's closet—which is part of the joke, of course—as she is desperate to fit in with her daughter's teenage friends.
What is Yor's personality type? ›Yor's personality type, the ISFJ Defender, ranks among the most common MBTI types, which is good news for any society. Defenders are humble, compassionate workers who always put others first, even if they are not terribly sociable.
What personality type is Donna? ›Donna Paulsen: ENFJ
Donna Paulsen is an ENFJ. She's outgoing, compassionate, and always puts others first. As an ENFJ, she's also a great listener and has a strong moral compass. Donna Paulsen is the type of person who would do anything for the people she cares about.
Amelia “Amy” Pond is an ESFP personality type. She is full of energy and is comfortable in the spotlight. As an ESFP, she brings fun and spontaneity to all kinds of situations.
Who is the smartest mean girl? ›The most intelligent character in Mean Girls is none other than Regina George (Rachel McAdams), the head of the Plastics, and the character who inspires Cady's downfall. Regina is totally an evil mastermind, and only someone who is smart could influence others so much and make them do what she wants.
Who is the nicest plastic in Mean Girls? ›Karen Smith is arguably the most beautiful of The Plastics, however, she is quite dim-witted. Like Regina and Gretchen, Karen also comes from a rich family however, her family isn't as rich as Regina's or Gretchen's.
Who is the richest girl from Mean Girls? ›1. Tina Fey – US$75 million.
What color are Regina George's eyes? ›
dim-witted, easy-going, and flirty. Karen might not be the “most smartest,” but she could be psychic. (She even thinks she can predict the weather with her breasts.) Although she's easily influenced by her friends, she still loves hanging out with them and doing fun things, like going to Taco Bell.
Why are the Plastics called the Plastics? ›What Are Plastics and Where Do They Come From? Plastic is a word that originally meant “pliable and easily shaped.” It only recently became a name for a category of materials called polymers. The word polymer means “of many parts,” and polymers are made of long chains of molecules. Polymers abound in nature.
Who was the emo girl in Mean Girls? ›But Lizzy Caplan, who played the goth sidekick, Janis Ian, in the hit teen movie, said she'd still be totally down to return to her role after all this time — although she can't quite imagine what that would entail.
Who is Katie's crush in Mean Girls? ›Nfume is a minor character who appeared in the movie Mean Girls. He is portrayed by young Tyson Fennell.
Who is the ginger girl in Mean Girls? ›Violet Parr is the pregnant virgin of Mean Girls 2. She is a ripoff of Violet Parr from The Incredibles. She has red hair and is played by Amber Wallace.
How long was Cady in Africa? ›Cady (Lindsay Lohan) is the 16-year-old home-schooled daughter of zoologist parents (Ana Gasteyer and Neil Flynn). They have returned to the United States after residing in Africa for 12 years for their research.
What did Cady dress up as in Mean Girls? ›Cady went all out for Halloween and dressed as an "ex-wife." Unlike the rest of the Plastics, Cady didn't appear to get the sexy costume memo. Instead, she opted for a scarier look. Dressed as a zombie "ex-wife," Cady wore a wedding gown splattered with blood, a long black wig, and a set of unflattering teeth.
How old was Lindsay Lohan in Georgia rule? ›During the shooting of this movie, Lohan was about 20 years old, and dealing with her alcohol and drug abuse issues being made public.
How old was Lindsay Lohan in Confessions of a Drama Queen? ›Casting 17-year-old Lindsay Lohan in the title role of Disney's comedy ”Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen” (in theaters) was hardly a stretch.
Is Lindsay Lohan the oldest? ›
She is the eldest child of Dina, and Michael Lohan. Her father, a former Wall Street trader, has been in trouble with the law on several occasions, while her mother is a former singer and dancer.
How old was Lindsay Lohan when she dated Will? ›5. Wilmer Valderrama Relationship History: Lindsay Lohan. Valderrama and the "Freaky Friday" actress dated for two months when Lohan was just 18 before getting engaged, and calling it quits two months after.
How old was Lindsay Lohan in mean? ›McAdams is also seven years older than her co-star Lindsay Lohan, who was just 17 when Mean Girls was released.
How old is Stu Wolf? ›He is portrayed by Adam Garcia. Since the police let him go drunk, we can assume he is older than 21.
How old was Megan Fox in Confessions? ›Megan Fox in Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (2004) age 17 | Megan fox outfits, Teenage drama, Celebrities.
Did Lindsay Lohan audition for Regina George? ›Lohan famously auditioned to play Plastics queen bee Regina George — but only because Lohan was hesitant to be "damaged" Cady Heron.