18 Celebrities You Forgot Were Big in the ’80s
This list brings back the faces you cheered for, sang along with, or saw on your screen almost every day.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
The ’80s launched careers that defined a generation, but not every star stayed in the spotlight. Some were chart-topping musicians who vanished after one hit, while others were TV and movie icons whose fame fizzled as trends shifted. You may be surprised how many you completely forgot about until now.
1. Phoebe Cates: The ’80s Teen Dream
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Phoebe Cates became an instant icon after her famous pool scene in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. She starred in cult classics like Gremlins but quietly stepped away from Hollywood in the ’90s. Today, most people forget how massive she was during the ’80s teen-movie craze.
2. Rick Springfield: The Rocker with a Soap Opera Twist
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Rick Springfield’s hit “Jessie’s Girl” turned him into a global sensation. He also juggled music fame with acting on General Hospital, making him a true crossover star. His spotlight dimmed after the ’80s, but his anthem still echoes at karaoke bars.
3. Tiffany: The Mall Tour Superstar
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Tiffany was everywhere in the ’80s thanks to her mall tours and the mega-hit “I Think We’re Alone Now.” She captured teen hearts but faded once the bubblegum pop craze ended. Few stars had a rise and fall as fast as hers.
4. Andrew McCarthy: The Brat Pack Heartthrob
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Andrew McCarthy was one of the faces of the ’80s Brat Pack, starring in Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo’s Fire. He later turned to directing, leaving his teen idol status behind. For many, his time in the spotlight feels like a flash of ’80s magic.
5. Cyndi Lauper: The Quirky Pop Queen
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Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and neon style made her a defining figure of the ’80s. Her playful image was everywhere, from MTV to magazine covers. Though still active, her pop dominance is often overshadowed by other icons of the era.
6. Judge Reinhold: The Comedy Sidekick
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Judge Reinhold made a name in ’80s comedies like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Beverly Hills Cop. His awkward charm made him a fan favorite, but he never recaptured that decade’s success. Today, he is often remembered as a reliable supporting actor of the era.
7. Debbie Gibson: The Teen Pop Composer
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Unlike many teen stars, Debbie Gibson wrote her own songs and became the youngest artist to hit number one with original music. Her hits like “Only in My Dreams” defined the late ’80s. Still, she slipped into the background when new pop acts took over the ’90s.
8. Bronson Pinchot: The Quirky TV Cousin
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Bronson Pinchot brought laughs as Balki on Perfect Strangers, one of the decade’s most beloved sitcoms. His unusual accent and catchphrases made him unforgettable. Once the show ended, though, so did most of his mainstream fame.
9. Sheena Easton: The Pop Chameleon
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Sheena Easton’s voice carried hits like “Morning Train” and her Prince collaboration “Sugar Walls.” She constantly reinvented her image, shifting from pop sweetheart to sultry star. Despite her talent, she is rarely remembered as one of the decade’s biggest acts.
10. Corey Haim: The Lost ’80s Idol
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Corey Haim was the ultimate teen idol after The Lost Boys. His boyish looks and charm made him a household name. Sadly, his struggles behind the scenes caused his career to fade even before the ’90s began.
11. Samantha Fox: The Glamour Pop Star
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Samantha Fox went from a glamour model to a chart-topping singer with hits like “Touch Me (I Want Your Body).” She was a tabloid favorite during the ’80s. Her fame cooled quickly once the novelty wore off.
12. Jami Gertz: The Brat Pack’s Quiet Star
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Jami Gertz lit up screens in movies like The Lost Boys and Sixteen Candles. She had the looks and charm of a rising star but never reached A-list status. Many forget she was part of some of the decade’s most beloved films.
13. Billy Squier: The Forgotten Rock Hero
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Billy Squier’s hits like “The Stroke” and “Rock Me Tonite” made him one of the hottest rockers of the early ’80s. A single awkward music video, however, crushed his career almost overnight. He’s still respected by rock fans but forgotten by most casual listeners.
14. Heather Thomas: The Poster Queen
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Heather Thomas starred in The Fall Guy and became one of the most popular pin-up poster girls of the ’80s. Her fame skyrocketed but was short-lived after she stepped away from Hollywood. Her name has faded, but her posters were once on countless bedroom walls.
15. Glenn Frey: The Solo Eagle
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After his success with The Eagles, Glenn Frey launched a solo career in the ’80s with hits like “The Heat Is On.” He even appeared on Miami Vice, blending rock and TV cool. While remembered in music circles, his solo stardom is often overlooked.
16. Tempestt Bledsoe: The TV Kid Next Door
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Tempestt Bledsoe played Vanessa Huxtable on The Cosby Show, one of the biggest sitcoms of the decade. She was a familiar face in households everywhere. After the show, her visibility shrank, leaving her tied to that one iconic role.
17. Glenn Shorrock
Susanna Burton on Wikimedia Commons
Glenn Shorrock was the lead singer of Little River Band, a group with major hits in the late ’70s and ’80s. His voice carried songs like “Reminiscing” to the top of the charts. Still, his name rarely comes up when people talk about ’80s music icons.
18. Catherine Mary Stewart: The Sci-Fi Darling
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Catherine Mary Stewart starred in cult classics like The Last Starfighter and Night of the Comet. She became a sci-fi fan favorite but never broke through to lasting stardom. Her face still brings back memories for anyone who loved quirky ’80s cinema.