Blast from the Past: 14 Iconic ’80s Stars You Totally Forgot About – And Where They Are Now!

Alright, ’80s kids (and everyone who loves a good throwback!), get ready for a trip down memory lane! The “Me” decade was, without a doubt, a magical time for movies and pop culture, launching some of the world’s biggest and most recognizable stars. We’re talking about an era that catapulted everyone from fresh-faced actors to groundbreaking musicians into the stratosphere, leaving an indelible mark on cinematic history and our collective hearts.

But what happens after the credits roll on your biggest decade? While some of today’s A-listers got their start in the ’80s and are still gracing our screens, many of their famous contemporaries now lead quieter, more low-profile lives. Some continued to churn out blockbuster hits, while others opted for smaller, low-budget films or even stepped away from the limelight entirely. The ’80s created legends, but not everyone stayed in the harsh glow of the spotlight.

So, buckle up, because we’re taking a deep dive into the lives of some of your favorite ’80s celebrities. Ever wonder where the stars of the Brat Pack, or those who defined sci-fi and comedy for a generation, ended up? We’re about to spill the tea on where they are now, what they’ve been doing, and how much they’ve changed (or delightfully haven’t!). Get ready to rediscover these iconic faces and their incredible, sometimes surprising, journeys!

1. **Molly Ringwald** Seriously, can we even talk about the ’80s without mentioning Molly Ringwald? She was *the* quintessential John Hughes muse, an absolute icon of coming-of-age films, and a core member of the legendary Brat Pack. We’re talking *Sixteen Candles*, *The Breakfast Club*, and *Pretty in Pink* – films that resonated with young people for a reason, capturing the authentic teen culture of the decade without feeling like an ‘Afterschool Special’. It’s no wonder Hughes even wrote the *Sixteen Candles* screenplay with her in mind, posting her headshot above his desk as he penned the whole thing in basically a weekend.

While Ringwald has acknowledged that certain aspects of those beloved films should be viewed more critically in modern times (and yes, parts of *Sixteen Candles* bothered her during filming!), she remains incredibly proud of their enduring impact. She believes these movies sparked important conversations among teenagers, giving them permission to talk about their feelings and validating that their emotions truly matter. That’s a powerful message that still resonates today, making her characters like Andie from *Pretty in Pink* strong, choice-making women she loves.

Following her incredible ’80s success, Molly took on parts in smaller movies, seemingly picking and choosing her projects. But don’t let that fool you, she’s been incredibly busy! She starred in all five seasons of the ABC series *The Secret Life of the American Teenager* and has a prominent role as Archie Andrews’ mother on *Riverdale*, stepping up even more after the sad passing of Luke Perry. Beyond acting, this multi-talented star released a jazz record called *Except Sometimes* in 2013, translated a French novel into English, and even penned an “Ask Molly Ringwald” advice column for The Guardian. Talk about having range!

2. **Judd Nelson** Oh, Judd Nelson! If you were a teenager in the ’80s, you definitely had a crush on him. He was another core member of the Brat Pack, known for his rebellious charm and undeniable talent. His breakout roles came in quick succession in 1985, first as the unforgettable John Bender, the ‘criminal’ character in *The Breakfast Club*, and then as the yuppie Alec Newbury in Joel Schumacher’s *St. Elmo’s Fire*. These two roles alone showcased his incredible range, proving he wasn’t just a one-trick pony.

By the end of the ’80s, Nelson continued to impress, taking on darker roles like a serial killer in *Relentless* and delivering a Golden Globe-winning performance as Hunt in the critically acclaimed TV miniseries *Billionaire Boys Club*. He was a consistent presence, capturing hearts and making his mark across various genres. You seriously couldn’t turn on a TV or walk into a movie theater without seeing his face!

Since his ’80s heyday, Nelson has appeared in literally dozens of television shows and films, showing no signs of slowing down. Perhaps one of his most notable post-Brat Pack roles was in *Suddenly Susan*, where he played the newspaper’s editor-in-chief alongside Brooke Shields. And get this – he’s also an author! He’s got four very short Kindle books and screenplays available for just a few bucks each. While he might not be the leading man in every blockbuster these days, Judd Nelson has been working in film every single year since the ’80s, consistently gracing our screens with his distinctive presence, just perhaps not at the breakneck pace of his Brat Pack era.

3. **Emilio Estevez** Emilio Estevez was one of those stars who hit the ground running, launching a seriously successful career right at the start of the decade. He made an early splash in 1983’s *The Outsiders*, a would-be classic that not only boosted his career but also launched many others. Then came the cult favorite *Repo Man*, which proved Estevez wasn’t afraid to take on risky, unconventional roles. His star status truly soared when he joined the ranks of the Brat Pack, with John Hughes and Joel Schumacher casting him in *The Breakfast Club* and *St. Elmo’s Fire*, cementing his place as an ’80s icon.

