The eighties were a treasure trove of iconic figures, from rising star Bruce Willis to a myriad of other familiar faces gracing our TV screens nightly. These luminaries from the past continue to linger in our memories, some still in the limelight, while others faded into obscurity before the dawn of the nineties. Delve into the rich tapestry of trivia and anecdotes from that vibrant era that shaped a generation with its dynamic personalities, flamboyant styles, and evolving comedic preferences. The spirit of the eighties infused every aspect of the decade, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood for years to come. Test your recollection: which stars do you still recall, and which have slipped from memory’s grasp?
The Stars Of The Eighties Where Are They Now
ALF
ALF (Alien Life Force) was set to reunite with his friends Skip and Rhonda in their newly founded colony, New Melmac. However, just before the joyful reunion, the government’s Alien Task Force intervened and apprehended ALF. The conclusion of the fourth season of “ALF” was destined to be a cliffhanger, but NBC chose not to continue to a fifth season. This decision left many viewers bewildered and concerned for the endearing character they had grown fond of. Fortunately, “Project: ALF,” a television movie from 1996, depicted ALF’s daring escape from the clutches of the Alien Task Force. Regrettably, the movie failed to resonate with fans and has since faded into obscurity. This iconic puppet star remains firmly rooted in the eighties.
ALF
Tiffany
Tiffany, known by her real name Tiffany Darwish, rose to fame with her hit “I Think We’re Alone Now.” The song, originally by Tommy James and the Shondells, catapulted her to immediate stardom. Despite this initial success, Tiffany’s career was short-lived, earning her the label of a one-hit wonder as she quickly faded from the music scene. Transitioning to reality television, she graced shows in the United States and Australia, including “Celebrity Fit Club” and “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” She also took on a modest role in the Syfy TV movie “Mega Python vs. Gatoroid,” which did not garner any acclaim at the Academy Awards.
Tiffany
Rebecca De Mornay
Rebecca De Mornay first gained recognition as Lana in “Risky Business.” While not ascending to A-list stardom, she has maintained a busy career. In the early nineties, she was involved with Leonard Cohen, contributing to his album “The Future.” Later, she had two children with sportscaster Patrick O’Neal. De Mornay has since appeared on various TV shows like “Lucifer” and “Jessica Jones,” showcasing her talents from “ER” to films like “Wedding Crashers.” This versatile actress continues to grace screens with her presence.
Rebecca De Mornay
Emilio Estevez
As one of the original Brat Pack members, Emilio Estevez seemed destined for stardom. While he may not have achieved the level of fame he once aspired to, he continues to pursue acting with vigor, carving a unique path distinct from his fellow Pack members. Much of his enduring relevance can be attributed to his iconic role in “The Mighty Ducks” and its sequels. Transitioning into roles behind the camera, Estevez has delved into writing and directing, notably exploring the Bobby Kennedy assassination in his film “Bobby.” As the brother of Charlie Sheen, we can be grateful that he has avoided the tumultuous paths taken by other members of his family.
Emilio Estevez
Shelley Long
Shelley Long rose to fame through her role on “Cheers,” captivating audiences with her vibrant beauty and dynamic performances. Transitioning to the big screen, she solidified her Hollywood status with memorable roles in iconic movies like “Night Shift” and “The Money Pit.” One of her most significant non-Cheers” appearances was in 1995’s “The Brady Bunch Movie,” reviving the beloved sitcom for a new era. While she continues to grace screens, her focus has shifted to television, featuring in shows like “Modern Family” and “Switched at Birth,” and lending her voice to “Milo Murphy’s Law.”
Shelley Long
Lisa Bonet
Lisa Bonet’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Rising to fame as Denise Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” she captured hearts before embarking on the spin-off “A Different World.” Amidst her on-screen success, she clandestinely tied the knot with iconic musician Lenny Kravitz. Their union welcomed Zoë, now a rising actress gracing screens in blockbuster hits like “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “X-Men: First Class.” While Bonet briefly retreated from the limelight, she resurfaced with a career renaissance, dazzling audiences in notable TV series such as “New Girl” and “Ray Donovan,” solidifying her place in the entertainment realm once more.
