Supporters of the iconic ’90s television series Sweet Valley High got excited when recent pictures of one of the main actors started circulating online, nearly three decades after the show premiered.

The former teen heartthrob, known for his role as Winston Egbert in the popular series inspired by Francine Pascal’s cherished books, posted several photos on social media — including one featuring his beautiful wife and another taken during the filming of a recent project.

Sporting a rugged beard and a casual style, his appearance now greatly differs from the quirky, nerdy charisma that characterized his character as the funny troublemaker smitten with Jessica, one of the well-known Sweet Valley High siblings.

After the show wrapped, the actor pursued a BFA in Theatre from UCLA’s School of Theatre, Film, and Television, later landing notable roles in The Bold and the Beautiful, Scandal, and Chuck, per his IMDB bio. 

He even co-founded a production company Burton Street Productions with wife Melissa Lugo.

Can you guess who this mystery star is? 

Fans of the ’90s teen drama Sweet Valley High were buzzing when recent photos of one of the show’s stars surfaced online, nearly 30 years after the series first aired

The former teen heartthrob, who portrayed Winston Egbert in the hit show based on Francine Pascal’s beloved novels, shared several snaps on social media — including one with his stunning wife and another from the set of a recent production

If you guessed Michael Perl, you’re right!

Michael, a native Angeleno, got his first role as Danny Zuko in his 5th grade production of Grease, according to his IMDB bio.

He has also created award-winning short films and web series with his Burton Street Productions company.

According to his IMDB, he has three new projects in the works: Edith & Harvey, The Enlightenment of Brittany Darlington and Hortak.   

In the book Sweet Valley High: Confidential 10 Years Later, Michael’s character Winston embarks on a new chapter at college, adopting the nickname Winnie.

Sadly, after college, Winston undergoes a dramatic transformation. 

The once goofy and upbeat character shifts into a cynical and bitter businessman. 

In a tragic turn, Winston’s life comes to an abrupt end midway through the story, following a drunken fall from his 20th-floor balcony, ruled as an accident. 

If you guessed Michael Perl, you’re right!

The franchise had 181 books in total, and sparked multiple spin-offs and a TV series of the same name that aired from 1994 until 1997

With his scruffy beard and effortless style, his look is a far cry from the goofy, nerdy charm that defined his role as the class clown with a crush on Jessica, one of the famous Sweet Valley High twins

In the book Sweet Valley High: Confidential 10 Years Later, Michael’s character Winston embarks on a new chapter at college, adopting the nickname Winnie

The book series was a huge hit throughout the ’80s and ’90s.

It centered on twin sisters Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield, living in Sweet Valley, California.

The franchise had 181 books in total, and sparked multiple spin-offs and a TV series of the same name that aired from 1994 until 1997.

Pascal, the author and executive producer of the television adaptation, died at age 92 in July 2024 following a battle with cancer.