From Glam to Grandma: 80's Stars Then and Now
Hello there, retro lovers! Buckle up as we take a nostalgia trip back to the fabulous '80s and check in on some of your favorite stars from that decade. You won't believe how these iconic faces have evolved over the years. So, let's dive right in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and 80's stars then and now.
The Iconic Brat Pack
Remember the Brat Pack? These young, talented actors dominated the '80s film scene, leaving us with timeless classics like "The Breakfast Club" and "St. Elmo's Fire". Let's see how these once-troubled teens have grown up.
Molly Ringwald - Then and Now
Then: The red-headed beauty was every '80s teen's crush, playing the iconic roles of Claire Standish in "The Breakfast Club" and Andie Walsh in "Pretty in Pink". She was the ultimate '80s teen queen.
Now: Molly is still acting, but now she's more likely to be found on TV shows like "Riverdale" than on the big screen. She's also a mom of three and an author. She's traded her poodle skirts for a more sophisticated look, but she's still as charming as ever.
Emilio Estevez - Then and Now
Then: Emilio was the heartthrob every girl wanted and the friend every guy wanted to have. He played Andrew Clark in "The Breakfast Club" and was a part of many '80s classics.
Now: Emilio has continued acting but has also ventured into directing and writing. He's a bit more laid-back now, trading his '80s leather jackets for a more casual look. He's also a proud papa to seven kids!
Judd Nelson - Then and Now
Then: Judd was the bad boy we all loved to hate (or love) as Bender in "The Breakfast Club". He was the quintessential '80s rebel.
Now: Judd has continued acting but has also ventured into producing and directing. He's still got that rebellious streak, but he's traded his leather jacket for a suit. He's also a proud dad to two kids.
The Music Scene
The '80s gave us some truly iconic musicians. Let's see what they're up to now.
Cyndi Lauper - Then and Now
Then: Cyndi was the girl next door who could also rock out with the best of them. Her iconic blue hair and unique style made her a '80s fashion icon.
Now: Cyndi is still making music and performing. She's traded her blue hair for a more natural look, but she's still as vibrant and full of life as ever. She's also an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has been married to her husband for over 20 years.
Michael Jackson - Then and Now
Then: The King of Pop ruled the '80s with hits like "Billie Jean" and "Thriller". He was the ultimate entertainer, with iconic music videos and groundbreaking dance moves.
Now: Michael passed away in 2009, but his legacy lives on. He's still the best-selling artist of all time, and his music continues to inspire new generations of artists. His children, Prince and Paris, are now young adults and following in their father's footsteps in the entertainment industry.
The Action Heroes
The '80s gave us some epic action heroes. Let's see how they're holding up.
Sylvester Stallone - Then and Now
Then: Sylvester was the ultimate '80s action hero, playing iconic roles like Rocky Balboa and John Rambo.
Now: Sylvester is still acting and producing movies. He's traded his boxing gloves for a more political focus, with roles in films like "Creed" and "The Expendables". He's also a proud dad to five kids.
Arnold Schwarzenegger - Then and Now
Then: Arnold was the bodybuilder-turned-actor who became a '80s action movie staple with films like "The Terminator" and "Predator".
Now: Arnold has traded his action movie roles for politics, serving as the Governor of California from 2003 to 2011. He's still as fit as ever and continues to act in films like "The Last Stand" and "The Expendables". He's also a proud dad to five kids.
The Sitcom Stars
The '80s gave us some of the best sitcoms of all time. Let's see what the stars of these shows are up to now.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - Then and Now
Then: The '80s introduced us to the Fresh Prince, Will Smith, in the iconic sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air". The show was a cultural phenomenon and launched Will's career.
Now: Will is now a global superstar, with a successful acting career, a Grammy-winning music career, and a production company. He's also a proud dad to three kids and a grandfather. His co-star, Alfonso Ribeiro, is still acting and is now a host on "America's Funniest Home Videos".
The Cosby Show - Then and Now
Then: "The Cosby Show" was a groundbreaking sitcom that followed the Huxtable family, led by Bill Cosby as Dr. Cliff Huxtable.
