60 Best 80s Actors You Need to Watch
The 1980s was a decade that saw the rise of many talented actors who went on to become legends in the film industry. From Tom Cruise to Meryl Streep, the 80s was a breeding ground for some of the biggest names in Hollywood. These actors brought unique personalities and styles to their roles, captivating audiences and creating memorable characters that have remained etched in our minds to this day.
The decade saw the release of several iconic movies, and the performances of these actors elevated the films to new heights and helped to establish them as timeless classics.
The 80s was also a time of experimentation and creativity, as actors and filmmakers took risks with new and innovative storytelling techniques. This era saw a wide range of genres, from action and adventure to romantic comedies and dramas. The best 80s actors brought a level of depth and nuance to their performances, making their characters multi-dimensional and relatable to audiences.
Their contributions to the art of acting continue to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers, and their influence can still be felt in the movies being produced today.
Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise emerged as one of the biggest stars of the 80s with his good looks and incredible acting skills. He starred in several successful films, including “Risky Business”, “Top Gun”, and “The Color of Money”. In “Risky Business”, Cruise played the role of Joel Goodson, a high school student who starts a prostitution business to pay for college. The film became a cult classic, and Cruise’s performance was praised for his comedic timing and charming delivery.
“Top Gun” saw Cruise in the role of Pete “Maverick” Mitchel, a fighter pilot who attends the Navy’s elite fighter weapons school. The film was a massive success, and Cruise’s portrayal of Maverick solidified his status as a leading man in Hollywood. “The Color of Money” saw Cruise star alongside Paul Newman, and his performance earned him his first Academy Award nomination.
Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep is widely considered one of the greatest actresses of all time, and her work in the 80s only solidified her reputation. She starred in several films during the decade, including “Sophie’s Choice”, “The French Lieutenant’s Woman”, and “Out of Africa”. In “Sophie’s Choice”, Streep played the title role of Sophie, a Holocaust survivor who is torn between two lovers. Her performance in the film earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, and it remains one of her most acclaimed performances to date.
“The French Lieutenant’s Woman” saw Streep take on the challenging role of Sarah, a Victorian-era actress. Her portrayal of the character earned her another Academy Award nomination, and it showcased her versatility as an actress. “Out of Africa” saw Streep star alongside Robert Redford, and her performance in the film earned her yet another Academy Award nomination.
Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro is one of the most iconic actors of all time, and his work in the 80s helped to establish him as a leading man in Hollywood. He starred in several films during the decade, including “Raging Bull”, “The King of Comedy”, and “Once Upon a Time in America”. In “Raging Bull”, De Niro played the role of Jake LaMotta, a legendary boxer who rises to fame but falls from grace. His performance in the film earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, and it remains one of his most acclaimed performances to date.
“The King of Comedy” saw De Niro play the role of Rupert Pupkin, a struggling comedian who will stop at nothing to achieve fame. The film was a commercial failure, but it is now considered a cult classic, and De Niro’s performance was widely praised. “Once Upon a Time in America” saw De Niro star alongside James Woods, and his performance in the film earned him another Academy Award nomination.
Jack Nicholson
Jack Nicholson is one of the most versatile and talented actors of all time, and his work in the 80s only solidified his reputation. He starred in several films during the decade, including “The Shining”, “Batman”, and “Ironweed”. In “The Shining”, Nicholson played the role of Jack Torrance, a writer who becomes a caretaker at an isolated hotel and descends into madness. His performance in the film was widely praised, and it remains one of his most iconic roles to date.
“Batman” saw Nicholson take on the role of The Joker, a homicidal clown who terrorizes Gotham City. The film was a commercial and critical success, and Nicholson’s performance was widely praised. “Ironweed” saw Nicholson star alongside Meryl Streep, and his performance in the film earned him another Academy Award nomination.
Dustin Hoffman
Dustin Hoffman is one of the most accomplished actors of his generation, and his work in the 80s cemented his reputation as one of the greats. He starred in several films during the decade, including “Tootsie”, “Rain Man”, and “Ishtar”. In “Tootsie”, Hoffman played the role of Michael Dorsey, an actor who disguises himself as a woman to get a job on a soap opera. The film was a commercial and critical success, and Hoffman’s performance was widely praised.
“Rain Man” saw Hoffman play the role of Raymond Babbitt, an autistic savant who travels cross-country with his estranged brother. The film was a commercial and critical success, and Hoffman’s performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. “Ishtar” saw Hoffman star alongside Warren Beatty, and although the film was a commercial failure, Hoffman’s performance was widely praised.
Al Pacino
Al Pacino is one of the most talented and iconic actors of all time, and his work in the 80s only solidified his reputation. He starred in several films during the decade, including “Scarface”, “The Godfather: Part III”, and “Sea of Love”. In “Scarface”, Pacino played the role of Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee who rises to power as a drug lord in Miami. The film was a commercial and critical success, and Pacino’s performance was widely praised.
“The Godfather: Part III” saw Pacino reprise his role as Michael Corleone, and his performance in the film earned him another Academy Award nomination. “Sea of Love” saw Pacino star alongside Ellen Barkin, and his performance in the film was widely praised.
