Whether it was the rise of Bruce Willis or the emergence of other notable names, the eighties were a whirlwind of fame and familiarity that captivated our television screens. From enduring icons to shooting stars whose brilliance faded before the nineties dawned, the decade offers a treasure trove of trivia and tales. With energetic personalities, vibrant styles, and ever-shifting comedic flavors, the eighties left an indelible mark on a generation. So, how many do you still recall, and how many have slipped into the recesses of your memory? Let’s dive in and find out!
The Stars Of The 80s Where Are They Now
ALF
ALF (Alien Life Force) was on the verge of joining his buddies Skip and Rhonda in their newly established colony, New Melmac. But just when it seemed like everything was falling into place, the government’s Alien Task Force swooped in and snatched ALF away. The fourth season of the beloved show “ALF” was always meant to end on a cliffhanger, but NBC cruelly decided not to renew it for a fifth season. Leaving fans bewildered and terrified for the fate of their beloved character. However, there was a glimmer of hope. In 1996, the TV movie “Project: ALF” came to the rescue, allowing us to witness ALF’s daring escape from the clutches of the Alien Task Force. Sadly, the movie didn’t quite live up to fans’ expectations and has since faded into obscurity. But the memory of this iconic puppet star still lingers, a symbol of the unforgettable charm and nostalgia of the eighties.
ALF
Tiffany
Thanks to her mega-hit “I Think We’re Alone Now,” Tiffany, also known as Tiffany Darwish, skyrocketed to fame in no time. The song, originally by Tommy James and the Shondells, her ticket to stardom. However, despite her initial success, Tiffany’s time in the charts was short-lived. Undeterred, she ventured into reality television, captivating audiences in the United States and Australia with appearances on shows like “Celebrity Fit Club” and “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” Her talent even earned her a small role in the Syfy TV movie “Mega Python vs. Gatoroid.” While it didn’t exactly secure her an Academy Award, it added to her diverse career repertoire.
Tiffany
Rebecca De Mornay
Rebecca De Mornay burst onto the scene with her unforgettable portrayal of Lana in the iconic film “Risky Business.” While she may not have reached the elusive A-list status, this talented actress has been keeping the spotlight firmly in her sights. In the early nineties, she found herself engaged to the legendary Leonard Cohen, their connection further deepened by her involvement in producing his album, “The Future.” With a personal life that includes a relationship with sportscaster Patrick O’Neal and the joy of two children, De Mornay’s journey is as captivating as her on-screen presence. Television has also become a second home for this multi-talented performer, gracing our screens in popular shows such as “Lucifer” and “Jessica Jones.” From mesmerizing appearances in “ER” to captivating performances in television movies and the unforgettable role in “Wedding Crashers,” Rebecca De Mornay is a true force in the industry, leaving her mark in every corner. Get ready, because this working actress is showing up and stealing the show wherever she goes.
Rebecca De Mornay
Emilio Estevez
Emilio Estevez, one of the founding members of the iconic Brat Pack, was poised as expected, his acting journey continues with a unique twist. Remarkably, he escaped the fate that ensnared his counterparts in the pack. Much credit is owed to his indelible role in “The Mighty Ducks” and its sequels. Evolving into a talented writer and director, Emilio recently captivated audiences with his thought-provoking film on the Bobby Kennedy assassination, titled “Bobby.” As a brother of Charlie Sheen, we can’t help but appreciate his divergence from the darker paths that plagued other family members.
Emilio Estevez
Shelley Long
Shelley Long skyrocketed to fame as a household name thanks to her role in “Cheers”. With her vibrant allure and energetic performances, she seamlessly transitioned to the big screen, gracing classic films like “Night Shift” and “The Money Pit”. However, one of her most noteworthy non-Cheers roles came in 1995, when she made a memorable appearance in “The Brady Bunch Movie”, revitalizing the beloved sitcom for a new generation. While she continues to make occasional television appearances, including notable shows like “Modern Family” and “Switched at Birth”, she also lent her voice to the animated series “Milo Murphy’s Law”.
