Famous VJs

Ashlee Simpson, an American artist in music and television, gained traction after her early 2000s start. Born October 3, 1984, in Waco, Texas, she is Jessica Simpson's younger sister. Simpson started in commercials, but her role on 7th Heaven brought her public notice. Simpson pursued music too; she signed a deal with Geffen Records in 2003.

Vanessa Minnillo was born November 9, 1980, in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines. She hosts television, acts, and beauty pageants. Minnillo won Miss Teen USA in 1998, becoming the first Filipino to win. Hosting MTV's Total Request Live helped her gain fame. Her early life involved moving often because her father was in the military.

Hannah Simone started a show business imprint in the 2000s as a Canadian TV presenter. She got a big role as the bestie on "New Girl" (Fox, 2011- ). Her mixed background exposed her to the developing world. Simone worked in international public policy before moving into media in the early 2000s. She hosted with HGTV Canada briefly and became a VJ for MuchMusic in 2006. Simone started acting.

Paul Montgomery Shore, born February 1, 1968, is an American actor, comedian, and filmmaker. Shore began as a stand-up comedian at age 17. He became an MTV VJ in 1989. This led to a starring role in the comedy film Encino Man in 1992, which was a small hit. Other films include Son in Law (1993) and Bio-Dome (1996).

Hilarie Ros Burton, born July 1, 1982, is an American actress and producer. She hosted MTV's Total Request Live. Burton played Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill (The WB/CW drama) for six seasons (2003–2009). Burton gained more fame with leading roles in Our Very Own, Solstice, and The List. She played Sara Ellis on the USA crime drama White Collar (2010–2013). In 2013, she played Dr. Lauren Boswell on the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy. In 2014, she appeared in the short-lived ABC drama series Forever as Molly Dawes and a recurring role in the sh

Carson Daly, a major figure in American entertainment, was born June 22, 1973, in Santa Monica, California. His father, J.D. Daly, acted, and his mother, Pattie Daly Caruso, was a known television personality. These family ties sparked Daly's interest in media and broadcasting. He started his career in radio, working as a DJ at California stations. His energy and charm quickly attracted MTV attention.

Kari Wuhrer, a sexy actress-singer, became an MTV veejay. She used this role to start an acting career, taking leading parts in pay TV-movies and feature films during the 1990s. Wuhrer sang in amateur contests in Connecticut and appeared in "Fire With Fire" (1986). She appeared in "The Adventures of Ford Fairlane" (1990), using her MTV fame. She also co-starred in "Beastmaster 2: Through the Portals of Time" (1991). Sean Penn's "The Cro" gave her a chance to act in features.

Tyrese Gibson is a talented person across many entertainment fields: actor, singer, songwriter, author, and model. Born December 30, 1978, in Los Angeles, California, Gibson started his fame early by winning a talent show at age 14. This win opened doors for his modeling career; Gibson became the face for brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Guess. Gibson showed versatility by moving from modeling to music and acting.

Stand-up comic Colin Quinn lived by the rule that nothing is sacred. He spoke plainly on politics and religion, sharing details about his sexual life. His edgy, no-holds-barred comedy, paired with his gravelly voice and mush-mouthed delivery, made Quinn unique. Quinn wrote for shows like "In Living Color" (Fox, 1990-94). He later got a spot on "Saturday Night Live" (NBC, 1975-).

Australian-born actress and TV personality Ruby Rose has a striking look and fluid gender identity, making her a focus in Australia. She built a career as a model, TV host, activist, and actress, appearing on "Orange is the New Black" (Netflix, 2013-). Ruby Rose Langenheim was born in Melbourne, Australia, on March 20, 1989. Her mother raised her in different parts of the country before she settled in Melbourne. Rose came out as a lesbian at age 12. She started modeling and auditioned to be an MTV Australia VJ in 2007.

An African-American TV host started on the BET discussion series "Teen Summit" before moving to MTV and then to her own talk show. California native Ananda Lewis turned her desire to work with children into stardom. This Howard University graduate used her Washington, DC location and auditioned at BET, winning a co-hosting role on "Teen Summit" in the mid-1990s. On this series, Lewis discussed issues affecting American youth and the Black community with a panel of teens and experts.

