If you grew up loving music, you knew it was more than just songs. MTV and MuchMusic connected us with music on a much deeper level. Music videos offered a visual experience and a story to the songs we belted out in the shower every morning.
The first music video I ever saw was “Candy Shop” by 50 Cent. Although 11-year-old me was slightly horrified at the graphic content, I was hooked. I didn’t go a day without watching MuchMusic (basically the Canadian version of MTV.) I’d even cheer on my favorite songs in the All-Request shows (yes, a person actually can be that lame.)
There’s one thing all videos shared, a love interest. Generally, this character was played by an unknown actor who would have absolutely nothing to say. They were there to either gaze longingly at the singer or live their life oblivious to the singer begging for their love.
Let’s visit what happened to 7 of our favorite music video love interests.
1. Irreplaceable – Beyoncé
Bobby Roaché played Beyonce’s lying, cheating boyfriend who she’s in the process of kicking out her house.
Bobby Roaché went on to become a pretty successful model and actor. Most notably, he has appeared in GQ, Cosmopolitan, and Men’s Health. He has been in ads for Lacoste, Levi’s, Macy’s, and Giorgio Armani. In 2014, he launched his own line of sunglasses, Bobby Roaché.
2. Hot N Cold – Katy Perry
Alexander Rodriguez played Katy Perry’s fiance who freaked out and ran away at the alter. Naturally, Katy Perry chased him all over the damn city until he finally came back and married her.
Since the music video, Alexander has gone on to become a model and actor. He’s been in a variety of commercials including; Colgate, Corona, Sears, and Sportchek. He was also in an episode of CSI: Miami and is the face of Alex Fuentes on covers of the book series Perfect Chemistry by Simon Elkeles.
3. One Time – Justin Bieber
Kristen McDow played Bieber’s love interest in his first music video. In case you forgot, Justin was adopted by Usher or something and is asked to “hold down the fort” while Usher’s away. Justin and his skater friends immediately throw a party all for the sake of Justin hooking up with a girl.
Since that video, Kristen hasn’t really done anything else you’d recognize. She got married about 2 years ago and has mostly held regular jobs as a secretary/assistant. She also does photography work.
4. Beautiful Soul – Jesse McCartney
Krista starred as Jesse McCartney’s love interest in one of his biggest hits. The idea behind it was that he was in love with her for her soul instead of her “pretty face” (yeah, okay) so he wanted her and no one else.
Krista has appeared in a few movies, hosted the TV series Pants Off Dance Off, and has hosted segments of The Howard Stern Show. Krista was also Penthouse Pet Of The Month in April 2006 and appeared in an adult entertainment series. Today, she is a Health Coach.
5. Love Story – Taylor Swift
Justin Gaston played the Romeo to T-Swift’s Juliet in every teen girl’s favorite music video, Love Story. The lyrics were in your MSN screen name and Justin was probably in your dreams. Basically, the music video was a comparison between Tay and Justin having a modern-day romance and Romeo and Juliet doing their thing.
Justin is a singer-songwriter, actor, and model. He appeared on American Idol and took part in the “Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur” campaign for PETA. You might recall seeing him the pilot episode of Glee, on the soap opera Days of Our Lives, or most recently, playing John Stamos in The Unauthorized Full House Story. At the time of the video, he was in a relationship with Miley Cyrus. They broke up in 2009 but sorry ladies, he’s off the market since he got married in 2012. *Disappointment everywhere.*
6. Mad – Neyo
Faune Chambers played Neyo’s girlfriend in his music video Mad. The song revolved around a couple loved each other but fought/cried the whole video. Every teenager whose biggest drama was that their boyfriend didn’t sit with them at lunch felt that they could relate to the song a deep level. And now that we aren’t getting texted back, we are replaying this song still to this day.
Faune, who you probably recognized from the film White Chicks, is widely recognized for her ability as a dancer. She danced in; Save The Last Dance, Like Mike, Bring It On Again, and 2 Austin Powers films. Faune is also known for her roles in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and for her appearances is J-Lo’s Feelin So Good and Destiny’s Child Say My Name music videos. She has slowed down since getting married and having her daughter.
7. Lovebug – The Jonas Brothers
Lovebug was probably the cutest JoBros music ever. It was set in the 1940’s and featured the love story of a woman and a sailor about to go to war. Camilla Belle played the young woman.
Camilla, who at the time had a relationship with Joe Jonas, had already built quite a resume prior to the music video, most notably as the lead in When A Stranger Calls. She has been an actress since her childhood and has continued to find work regularly. Her most recent film was The American Side and she has 3 upcoming films in the works.
Music videos are an amazing art form that incorporates visual elements to the music we’ve already fallen in love with. Although the stories are often cliché, we can’t help but be a sucker for a good musical love story. The role of “music video love interest” is probably here to stay and luckily for most of these stars, it helped launch them into the spotlight.
Featured Image via Taylor Swift “Love Story” Music Video
