The 1980s were a decade that made a huge impact on popular culture. Although the decade ended over 30 years ago, we’re still discussing it today! It was an entirely different time with distinct fashion, unforgettable movies and many great celebrities who dominated the zeitgeist. From teen heartthrobs to action stars who brought big bucks at the box office, celebrities from the 1980s were special.
But they’ve changed a lot since the glory days of the ’80s. Let’s look back at the biggest celebrities that owned the 1980s and see where they are now.
1. Bruce Willis
Bruce Willis was the quintessential action hero of the 1980s. He starred in several films throughout the decade, but his role in Die Hard (1989) made him a worldwide superstar. Willis’ fame continued to soar in the ’90s and early 2000s.
Today, Willis is retired. He reportedly hung up his acting hat due to aphasia, a condition that affects communication. According to his family, he was diagnosed with dementia in 2023. Willis stays out of the limelight, but the family keeps his adoring fans updated on his life and health.
2. Emilio Estevez
Emilio Estevez was a huge heartthrob born into a life of fame. He’s the son of Martin Sheen and the brother of Charlie Sheen. In the 1980s, he was a member of the “Bratpack,” a group of young Hollywood actors. Estevez is most known for starring in films like “The Outsiders” (1983), “The Breakfast Club” (1985), “St. Elmo’s Fire” (1985) and several other iconic teen films of the era.
Estevez traded his on-screen work for behind-the-scenes action. He built up an impressive career as a producer and director. He’s still working today, putting out great films and directing shows like “CSI: NY.”
3. Molly Ringwald
Molly Ringwald was a 1980s teen idol. She was a John Hughes darling, starring in memorable teen films that people still love today. These include “Sixteen Candles” (1984), “The Breakfast Club” (1985) and “Pretty in Pink” (1986). Many still recognize Ringwald today for her contributions to 1980s pop culture.
She’s still working today, starring in countless films and TV shows. She still rocks the same bright red hair, sticking to her trademark.
4. Michael J. Fox
Michael J. Fox started his career as a child actor in the ’70s before starring in some of the most beloved films of the ’80s. He’s most known for his role as Marty McFly in the “Back to the Future” trilogy (1985-1990.)
Fox continued to act, winning countless awards and accolades. However, his biggest impact may come from his philanthropy. The actor was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease during the 1990s, a condition that made him reduce his acting work. He spent years raising awareness and money to help find a cure. That work continues today.
5. Kathleen Turner
Kathleen Turner was everywhere in the 1980s. Her roles in films like Body Heat (1981), Crimes of Passion (1984) and Romancing the Stone (1984) made her an international sex symbol. She had a great career, doing stints on Broadway and teaching classes at NYU.
Turner continued to act in the coming decades. However, rheumatoid arthritis slowed things down.
6. Demi Moore
Demi Moore’s career started in the 1980s. She was one of the young Hollywood stars who dominated TV and film, starring in movies like “Blame It On Rio” (1984) and “St. Elmo’s Fire” (1985). Moore made a name for herself in the ’80s, but her career truly took off in the 1990s.
Demi continues to act to this day. Although her changing appearance caused some controversy, Demi Moore is as beautiful as ever.
7. Mickey Rourke
Mickey Rourke was a leading man in the 1980s. He starred in hits like “Year of the Dragon” (1985) and “Homeboy” (1988). The latter film showcased the actor’s boxing skills, which he later turned into a professional career. He returned to acting in the late ’90s.
These days, many know Rourke for his dramatic physical transformation. Like many celebs of the era, Rourke turned to plastic surgery, resulting in a nearly unrecognizable new look.
8. Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise is an actor you couldn’t escape from in the 1980s. He was everywhere! “Risky Business” (1983″ put Cruise on the map, but starring roles in movies like “Top Gun” (1986) and “Rain Man” (1988) cemented his lead-man status. That continued in the decades to follow.
The man continued to be a huge box-office star! He recently reprised his role as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022), a long-awaited sequel that came almost four decades after the original!
9. Tina Turner
Tina Turner was a music legend long before the 1980s. However, she earned the reputation of “comeback queen” when her album “Private Dancer” was released on multi-platinum in 1984. The release revived her already illustrious career, making her an ’80s icon. “What’s Love Got to Do With It” is still a hit today! Turner also starred in films like “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” (1985).
Sadly, Tina Turner recently passed in 2023, but fans still celebrate her legacy.
10. Janet Jackson
Here’s another music legend! Many originally dismissed Janet Jackson as simply Michael Jackson’s sister. However, Ms. Jackson (if you’re nasty) proved herself an icon in her own right during the 1980s. She released several albums throughout the decade, but “Rhythm Nation” (1989) secured her place in music history.
Janet Jackson continues to perform today. Even as she approaches 60, she’s dancing and rocking the stage just like the ’80s!
11. Rob Lowe
Another member of the Brat Pack, Rob Lowe, was a huge heartthrob who made girls crazy in the 1980s. He appeared in films like “The Outsiders” (1983) and “St. Elmo’s Fire” (1985) alongside many other teen celebrities of the era.
Lowe encountered his fair share of controversy. However, he experienced a career resurgence in the 2000s that continues today.
12. Jamie Lee Curtis
One of the original “Scream Queens,” Jamie Lee Curtis showed off her acting prowess and became one of the most in-demand actresses of the 1980s and beyond. She starred in flicks like “The Fog” (1980) and “Prom Night” (1980) before moving on to more mainstream roles in films like “Perfect” (1985) and “A Fish Called Wanda” (1988).
Curtis’s success has continued into the present times. She recently won her first Emmy for her work on “The Bear” (2022-present).
13. Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger was a 1980s action icon known for his huge physique, thick accent and fun personality. He starred in movies like “The Terminator” (1984) and “Predator” (1987). Schwarzenegger starred in many films throughout the 1990s before transitioning to politics in the early 2000s. He was California’s governor from 2003 to 2011.
Schwarzenegger largely abandoned his bodybuilding regime. He’s no longer the huge muscle man we knew from the 1980s, but he’s still a beloved figure today.
14. Madonna
We can’t forget about the Material Girl herself! Madonna, the Queen of Pop, has had a huge career over the last several decades. However, she got her start in the 1980s. Madonna released her self-titled debut album in 1983; the rest is history. Since then, she’s appeared in several films and dominated the charts.
Today, Madonna is still performing. Her appearance is often a source of discussion among both fans and non-fans. She looks much different than in the 1980s, but her spirit is all the same.
15. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey became a global phenomenon during the 1980s. She starred in several films, her most-known acting role being that of Sofia in “The Color Purple” (1985). However, she became most famous with “The Oprah Winfrey Show” (1986-2011).
Oprah’s talk show is the highest-rated daytime talk show in history. It’s how the world got to know Oprah and fell in love with everything she does. After her show ended, Oprah started her own network. Today, she continues to work behind the scenes, producing great television.
Who’s Your ’80s Fave?
This list is by no means exhaustive. The 1980s were a great time for celebrity culture, and there were plenty of great stars we didn’t cover! However, these 15 megastars made a huge impact. While they may not be as famous as they were during their prime in the ’80s, their legacies live on.
