How Are The Biggest 80’s Stars Doing Nowadays?
The culture of the 80’s has been making a comeback as of late. It’s no wonder why! In those days, dance-pop blared on the radio, people used computers as big as televisions, fashionistas wandered around in parachute pants, and everyone had their hair up in scrunchies. The nostalgia has been further strengthened by iconic Hollywood films and shows! For this very reason, we compiled a list of the biggest 80’s stars that we all love and miss. Let’s see what they’ve been doing since then!
During the 80’s, many iconic films came out. If you really need specific examples, try to think of Raiders of the Lost Arc, Die Hard, The Karate Kid, The Breakfast Club, Back to the Future, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and The Goonies! We could go on for days on end but this should be enough for now. In those days, Hollywood was dominated by the likes of Bo Derek, Alyssa Milano, Nancy McKeon, Brooke Shields, Harrison Ford, Erika Eleniak, Tom Cruise, Madonna, and Tom Hanks. Many of them are still active in the industry, appearing in the biggest films and winning all the awards, though they probably credit the 80’s for their success. Even for these stars, the 80’s proved to be a highly formative period.
You can probably tell that there was something unique about those days. We’re a little sorry for the younger readers, those who did not get to experience it. Maybe you guys can ask your parents more about it if you want to understand what’s so special about the 80’s. It’s also possible to put on an oldies movie and take in the atmosphere! Nonetheless, why don’t we go check up on our favorite stars from the decade? It has been quite a while since those days so we bet you are excited to see what they have been doing since then!
Elisabeth Shue
Did you know that Elisabeth Shue graduated with a degree from Harvard? The Ivy League graduate worked on many 80’s films including Cocktail, The Karate Kid, Back to the Future Part II, Adventures in Babysitting, and Back to the Future Part III. She has also earned numerous acting nominations and awards over the years!
Elisabeth Shue
Melissa Gilbert
For ten years, Melissa Gilbert appeared on the small screen in the role of Laura Ingalls Wilder on Little House on the Prairie. Aside from this, she also worked on The Miracle Worker, The Diary of Anne Frank, and several made-for-television films. She has not only made a name for herself in the entertainment industry, but she has also dipped her toes in politics! During the 2016 elections, she actually won the Democratic primary for Michigan’s 8th congressional district. Unfortunately, she withdrew her candidacy in the race for health reasons.
Melissa Gilbert
Pam Dawber
Pam Dawber started making waves in the 70’s and 80’s when she took on the role of Mindy McConnell in Mork & Mindy. She was also well-known for playing Samantha Russell in the TV show My Sister Sam. Now retired, she lives a low-key life with her husband Mark Harmon.
Pam Dawber
Charlotte Rae
Surely, you remember Charlotte Rae AKA Edna Garrett of Diff’rent Strokes and The Facts of Life! She won a fight with pancreatic cancer back in 2009. Unfortunately, she was later diagnosed with bone cancer in 2017. She passed away at the age of 92 in August 2018.
Charlotte Rae
Barbara Eden
Aside from appearing in front of the camera for The Secret Life of Kathy McCormick, Barbara Eden also worked behind-the-scenes as the co-producer. Most people, however, will know her better from I Dream of Jeannie. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1988! The retired actress also wrote a tell-all memoir called Jeannie Out of the Bottle in 2011 so read up if you want to find out more about her journey.
Barbara Eden
Loretta Swit
M.A.S.H. has got to be one our favorite TV shows ever. How can we ever forget about Loretta Swit and her performance in the role of Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan? After the show reached its final season, she took on some more acting jobs. Nowadays, she runs her jewelry line and helps animal rights charities.
Loretta Swit
Jeanne Tripplehorn
We all came to know and love Jeanne Tripplehorn when she appeared on Basic Instinct. After her debut, she appeared in blockbuster hits such as Waterworld. She continues to act and she even appeared in Criminal Minds for two seasons!
Jeanne Tripplehorn
Lindsay Wagner
Back in the 80’s, Lindsay Wagner made a name for herself when she played Jaime Sommers in the science fiction TV series The Bionic Woman. Did you know she ended up winning an Emmy for it? More recently, she played Alex’s mom in Grey’s Anatomy.
Lindsay Wagner
Lee Majors
True enough, Lee Majors first made waves back in the 60’s. However, there is no denying the fact that his performances in The Fall Guy and The Six Million Dollar Man made him even more successful! He is presently married to actress Faith Majors, who happens to be his fourth wife.