Of course, not every film was a critical darling (we’re looking at you, *Maximum Overdrive*, that lunatic film written by a cocaine-fueled Stephen King that was torn apart by critics but is actually a blast to watch now!), but Estevez continued to show his creative chops, even co-writing the screenplay for *That Was Then, This Is Now*. He was a busy guy, making the most of his early fame and proving his versatility across diverse projects.

After the ’80s, Emilio found his biggest success in a surprising place: Disney’s *The Mighty Ducks* franchise! He took on the starring role of coach Gordon Bombay, leading three films that collectively raked in over $119 million worldwide. But Estevez isn’t just an actor; he’s also an accomplished director, with films like 2010’s *The Way* (which is getting a rerelease in 2023, score!) and 2018’s *The Public* under his belt. He’s known for keeping a low profile, preferring to stay out of the talk show circuit and interviews, focusing on his family and living near his parents, Martin and Janet Sheen, in Los Angeles, with a main home in Cincinnati. He’s definitely doing things his way, and we love him for it!

4. **Matthew Broderick** You know Matthew Broderick! He found mainstream success early on with *WarGames*, a 1983 sci-fi flick that earned nearly $80 million on a $12 million budget. While his 1985 medieval fantasy *Ladyhawke* didn’t quite hit the mark, it was his next John Hughes collaboration that cemented his worldwide fame: the sensational *Ferris Bueller’s Day Off*. That 1986 movie was an absolute smash, making $70 million on a tiny $6.27 million budget, turning Broderick into a household name and the ultimate symbol of teenage rebellion.

Three years later, he showcased his dramatic range with another hit, *Glory*. However, the late ’80s also brought a tragic event when Broderick was involved in a fatal car crash in Northern Ireland in 1987, killing two women. He was with actress Jennifer Grey at the time, his then-girlfriend. Although he wasn’t found to be intoxicated, he was fined for careless driving, a somber note in his otherwise soaring career.

Since the ’80s, Broderick has been incredibly prolific, working in dozens of movies, television shows, and Broadway plays. He earned rave reviews for his starring role in the mega-successful Mel Brooks Broadway show *The Producers* in 2001, which he later reprised for the 2005 film. Before that, he shone in the 1990 classic *The Freshman* with Marlon Brando. While he agreed to meet with the son of one of the car crash victims to make amends, that meeting never actually took place, which resurfaced into public discussion after a Honda commercial he appeared in during the 2012 Super Bowl. He’s been happily married to *Sex and the City* star Sarah Jessica Parker since 1997, and they have three children, continuing their successful theatrical run with Neil Simon’s *Plaza Suite* to London’s West End in 2024. Talk about a power couple!

Jennifer Grey in Wind — File:William Baldwin and Jennifer Grey at the 60th Academy Awards.jpg – Wikimedia Commons, Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY 2.0

5. **Jennifer Grey** Nobody puts Baby in a corner, right?! Jennifer Grey absolutely starred in two of the biggest movies of the 1980s: *Ferris Bueller’s Day Off* and, of course, *Dirty Dancing*. The latter made her an instantly recognizable face and earned her a Golden Globe nomination for her iconic role as Baby Houseman. She was the toast of the town, dancing her way into our hearts and creating one of the most memorable film moments ever.

But as the movie was hitting theaters, her life took a dramatic turn. The car crash in Ireland with her then-boyfriend Matthew Broderick, where two people died, deeply affected her. Grey openly stated that the juxtaposition of that deep sorrow and ‘survivor’s guilt’ with being celebrated as the “new big thing” just didn’t sit right. She admitted that her ‘head was never the same’ and her ‘ambition was ever the same’ after the tragic incident, truly changing her life’s trajectory.