Now: Unfortunately, Bill Cosby's legacy has been tarnished by sexual assault allegations. He was convicted in 2018 and is currently serving a prison sentence. Many of the show's cast members have spoken out against him, but Phylicia Rashad, who played his wife Claire, has defended him. The show's other cast members have continued to act, with some, like Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Keshia Knight Pulliam, becoming successful in their own right.
The '80s Fashion Icons
The '80s gave us some truly iconic fashion moments. Let's see what these fashionistas are up to now.
Diana Ross - Then and Now
Then: Diana Ross was the epitome of '80s glamour, with her big hair, bold makeup, and show-stopping outfits.
Now: Diana is still performing and is a fashion icon. She's traded her '80s glam for a more sophisticated look, but she's still as fabulous as ever. She's also a proud mom to five kids.
Grace Jones - Then and Now
Then: Grace Jones was the ultimate '80s fashion icon, with her androgynous look, bold makeup, and iconic outfits.
Now: Grace is still making music and performing. She's traded her '80s glam for a more minimalist look, but she's still as iconic as ever. She's also a proud mom to one son.
The '80s Horror Icons
The '80s gave us some truly terrifying horror films. Let's see what the stars of these films are up to now.
Jamie Lee Curtis - Then and Now
Then: Jamie Lee Curtis was the scream queen of the '80s, starring in horror classics like "Halloween" and "Prom Night".
Now: Jamie Lee is still acting and is an advocate for various social causes. She's traded her horror movie roles for more dramatic and comedic parts, but she's still as talented as ever. She's also a proud mom to two kids.
Horror Icons - Then and Now
Then: The '80s gave us other iconic horror stars like Heather Langenkamp ("A Nightmare on Elm Street"), Danielle Harris ("Halloween 4 and 5"), and Robert Englund ("A Nightmare on Elm Street").
Now: All three are still acting and have become horror icons in their own right. They've continued to work in the horror genre, with Danielle and Robert both appearing in the "Hatchet" films and Heather reprising her role as Nancy Thompson in "Freddy vs. Jason".
The '80s Comedy Icons
The '80s gave us some truly hilarious comedians. Let's see what they're up to now.
Eddie Murphy - Then and Now
Then: Eddie Murphy was the comedy king of the '80s, with iconic roles in films like "48 Hrs", "Beverly Hills Cop", and "Coming to America".
Now: Eddie is still acting and is a comedy legend. He's traded his '80s comedy roles for more dramatic parts, but he's still as funny as ever. He's also a proud dad to ten kids.
John Candy - Then and Now
Then: John Candy was the lovable, hilarious sidekick in many '80s comedies, like "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" and "The Great Outdoors".
Now: Unfortunately, John passed away in 1994, but his legacy lives on. His performances continue to make us laugh, and his family has carried on his comedic spirit.
The '80s Animation Icons
The '80s gave us some truly iconic animated films and TV shows. Let's see what the voice actors are up to now.
Don Messick - Then and Now
Then: Don Messick was the voice of many iconic '80s cartoon characters, like Scooby-Doo, Papa Smurf, and Bamm-Bamm Rubble.
Now: Unfortunately, Don passed away in 1997, but his voice lives on in his iconic roles. His performances continue to entertain new generations of kids.
Rob Paulsen - Then and Now
Then: Rob Paulsen voiced many iconic '80s cartoon characters, like Yakko Warner in "Animaniacs" and Raphael in the original "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" series.
Now: Rob is still acting and is a voice-over legend. He's continued to work in animation, with roles in shows like "Gravity Falls" and "Big City Greens". He's also a proud dad to two kids.
The '80s Sports Icons
The '80s gave us some truly iconic athletes. Let's see what they're up to now.
Wayne Gretzky - Then and Now
Then: Wayne Gretzky was the "Great One", the hockey player who dominated the '80s and is still considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time.
Now: Wayne is now a hockey executive and an ambassador for the sport. He's still as passionate about hockey as ever and is a proud dad to five kids.
Michael Jordan - Then and Now
Then: Michael Jordan was the basketball superstar who dominated the '80s and is still considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Now: Michael is now a businessman and an owner of the Charlotte Hornets. He's still as competitive as ever and is a proud dad to five kids.
The '80s Sci-Fi Icons
The '80s gave us some truly iconic sci-fi films. Let's see what the stars of these films are