Lee Majors
Catherine Bach
Now, here is someone who has made her mark on the industry! Catherine Bach appeared on The Dukes of Hazzard and she was the one who popularized the so-called “daisy duke look”. Nowadays, you can watch her in The Young and the Restless.
Catherine Bach
Nancy McKeon
Nancy McKeon will likely forever be synonymous with Jo Polniaczek from the The Facts of Life. The NBC sitcom was actually one of the most popular shows back in the 80’s! While she took on a few big and small screen projects later on, she chose to focus more on her husband and two daughters instead.
Nancy McKeon
Lauren Tewes
The actress was on the cast of The Love Boat for nine years, though she sadly had to be written out after her problems with drugs. These days, Lauren Tewes does voice work and regional theater.
Lauren Tewes
Debbie Gibson
Debbie Gibson is sure one talented lady. This 80’s pop star has worked as a record producer, an actress, and a singer-songwriter over the years! Her most popular songs are probably “Lost In Your Eyes”, “Foolish Beat”, and “Say Goodbye”. She also worked on Broadway performances of Grease and Les Miserables.
Debbie Gibson
Rob Lowe
Rob Lowe shot into fame and stardom during the 80’s when he landed roles in iconic films like St. Elmo’s Fire, The Outsiders, Oxford Blues, and About Last Night… More recently, the handsome actor was cast in high-profile TV shows such as The West Wing, Brothers & Sisters, and Parks and Recreation. Aside from acting, Lowe is also a philanthropist!
Rob Lowe
Cyndi Lauper
It was 1983 when Cyndi Lauper wowed everyone with “She’s So Unusual”, her first solo album. Even at the present, everyone still loves her! The performer definitely made her mark on the industry, though her humanitarian work is just as impressive.
Cyndi Lauper
Laura San Giacomo
Laura San Giacomo was finally recognized in Hollywood after her role in Sex, Lies and Videotape, a 1989 Steven Soderbergh film. The star even went on to receive a Golden Globe nomination for her performance and won a ‘Los Angeles Film Critics Association- New Generation Award’. You may recognize this star from her performance in Pretty Woman as Kit De Luca where she acted alongside Richard Gere and Julia Roberts.
Laura San Giacomo
Kirsten Vangsness
Penelope Garcia from Criminal Minds was played by none other than Kirsten Vangsness. She was a nerdy tech wizard who worked as a forensics expert. Kirsten also starred on the show’s spin-off Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior. She currently acts on the side, but spends most of her time writing plays and performance-art pieces.
Kirsten Vangsness
Salma Hayek
Salma Hayek is a Mexican-American leading actress. Not only is she stunning, but she’s married to a man worth $26 billion. Starring in Frida was her big break in Hollywood. She lives in LA with her husband and daughter and she continues to act to this day. Look out for her, she’ll be in a bunch of upcoming films.
Salma Hayek
ALI MACGRAW, 79 YEARS OLD
Ali MacGraw made waves when she starred in the film Love Story opposite Ryan O’Neal. She still looks amazing despite her advanced age, right? As a matter of fact, People listed her in their article called the 50 Most Beautiful People. Good going, Ali! She definitely deserves it.
ALI MACGRAW, 79 YEARS OLD
Joe Pesci
Joe Pesci was first noticed as a child, so he got started in the business at a young age. His first notable role was in the film Raging Bull. Since it would take us all day to mention his work, we’ll name a select top few. He starred in Goodfellas, Casino, Easy Money, Once Upon a Time in America, Lethal Weapon 2 & 3 and Home Alone. Impressive to say the least!
Joe Pesci
Tony Danza
Did you know that Tony Danza’s real name is Antonio Salvatore Iadanza? The actor made a name for himself when he appeared on Taxi and Who’s the Boss? He also took home an Emmy and four Golden Globes! He is still active in Hollywood, though he has not landed a leading role recently.
Tony Danza[/caption]
Jennifer Grey
Now, Jennifer Grey is definitely one of the biggest stars of the decade. Her success can be attributed to two of the most popular 80’s films: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Dirty Dancing. She was nominated for a Golden Globe when she played Baby in the latter. She has not taken on many acting jobs since then, though she brought home the bacon when she appeared on the reality show Dancing with the Stars in 2010!