Grey spent the majority of the 1990s appearing in television shows and made-for-TV movies, navigating a post-fame landscape that was less about blockbusters and more about consistent work. It was also during this decade that she underwent two rhinoplasty surgeries that, she believes, actually hurt her career by changing her distinctive look. Those nose jobs even became a running joke on the ABC sitcom *It’s Like, You Know…*, where Grey played herself! Fast forward to 2010, and she put her *Dirty Dancing* skills to fantastic use, winning *Dancing With the Stars* at the age of 50! More recently, she starred in Amazon Prime Video’s *Red Oaks* and has written a memoir, *Out of Her Corner*. And get this, she’s set to appear in the *Dirty Dancing* sequel – we literally can’t wait! She’s married to Clark Gregg, who you might know as Agent Phil Coulson from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“Modified Diamond-Plate Aluminum Truck Bed Cover on Ram Pickup” by DiamondBack Truck Covers is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

6. **Alan Ruck** If you’re a fan of *Ferris Bueller’s Day Off* (and honestly, who isn’t?), then you definitely know Alan Ruck as the uptight, sarcastic, and ultimately lovable best friend, Cameron Frye. His performance was absolutely iconic, making him famous for his role as the reluctant companion in Ferris’s grand scheme. While *Ferris Bueller* was his big splash, Ruck also had a few other notable roles in the ’80s, appearing in the ensemble comedy *Bloodhounds of Broadway* and co-starring in the 1987 road trip comedy *Three for the Road*.

He might have been the sidekick in *Ferris Bueller*, but Ruck made the most of his screen time, delivering lines that are still quoted today. His portrayal of Cameron, struggling with his internal demons while being dragged into Ferris’s adventures, was both hilarious and genuinely touching, showcasing his talent far beyond just comedic timing.

Since the ’80s, Alan Ruck has continued to be a busy man, appearing in dozens of TV shows and movies, mostly in supporting roles or bit parts, but always making an impact. He had a significant run on *Spin City*, playing the sexist chief of staff for six seasons, and has popped up in beloved shows like *Scrubs*, *Stargate: Atlantis*, *NICS*, and *CSI*. He even starred alongside Geena Davis in the Fox TV show *The Exorcist*. But his current project is arguably one of his most successful: he plays Connor Roy in HBO’s critically acclaimed *Succession*, a role that has earned him several accolades, including Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Seriously, from Cameron Frye to a Roy sibling – what a journey!

7. **Geena Davis** Get ready to swoon, because Geena Davis exploded onto the scene in the late 1980s with a string of incredible hits that cemented her as a true Hollywood star. We’re talking back-to-back sensations like *Beetlejuice*, which was a worldwide phenomenon, and *The Accidental Tourist*, a critical darling that earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Talk about making a grand entrance! Her talent and captivating presence were undeniable, and she quickly became one of the most sought-after actresses of her time.

She married fellow star Jeff Goldblum in 1987, a year after they starred together in *The Fly*, forming one of Hollywood’s coolest couples, though they later divorced in 1990. During these years, Davis wasn’t just a pretty face; she was delivering nuanced and memorable performances that showcased her range and ability to shine in both quirky comedies and serious dramas. She truly owned the late ’80s.

With 1991’s *Thelma and Louise* and 1992’s *A League of Their Own*, Davis firmly established herself as one of Hollywood’s most notable leading ladies. However, a downturn followed with her starring role in 1995’s *Cutthroat Island*, which became one of the biggest movie flops of all time. She then shifted her focus to television in the 2000s, starring in *The Geena Davis Show* (where she played a socialite, not herself!) and the short-lived but impactful *Commander in Chief*, where she played the first female president. Outside of acting, Davis is a fierce advocate for gender equality in entertainment, founding the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media and the Bentonville Film Festival Foundation. Her incredible nonprofit work earned her the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 2019, and she even released a memoir in 2022, *Dying of Politeness*. What a powerhouse!

8. **Anthony Michael Hall**Oh, Anthony Michael Hall! For many of us, he was *the* quintessential ’80s nerd, perfectly capturing the awkward charm of adolescence in so many John Hughes classics. After kicking off his career in commercials, a 13-year-old Hall snagged the role of Rusty Griswold in “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” That performance apparently caught John Hughes’s eye, who even thought Hall “upstaged” Chevy Chase! This led to him becoming a Brat Pack member with roles in “Sixteen Candles,” “Weird Science,” and “The Breakfast Club.” Seriously, the ’80s just wouldn’t have been the same without him!

It’s pretty wild to think that during the mid-1980s, Hall joined “Saturday Night Live” at just 17, making him the youngest cast member in the show’s history – beat that, Eddie Murphy! While he expertly played the lovable nerd on screen, his private life was a different story. He opened up to People about starting to drink vodka at 13 and, by the late ’80s, was “drinking vodka by the quart every day.” It’s a sobering reminder that even our favorite stars faced real challenges behind the scenes.

After taking some much-needed time off in the late 1980s to address his drinking problem, Hall made a triumphant return to the big screen in 1990 with “Edwards Scissorhands.” He appeared in several movies and TV shows during the 1990s, including “Six Degrees of Separation” opposite Will Smith. His most successful TV show to date has been “The Dead Zone,” where he not only starred but also produced! More recently, he’s popped up as Tommy Doyle in “Halloween Kills” and even made appearances on “The Goldbergs.” Talk about a journey from teen nerd to horror hero!

