We all remember Drew Barrymore, Johnny Depp and Harrison Ford, who’ve all started their careers in the 1980s. But who remembers Jenilee Harrison, Soleil Moon Fry or Tony Danza? These stars had a very short-lived moment three decades ago.
We’ll take the time here to go over some of the biggest 1980s stars. You’ll be surprised by some of their lives now!
18. Julia Roberts, social activist
Julia Roberts charmed a generation with the rom-com “Pretty Woman” and was quite successful afterwards, with movies such as “My Best Friend’s Wedding” and “Notting Hill.” Well, nowadays she might be less in front of the screen but the actress is very active through UNICEF.
17. Demi Moore, Three-Time divorcee
Who doesn’t remember Demi Moore in “Ghost” in the 1990s? The actress was quite successful in the following years, but we can’t say she was as lucky in her love life. Indeed, Moore divorced 3 times in 27 years!
16. Patrick Dempsey
Did you know Dempsey had dropped out of school at the age of 16 to pursue acting? He started his acting career in the 1980s, although we mostly know him for his more recent role in “Grey’s Anatomy.”
15. Harrison Ford, health problems
Star Wars jump-started his career while Indiana Jones made him an internationally known star: Harrison Ford doesn’t need to be introduced anymore. Still, the actor went through a lot of health problems in his decades of acting, such as a herniated disk in 1983 or his broken leg on the set of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” in 2014.
14. Drew Barrymore, battling addictions
Drew Barrymore was revealed in “E.T. The Extra Terrestrial” in 1982. During her teenager years, however, the actress had numerous problems with alcohol and drug addiction. Happily, she put all of that behind her now and is fulfilled in both her professional and personal life.
13. Mel Gibson, alcoholism
The actor Mel Gibson had some big roles in the 1980s and ’90s in movies such as “Mad Max” and “Lethal Weapon.” His success didn’t really do him any favour though as he increasingly battled alcoholism, culminating with a near imprisonment in 2006 for drunk driving again.
12. Matthew Broderick, badly injured
The adorable face that made teenage girls swoon in the 1980s movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” had to pause his career in 1987 after a terrible car accident. Matthew Broderick actually had broken ribs, a broken leg and a severe concussion that incapacitated him for a long time. The actor has been married to Sarah Jessica Parker for more than 20 years now.
11. Arnold Schwarzenegger, political man
The “Terminator” had a very prolific acting career before leaving the showbiz for politics in the 2000s. He was the governor of California from 2003 to 2011 but went back to acting afterwards.
10. Meryl Streep, the most successful actress
Meryl Streep has had an exemplary career and life, staying away from partying and drugs. She won 3 Oscars (and was nominated for one 21 times!) and 9 Golden Globes (out of more than 30 nominations!), making her the most nominated actress ever, men and women alike.
9. Patrick Swayze, cancer victim
The man who made us dream in “Dirty Dancing” and in “Ghost” unfortunately died in 2007 from pancreatic cancer.
8. Nicole Kidman, unhappy in love
Nicole Kidman has also had a successful career, but we can’t say the same about her love life. For years, her marriage with Keith Urban (and subsequent divorce) has been in the front cover of tabloid magazines.
7. Jennifer Beals, still dancing and acting
Jennifer Beals saw her career taking off in 1983’s “Flashdance.” Even though she was very popular after the movie, she chose to finish her studies instead of pursuing her acting career. More recently, she has appeared in “The L Word” and in “Law and Order.”
6. Alyssa Milano, happily married
The American-Italian child actress started her career in “Who’s The Boss” and in “Melrose Place.” She is even better known for her role in “Charmed” in the 2000s. Nowadays she still acts and is also a producer. She’s happily married and has never been a divorcee, which is increasingly rare.
5. Johnny Depp, justice problems
Well, before taking the role of Jack Sparrow in “Pirates of the Caribbean,” Depp was discovered in “21 Jumpstreet” at the age of 15 only. The actor sure is known for his eccentricities but is increasingly under fire for his behaviour, especially in the wake of the #MeToo movement. He has been accused in recent years of domestic violence, which adds to accusations of forgery and assault he faced in the past.
4. Jennifer Grey, the nose she shouldn’t have changed
The actress we loved in “Dirty Dancing” was recognizable mostly by her beautiful nose, but following her surgery, she stopped being recognized. Her last movie was in 2012.
3. Eddie Murphy, plagiarism
The famous Hollywood comedian was caught red-handed in a plagiarism scandal revolving around his movie “Coming to America,” which was in fact not his. He has to pay $150,000 in damages and interests.
2. Sylvester Stallone, numerous work accidents
The “Rocky” actor is well known for his acting and stunt talents. On the other hand, he has injured himself many, many times on set, which didn’t always go well with production. So much that he had to have a lawyer interfere numerous times to keep working.
1. Michelle Pfeiffer, philanthropist
The actress, well known for her roles in “Scarface” and “Dangerous Liaisons” became more and more discreet as the years went by. On the other hand, she works closely with the American Cancer Society nowadays.
