90s teen heartthrob looks unrecognizable after leaving acting for art – can you guess who?

Fans of the original 21 Jump Street were in an uproar when a recent photo of one of the series’ iconic stars surfaced online, almost thirty years after his TV debut.

The former teen heartthrob, now 59, who played Detective Dennis Booker alongside Johnny Depp, shared a photo of himself rocking out with a band on Instagram.

With long locks and a scruffy beard, his look was a far cry from the impeccably styled hair that defined his roles in the ’90s, including its spin-off Booker and the film If Looks Could Kill.

Still, fans couldn’t help but swoon, with one commenting: “You look super cool, still as handsome as ever.”

Can you guess who this mysterious star is?

The former teen heartthrob, now 59, who played Detective Dennis Booker alongside Johnny Depp, shared a photo of himself rocking out with a band on Instagram; (photo August)

If you guessed Richard Grieco, you’re right!

Now it seems this former actor has left Hollywood behind and has instead focused on music and surreal art.

According to Grieco websitehe has kept a low profile for years and devotes himself entirely to his art.

His style, which he calls ‘Abstract Emotionalism’, combines elements of abstract art with touches of expressionism, surrealism and cubism, attracting fans from all over the world.

“And over the years he has kept a very low profile to aggressively focus on his artwork,” the site notes.

‘Though his work [is] Usually categorized as abstract, you’ll also see forms of expressionism, surrealism and cubism, to name a few.’

Grieco reprized his role as Officer Booker in the 2014 film 22 Jump Street, starring Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill.

Additionally, he appeared in the hit series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Grieco initially attended college on a football scholarship, but left after two years when he was signed by Elite Agency.

With long locks and a scruffy beard, Richard Grieco’s look was a far cry from the impeccably styled hair that defined his roles in the ’90s, including his spin-off Booker and the film If Looks Could Kill; (photo 1989)

His guest stint on 21 Jump Street eventually led to his promotion to a regular cast member in 1988, coinciding with Johnny Depp’s decision to reduce his involvement with the series.

Grieco reprized his role as Officer Booker in the 2014 film 22 Jump Street, starring Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill.

Grieco pursued his acting dreams after modeling and secured his first television role as Rick Gardner on the ABC daytime drama One Life to Live, where he starred from 1986 to 1987; (photo 2023)

His modeling career quickly took off when he placed high-profile advertisements for renowned brands such as Calvin Klein and Armani.

Grieco pursued his acting dreams after modeling and secured his first television role as Rick Gardner on the ABC daytime drama One Life to Live, where he starred from 1986 to 1987.

After moving to Los Angeles, he made guest appearances, including a notable role on Who’s the Boss? as Tony Danza’s long-lost cousin.

His guest stint on 21 Jump Street eventually led to his promotion to a regular cast member in 1988, coinciding with Johnny Depp’s decision to reduce his involvement with the series.