Susie Castillo, born October 27, 1979, is an American actress, TV host, model, and beauty pageant titleholder. She held the Miss USA title and competed in the Miss Teen USA and Miss Universe pageants. Castillo pursued a career in media, appearing on various television shows and hosting as a VJ on MTV's Total Request Live.

Maria Grace Sansone, born February 26, 1981, in Erie, Pennsylvania, is an American television personality. Sansone co-anchored Good Day LA on KTTV FOX 11 in Los Angeles until January 2017. She was also a former field reporter for WNBC 4 New York, appearing daily on LX New York. Sansone appeared on shows and networks including Access Hollywood, Extra, On the Red Carpet, ABC, NBC, MTV, TV Guide Network, Yahoo!, CBS Sports, NESN, and ESPN.

Simon Rex became a popular VJ for MTV viewers in the mid-1990s. Rex later became an actor and a rapper. Rex used his youthful looks in solo pornographic films, gaining experience in front of the camera. He returned as an MTV personality later. Garnering attention for his model look and relaxed style, Rex shifted to acting, appearing on the sitcom "Jack & Jill" (WB, 1999-2001) and in a guest role on the drama "Felicity" (WB, 1998-2002). In 2003, he appeared in his first major film.

Solenn Marie Adea Heussaff-Bolzico, born July 20, 1985, is a Filipina-French VJ, actress, TV host, model, singer, fashion designer, painter, and professional make-up artist. She was an official castaway on Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Showdown, which aired from August 30 to December 3, 2010 on GMA Network. She reached the Final Three. In December 2010, she signed a recording contract with MCA Music, a movie contract with Regal Entertainment, and a television contract with GMA Network and GMA Artist Center.

Alani Nicole "La La" Anthony (née Vázquez), born June 25, 1983, is an American television personality, a New York Times best-selling author, a businesswoman, a producer, and an actress. La La gained fame in the early 2000s as an MTV VJ on Total Request Live. She hosted VH1 reality shows like Flavor of Love, I Love New York, For the Love of Ray J, and Real Chance of Love. La La was also a dean on Charm School with Ricki Lake. Anthony acted in films such as Two Can Play That Game (2001), You Got Served (2004), and Think Like a Man (2012).

Daniel James Cortese, born 1967, is an American actor. He played Perry Rollins in Veronica's Closet and Vic Meladeo in What I Like About You.

Anushka Manchanda, born February 11, 1984, in Delhi, is an Indian singer, model, actress, and former VJ. Manchanda became prominent as a member of the Indipop girl group Viva!. Manchanda also competed in the reality television series Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.

Belinda Jay Panelo is a Filipino American actress and former commercial model. She became an MTV VJ after winning the MTV VJ Hunt in 1999, alongside K. C. Montero. Belinda is the daughter of U.S. vet, Salvador Sauza Panelo. Belinda made her mark on MTV as one of the funniest and wackiest VJs, especially on Classic MTV and MTV Mush.

Georgina Ashley Diaz Wilson-Burnand, born February 12, 1986, is a Filipino-British model, actress, host, and VJ. In 2015, Wilson hosted the third cycle of the reality show, Asia's Next Top Model.

Anusha Dandekar, born January 9, 1982, is an Indian-Australian MTV VJ, actress, and singer. Dandekar is best known as a VJ and a host who hosted several shows.

Bill Bellamy is a stand-up comic who moved into acting after hosting the R&B music video and interview series "MTV Jams." Bellamy seemed like a natural performer but nearly became no entertainer. Goaded into a male beauty pageant while studying economics at Rutgers University, Bellamy chose a routine for the talent competition and wrote a short comedy act that impressed the crowd. Excited by the reaction, he pursued a stand-up career, starting performances in clubs in 1988. Bellamy made his national TV debut on the NBC series "It" in 1990.