Lisa Bonet
Jeremy Miller
Child stars often struggle to maintain their careers into adulthood, but Jeremy Miller has defied the odds. Known for his role as Ben in “Growing Pains,” Miller has managed to secure acting gigs sporadically. Following a reunion of the “Growing Pains” cast, he has had more opportunities to showcase his talent, landing roles both in pre-and post-production stages. Upcoming projects include “Alive and Kicking,” “Awakening,” and “Aaah! Roach!” Notably, he appeared in “The Quarantine Bunch” and was a part of the nineties series “Ghostwriter.”
Jeremy Miller
Jami Gertz
Jami Gertz captured the hearts of many teenage boys with her roles in iconic films like “Sixteen Candles,” “The Lost Boys,” “Dreams,” and TV shows such as “The Facts of Life.” Beyond the ’80s, her career flourished with appearances in popular series like “Seinfeld,” “ER,” “Ally McBeal,” and even “Modern Family.” She also showcased her talent in sitcoms like “Still Standing” and “The Neighbors.” Noteworthy is her husband, Tony Ressler, who owns the Atlanta Hawks basketball team. Her recent work includes the TV show “Difficult People” in 2017, displaying her versatility from “Entourage” to “Twister.” While not a top-billed actress, her consistent presence in the industry speaks to her enduring appeal and talent.
Jami Gertz
Scott Baio
During the eighties, Scott Baio was a ubiquitous presence on television screens, charming audiences with his trademark grin. Known for his roles as Chachi in “Happy Days” and “Joanie Loves Chachi,” he later starred as the titular character in “Charles in Charge.” Reuniting with his “Happy Days” co-star Henry Winkler in “Arrested Development,” Baio also delved into reality TV, featuring in shows like “Scott Baio is 45…and Single,” “Scott Baio is 46…and Pregnant,” and “Confessions of a Teen Idol.”
Scott Baio
Phoebe Cates
Men and boys worldwide recognize Phoebe Cates, although they might only recall her from “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” Cates also starred in the film “Gremlins.” A teenage beauty in the eighties, she now mostly enjoys retirement, prioritizing her roles as a mother and wife. She is married to actor Kevin Kline and has three children: Owen, Greta, and Autumn. You might know Greta as Frankie Cosmos if you follow the indie music scene.
Phoebe Cates
Nicole Eggert
Nicole Eggert, known for her role alongside Scott Baio in “Charles in Charge” and later admired globally for her physique and charm in “Baywatch,” has graced numerous TV movies and shows like “Blown Away” and “The Haunting of Morella.” Recently, she lent her voice to “Robot Chicken” and appeared in various short films and TV mini-series. While her heyday may be in the past, you might still spot this ’80s star in a reality TV show or one of Lifetime’s original films. Her radiant smile remains a constant feature!
Nicole Eggert
Mr. T
Anyone unfamiliar with Mr. T risks incurring his pity. Renowned for his portrayal of B.A. Bacarus in the hit ’80s series “The A-Team” and as the formidable boxer Clubber Lang in “Rocky III,” he has since graced numerous TV shows, movies, and ads, typically as his iconic self adorned with bandanas and gold chains. Following Hurricane Katrina’s devastation in 2005, he selflessly donated his gold chains, deeming it inappropriate to flaunt opulence amidst such tragedy. Despite this, his fondness for bling endures. While not the most prolific actor, Mr. T did showcase his moves on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2017.
Mr. T
Kelly LeBrock
LeBrock underwent a transformation into a fantasy figure almost overnight following her role in “Weird Science.” Although she portrayed Charlotte in “The Woman in Red” and Andy Stewart in “Hard to Kill,” she has largely taken a step back from acting. While she has had a few minor roles sporadically, she found success in the reality TV boom of the 2000s, featuring in shows like “Celebrity Fit Club” and the UK’s “Hell’s Kitchen.” Her most recent appearance was in the 2019 film “Charlie Boy,” as she now predominantly serves as a spokesperson for Club Carson, an organization supporting children battling cancer.
Kelly LeBrock
Elisabeth Shue
Elisabeth Shue epitomized the quintessential “girl next door” of the eighties, captivating audiences as Marty McFly’s love interest in “Back to the Future” sequels and as the main romantic figure in “The Karate Kid.” Transitioning to more profound roles post-eighties, she notably starred alongside Nicolas Cage in “Leaving Las Vegas.” Her presence in “Cobra Kai,” “The Boys,” and her upcoming role in the ongoing production “The Verge” showcases her enduring appeal and versatility in the entertainment industry.