Shelley Long
Lisa Bonet
Lisa Bonet has lived a life of adventure. She burst into the limelight as Denise Huxtable on “The Cosby Show” and its spin-off “A Different World.” But before the series wrapped up, this young and famous actress eloped with rocker sensation Lenny Kravitz. Together, they raised a daughter, Zoë, who has carved her own path by starring in blockbusters like “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “X-Men: First Class.” Although Lisa Bonet took a hiatus from the spotlight, she’s now back with a bang, gracing our screens in TV shows like “New Girl” and “Ray Donovan,” and lighting up the silver screen in many other remarkable roles.
Lisa Bonet
Jeremy Miller
Child stars often struggle to maintain their careers into adulthood, but Jeremy Miller has managed to defy the odds. Best known for his role as Ben on “Growing Pains,” Miller may have faded somewhat from the spotlight, but he continues to secure acting gigs from time to time. Recently, a reunion of the “Growing Pains” cast reignited his career, allowing him to showcase his talent in various roles, both onscreen and off. Upcoming projects like “Alive and Kicking,” “Awakening,” and “Aaah! Roach!” have further solidified his presence in the industry. Not to mention, he has also charmed audiences in “The Quarantine Bunch” and made an appearance on the beloved ’90s show, “Ghostwriter.” Keep an eye on this versatile actor as he continues to make waves in the entertainment world.
Jeremy Miller
Jami Gertz
Jami Gertz, the ultimate teen heartthrob, captured the hearts of every boy with her iconic roles in “Sixteen Candles,” “The Lost Boys,” “Dreams,” and “The Facts of Life.” And guess what? Her career didn’t stop when the eighties ended. She continued to shine in shows like “Seinfeld,” “ER,” “Ally McBeal,” and even “Modern Family.” This talented actress even rocked the sitcom realm with “Still Standing” and “The Neighbors.” Oh, and did you know her hubby, Tony Ressler, is the owner of the Atlanta Hawks basketball team? Talk about a power couple! From the hilarious “Difficult People” to the thrilling “Twister,” Jami’s versatility knows no bounds. While she might not be topping the A-list, this woman never runs out of exciting projects to sink her teeth into!
Jami Gertz
Scott Baio
In the vibrant era of the eighties, it was impossible to flick on the TV without catching a glimpse of Scott Baio’s infectious grin. From his endearing portrayal of Chachi in “Happy Days” to winning hearts as the lovable “Charles in Charge,” Baio became an indelible fixture in the sitcom landscape. His on-screen journey continued to blossom as he reunited with the iconic Henry Winkler (The Fonz) in the critically acclaimed series “Arrested Development.” And let’s not forget his ventures into the captivating realm of reality TV, where he starred in a myriad of shows, including the candidly titled “Scott Baio is 45…and Single,” “Scott Baio is 46…and Pregnant,” and the intriguing “Confessions of a Teen Idol.” Baio’s versatile career has left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers worldwide.
Scott Baio
Phoebe Cates
Phoebe Cates, a name that rings a bell for men and boys worldwide. You might recognize her from the iconic movie “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and her role in the quirky flick “Gremlins.” Back in the vibrant eighties, she was the epitome of teen beauty. But these days, Phoebe has gracefully transitioned into the roles of a devoted mom and wife. Tying the knot with talented actor Kevin Kline, they share the joy of parenthood with their three beautiful children: Owen, Greta, and Autumn. And hey, if you’re into the indie music scene, you might even know Greta by her stage name, Frankie Cosmos. Talk about a family that’s got it all!
Phoebe Cates
Nicole Eggert
Nicole Eggert, the delightful co-star of “Charles in Charge,” captivated audiences worldwide with her radiant beauty and memorable role in the iconic beach series, “Baywatch.” Alongside numerous TV movies and shows like “Blown Away” and “The Haunting of Morella,” she lent her vocal talents to the animated hit “Robot Chicken” and graced the screen in captivating short films and TV mini-series. While her fame may have taken a backseat, keep your eyes peeled for this eighties actress, as she may surprise you with appearances on reality TV or captivating performances in Lifetime’s original films. Her luminous smile continues to shine bright!
