One of the main drivers for the impressive progress seen in high contrast high angular resolution astronomy is the direct detection and characterization of Earth-like extrasolar planets. While such exquisite observations remain an exciting goal for the future, the corresponding instrument and data processing developments have already led to a number of new astronomical results. This rapid progress is based on the emergence of fairly recent techniques, such as single-mode interferometry, nulling interferometry, extreme AO, phase-mask coronagraphy, aperture masking, optical aperture synthesis etc. As the capabilities of these high contrast techniques improved over time, I have applied them to the characterization of increasingly difficult astronomical sources, ranging from late type stars upper atmospheric layers to hot debris disks and faint stellar companions. I concentrate here on some applications of high contrast stellar interferometry, as illustrated by past observations from IOTA and Keck, and on-going developments at Palomar (Fiber Nuller) and the LBTI.