Elisabeth Shue
Tempestt Bledsoe
Tempestt Bledsoe made her debut on “The Cosby Show” as Vanessa Huxtable. While her role in the Huxtable family was her first, she swiftly diversified her portfolio by securing appearances in various TV shows and small television movies. Following the conclusion of “The Cosby Show,” Bledsoe took a hiatus to pursue higher education. Subsequently, she returned to the spotlight, gracing screens in productions both large and small, including television shows. Her notable contributions include roles in series such as “The Replacements” and “Guys with Kids,” in addition to her hosting duties on the Style Network’s “Clean House.”
Tempestt Bledsoe
Catherine Bach
Catherine Bach captured our hearts and set a trend with a new legwear style as Daisy Duke on “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Before slipping into this iconic role, Bach was a seasoned actress, featuring in Clint Eastwood films and various TV shows and movies. Following “Dukes,” she transitioned to movies and later starred in “African Skies.” Recently, she portrayed Anita Lawson in “The Young and the Restless.” Noteworthy roles include Daisy in “You Again” and Melody in “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot,” the Eastwood film mentioned earlier.
Catherine Bach
Ally Sheedy
Ever since her debut in “The Breakfast Club” alongside Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy has been a star in Hollywood. Prior to this iconic film, she showcased her talent in “WarGames” and continued to captivate audiences with hits like “Short Circuit” and “High Art.” Her filmography extends to movies like “The Rileys,” “Ten Stories Tall,” “Fugly!,” and “Sins of Our Youth.” Notably, she graced the screen in “X-Men: Apocalypse” as Scott’s teacher, while also taking on recurring roles in series such as “Psych,” “Full Circle,” and “Kyle XY.”
Ally Sheedy
Willie Aames
For those seeking an iconic figure from the eighties who has truly done it all, look no further than Willie Aames. Known for his role in the popular eighties sitcom “Charles in Charge” alongside Scott Baio, Aames later ventured into a different realm by creating “Bibleman,” a direct-to-video series featuring a Christian crime fighter. Despite facing personal struggles with substance abuse that temporarily dimmed his career, he persevered and reinvented himself as a cruise director before making a comeback in acting and filmmaking. His recent works include starring in the TV movie “Love on the Menu” and the film “Bottle Monster.”
Willie Aames
Mia Sara
Mia Sara, known for her role as Ferris’s carefree girlfriend in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” continues to grace television screens regularly. She has carved a niche in fantasy TV with appearances in series like “Lost in Oz,” “The Witches of Oz,” and “Dorothy and the Witches of Oz.” Beyond TV, she has showcased her talent in movies such as “Timecop” alongside Jean Claude van Damme, “Legend,” and “Black Day Blue Night.” In the short film “Pretty Pretty” from 2013, she portrayed Narciss. Presently, Mia is a devoted wife and mother of two, married to the eldest son of Muppets creator Jim Henson. Intriguingly, she holds a pilot’s license and finds joy in flying.
Mia Sara
Justine Bateman
After rising to fame on “Family Ties,” Justine ventured into both films and television. Her portrayal of Mallory spanned seven years on the show, marking her acting debut. Following one hundred and seventy-two episodes, the nineties ushered in a new era, showcasing her talent in movies like “The Closer,” “Primary Motive,” and “The Night We Never Met,” all within the initial years. She also graced shows such as “Men Behaving Badly” and “Out of Order,” with her memorable role as “Nellie” in “Arrested Development.” Notably, her brother, Justin Bateman, stars on the same show, currently leading the family’s fame contest.
Justine Bateman
Alyssa Milano
Alyssa Milano started her acting journey as Jenny Matrix in “Commando,” paving her way to stardom as Samantha Micelli in the popular sitcom “Who’s the Boss?” from 1984 to 1992. Her fame continued to rise with roles in “Melrose Place” and “Charmed.” Although she still enjoys a successful acting career, she’s now equally recognized for her influential presence on social media. Milano was an early supporter of the #MeToo movement, igniting crucial conversations. Despite evolving her focus over time, she remains the exceptional actress we’ve always admired.
Alyssa Milano
Jennifer Beals
Jennifer Beals rose to fame portraying Alex Owens in “Flashdance,” marking just the beginning of her illustrious career. From Claudia in “The Book of Eli” to Eva in “The Bride,” Beals showcased her versatility across various roles, spanning comedy, drama, romance, and more. Recent years have seen her in notable series like “Taken,” “The Night Shift,” and “Swamp Thing.” She is renowned for her roles in “The L Word” and its sequel “The L Word: Generation Q.” Outside of acting, she explores her passion for photography under her married name, Jennifer Dixon.