Anne Curtis-Smith-Heussaff, born February 17, 1985, is a Filipino-Australian actress, model, television host, VJ, and recording artist in the Philippines. Curtis is currently one of the hosts of the noontime variety show It's Showtime, which airs on ABS-CBN. Curtis starred in television series including Hiram (2004–2005), Kampanerang Kuba (2005), Maging Sino Ka Man (2006–2007), Dyosa (2008), The Wedding (2009), Green Rose (2011), and Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw (2013). She hosted the noontime show It's Showtime from 2009 to the present. In 2014, she played the character Dyesebel, the iconic Komiks character, in Ma

DJ Envy produces records, hosts the radio, and DJs from New York City. He worked in radio for years. He joined Charlamagen tha God and Angela Yee to co-host "The Breakfast Club." August 2020 saw the three of them inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame. DJ Envy appeared on TV shows like "Black Love" (OWN, 2017-22), "First Wives Club" (BET+, 2019-22), and "50 Central" (BET, 2017-18). Recently, he and his wife, Gia Casey, wrote a book together: "Real Life, Real Love: Life Lessons on Joy, Pain, and th".

Sophie Choudry (born Sophia Choudry, February 8, 1980) works mostly in Indian films. She was also an MTV India VJ and sometimes a model or TV presenter. Sophie Choudry is an Indian host, singer, and film actress. The song Mera Babu Chail Chabila is not included here.

Malaika Arora is an Indian actress, dancer, model, VJ, and TV presenter. She gained fame for dancing in songs like Chaiyya Chaiyya (1998), Gur Naalo Ishq Mitha (1998), Maahi Ve (2002), Kaal Dhamaal (2005), and Munni Badnaam Hui (2010). Malaika Arora became a film producer in 2008 with her ex-husband, Arbaaz Khan. Their company, Arbaaz Khan Productions, released films such as Dabangg (2010) and Dabangg 2 (2012).

Shibani Dandekar is an Indian singer, actress, anchor, and model. She started her career as a television anchor on American television. After returning to India, she began hosting shows and events in Hindi television. She also works as a model and a singer.

Nina Blackwood (born September 12, 1955) is an American disc jockey and music journalist. She was the first of the original five MTV VJs, alongside Mark Goodman, J.J. Jackson, Alan Hunter, and Martha Quinn. Nina Blackwood also acted and modeled.

Ed Lover is an actor and writer. He appeared in "Who's the Man?," "Death of a Dynasty," and "Ride."

Edith Ann "E.D." Hill, known as E.D. Donahey during her second marriage, is an American journalist and news presenter for CNN. She served as a news anchor and radio host. E.D. Hill formerly worked for the Fox News Channel.

Collien Fernandes (born September 26, 1981 in Hamburg) is a German TV presenter, VJ, actress, and model.

Martha Quinn was born May 11, 1959. She became a pop culture icon in the 1980s as an original MTV VJ when the network launched in 1981. Her engaging personality and music knowledge shaped early music television. Besides MTV work, Quinn appeared in shows and movies like "The Bradys" (CBS, 1990) and "Full House" (ABC, 1987-1995) as a guest. More recently, she appeared on the TV show "Wicked City" (Allblk, 2015-2016). Quinn continued working on the radio, hosting "The Martha Quinn Show" on iHeartRadio's iH.

Suchitra Pillai, born August 27, 1970, is an Indian actress, model, anchor, and VJ. She got her electronic engineering degree but chose arts over engineering. Suchitra acted in movies like Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Page 3 (2005), Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (2007), and Fashion (2008). She sings Indi pop and rock music; her album Such is Life came out in 2011. Suchitra also works as a theater artist.

Riki Rachtman is an American actor. He appeared in "Mystery Men," "Plump Fiction," and "I Wanna Rock: The 80's Metal Dream."

Tara Deshpande, born December 9, 1975, is an Indian actress, writer, former model, and MTV VJ. Tara hosted Kab Kyon Kahaan on Zee TV with Parth, and later with Vinay Jain in the early 1990s. She appeared in acclaimed films like Sudhir Mishra's Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin and Kaizad Gustad's Bombay Boys. After marrying an American citizen and moving to the Boston area in 2001, she runs a catering agency there. Her husband graduated from Harvard Business School and works in finance. Tara published her first book at age 23, Fifty a.

Rahul Khanna is an actor. He appeared in "Wake Up Sid," "Leila," and "Bollywood/Hollywood."

Amrita Arora, born January 31, 1978, is an Indian film actress, model, TV Presenter, and VJ.