Jennifer Grey
Phoebe Cates
Remember Phoebe Cates of Gremlines and Fast Times at Ridgemont High fame? We bet you do! Everyone missed her when she quit acting back in 1991, though we were glad when she came out of retirement in 2001 to appear in The Anniversary Party. Apparently, the actress only did it as a favor for a friend.
Phoebe Cates
Pat Sajak
If you don’t know who the famous Pat Sajak is, then maybe you shouldn’t keep reading this list. Nah, just kidding, you know exactly who the talented host of Wheel of Fortune is. He has been hosting this show since the early 1980’s. Would you believe it if I told you that Sajak himself didn’t believe the show was going to be a success. Well, look at that!
Pat Sajak
Brooke Shields
Did you know that Brooke Shields actually started out as a child model? When she was 12 years old, she was on the receiving end of critical acclaim when she starred in Pretty Baby. After the project, she continued to model and later starred in projects such as Endless Love and The Blue Lagoon. She is still active in the industry and she actually has a recurring role in the legal drama Law and Order: Special Victims Unit!
Brooke Shields
Kirk Cameron
Growing Pains actor Kirk Cameron portrayed Mike Seaver on the sitcom and he even earned two nominations for the Golden Globe Awards for his performance! After the show finished, he took on some acting jobs but he is now a religious leader.
Kirk Cameron
Kelly LeBrock
Can you imagine going into the modeling business at the tender age of 16? That was what it was like for Kelly LeBrock who began appearing on magazine covers and spreads as a teenager. In the 80’s, she portrayed many “perfect” woman roles in films. In 2013, she decided to return to the industry.
Kelly LeBrock
Kelly McGillis
Remember Kelly McGillis? On the off-chance that you don’t remember the 80’s film star, we would like to remind you that she was in Witness as Rachel Lapp, Top Gun as Charlie, and The Accused as Kathryn Murphy. She has worked with the likes of Jodie Foster and Harrison Ford over the years! She was recently in the television movie, Mother of All Secrets.
Kelly McGillis
Lisa Whelchel
Lisa Whelchel sure aged beautifully! Maybe she discovered the fountain of youth along the way. She is best known for her work on The Mickey Mouse Club and The Facts of Life. At the present, she is currently busy with motivational speaking.
Lisa Whelchel
Claudia Wells
During the 80’s, Claudia Wells earned her fair share of attention when she portrayed Jennifer in Back to the Future. Unfortunately, she decided to stop acting when her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She came back to the industry in 2011 and she has been taking on various acting jobs since then.
Claudia Wells
Jason Patric
Jason Patric made it big back in the 80’s. You have probably seen him in Geronimo: An American Legend, The Lost Boys, Narc, and Speed 2: Cruise Control. However, one thing’s for certain– we will never forget that long, brown mane he used to sport!
Jason Patric
Kirstie Alley
Kirstie Alley played none other than Lieutenant JG Saavik in the Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982). It’s hard to forget about something like that, though she has also received a lot of attention due to her weight loss and gain. Nonetheless, we were incredibly happy when we found out that she has decided to act again in 2013. She actually appeared in the new Fox horror-comedy series, Scream Queens.
Kirstie Alley
Julia Roberts
As we all know, Julia Roberts has always been breathtaking. She made her onscreen debut in 1987 and it was only three years later that she bagged the lead role in Pretty Woman. She has since took home three Golden Globe Awards and one Oscar. Her performance in Erin Brockovich earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Julia Roberts
Rebecca De Mornay
Rebecca De Mornay first made it big in Hollywood when she landed the part of Lana in the 1983 crime film Risky Business. She has since appeared in many projects over the years, including 80’s classics such as Runaway Train and The Trip to Bountiful. She remains active in the industry at the present!
Rebecca De Mornay
Justine Bateman
Justine Bateman played Mallory Keaton in the TV show Family Ties. Her stint on the sitcom lasted from 1982 to 1989. She has also worked as a producer, director, and writer over the years. Even more impressive is the fact that she got a Computer Science and Digital Media Management degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2016!
Justine Bateman
Victoria Principal
Victoria Principal is yet another actress who devotes a lot of her time and effort to charity work. The star is best known for her work on Dallas. Nowadays, she is busy with her business ventures.
Victoria Principal
Nicole Eggert
Nicole Eggert was only an eight-year-old girl when she bagged a part in the 1980 flick, Rich and Famous. She has since appeared in Baywatch and Charles in Charge, among other things. She has also worked on a number of Lifetime Christmas films.