Jennifer Beals
Michael Schoeffling
Known for his role as the charming leading man Jake in “Sixteen Candles,” Michael Schoeffling also starred in movies like “Mermaids,” “Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken,” and “Vision Quest.” However, disillusioned with the types and quantity of roles he was offered, he eventually left acting. Transitioning to entrepreneurship, he now crafts exquisite, bespoke furniture as the proud owner of a woodworking business. After exploring some of his creations, it’s safe to say his craftsmanship is exceptional. Engaging in physical creation is not just about getting your hands dirty; it’s a means to maintain sanity.
Michael Schoeffling
Kim Basinger
Kim Basinger rose to fame in the 80s and 90s, transitioning from modeling to acting in Los Angeles. Recognized for her roles in “Batman” and “Blind Date,” she gained prominence through films like “Hard Country” and “Mother Lode” in the early years. Her credits include “L.A. Confidential,” “Cellular,” and “Wayne’s World 2.” An impressive career indeed!
Kim Basinger
Daryl Hannah
Daryl Hannah rose to fame in the early eighties with her iconic role as Pris in the science-fiction masterpiece “Blade Runner.” Throughout that decade, she graced numerous films such as “Wall Street,” “Roxanne,” “Steel Magnolias,” and “Splash,” not to mention TV movies like “Paper Dolls” and video shorts like “Clarence Clemons & Jackson Browne: You’re a Friend of Mine.” One of her most notable recent performances was as Elle Driver in Quentin Tarantino’s action-packed two-part film “Kill Bill.” With several upcoming roles on the horizon and appearances in the series “Sense8,” Daryl Hannah continues to captivate audiences with her versatile talent.
Daryl Hannah
Robyn Lively
Currently, you might be more acquainted with Robyn’s half-sister, Blake Lively. However, it was Robyn Lively who first rose to prominence within the family. She made her mark through roles in the movie “Teen Witch” and well-known TV series like “Twin Peaks,” “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” and “Saving Grace.” With an extensive list of both big screen and small screen appearances, she notably played the love interest in “The Karate Kid Part III.” While Robyn continues to grace our screens, often in minor roles or guest spots, she had a notable stint as Deb Brady in eight episodes of “Light as a Feather” in 2019. Additionally, she took on the lead role in the 2020 film “Through the Glass Darkly.”
Robyn Lively
Rob Lowe
Following his success in “St. Elmo’s Fire” and “The Outsiders,” Rob Lowe’s career was thriving until a scandal in the late eighties hindered his ascent to the A-list, leading to a decline in both the quantity and caliber of his roles. Despite this setback, Lowe made a remarkable comeback, thanks to Aaron Sorkin, who cast him in the initial four seasons of “The West Wing.” Subsequently, Lowe charmed audiences in the beloved sitcom “Parks and Recreation” on NBC, lent his voice to Simba in “The Lion Guard,” and is now captivating viewers with his performance in the acclaimed series “9-1-1: Lone Star.”
Rob Lowe
Robin Givens
After a brief absence from the spotlight, Robin Givens has made a comeback following her appearance in Tyler Perry’s film “The Family That Preys.” Her initial claim to fame stemmed from her starring role in the popular series “Head of the Class,” which aired for over a hundred episodes. During this period, she devoted much of her time to the stage, gracing both Broadway and off-Broadway productions. One of her standout stage performances was as Roxie Hart in “Chicago.” Givens has also made notable TV appearances on “Once Upon a Time” and “Riverdale.” Currently, she takes on the role of Stephanie Carlisle Lancaster in the series “Robin Givens.”
Robin Givens
Jennifer Jason Leigh
She had a blast with the cast of “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” propelling her into a string of memorable roles. Jennifer Jason Leigh shined as Selena St. George in “Dolores Claiborne,” captivated as Hedra Carlson in “Single White Female,” and left an impression as Lisa Hesselman in “Anomalisa.” Her upcoming appearance in the adaptation of Stephen King’s “Lisey’s Story” adds to her diverse portfolio, which includes a notable stint in thirty episodes of “Atypical.” Noteworthy in recent memory was her portrayal of Daisy Domergue in Tarantino’s “The Hateful Eight.” She also graced the revival of “Twin Peaks” and made a memorable appearance as a celebrity caller on “Frasier,” a coveted experience for any actor.
Jennifer Jason Leigh