Everything seemed larger than life in the 80s. It was the time of big hair, big jewelry, and big drama. And, of course, big stars. Here are some of the biggest and most beautiful stars from the 80s, and what they’ve been up to since their heyday 40 years ago.
Molly Ringwald
Arguably, Molly Ringwald was THE 80’s “It Girl”. She won the hearts both directors and actors alike. Her girl-next-door persona and appearances in several blockbuster films really catapulted her to superstardom. She doesn’t appear in as many films nowadays, but she’s not exactly retired quite yet.
Brooke Shields
The absolutely beautiful Brooke Shields rose to fame due to her iconic “Love my Calvins” line while modeling for the jean brand. She went on to have a successful career in acting, modeling, and entrepreneurship. Despite being in her 50s now, she looks like she’s barely aged.
Michelle Pfeiffer
Michelle Pfeiffer proved that she was more than just a pretty face in the 80s. Her appearances in various films proved that she was also a skilled actress. She’s since taken her acting career to new heights and is still appearing in blockbuster films today.
Demi Moore
Demi Moore’s first major appearance was as an honorary member of the “Brat Pack”, appearing in St. Elmo’s Fire. She had the acting chops to pique audiences interest and still appears in a variety of roles in the present.
Christina Applegate
Christina Applegate’s leading role in Married with Children is what really blasted into the limelight. She would go on to star in several movies in the 80s, and even the number one show on Netflix, Dead to Me.
Courteney Cox
While famous for her role in Friends, she actually appeared in a Bruce Springsteen music video and the Master of the Universe film first. She also appeared in other television series, such as Family Ties.
Kathy Ireland
Kathy Ireland was one of the most sought-after models in the 80s. She later went on to create a fashion brand empire, with clothing lines that dominated the market in the 80s.
Heather Locklear
With Heather Locklear’s appearances in several dramas, she ended up becoming a villain that everyone loved to hate. And a pretty attractive seductress at that. She later would also marry two different rock n’ roll stars, Tommy Lee and Richie Sambora. Although, she has since been divorced from both of them.
Phoebe Cates
Phoebe Cates was the girl-next-door in quite a few movies in the 80s, like Gremlins and Fast Time at Ridgemont High. Her acting career was short-lived however, as she retired in the 90s to raise her children.
Betsy Russell
She’s well-known for having one of the starring roles in the Saw franchise, but they certainly weren’t her first appearance. She appeared in several television shows and movies, most notably the comedy, Private School.
Traci Lords
Traci Lords was known for her big-screen appearances and her fake birth certificate scandal in the 80s. However, that didn’t stop her from continuing to act into the present. She’s also voice acted in video games, such as Let It Die. She also created her own clothing line by collaborating with Pinup Girl Clothing.
Elizabeth Shue
Elizabeth Shue appeared in several comedies in the 80s, most notably Adventures in Babysitting and Back to the Future. Witty and beautiful, she had the acting chops to match. She’s continued to appear in various television shows and movies, including The Boys on Amazon’s streaming service.
Christie Brinkley
She must have been on every cover of every magazine in 80s. The song “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel was even about her. Christie Brinkley would go on to have a successful acting career.
Bo Derek
Even if you don’t know her name, you’ll definitely know her face. While most famous for her role in the romantic comedy 10, she has appeared in other films as well. Although, her good looks made her highly sought after as a model and an actress.
Kim Basinger
Kim Basinger’s first film appearance was as Vicky Vale in the 80s Batman franchise. Since then, she went on to star in other movies, such as Cool World. She even was once married to Alex Baldwin, although they divorced in 2002.
Cindy Crawford
People think that Pepsi wouldn’t have been nearly as successful if Cindy Crawford hadn’t appeared in an ad for it. She went on to become one of the most famous supermodels in the world. And she even made her own skincare line, known for how effective it actually is.
Meg Ryan
Meg Ryan was an adorable sweetheart back in the 80s. It’s not very commonly known that she started her career in the soap opera As the World Turns. And of course, she went on to star in When Harry Met Sally. She’s had much success as an actress.
Kelly Preston
Kelly Preston was beautiful, and a wonderful actress, but she was taken away all too soon. Unfortunately, she passed away from cancer in 2020.
Heather Thomas
Heather Thomas first came onto our screens in the 80s show The Fall Guy. It ran for five years, during which Thomas appeared in multiple comedy movies. Today she works primarily with nonprofit organizations, such as the Amazon Conversation Team.
Cheryl Ladd
Cheryl Ladd was fun, flirty, and tough in Charlie’s Angels. She later would appear in several Hallmark Movies. Even at 69 years old, her good looks have not lessened.
Elle Macpherson
Elle Macpherson was THE “It Girl” from Australia, at least when it came to Sports Illustrated. You’d be hard-pressed to not find her on the cover of each issue. And like Cindy Crawford, Macpherson later went on to make her own, remarkably successful skincare line.
Belinda Carlisle
Belinda Carlisle wasn’t just remembered as a beauty, but for her bold personality. She was the head of the band The Go-Go’s and even went on to have a successful solo career.
Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John’s smile and talent took the nation by storm. In addition to showing off her acting chops, she also demonstrated great singing skill in films like Grease.
Erin Gray
Erin Gray got her start in the 70s, but transitioned smoothly into the 80s. She began her career as a model, but quickly transitioned into acting. She’s more recently been appearing in Hallmark movie originals.
Vanessa Williams
Vanessa Williams went from Miss America, to PLayboy, to the Loveboat. She was a true queen of the 80s, known for her good looks, wit, and resolve to stay true to herself.
