Introduction: Who Is Callie Haverda?
Callie Haverda is quickly becoming a household name thanks to her standout role as Leia Forman in Netflix’s hit series That ’90s Show. At just 17 years old, this young actress has captivated audiences with her unique charm, comedic timing, and authentic screen presence. As the daughter of Eric and Donna from the original That ’70s Show, her character acts as a bridge between generations, and Haverda rises to the occasion with remarkable ease.
Her natural charisma and modern Gen Z appeal have positioned her as a rising force in Hollywood. With a mix of innocence, wit, and relatability, Callie Haverda brings fresh energy to the screen, all while honoring the legacy of the show’s beloved predecessor. But who is the real girl behind the retro sitcom revival?
As audiences continue to binge-watch That ’90s Show, interest in Haverda’s background, personality, and career trajectory is surging. This article explores the real story behind her rise, revealing how a Texas native transformed into a Netflix star.
From Austin to Stardom: Her Early Life and Career
Callie Haverda’s journey began in Austin, Texas, where she was born on February 21, 2007, and raised in a creative, supportive household. Much of her middle-school years was spent being homeschooled, allowing her the flexibility to explore her interests. In eighth grade she returned to public school—Westwood High—for one semester, which later transitioned online due to COVID-19. Shortly after booking That ’90s Show, she and her family relocated to California, fully immersing themselves in her burgeoning career.
Early spark: acting at six
Haverda’s foray into the acting world began at just six years old, with a national commercial—one of over 20 commercials for brands like Citibank, KFC, Hyundai, and even a H‑E‑B Super Bowl spot featuring Troy Aikman.She fell in love with performing on set, describing it as a moment of realization: “I fell in love with the whole experience, and knew I couldn’t stop!”.
Stepping into film and TV
Throughout her early teens, Callie built an impressive resume across film and television. Notable roles include Abby Moran in the Netflix feature The Lost Husband (2020), and appearances in the drama Shut Eye, the short Paper Memories, and the family show The Adventures of Pepper and Paula. These projects showcased her versatility and ambition, establishing her as more than just a child actor.
That ’90s Show: How Callie Haverda Took Center Stage
Stepping Into a Beloved Legacy
When Callie Haverda was cast as Leia Forman in That ’90s Show, she instantly faced the weight of legacy. As the daughter of iconic characters Eric and Donna, stepping onto the same basement set was a surreal moment. Haverda admitted, “It was extremely intimidating, but as soon as I stepped out there … it felt very surreal”, sharing how her debut scene with veteran cast members brought everything full circle. Born in 2007 and stepping into a sequel rooted in nostalgia, she balanced honoring a previous sitcom’s charm while carving her own niche .
Topher Grace, reprising his role as Eric Forman, advised her: “Don’t compare yourselves to the old cast”, which helped Haverda embrace her own character rather than mimic the past. With support from her new co-stars, especially Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith, she felt fully welcomed: “They made us feel very comfortable and like we belonged on the set”. This strength allowed her to step confidently into live audience tapings and the fast-paced, multi-cam environment.
A Role That Resounds with Gen Z Audiences
Leia Forman isn’t just a continuation of sitcom legacy; she’s a teen navigating discovery—starting with a summer spent away from home in Wisconsin. Haverda’s performance resonates with both nostalgia and contemporary authenticity. She interpreted Leia’s journey as one of growth: “she becomes more comfortable in herself and expressing herself”—a quality that has connected with Gen Z viewers.
Her dedication went beyond mimicry. Haverda dove into ’90s culture prep—studying Riot Grrrl music and building subject-specific playlists, crafting Leia as a real, relatable teenager grounded in a particular era. Fans gravitated to her character for her earnest charm, authenticity, and the genuine chemistry she shared with both legacy icons and a new ensemble.
Style, Personality, and Influence
A ‘90s-Inspired Gen Z Trendsetter
Callie Haverda doesn’t just portray ’90s fashion on screen—she actively channels it. In interviews, she’s highlighted how the revival of ’90s trends in today’s culture made her styling as Leia feel both nostalgic and current, noting, “A lot of the outfits we wear on the show are very similar to what we wear today because so many people take inspiration from the past” . From hat-topped blouses to high-waist jeans and chokers, her character’s wardrobe reflects the iconic aesthetic of the era while still resonating with contemporary audiences.
To prepare, Haverda immersed herself in ’90s subcultures—reading about the Riot Grrrl movement and even putting together era-specific playlists featuring bands like Alanis Morissette and Veruca Salt. This helped her embody Leia’s rebellious-yet-sensitive persona in both fashion and attitude. She embraces a message of authenticity: worry less about labels and more about self-expression—a mentality that resonates with Gen Z, inspiring fans to blend vintage vibes with their own modern twists.
