Varsity Blues star Ali Larter's triumphant career comeback after struggle with Hollywood fame

Anyone who watched films or TV in the mid-to-late noughties will probably recognise Ali Larter's face.

One of the actress' most iconic roles was in the 2001 film Legally Blonde.

However, you may also know her from other cameos and memorable TV appearances over the years, including in Final Destination, Heroes and 1999's Varsity Blues, which also starred the late Paul Walker James Van Der Beek and Jon Voight.

On Sunday, Larter, 49, thrilled fans and turned heads as she emerged on the red carpet at the Critics Choice Awards, wearing a sleek and plunging black dress and with bright blonde hair.

Watch the video above.

In recent years, the actress has shunned the spotlight – and it's something she's been open about in the past.

Here, nine.com.au takes a look back at her big Hollywood comeback.

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A big Hollywood return

Larter's red carpet appearance marks a return to the spotlight for the American star, who scored a role in the hit show Landman in 2024.

It is from the creator of Yellowstone.

The drama series, about the oil rig industry in country America, also stars Demi Moore, Billy Bob Thornton and Sam Elliot.

Speaking to Fox News Digital, Larter reflected on the thrilling new series and said, "I think that we were incredibly surprised our second season premiere was so big."

"People love the messy family, they love the dynamics. There's something in our show for everyone."

She also presented onstage at the Critics Choice Awards.

Other roles Later has taken on in recent years include in films such as 2024's Spin the Bottle, and 2023's The Man in the White Van.

The roles that made a star

In the hit rom-com Legally Blonde, starring opposite Reese Witherspoon, Larter portrayed the glamourous Brooke Taylor Windham, a fitness mogul who was framed for the murder of her husband.

Brooke has confidence in student lawyer Elle Woods (Witherspoon) to get her out of prison and makes her lead counsel.

Before Larter arrived on the big screen, she appeared in several '90s TV shows, including her very first role in a guest spot on Suddenly Susan.

Her biggest role in the 1990s, however, was in the 1999 sport comedy Varsity Blues.

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The movie includes a famous scene where Larter dons a whipped cream bikini.

It's this moment fans still remember and speak to the actress about when they see her in the street.

"People still love it and come up to me all the time," she told ABC News in the US to mark 20 years since the film in 2019.

"It's also bittersweet knowing that we've lost a couple cast members at this point, but I think back on those times and they still feel so fresh to me."

Two of Larter's co-stars in the film, Paul Walker and Ron Lester, have both since died.

In 2006, just a few years after Legally Blonde premiered, Larter won one of her most defining roles to date – a spot on the supernatural show Heroes.

Larter played multiple roles on the series between 2006 and 2010, including the character of Niki and her alter ego.

After leaving the show in 2010, though, Larter failed to find a role that would earn her the same success.

A struggle with Hollywood fame

In 2007, Larter spoke about the pressure of maintaining the same level of intense fame to PhillyMag.

"I moved to New York and took some time off to define myself outside the pressures of the industry – to sit on park benches and think and be around different kinds of cultures," she explained.

"Part of me really needed to know if this is what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

"But when I tried to force my way back in the business, it didn't welcome me with open arms."

She's married to comedian Hayes McArthur and the pair share a family.

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