The 1980s were a golden era for pop culture, filled with unforgettable music, movies, and television shows. It allowed many to become household names, creating huge rises in fame for various actors and musicians. However, while some could maintain their success levels, many disappeared from the spotlight. While some still work today, they’re not the global superstars they once were, with younger names coming in and taking the limelight away from them, leaving people to wonder where the former stars have gone.
Molly Ringwald
Molly Ringwald was the face of teen angst in the ’80s with hits like The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles. Today, she continues to act and has embraced roles that showcase her versatility, such as in Riverdale and The Kissing Booth series, allowing her to maintain a level of success.
Emilio Estevez
Known for his roles in The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo’s Fire, Emilio Estevez transitioned into directing and writing rather than being in front of the camera. His recent work includes directing episodes of The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, which brings back memories of his ’90s success.
Judd Nelson
Judd Nelson’s portrayal of John Bender in The Breakfast Club is iconic and vital to that film. Although he has taken on more minor roles in recent years, Nelson remains active in the industry, lending his voice to animated series and appearing in independent films.
Andrew McCarthy
Starring in classics like Pretty in Pink and Weekend at Bernie’s, Andrew McCarthy became a household name. He’s since shifted to directing and writing. McCarthy has created a notable career for himself behind the camera, including episodes of popular TV shows like Orange is the New Black, that modern-day audiences love.
Ally Sheedy
Another Brat Pack member, Ally Sheedy, shone in The Breakfast Club and WarGames. Sheedy has since focused on smaller roles and stage performances, which showcase her range as an actress, but they haven’t helped her remain a major name with the masses.
Anthony Michael Hall
Anthony Michael Hall was well-known to audiences for playing the classic nerd in ’80s films like Sixteen Candles and Weird Science. Hall reinvented himself with roles in The Dead Zone TV series and a memorable performance in The Dark Knight, showcasing his ability to break out of the typecast he’d been in.
Phoebe Cates
Phoebe Cates starred in Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins in the 1980s, letting everyone know who she was. But Phoebe left acting to focus on her family and now runs a boutique in New York City, shifting her career entirely.
Judge Reinhold
Another actress who was familiar with ’80s comedies like Beverly Hills Cop and Fast Times at Ridgemont High was Judge Reinhold. While his career has slowed, he still takes on occasional acting roles and enjoys a quieter life, staying away from the spotlight that once shone so bright.
Lea Thompson
Capturing audiences’ attention as Lorraine Baines in the Back to the Future trilogy, which remains just as popular today with audiences, Lea Thompson managed to become a name known worldwide. Thompson has since transitioned to directing and continues to act, often in TV series and films.
Tony Danza
Tony Danza was beloved for his roles in Taxi and Who’s the Boss? In recent years, he’s focused on teaching and has also taken on Broadway roles, showcasing his acting range.
Mark-Paul Gosselaar
Known as Zack Morris from Saved by the Bell, Mark-Paul Gosselaar continues to act in various TV shows, including Franklin & Bash and Pitch, giving back to the industry and adding to his impressive career.
Keshia Knight Pulliam
Keshia Knight Pulliam played Rudy Huxtable on The Cosby Show, which is where she made her name. She remains active in television and has participated in reality TV shows, including Celebrity Big Brother, where she gave people a glimpse of who she really is.
Kirk Cameron
Becoming famous for his role in Growing Pains, Kirk Cameron showcased his acting qualities throughout the ’80s. Since then, he’s changed slightly after becoming a prominent Christian activist. He’s also taken that into his acting life because he continues to work on faith-based projects and films.
Rob Lowe
Rob Lowe’s career started with St. Elmo’s Fire and The Outsiders, which is where he’s best known. But he’s enjoyed a successful resurgence with roles in shows such as Parks and Recreation and 9-1-1: Lone Star, allowing him to resonate with a new audience.
Ralph Macchio
Taking on the role of Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid series made Ralph Macchio a star, and that franchise has continued to play a key role in his life. Reprising this role in the successful Cobra Kai series on Netflix, Macchio has added to his character’s legacy and grown his name as an actor with a modern audience.
Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy rose to fame on Saturday Night Live and starred in hits like Beverly Hills Cop and Coming to America. Murphy continues to work in film and stand-up comedy, recently returning to SNL as a host, but he’s not the talk of Hollywood as he once was.
John Candy
Certain actors greatly impacted the 1980s, but few were as memorable as John Candy. Beloved in ’80s comedies such as Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Uncle Buck, he created a legacy that won’t be forgotten. Though Candy passed away in 1994, his legacy lives on through his timeless films.
Steve Martin
Steve Martin, known for his stand-up and films like The Jerk and Three Amigos, has also found success as an author and banjo player. He continues to perform and write, showcasing his multifaceted talent. However, his enormous success recently has been due to his work in Only Murderers In The Building, which has reminded everyone just how gifted he is as an actor.
Mickey Rourke
Mickey Rourke was a leading man in ’80s films like 9½ Weeks and Angel Heart. After a hiatus and a stint in boxing, he successfully returned with The Wrestler, which saw him gain a lot of critical acclaim.
Kathleen Turner
Kathleen Turner became a star through her performances in Body Heat and Romancing the Stone. She continues to act in film, television, and on stage, often taking on roles that reflect her iconic status.
Val Kilmer
Val Kilmer became a household name with Top Gun and Real Genius. Despite health challenges, Kilmer has continued to work, with a memorable appearance in Top Gun: Maverick, a movie that earned plenty of praise.
Jennifer Grey
Stealing hearts in Dirty Dancing, making Jennifer Grey one of the decade’s biggest stars in the process, proved how impactful one great movie can be. She’s been able to ride the coattails of that ever since, but after a career lull, she’s returned to the spotlight with roles in television and an upcoming Dirty Dancing sequel.
Meg Ryan
Meg Ryan was the queen of romantic comedies in the ’80s with films like When Harry Met Sally. While she stepped back from acting, she’s recently started directing and producing, marking her return to the industry.