Nicole Eggert
Kylie Minogue
We all know Kylie Minogue! Better known as just Kylie, this talented Australian woman is a dancer, actress, songwriter, singer, and philanthropist. She started her career when she went on the Australian show, Nighbours. As a musician, Kylie has been dubbed the “Goddess of Pop” and the “Princess of Pop”. In 2018, she came out with a new album called “Golden”.
Kylie Minogue
Sara Gilbert
While Roseanne was very popular when it went on air during the 80’s and the 90’s, it has enjoyed resurgence earlier this year. It came back as an eight-episode revival this 2018 and Sara Gilbert reprised her old role. Aside from Roseanne, the actress is also credited as the creator and co-host of the TV program The Talk. She guest stars on the sitcom The Big Bang Theory as well.
Sara Gilbert
Lola Falana
Lola Falana stunned everyone with her incredible skills at dancing, acting, and singing from 1964 to 1997. Although she had plenty of potential and talent, her multiple sclerosis made things a lot more difficult. During that time, she had to rely on her religion to help her overcome this ordeal. She is no longer active in the industry as she has chosen to talk about her spiritual journey instead.
Lola Falana
Melanie Griffith
Melanie Griffith has actually been active in the industry since 1969, though her breakthrough only happened in 1984. Uh-huh, we are talking about her performance in Body Double! She has enjoyed a successful and lengthy career since then. More recently, she appeared in Dabka (2017).
Melanie Griffith
Alyssa Milano
Alyssa Milano is probably the closest thing to a goddess we will ever see. She is an activist, actress, singer, and producer in one! You probably remember her from Charmed, My Name is Earl, Who’s the Boss?, and Melrose Place. She has been in the industry for a while now. In fact, she made her debut at 7 years old!
Alyssa Milano
Demi Moore
Demi Moore remains one of the biggest stars in Hollywood even though she is now well into her 50s! She has been slaying it in show business since 1981. What an icon!
Demi Moore
Jennifer Beals
Up next, we have Jennifer Beals, who has starred in over 50 movies since she made her onscreen debut. Personally, we find it hard to imagine that anything could top her performance as Alex Owens in Flashdance. She also appeared in the 2017 film, Before I Fall.
Jennifer Beals
Lea Thompson
When you portrayed a character like Lorraine Baines in a franchise as big as Back to the Future, you will never be forgotten. That was the case for Lea Thompson, though she also starred in other projects such as Caroline in the City. She has also done some work as a TV director and producer. More recently, she portrayed Kathryn Kennish in Switched at Birth.
Lea Thompson
Diane Lane
The New York native made her acting debut back in 1971. Over the years, Diane Lane has appeared in projects such as The Outsiders, Unfaithful, Under the Tuscan Sun, A Perfect Storm, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Man of Steel, and Justice League. The actress is still active in the entertainment industry!
Diane Lane
Madonna
You probably expected to find her on the list so let’s just get to it! Madonna, the Queen of Pop herself, made it big during the early 80’s and she soon became a huge fashion icon. Uh-huh, we have to thank her for taking fashion risks like fishnet stockings and lace tops! She has made over 300 million sales worldwide and she is only second to the Beatles in the Billboard Greatest Hot 100 Artists of All Time.
Madonna
Anthony Michael Hall
If you ever watched 80’s teen films, you are probably familiar with Anthony Michael Hall. He usually played the geeky character in high school flicks. His resume is full of projects like Weird Science, The Breakfast Club, National Lampoon’s Vacation, and Sixteen Candles. Later on, he tried to distance himself from those roles in an attempt to avoid typecasting. He has also been credited as a director and producer in some projects.
Anthony Michael Hall
Tiffani-Amber Thiessen
Did you know that Tiffani-Amber Thiessen actually started out as a model? She was apparently so good at it that Cover Girl named her the “Model of the Year” in 1989. This might have helped her get her onscreen debut on Saved by the Bell. From then on, she landed more TV and film roles. From 2015 to 2017, she also hosted her own Cooking Channel show, Dinner at Tiffani’s.
Tiffani-Amber Thiessen
Ally Sheedy
Up next, we have yet another “Brat Pack” member, Ally Sheedy. This brunette beauty starred in the 1983 drama Bad Boys, though it had been St. Elmo’s Fire and The Breakfast Club that propelled her to fame. She has not been performing a lot as she has directed her attention towards writing instead. She no longer looks like the goth girl we knew and loved, does she?
Ally Sheedy