10 Forgotten Celebrities Who Were Huge in Their Time
Fame is fleeting, and these once-household names have faded from the spotlight despite once being at the top of their game.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
The stars of Hollywood come and go; some shine for decades, while others fade into oblivion. The 10 celebrities listed below dominated television, music, and movies during their prime before fading from popular culture. Their names may seem familiar, but their careers are now only dim recollections, whether as a result of shifting trends, personal difficulties, or just moving away.
1. Phoebe Cates
monstersforsale on Flickr
The ultimate ’80s crush, Phoebe Cates, was everywhere, thanks to Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins. Her sudden retirement from Hollywood to focus on family life left fans wondering where she went.
2. Erik Estrada
BluEyedA73 on Flickr
As Officer Frank Poncherello on CHiPs, Estrada was one of the biggest TV stars of the late ’70s and early ’80s. After the show ended, his career stalled, leading him to unexpected roles in Spanish-language telenovelas and law enforcement campaigns.
3. Shelley Long
Wikimedia Commons
Long won hearts (and awards) as Diane Chambers on Cheers, but leaving the show at its peak hurt her career. Despite a few movie roles and guest appearances, she never reclaimed her former glory.
4. Rick Moranis
Neelix on Wikimedia Commons
From Ghostbusters to Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Moranis was a beloved comedy star. He stepped away from acting in the ‘90s to raise his children after his wife’s passing.
5. Fairuza Balk
Ian Aberle on Flickr
Known for her edgy roles in The Craft and American History X, Balk was once Hollywood’s go-to actress for gothic, unconventional characters. She gradually moved away from mainstream films, focusing on indie projects and voice work.
6. Judd Nelson
George Oates on Flickr
A core member of the Brat Pack, Nelson starred in The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo’s Fire, cementing his ‘80s fame. Unlike some of his peers, his transition into adult roles never clicked.
7. Leelee Sobieski
David Shankbone on Flickr
Praised for her striking resemblance to a young Helen Hunt and her powerful performances in Deep Impact and Eyes Wide Shut, Sobieski had a bright future. However, she left Hollywood in the early 2010s to focus on her art and family.
8. Jonathan Taylor Thomas
Flickr
As the voice of young Simba in The Lion King and Randy on Home Improvement, JTT was a ‘90s teen idol. Despite his overwhelming popularity, he stepped away from the limelight to focus on education.
9. Mischa Barton
John on Flickr
Barton became a household name playing Marissa Cooper on The O.C., but her time in the limelight was short-lived. A mix of personal struggles and career missteps led to her fading from Hollywood’s A-list.
10. Billy Zane
Heather Paul on Flickr
Zane’s chilling performance as the villainous Cal in Titanic should have made him an enduring star, but his career took an unexpected turn. Despite a few memorable roles, he never became a leading man in Hollywood.