Nicole Eggert
Mr. T
If you don’t know who Mr. T is, well, he’s got a message for you – he pities you. Remember him as B.A. Baracus from the action-packed hit show “The A-Team” or as the formidable Clubber Lang in “Rocky III.” But that’s not all – this man of gold chains and bandanas has graced our screens in countless TV shows, movies, and ads, always as his iconic self. When Hurricane Katrina ravaged the southern United States in 2005, he even gave away his beloved chains, recognizing the need to stand in solidarity with those who lost everything. But hey, he still loves his bling. Sure, Mr. T may not be your average actor, but he took the stage on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2017. Now that’s one unforgettable entertainer!
Mr. T
Kelly LeBrock
LeBrock’s transformation into a fantasy icon virtually overnight, courtesy of her captivating role in “Weird Science,” was just the beginning of her glamorous journey. While dazzling as Charlotte in “The Woman in Red” and mesmerizing as Andy Stewart in “Hard to Kill,” she has gracefully stepped back from the limelight. Embracing the allure of occasional cameos, she rode the wave of reality TV craze in the 2000s, gracing our screens from “Celebrity Fit Club” to the British version of “Hell’s Kitchen.” In 2019, she made a captivating appearance in the movie “Charlie Boy,” but her primary focus now revolves around being a compassionate spokesperson for Club Carson—an organization that offers invaluable support to children battling cancer.
Kelly LeBrock
Elisabeth Shue
If there was a girl in the eighties who embodied the quintessential “girl next door,” it was none other than Elizabeth Shue. From stealing our hearts as Marty McFly’s girlfriend in the futuristic “Back to the Future” sequels to capturing our imaginations as the main love interest in “The Karate Kid,” she left an indelible mark. As the years went on, her talent shone even brighter. Who could forget her powerful performance alongside Nicolas Cage in “Leaving Las Vegas”? She continues to captivate audiences with her recent appearances in popular shows like “Cobra Kai,” “The Boys,” and her upcoming TV series, “The Verge.” Stay tuned for more of Elizabeth Shue’s star power!
Elisabeth Shue
Tempestt Bledsoe
Get ready to take a trip down memory lane! Tempestt Bledsoe made her debut as Vanessa Huxtable on the iconic show “The Cosby Show.” While Vanessa was her first gig, she wasted no time expanding her horizons, landing spots on various TV shows and small movies even while the Cosby magic was still flowing. After bidding farewell to the Huxtable family, Bledsoe took a breather and pursued her college dreams for a few years. But that wasn’t the end of her shining star. She quickly made a comeback, gracing both the big and small screens with her undeniable talent. From hit movies to captivating TV shows, she became a constant presence, dazzling us with classics like “The Replacements” and “Guys with Kids.” Let’s not forget her hosting prowess, as she rocked the role of the host on the Style Network’s “Clean House.” Tempestt Bledsoe proves that true talent knows no bounds, and her journey continues to inspire both on and off the stage!
Tempestt Bledsoe
Catherine Bach
Catherine Bach effortlessly captured our hearts and revolutionized legwear fashion as the iconic Daisy Duke on “The Dukes of Hazzard.” However, prior to her iconic role, Bach had already established herself as a talented actress through appearances in Clint Eastwood movies, various television shows, and compelling roles in TV movies. With the conclusion of “Dukes,” Bach seamlessly transitioned into the world of movies and ultimately secured a leading role in the captivating series “African Skies.” Recently, she mesmerized audiences with her small yet significant portrayal of Anita Lawson in “The Young and the Restless.” Noteworthy performances also include her portrayal as Daisy in “You Again” and Melody in the earlier mentioned Eastwood masterpiece, “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot.”
