If you were a teenager in 1999, you probably spent a significant amount of time worrying about whether Liz Parker would find out Max Evans was an alien. Or maybe you were more into the brooding Michael Guerin. Whatever your flavor of late-90s sci-fi angst, the Roswell TV show cast was the blueprint for the "beautiful people with secrets" trope that basically defined the WB era.
It's been over two decades since the original show wrapped. While we’ve had a reboot since then, the OG crew still holds a weirdly specific place in pop culture history. Honestly, looking at where they are now in 2026, it’s a wild mix of A-list superstardom, indie passion projects, and a few people who just kind of decided they’d had enough of the spotlight.
The Core Three: Where Are Max, Liz, and Isabel Now?
Let’s start with the face of the show, Shiri Appleby. She played Liz Parker, the girl who got shot in a diner and healed by a silver handprint. Shiri didn't just fade into the background. She’s actually become one of the most respected directors in television. You’ve probably seen her work without even realizing it. She’s helmed episodes of unREAL (which she also starred in), the reboot Roswell, New Mexico, and even Minx. She’s basically a powerhouse behind the camera these days.
Then there’s Jason Behr. The leader. The "king."
Jason sort of stepped back from the massive leading-man roles for a while, but he never truly left. He made a splashy return to the franchise by appearing in the reboot as a completely different character, which was a massive nod to the fans. In 2026, he’s still that guy everyone recognizes at conventions, but he seems way more interested in picking specific, character-driven roles than chasing the blockbuster dragon.
And we have to talk about Katherine Heigl.
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Isabel Evans was the "ice queen," but Heigl became the literal Queen of the Rom-Com for a solid decade. Grey’s Anatomy happened, then 27 Dresses, and for a while, she was the highest-paid actress in Hollywood. There was a lot of drama—mostly manufactured by the press, if we’re being real—about her being "difficult." But she’s had a major resurgence recently with Firefly Lane. She’s proven she can carry a series on her back, regardless of what the tabloids say.
The Michael and Maria Chemistry Was Real
If you ask any die-hard fan who the best couple was, they won't say Max and Liz. They’ll say Michael and Maria. Brendan Fehr and Majandra Delfino had this "lightning-in-a-bottle" chemistry that most showrunners would kill for.
Funny enough, they actually leaned into that.
They spent years trying to get a project called Baron + Toluca off the ground. It’s basically a "spiritual successor" to Roswell. They used Indiegogo to fund a pilot because they knew the fans still wanted to see them together on screen. It’s a meta-concept where they play ex-costars of a sci-fi show who get caught up in actual paranormal activity. It’s peak fan service in the best way possible.
Brendan Fehr has also been a steady presence in procedurals like CSI: Miami and The Night Shift. He’s one of those actors who just always has a job because he’s reliable and, let’s be honest, he still looks like he could play a moody alien today.
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The Surprising Success of the Supporting Cast
Sometimes the people on the edges of the poster end up having the craziest careers. Take Colin Hanks.
He played Alex Whitman, the tragic best friend. At the time, he was "Tom Hanks’ son." Now? He’s just Colin Hanks. He’s been in Fargo, King Kong, and the Jumanji movies. He even directed a documentary about Tower Records called All Things Must Pass. He’s navigated the "nepo baby" conversation by simply being too good at his job to ignore.
Then there’s Emilie de Ravin.
She joined the Roswell TV show cast as Tess Harding, the girl everyone loved to hate. She went from being the alien "bride" to being a series regular on LOST as Claire. You know, the "where’s my baby?" girl. She also spent years as Belle on Once Upon a Time. She’s carved out a massive niche in the fantasy and sci-fi world that most actors would dream of.
Why the Roswell TV Show Cast Still Matters
You’d think a show about alien teenagers in New Mexico would be a footnote in TV history. It wasn't. The fans literally sent thousands of bottles of Tabasco sauce to the network to save the show from cancellation. That kind of loyalty is why these actors are still relevant in 2026.
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They weren't just playing roles; they were part of one of the first "internet fandoms."
Nick Wechsler, who played Kyle Valenti, is another great example of longevity. He went from the jock-turned-ally in Roswell to a lead in Revenge and more recently appeared in The Boys as Blue Hawk. He’s one of those guys who can play "earnest" and "terrifying" in the same breath.
What happened to the Sheriff?
William Sadler, who played Sheriff Valenti, is a legend. Period. He’s been in the MCU as the President, he was in The Shawshank Redemption, and he’s still working constantly. He provided the "adult" gravitas that kept the show from feeling like a total soap opera.
The 2025/2026 Reunion Buzz
At Seattle’s Emerald City Comic Con in 2025, a bunch of the core cast—including Jason, Majandra, Brendan, and Nick—sat down for a reunion panel. They talked about the "what ifs" and the possibility of a limited series revival. While nothing is officially greenlit yet, the chemistry is still there.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to dive back into the world of Roswell, here is how to do it right in 2026:
- Watch the original first: If you're going to watch the reboot, you have to watch the 1999 version first to appreciate the cameos. The tone is completely different—more "Amblin-esque" and moody.
- Track down Baron + Toluca: If you miss Michael and Maria, this is the only way to get that fix.
- Follow Shiri Appleby's directing credits: If you like the visual style of modern TV dramas, watch anything she directs. She’s one of the best in the business right now.
- Support the indie projects: Many of these actors, like Majandra Delfino, are doing independent music and film. Following them on social media is usually the best way to catch these smaller releases that don't get big marketing budgets.
The Roswell TV show cast didn't just disappear into the desert. They became directors, producers, A-listers, and indie creators. They’ve managed to survive the "teen idol" curse by leaning into their talents rather than just their looks. Whether you’re a fan of the 1947 crash history or just a fan of late-90s denim, their impact on the sci-fi genre is pretty much undeniable.