Corey Feldman: A Life Onscreen and a Voice for Industry Change — Corey Feldman – Wikipedia, Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

9. **Corey Feldman**Get ready for some serious nostalgia with Corey Feldman! He was absolutely one of the biggest child stars of the 1980s, a true icon of our favorite movies. Think “The Lost Boys,” “The Goonies,” “Stand By Me,” and “Gremlins” – films that basically defined our childhoods. He and his buddy Corey Haim were famously dubbed “The Two Coreys,” starring in several movies together and capturing the hearts of a generation. They were everywhere, and we loved every minute of it!

However, behind the scenes, both Coreys battled addictions that started during the ’80s, and both tragically alleged they were sexually assaulted during their time as child stars. It’s a heartbreaking truth that reminds us of the darker side of Hollywood’s bright lights. Haim, sadly, passed away in 2010 at the young age of 38, leaving a profound impact on Feldman.

Feldman has been incredibly brave and vocal about his experiences, publicly stating he was a victim of sexual abuse during the ’80s. He even released a documentary in March 2020 called “(My) Truth: The Rape of Two Coreys” where he made serious allegations (which have been refuted by Charlie Sheen and Haim’s mother). While his acting career shifted towards direct-to-video movies and reality TV by the 2000s, Feldman hasn’t stopped! He still appears in smaller films, has released several studio albums (though reviews have been… well, let’s just say colorful!), and get this – he’s a must-see on the road and was even slated to play Lollapalooza in August 2023. Talk about staying true to his unique path!

10. **Judge Reinhold**Alright, let’s talk about Judge Reinhold! You absolutely know him from “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” and then his career really took off when he played the goofy, yet endearing, detective trailing Eddie Murphy in the iconic “Beverly Hills Cop” in 1984. He was in everything, from “Gremlins” to “Ruthless People” and “Beverly Hills Cop II.” For a minute there, he was *the* guy!

But here’s the scoop: Reinhold’s career trajectory didn’t quite maintain that leading-star momentum. Apparently, off-camera, his ego got a bit inflated from all that “Beverly Hills Cop” success, and he developed a reputation for throwing tantrums directed at cast and crew members. Yikes! When he finally landed a leading role in the 1988 body-swapping comedy “Vice Versa,” it completely bombed. That led Reinhold, at the age of 35, to leave Los Angeles and take some serious time to reflect on his career and actions. It just goes to show you that even Hollywood stars need a reality check sometimes!

After that career downturn, Reinhold wisely decided to take “the best parts he [could] find” during the 1990s, according to the Los Angeles Times. And he’s been consistently working ever since, primarily in supporting roles in films and television. Who could forget his brilliant turn as the “close talker” on “Seinfeld,” which actually won him an Emmy in 1994? Pure gold! He also became a familiar face in “The Santa Clause” franchise. More recently, he’s been doing theater, and get this – he’s going to be in the upcoming “Beverly Hills Cop” movie, debuting on Netflix! Looks like some things really do come full circle.

11. **Christopher Lloyd**Great Scott! Is there anyone more universally loved than Christopher Lloyd? This man literally defined a generation with his iconic portrayal of the lovable, wild-haired Doc Brown in the “Back to the Future” series. And let’s not forget his nightmare-inducing villain role in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” He cemented himself as one of the most recognizable stars in the world during the ’80s, but he was already a familiar face from his role as Reverend Jim Ignatowski in “Taxi” from 1978 to 1983. Truly a legend!

His mainstream success didn’t slow down one bit after the ’80s. “Back to the Future Part III” kept the good times rolling in the 1990s, and then he hit paydirt again with his utterly scene-stealing performance as Uncle Fester in the two “The Addams Family” films. Seriously, he *was* Uncle Fester! Lloyd has continued to grace our screens in a variety of movies, showcasing his incredible versatility and timeless appeal.

Beyond his incredible filmography, Lloyd has been married five times, with his most recent wedding to Lisa Loiacono in 2016. And if you’re looking for a dose of Doc Brown in your daily feed, you might be happy to know he’s pretty active on Instagram, giving us glimpses into his life! It’s inspiring to see such a beloved actor continue to work and live life to the fullest, proving that true talent never fades.

