Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 3, 2025 · Entertainment

The Hidden Turmoil: Behind the Scenes of 'Party of Five'

Party of Five - starring (L-R) Neve Campbell, Lacey Chabert, Matthew Fox, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Scott Wolf - was one of the most celebrated shows of the 90s, but the lives of the future stars would not be all smooth sailing in the decades ahead

SCANDALOUS! The Party of Five Alumni: A Tumultuous Journey

In the 90s, television was dominated by iconic shows that captivated audiences worldwide. Among them stood out one series that left an indelible mark on our collective memory: Party of Five. This poignant drama followed the lives of the Salinger children as they navigated the complexities of growing up after losing both parents in a tragic drunk driving accident. The show, which aired from 1994 to 2000, not only made breakout stars out of its young cast but also became a cultural phenomenon.

A Fresh-Faced Cast and Tragic Scandals

The cast of the popular TV drama was pictured in 1997

The series introduced America to Scott Wolf (57), Matthew Fox (59), Neve Campbell (47), Lacey Chabert (43), and Jennifer Love Hewitt (46) as the Salinger siblings. These talented young actors brought depth and nuance to their respective roles, but off-screen drama would soon become a recurring theme.

The show's success was not limited to its on-screen performances. It also garnered a Primetime Emmy nomination in 1996 and continues to maintain an army of devoted fans who keep the show's legacy alive on platforms like Facebook and Reddit.

Scott Wolf: A Messy Divorce

Scott Wolf, 57, has made headlines as of late amid his contentious split with his wife of 21 years, life coach Kelley Wolf, 48. Pictured in LA in May

Fast-forward to present day, and Scott Wolf has found himself at the center of controversy. His messy divorce with wife Kelley (48), a life coach, has been making headlines in recent months. The pair have been married for 21 years and share three children together. However, their union has become increasingly contentious.

Kelley's erratic behavior has led to multiple 911 calls and police visits to the Utah home they once shared. Scott released a statement on June 10, announcing his decision to file for divorce and asking for privacy as he navigates this new chapter with his children.

However, things took a dark turn when Kelley requested a restraining order against Scott, citing that she had "engaged in an escalating pattern of behavior that poses a substantial threat of immediate and irreparable harm" to their minor children. This development has raised eyebrows, leaving fans wondering what really went down behind closed doors.

Wolf played Bailey while Hewitt played his girlfriend Sarah Reeves, beginning in 1995

But Scott's troubles don't stop there. In May, he was involved in another uncomfortable situation when he was pulled over for driving 128 miles per hour in his 2009 Audi. This latest incident adds to a growing list of transportation-related incidents that have marred the actor's reputation.

Jennifer Love Hewitt: A Journey to Self-Discovery

Meanwhile, Jennifer Love Hewitt has been on a rollercoaster ride of her own. The actress, known for her iconic roles in Party of Five and I Know What You Did Last Summer, has had her fair share of struggles. In recent months, she opened up about dealing with body positivity issues during her heyday.

Jennifer Love Hewitt created plenty of buzz when she walked the red carpet earlier this month

In an interview with Vulture earlier this month, Hewitt spoke candidly about the scrutiny she faced regarding her physique. She revealed that watching the documentary Framing Britney Spears brought back memories of the harsh criticism she endured in the early 2000s. The actress confessed to feeling overwhelmed by the public's fascination with her body and attempting to "outact" the conversation around her physical appearance.

Hewitt's words of wisdom are a poignant reminder for all women struggling with body image issues: "A size 2 is not fat! Nor will it ever be. And being a size 0 doesn't make you beautiful." Her message of self-acceptance and empowerment resonates deeply, inspiring her fans to stay strong and confident in their own skin.

Matthew Fox: A String of Bizarre Incidents

Hewitt said efforts 'to be a good actor' were upended by the public's fascination with her appearance, leading her to try 'outact the conversation around my body.' Pictured in 2000

Matthew Fox has also had his share of troubles in the past decade. The actor, who famously played Dr. Jack Shephard on Lost, was involved in a series of bizarre incidents that have left many wondering about his judgment.

In 2011, he was detained and taken into custody by law enforcement after attempting to trespass onto a private party bus and striking a driver named Heather Bormann. The incident raised eyebrows, but Fox's troubles were far from over.

Less than a year later, in May 2012, he was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in his native Oregon. He pleaded no contest to the charges, leaving fans wondering if this marked the beginning of a downward spiral.

Matthew Fox, 59, pictured in Australia in 2023

These scandals have left many questioning the Party of Five alumni's behavior and judgment. While they continue to navigate their personal struggles, one thing remains certain: their legacy as talented actors will forever be tied to the iconic series that catapulted them into stardom.