Catherine Bach
Ally Sheedy
Ever since her captivating debut in “The Breakfast Club,” where she teamed up with Emilio Estevez, another member of the legendary Brat Pack, Sheedy has effortlessly enchanted audiences in Hollywood. From her breakout role in “WarGames” to unforgettable performances in “Short Circuit” and “High Art,” she’s left an indelible mark on the silver screen. She has graced us with her talent in films like “The Rileys,” “Ten Stories Tall,” “Fugly!,” and “Sins of Our Youth.” Remember seeing her as Scott’s teacher in “X-Men: Apocalypse”? She has also graced the small screen with recurring roles on shows like “Psych,” “Full Circle,” and “Kyle XY.” Get ready to be captivated by Sheedy’s magnetic presence!
Ally Sheedy
Willie Aames
There is no need to search further for a 1980s icon who has accomplished everything; you have found him. In “Charles in Charge,” a popular sitcom from the 1980s starring Scott Baio, Willie Aames played a significant role. Aames changed his career to produce “Bibleman,” a direct-to-video series about a Christian crime fighter, after that show came to an end. Aames, however, succumbed to drug abuse and disappeared for a while. Fortunately, he changed his direction and found success as a cruise director before going back to acting and filmmaking. He recently appeared in the movie “Bottle Monster” and the TV movie “Love on the Menu.”
Willie Aames
Mia Sara
Mia Sara, best known for her role as Ferris’s carefree girlfriend in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” continues to grace our screens, captivating audiences with her talent. With a notable presence in the fantasy genre, she has enchanted viewers in shows like “Lost in Oz,” “The Witches of Oz,” and “Dorothy and the Witches of Oz.” She has also showcased her acting prowess in movies such as “Timecop” alongside Jean Claude van Damme, “Legend,” and “Black Day Blue Night.” Though her more recent appearance was as Narciss in the 2013 short film “Pretty Pretty,” Mia has taken on a new role in life as a devoted wife and mother. It is fascinating to discover that she is married to the eldest son of the legendary Muppets creator, Jim Henson. As an intriguing aside, Mia holds a pilot’s license and finds joy in the wonders of flying.
Mia Sara
Justine Bateman
After gaining early recognition on the hit series “Family Ties,” Justine ventured into the world of film and television. Portraying Mallory for seven unforgettable years marked her debut in the acting realm. With a total of 172 episodes under her belt, the nineties beckoned and welcomed her appearances in notable movies such as “The Closer,” “Primary Motive,” and “The Night We Never Met.” And that was just the beginning. She later graced our screens in shows like “Men Behaving Badly” and “Out of Order.” Perhaps you fondly recall her portrayal of “Nellie” in the beloved series “Arrested Development.” Notably, her brother Justin Bateman also shines on the show, triumphing in their family’s pursuit of fame and recognition.
Justine Bateman
Alyssa Milano
Alyssa Milano began her acting career with notable roles like “Jenny Matrix” in “Commando.” She then rose to stardom portraying Samantha Micelli in the sitcom “Who’s the Boss?” from 1984 to 1992, while also gaining recognition for her appearances in “Melrose Place” and “Charmed.” Nowadays, Milano continues to work in the acting industry, although she has become equally renowned for her influential presence on social media. Notably, she was one of the pioneering celebrities to employ the #MeToo hashtag, which catalyzed the movement’s widespread discussion.
Alyssa Milano
Jennifer Beals
Jennifer captivated the world with her memorable portrayal of Alex Owens in “Flashdance,” marking the beginning of her rise to fame. From Claudia in “The Book of Eli” to Eva in “The Bride,” Beals showcased her incredible versatility, seamlessly embodying characters of various genres. Notable television appearances include “Taken,” “The Night Shift,” and “Swamp Thing.” She cemented her place in the industry as a lead cast member in both “The L Word” and its sequel series, “The L Word: Generation Q.” Beyond her on-screen endeavors, Beals pursues her passion for photography under her married name, Jennifer Dixon.
Jennifer Beals
Michael Schoeffling
Renowned as the leading man Jake in the iconic film “Sixteen Candles,” Michael Schoeffling also graced the silver screen in “Mermaids,” “Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken,” and “Vision Quest.” However, after a while, he decided to step away from acting, expressing dissatisfaction with the type and quantity of roles he received. Taking a bold leap, he transitioned into small business ownership, channeling his talents into crafting exquisite, custom-made furniture. Curious ourselves, we’ve explored his impressive repertoire, and without a doubt, his craftsmanship is truly exceptional. There’s an undeniable fulfillment in getting your hands dirty and creating something tangible, a solace that keeps the mind grounded.