Nauheed Cyrusi, born October 19, 1982, is an Indian actress, model, and VJ. She debuted in 2003 with Padam Kumar's Hindi film, Supari, starring Uday Chopra. Vikram Bhatt cast her opposite Ashmit Patel for Inteha. She also appeared in the youth tele-series Hip Hip Hurray. In 2004, Cyrusi starred in the Telugu film Sakhiya with Tarun Kumar. Cyrusi appeared at India Fashion Week 2007 and the Allen Solly Fashion Show with Koel Purie. She married Rustom on January 5, 2017.

Sushma Reddy acts in films.

Matt Pinfield, born May 28, 1961, is a music personality and TV host. He is best known as a video deejay on MTV and VH1. Matt Pinfield lives in San Francisco, California, though he lived in Harrison, New Jersey, and East Brunswick Township before that. From 2011 to 2013, he hosted the MTV2 alternative music program 120 Minutes. He hosted 120 Minutes from 1995 to 1999.

Kamal Sidhu, born February 24, 1968, is an Indo-Canadian model, VJ, TV anchor, and actor. Kamal Sidhu won Miss India–Canada in 1991. She has a successful career presenting and hosting shows.

Alan Caldwell Hunter, born February 14, 1957, was one of five original MTV VJs from 1981 to 1987. Nina Blackwood, Mark Goodman, Martha Quinn, and J.J. Jackson were the other VJs. Alan hosts SiriusXM Radio's The 80s on 8 channel. He co-owns Hunter Films with his brother Hugh. Alan, Hugh, and two other brothers also started WorkPlay, a studio, office, and entertainment spot in Birmingham, Alabama. Alan hosted the reality show Looking for Stars on Starz cable. He also hosted the Encore series “Big 80s Weekend.”

Adam Clark Curry, born September 3, 1964, is a podcaster, announcer, internet entrepreneur, and media personality. He became an MTV VJ and one of the first celebrities to create and run websites. Now, he co-hosts the No Agenda show. Curry first got into podcasting in the 2000s and earned the title 'Podfather' for his work.

Sonia Couling, also spelled Sonia Cooling, Sonya Couling, or Sonya Cooling (Thai: ซอนย่า คูลลิ่ง; June 18, 1974, Bangkok, Thailand), uses the nickname Pim (Thai: พิม; RTGS: Phim). She is a Thai-English model, actress, and television personality. Sonia has appeared in many Thai films and TV shows. She served as an MTV Asia VJ and hosted HBO Asia. Sonia also produced and hosted Thailand's Next Top Model in 2005. Couling has acted in Hollywood and French productions.

The 5th Season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa premiered June 16, 2012, on Colors and ended September 30, 2012. Manish Paul and Ragini Khanna hosted the series.

Nadya Yuti Hutagalung is an Indonesian-Australian model and actor. She was one of the first MTV Asia VJs in 1995. Nadya also served as a TV host, VJ for USA MTV, MediaWorks artist, painter, and jewelry designer. Born July 28, 1974, in Sydney, her father, Ricky (born 1951), is Indonesian of Batak descent from Tarutung, and her mother, Dianne (born 1950), is Australian. Asiaweek voted Nadya one of Asia's Leading Trendmakers, alongside the Dalai Lama, Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh, and Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fatt, for her ability to inspire and fascinate.

Raelene Elaine Ebaler Villania-Arellano, known as Iya Villania, was born June 29, 1986. She is a Filipino Australian television presenter, actress, and host. Iya is widely known for her work as a VJ on the music channel MYX.

Damien Richard Fahey, born June 1, 1980, writes and voices for Family Guy. He works as a radio DJ, television host, comedian, drummer, and former MTV VJ. In 2002, Fahey took over as the host of MTV's Total Request Live after Carson Daly left MTV for his own NBC late-night show. Fahey hosted CBS's The Late, Late Show in 2004 when Craig Kilborn left suddenly; Fahey was thought to be one of the four finalists for the permanent job.

Toby Amies makes programs about art, music, and travel, focusing on fringe culture and alternative views. He created the feature documentary *The Man Whose Mind Exploded*. Toby worked on Radio4, MTV Europes's Alternative Nation, FilmFour, Lonely Planet Six Degrees, and The Rough Guides. Toby also writes and photographs portraits.

Katherine Anne Alano, born July 9, 1985, is an English-Filipino model, actress, and television presenter/VJ in the Philippines.