"Teen" Protagonists: 10 Times 30-Year-Olds Played High Schoolers Badly

1 & 2. Grease

The year was 1958. Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John), a wholesome Australian student, and Danny Zuko (John Travolta), a leather jacket-wearing greaser, had a summer fling. Lo and behold, Sandy transferred to Danny's Rydell High School. Musical madness ensued with rockabilly rhythms, Pink Ladies, and the infamous Greased Lightning car.

But wait, weren't these the hippest, smoothest-faced high school kids you ever did see? Travolta, aged 24, and Newton-John, at 29, tried to pass as teenagers. Yet, their undeniable talent made up for their less-than-convincing teenage appearances.

But wait, there's even more! Rizzo, the Pink Ladies' sassy leader in Grease, strutted the halls with a sharp wit and an even sharper tongue. She dated, sang, and even faced a pregnancy scare. Amidst teen angst and musical numbers, one thing was clear – Rizzo had been in high school a tad too long. Stockard Channing, impressively portraying this fierce character, was 33. Yes, 33! While her performance was iconic, she was, without a doubt, the most mature-looking "teen" at Rydell High.

3. Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar), a seemingly regular high-school student in Sunnydale, carried a weighty secret. She was, in fact, a chosen one: a Vampire Slayer. With her pals, she tackled demons, dated vampires, and tried to survive high school (figuratively and literally). Did we mention the Hellmouth under her school?

Gellar, at a sprightly 20, played a 16-year-old, while Charisma Carpenter, portraying cheerleader Cordelia, was 27! Their battles against the undead were more believable than their attempts to play fresh-faced high schoolers.

4. 90210

The Walsh siblings, Brenda and Brandon, relocated from Minnesota to the ritzy world of Beverly Hills. They navigated love, loss, and the luxe life of California's elite high school scene. But, ahem, didn't some of those students look... mature? Enter Gabrielle Carteris, playing Andrea Zuckerman, the diligent school journalist. Carteris, aged 29, played a 16-year-old with a passion for news and older-looking features. In a school of fresh-faced teens, Andrea surely had some secret anti-aging tips up her sleeve.

5. Pretty Little Liars

In the town of Rosewood, four girls grappled with the disappearance of their leader, Alison. Messages from "A" tormented them, revealing their deepest secrets. Amidst the drama and mystery, one can't help but think: How do these teens manage such intricate makeup looks?

Especially Troian Bellisario, who at 25, played a high school junior, Spencer Hastings. The intelligent and complex Spencer had more than just secrets – she had a few extra years on her. Even though the drama was addictive, those extra candles on her birthday cake were hard to ignore.

6. Smallville

Clark Kent, before he was Superman, was just another high school student in Smallville. Well, a student with superhuman abilities, alien origins, and a love interest named Lana. As Clark discovered his powers and battled youthful versions of famous DC villains, Tom Welling portrayed this younger Man of Steel.

Aged 24 when the series started, Welling convincingly played a 14-year-old freshman. Well, as convincingly as a man with chiseled features can play a freshman. Maybe it's that Kryptonian gene that kept him looking so... grown?

7. One Tree Hill

In the small town of Tree Hill, two half-brothers, Lucas and Nathan, rivaled on and off the basketball court. Amidst romantic triangles and slam dunks, a few of these high schoolers had been "seniors" for a while. Case in point, Paul Johansson, who at 34, played Dan Scott, technically a parent, but often mixed with the younger crowd. His mature appearance made it clear: This wasn't his first time at the high school rodeo.

8. The O.C.

Ryan Atwood, a troubled teen from Chino, moved to the affluent community of Orange County. He clashed and bonded with his posh peers, including Seth, Marissa, and Summer. But, amidst the beach parties and teenage drama, Ben McKenzie's age stood out. Portraying 16-year-old Ryan, 25-year-old McKenzie's mature demeanor felt more suitable for college than high school. Nevertheless, his brooding looks melted hearts, even if they didn't quite match his character's age.

9. Riverdale

Archie, Jughead, Betty, and Veronica, once innocent comic characters, got a darker twist in the town of Riverdale. Murders, mysteries, and musical numbers galore! But one thing more mysterious than the town's events? Archie's (KJ Apa) chiseled physique. At 19, playing a 15-year-old, Apa's six-pack seemed more apt for a fitness model than a high school sophomore. While the drama kept fans hooked, Archie's "teenage" abs raised a few brows.

10. Glee

William McKinley High School's glee club, New Directions, aimed for nationals, facing school bullies and love triangles along the way. While their voices hit the right notes, some of their ages missed the mark. Like Cory Monteith, who at 27, played 16-year-old Finn Hudson. With his tall frame and mature face, Finn surely seemed to have flunked a few grades. Nevertheless, his heartfelt performances made viewers cheer, even if his "teenage" appearance was a bit off-key.