Michael Schoeffling
Kim Basinger
Once a prominent name to watch in the eighties and nineties, Kim Basinger has since taken a step back from her A-list status, though she continues to land numerous acting roles. Her journey began in the world of modeling before she ventured to Los Angeles, driven by her passion for acting. You may recognize her from iconic films like “Batman,” where she portrayed the fearless reporter, Vicki Vale, or perhaps from her role in “Blind Date.” By the time the eighties came around, she had already made a name for herself, having started her acting career in 1976. However, it was through films like “Hard Country” and “Mother Lode” that she truly gained recognition. Her impressive repertoire also includes notable performances in “L.A. Confidential,” “Cellular,” and “Wayne’s World 2.” What an impressive resume she possesses!
Kim Basinger
Daryl Hannah
Daryl Hannah rose to fame in the early 1980s following her standout performance as Pris in the science-fiction masterpiece “Blade Runner.” Throughout that decade, she graced the silver screen in a plethora of films such as “Wallstreet,” “Roxanne,” “Steel Magnolias,” and “Splash,” establishing herself as a versatile actress. She also made appearances on television, starring in TV movies like “Paper Dolls” and featuring in video shorts like “Clarence Clemons & Jackson Browne: You’re a Friend of Mine.” One of her most notable recent roles was as Elle Driver in Quentin Tarantino’s two-part action film, “Kill Bill.” With numerous upcoming projects and a memorable stint on the show “Sense8,” Daryl Hannah continues to solidify her presence in the world of entertainment.
Daryl Hannah
Robyn Lively
Robyn Lively has a long list of roles on both the big screen and the small, including the love interest in “The Karate Kid Part III,” but you’re probably more familiar with her half-sister Blake Lively at this point. Robyn Lively was the first member of the family to make it big thanks to roles in the movie “Teen Witch,” as well as popular TV shows like “Twin Peaks,” “Doogie Howser, M.D.” and “Saving Grace”
Robyn Lively
Robin Givens
She found her first claim to fame thanks to her starring role in the hit show “Head of the Class,” which ran for more than a hundred episodes, but Robin Givens has returned to the spotlight after starring in the Tyler Perry film “The Family That Preys.” She performed frequently during this time, both on Broadway and off. She’s made TV appearances on “Once Upon a Time” and “Riverdale,” and she currently stars as Stephanie Carlisle Lancaster in “Robin Givens.” Her most notable stage role was Roxie Hart in “Chicago.”
Robin Givens
Jennifer Jason Leigh
With the rest of the cast on “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” she had a great time, and after that, she could do no wrong. She later had numerous roles, such as Selena St. George in “Dolores Claiborne,” Hedra Carlson in “Single White Female,” and Lisa Hesselman in “Anomalisa,” as well as appearances in upcoming Stephen King adaptation “Lisey’s Story” and thirty episodes of “Atypical.” Jennifer Jason Leigh’s most notable recent performance was as Daisy Domergue in the Tarantino film “The Hateful Eight.” She is also in the revival of
Jennifer Jason Leigh
Tawny Kitaen
Tawny Kitaen is best remembered for her iconic appearance as the girl in Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again” music video. She also starred in several other Whitesnake videos along with notable films like “Bachelor Party,” “Gwendoline,” and even “Hercules: The Legendary Journey.” In 2014, she acted alongside Richard Greico in the film “After Midnight” and portrayed the character Rachel in “Moms Anonymous” from 2017 to 2018. Unfortunately, her rise to fame primarily attributed to a hair metal band’s music video did not provide a solid foundation for a sustained career. Since the conclusion of “Moms Anonymous,” she has not appeared on screens, whether large or small or in music videos. Regrettably, she passed away in May 2021.
Tawny Kitaen