Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures
The ’80s? It gifted us with unforgettable performances that made stars out of actors and singers. But now? It’s like ancient history. Some of those big shots either vanished or found new gigs, but for the ’80s babies, they’re practically family. For those who grew up in that era, if you’ve ever wondered, “Where did my crush from back then go?” this list is tailor-made for you.
Phoebe Cates
Phoebe Cates stole the show in Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins with her unforgettable performances. Though she left acting in the ’90s to focus on raising her kids, her iconic pool scene and memorable monologues will forever be etched in Hollywood history.
Kelly McGillis
Remember her from Top Gun and Witness? Kelly McGillis was an icon in ’80s cinema. She rocked a Golden Globe nom for Witness, stole hearts as Charlie in Top Gun, and nailed it as Kathryn in The Accused alongside Jodie Foster’s Oscar-winning performance. While she missed out on the Top Gun sequel, she’s cool with it.
Rick Moranis
Rick Moranis rocked the ’80s with hits like Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. But when tragedy struck in the ’90s with the loss of his wife, he made family his priority. Stepping back from Hollywood, he focused on raising his kids.
Thomas Howell
C. Thomas Howell made his mark on the big screen in the ’80s with roles in iconic films like ET, Red Dawn, and The Outsiders. He’s maintained a strong working relationship with Francis Ford Coppola and continues to impress on screen, including his chilling portrayal of The Boston Reaper in Criminal Minds.
Amanda Wyss
With hits like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Amanda Wyss ruled the ’80s scene. While she shifted to TV work in the ’90s, she’s kept busy with guest spots and indie flicks ever since.
Debra Winger
Claudia Wells, who stole hearts as Marty McFly’s girlfriend in the original Back to the Future, had to skip the sequels due to her mom’s illness. While she dabbled in TV movies during the ’80s, she eventually hung up her acting boots. She made a comeback in 2011’s Alien Armageddon, but these days, you’ll find her bossing it at Armani Wells, her classy men’s fashion joint in Studio City, California.
Andrew McCarthy
A Brat Pack member, Andrew McCarthy made waves in ’80s classics like St. Elmo’s Fire, Pretty in Pink, and Weekend at Bernie’s (his character in Pretty in Pink? Total screen-shouting material!). Since then, he’s kept the fire alive with roles in The Resident and even directed episodes of the OG Gossip Girl. Safe to say, the dude owned the era.
Jeff Cohen
Chunk from The Goonies went from Truffle Shuffle to legal hustle! Jeff Cohen’s now an entertainment lawyer. He even hooked up his Goonie buddy Ke Huy Quan with a sweet deal for Everything Everywhere All At Once. Quan even gave him a shoutout in his Oscar speech!
Mia Sara
Mia Sara stole hearts in ’80s gems like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Legend. Though she’s acted over the years, none quite match her iconic roles. Word is she snagged a movie gig in 2023, so she’s still in the game! Mostly, though, she’s retired, enjoying mom life and penning poetry.
Ally Sheedy
Another Brat Pack member, Ally Sheedy, rocked it in The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo’s Fire. Her breakout came in 1983’s Bad Boys alongside Sean Penn, but her iconic roles in The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo’s Fire solidified her status. Nowadays, she’s schooling minds at NYU and popping up in flicks like Single Drunk Female in 2022.
Daryl Hannah
Daryl Hannah rose to fame in the ’80s with roles in Blade Runner, Splash, and Wall Street. While she had a resurgence with Kill Bill: Volume 1 and Volume 2 in the early 2000s, she found most post-Kill Bill roles to be subpar. Her latest gig was in the TV mini-series The Now.
Anthony Michael Hall
Anthony Michael Hall was John Hughes’ go-to guy in the ’80s, starring in classics like Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club. He’s still on the scene, popping up in flicks like Halloween Kills and The Dark Knight. This Brat Pack member sure knows how to keep it lit!
Cindy Morgan
Cindy Morgan, known for her roles as Lacey Underall in Caddyshack and Lora in Tron, left a lasting mark on ’80s cinema. While she didn’t appear in Tron: Legacy, she made a cameo for its promotion and lent her voice to Tron 2.0. She also made guest appearances on TV and worked as an associate producer.
Bo Derek
Bo Derek rose to fame with her role in the 1979 film 10 and later starred in Tarzan the Ape Man and Bolero, though they didn’t fare well critically. After a break, she returned with Ghosts Can’t Do It, another flop.
Rutger Hauer
Rutger Hauer owned the ’80s with standout performances in Blade Runner, Flesh and Blood, The Hitcher, Blind Fury, Blade Runner, and Nighthawks. Hauer sadly passed away in 2019 at his home in Beetsterzwaag after a short illness. He was 75 years old.
Jami Gertz
Jami Gertz, famous for ’80s hits like Crossroads and The Lost Boys, stole hearts as the voice of reason in the ’90s flick Twister. In the 2010s, she graced our screens in The Neighbors. Here’s a fun fact: she’s a partial owner of the Atlanta Hawks!
Lori Singer
Lori Singer, known for her role as Ariel Moore in Footloose, has kept a low profile in acting since the ’80s. However, she made a significant mark as an executive producer for the Emmy-winning documentary Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God in 2013. Her last film appearance was in the 2017 horror thriller The Institute.
Emilio Estevez
Emilio Estevez’s ’80s fame from films like The Outsiders and The Breakfast Club spilled into the ’90s with the Mighty Ducks franchise. He’s since ventured into producing and directing indie films and even revisited his Mighty Ducks role in the TV series reboot.
Justine Bateman
Justine Bateman made her mark with iconic roles in Desperate Housewives and Family Ties. She’s not just an actress; she’s also directed and produced indie films that have been showcased at SXSW and the Toronto Film Festival.
Philip Michael Thomas
Philip Michael Thomas heated up screens in Miami Vice, rocking those pastel vibes. And did you know he lent his voice to Grand Theft Auto games? Plus, he reunited with Don Johnson on Nash Bridges. Talk about keeping it alive!
Tiffani Thiessen
’90s teen icon Tiffani Thiessen didn’t stop at Saved by the Bell; she’s had a successful career, hosting Dinner at Tiffani’s and reprising her role in the Saved by the Bell sequel. But remember to revisit the show that started it all for some cheesy ’90s fun!
Stars You Probably Didn’t Know Have Passed Away
Throughout the entertainment industry’s history, many celebrities have passed away, leaving behind legacies that continue to inspire and influence people today. However, some stars who have contributed significantly to the industry may not have received as much attention or recognition upon their passing. Here are a few stars you probably didn’t know had passed away.
Stars You Probably Didn’t Know Have Passed Away
Actors Who Found Fame Late in Life
They say fame has an expiration date, but these late-blooming legends are living proof that dreams don’t come with an age limit! From late-night shifts to red carpets, these unsung heroes clawed their way to stardom against all odds and rocked their way into the limelight late in life.
Actors Who Found Fame Late in Life