L.A. Confidential 1997，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 622924, ID: 0119488 — Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

12. **Kim Basinger**Alright, let’s talk about the absolutely stunning Kim Basinger, who exploded onto the scene as a true Hollywood sex symbol for well over a decade! Her breakout role was as the Bond girl Domino Petachi in 1983’s “Never Say Never Again,” which, paired with a strategically released Playboy photoshoot, solidified her status. She went on to star alongside Robert Redford in “The Natural” and, of course, absolutely owned the role of Vicki Vale in 1989’s mega-hit “Batman.” She was everywhere, and for good reason!

But behind all that glamour, Basinger faced serious personal battles. She openly shared in HBO’s “America Undercover: Panic” in 2001 that she suffered from anxiety, panic attacks, and agoraphobia during her rise to fame. She even recounted a severe panic attack in her 20s that caused her to stay home for six months, a truly challenging period for such a public figure. It’s a powerful reminder that fame doesn’t shield anyone from inner struggles.

Unfortunately, the 1990s brought a string of movies with poor reviews or box-office performances, alongside significant financial issues. Remember when she and other investors spent $20 million to buy the town of Braselton, Georgia, hoping to turn it into a film studio and theme park? Yeah, that fell through, and the property was resold for only $4.3 million in 1995. She also faced a $3.8 million lawsuit for pulling out of the movie “Boxing Helena.” More recently, Basinger has appeared in “The Nice Guys” and “Fifty Shades Darker.” While she’s generally less active in the entertainment business these days, she’s sticking to voice performances for the time being, showing us that sometimes, a quieter path is the right one.

“Chevy Chase” by Alan Light is licensed under CC BY 2.0

13. **Chevy Chase**Okay, Chevy Chase. The man, the myth, the comedic legend of the ’80s! He was arguably *the* top comedic actor of the decade, churning out classics like the original three “Vacation” movies, “Fletch,” and “Caddyshack.” We all grew up laughing at his antics, from his deadpan humor to his physical comedy. He was a household name, synonymous with blockbuster comedies that still make us chuckle today.

However, the 1990s saw a rapid downturn in Chase’s career, starting with “The Chevy Chase Show” completely bombing. He also developed quite a reputation for being difficult to work with, and as his box-office status dipped, that reputation only grew. It’s a classic Hollywood tale of how quickly things can change, and how a difficult demeanor can impact even the biggest stars.

But wait, there’s more! Chase found renewed success in 2009 with Dan Harmon’s critically acclaimed show “Community.” Unfortunately, his time there was, shall we say, tumultuous. He was “quit-fired” near the end of the fourth season, largely due to ongoing clashes with Harmon and reports of using racial slurs on set and making racist jokes to co-star Donald Glover. Yikes. These days, Chase “doesn’t really work anymore,” marking a quiet end to a once-boisterous career. It’s a bittersweet reflection on a comedian who brought so much joy to so many, but also faced significant personal and professional challenges.

14. **Dan Aykroyd**Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about the incredible Dan Aykroyd! He first gained recognition on “Saturday Night Live” in the mid-to-late 1970s, which set the stage for his massive ’80s success. Kicking things off with “The Blues Brothers” in 1981, he and John Belushi donning those iconic sunglasses created a classic comedy that grossed $155 million worldwide. But that was just the beginning! “Ghostbusters” I and II collectively raked in over $510 million worldwide, cementing his status as a true comedic and cinematic force.

Fun fact: Aykroyd was even engaged to Carrie Fisher in the ’80s before marrying actress Donna Dixon, to whom he is still married! His unique blend of humor, often leaning into the slightly bizarre and paranormal, made him a standout. He comes from a family of spiritualists and has frequently spoken about ghosts and the paranormal in media interviews, making his “Ghostbusters” role feel even more perfectly cast.

Dan Aykroyd has steadily continued making appearances in television shows and movies since his heyday. In 1996, he hosted the Canadian science fiction show “Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal,” delving into his personal interests. But here’s where it gets really interesting: he’s also a super savvy businessman! He co-founded Crystal Head Vodka, which started with a $600,000 capital and impressively surpassed $55 million in sales just three years after its creation in 2008. Talk about a successful pivot! He recently appeared in “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” and is even filming its sequel, set for release in December 2023. Dan Aykroyd proves that you can chase your passions, build a business empire, and still come back to haunt the big screen!

From comedic legends who faded from the spotlight to dramatic actors who found new callings, these ’80s stars have certainly lived lives as fascinating as the films and shows they starred in. While some faced personal demons and career downturns, many have reinvented themselves, pursued new passions, or found quiet contentment away from the flashing cameras. Their journeys remind us that the ’80s wasn’t just a decade of big hair and even bigger movies, but a launching pad for lives that continue to surprise, inspire, and occasionally, make us wonder, “Where *are* they now?” And you know what? It’s been an absolute blast catching up with every single one of them!