Personality Off-Screen: Charm, Confidence, and Connection
Off-camera, Haverda has been praised for her “honest, relatable, and fun” personality. In a feature by The Newsette, she shared that what drew her to Leia was how “honest the writing and the characters felt”—qualities that appealed to both her and her peers. She speaks candidly about teen experiences—first crushes, friendship drama, experimenting (like at Hot Topic), and navigating life without smartphones—delivering performances that feel real, not rehearsed.
Because many viewers grew up in the 2000s and 2010s, Haverda’s grounded presence helps connect two generations. She credits the seasoned cast—Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith—with teaching her to stay present and respectful on set, even noting how watching them rehearse inspired her approach to acting.
Impact: Inspiring Gen Z to Reembrace Simple Tech-Free Connections
Haverda and Leia’s storyline highlights how people connected in the pre-digital age—meeting up, listening to mixtapes, and carving out summer adventures. She hopes the show rekindles an appreciation for offline real-world connections, saying: “since it’s set in the nineties we barely have any technology in it. No cell phones, no social media… I hope the show encourages people to step away from social media and connect with the people around them”.
Leia’s metamorphosis from awkward teen to confident young adult models a self-discovery arc that’s meaningful for today’s viewers. Callie’s commitment to authenticity, paired with her fashion-forward wardrobe rooted in retro culture, help Leia serve as both role model and revivalist—celebrating heritage while helping Gen Z make it their own.
What’s Next for Callie Haverda?
Season 2 & Beyond on That ’90s Show
Callie Haverda has confirmed that filming for Season 2 of That ’90s Show is her current main focus, and she’s clearly enthusiastic about returning to Point Place. The Netflix spin-off continues to captivate audiences, and Haverda’s commitment to reprising the role of Leia reflects both her passion for the character and her excitement to further explore Leia’s story . With Season 2 already in the works and a storyline stacking up new adventures, her fans can look forward to seeing Leia mature even more.
According to a recent People feature, the second part of the new season premiered on June 27, 2024, followed by a third release anticipated for October 24, 2024. Haverda is not only starring but also tackling challenging—even intimidating—guest scenes with icons like Lisa Loeb and Seth Green, voices she admires. On working with Loeb, she shared; “I was mainly intimidated by Lisa Loeb… I rewatched her music video so many times”. This shows how seriously she approaches her craft—even when facing big-name guest stars.
Expanding Her Creative Vision: Writing on the Horizon
Beyond acting, Callie is nurturing ambitions behind the camera. In a wide-ranging interview, she revealed she’s written several screenplays and envisions bringing them to life in the coming years. Delving into screenwriting reflects her intent to have more control over storytelling. Growing up homeschooled, acting since age six, and now writing scripts, she’s steadily building a creative foundation that could make her a multifaceted force in entertainment.
Dream Collaborations & Artistic Ambition
When asked about her future goals, Haverda excitedly mentioned names like Wes Anderson, Greta Gerwig, Damien Chazelle, and Noah Baumbach—directors she admires and hopes to work with someday. This reveals her clear artistic tastes, featuring directors known for thoughtful, character-driven storytelling and stylistic innovation. She’s not chasing just any gig—she wants creative depth and distinctive vision.
Source: Thedirect / Texaslifestylemag
Maintaining Balance & Personal Growth
Even while growing in visibility, Callie is mindful of maintaining balance. She shared she leans on supportive elements—her team, family, on-set teachers and flexible homeschool programs—to manage schooling, acting, and keeping normal teenage life alive . Having successfully juggled multiple auditions, traveling, and filming since moving to California, she’s proven she can thrive under pressure while staying grounded.
Conclusion
Callie Haverda’s meteoric rise from a Texas-born child actor to the breakout star of That ’90s Show speaks volumes about her innate talent, dedication, and dual creative ambitions. Diving into Leia Forman’s retro-inspired wardrobe and immersing herself in ’90s culture, she’s connected deeply with both nostalgia-seeking fans and Gen Z viewers longing for authenticity. Her smooth on-screen growth and off-screen personality—marked by poise, creativity, and humility—underscore her potential to become a lasting voice in entertainment. As she continues filming upcoming seasons, explores screenwriting, and sets her sights on respected filmmakers, Haverda is proving she’s not a passing phenomenon, but a multi-faceted artist carving her own path.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Callie Haverda?
- Callie Haverda is an American actress born on February 21, 2007, in Austin, Texas. She gained fame playing Leia Forman in That ’90s Show on Netflix.
- How did she prepare for her role as Leia?
- She researched ’90s culture, listened to Riot Grrrl bands like Alanis Morissette and Veruca Salt, and embraced period fashion to authentically personify a retro-Gen Z teen.
- When do the next seasons premiere?
- Part 2 (Season 2) premiered on June 27, 2024, while Part 3 (Season 3) hit Netflix on October 24, 2024.
- What are her future goals?
- Apart from acting in upcoming show parts, Callie is writing a coming-of-age screenplay and aspires to collaborate with acclaimed directors like Greta Gerwig, Wes Anderson, and Damien Chazelle.