Sean Connery
Sir Sean Connery is widely considered to be one of the greatest actors of all time, and his work in the 80s only reinforced his reputation. He starred in several films during the decade, including “The Highlander”, “The Name of the Rose”, and “The Untouchables”. In “The Highlander”, Connery played the role of Ramirez, a mentor to the main character, Connor MacLeod. The film was a commercial and critical success, and Connery’s performance was widely praised.
“The Name of the Rose” saw Connery star as William of Baskerville, a medieval friar who investigates a series of murders in a 14th-century monastery. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Connery’s performance was widely praised. “The Untouchables” saw Connery star alongside Kevin Costner, and his performance in the film earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Gene Hackman
Gene Hackman is one of the most talented actors of his generation, and his work in the 80s only solidified his reputation. He starred in several films during the decade, including “Mississippi Burning”, “Superman”, and “The Package”. In “Mississippi Burning”, Hackman played the role of Agent Rupert Anderson, a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent who investigates the disappearance of three civil rights workers in the American South.
The film was a commercial and critical success, and Hackman’s performance was widely praised. “Superman” saw Hackman play the role of Lex Luthor, and his performance in the film was widely praised. “The Package” saw Hackman star alongside Tommy Lee Jones, and his performance in the film was widely praised.
Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford is one of the most iconic actors of all time, and his work in the 80s only reinforced his reputation. He starred in several films during the decade, including “The Empire Strikes Back”, “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, and “Blade Runner”. In “The Empire Strikes Back”, Ford reprised his role as Han Solo, and his performance in the film was widely praised.
“Raiders of the Lost Ark” saw Ford star as Indiana Jones, and the film was a commercial and critical success, with Ford’s performance widely praised. “Blade Runner” saw Ford star as Rick Deckard, and although the film was a commercial failure upon its initial release, it has since gained a cult following and is widely considered to be a science fiction classic.
Mel Gibson
Mel Gibson is one of the most talented actors and filmmakers of his generation, and his work in the 80s helped to establish him as one of the greatest talents of his time. He starred in several films during the decade, including “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior”, “The Year of Living Dangerously”, and “Lethal Weapon”. In “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior”, Gibson reprised his role as Max Rockatansky, and the film was a commercial and critical success, with Gibson’s performance widely praised.
“The Year of Living Dangerously” saw Gibson star alongside Sigourney Weaver, and his performance in the film was widely praised. “Lethal Weapon” saw Gibson star alongside Danny Glover, and the film was a commercial and critical success, with Gibson’s performance widely praised.
Sigourney Weaver
Sigourney Weaver is one of the most talented actresses of her generation, and her work in the 80s helped to establish her as one of the greatest actresses of all time. She starred in several films during the decade, including “Alien”, “Ghostbusters”, and “Gorillas in the Mist”. In “Alien”, Weaver starred as Ellen Ripley, and her performance in the film was widely praised.
“Ghostbusters” saw Weaver star alongside Bill Murray, and the film was a commercial and critical success, with Weaver’s performance widely praised. “Gorillas in the Mist” saw Weaver star as Diane Fossey, and the film was a commercial and critical success, with Weaver’s performance widely praised.
Michelle Pfeiffer
Michelle Pfeiffer is a versatile actress known for her captivating performances in a variety of film genres. During the 80s, she starred in several notable films, including “Scarface”, “The Fabulous Baker Boys”, and “Dangerous Liaisons”. In “Scarface”, Pfeiffer played Elvira Hancock, the glamorous and seductive wife of a powerful drug lord.
“The Fabulous Baker Boys” saw Pfeiffer take on the role of Susie Diamond, a cabaret singer who becomes involved with two struggling musicians. “Dangerous Liaisons” saw Pfeiffer play Madame de Tourvel, and her performance in the film was widely praised.
Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts is one of the most beloved actresses of her generation, known for her captivating performances in a variety of film genres. During the 80s, she starred in several notable films, including “Mystic Pizza”, “Pretty Woman”, and “Steel Magnolias”.
In “Pretty Woman”, Roberts played Vivian Ward, a call girl who becomes involved with a wealthy businessman, and the film was a commercial and critical success, with Roberts’ performance widely praised. “Mystic Pizza” saw Roberts play Daisy Arujo, a young woman working in a pizza parlor, and “Steel Magnolias” saw her play Shelby Eatenton Latcherie, a young woman with diabetes.
Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster is a talented actress known for her captivating performances in a variety of film genres. During the 80s, she starred in several notable films, including “Taxi Driver”, “The Accused”, and “Little Man Tate”. In “Taxi Driver”, Foster played Iris Steensma, a teenage prostitute who becomes involved with a disturbed taxi driver.
“The Accused” saw Foster play Sarah Tobias, a rape victim who seeks justice, and the film was a commercial and critical success, with Foster’s performance widely praised. “Little Man Tate” saw Foster make her directorial debut, and she also starred in the film as Dede Tate, the mother of a young prodigy.
Glenn Close
Glenn Close is a versatile actress known for her captivating performances in a variety of film genres. During the 80s, she starred in several notable films, including “The World According to Garp”, “Fatal Attraction”, and “Dangerous Liaisons”. In “The World According to Garp”, Close played Jenny Fields, a nurse, and author who becomes involved with a group of eccentric characters. “Fatal Attraction” saw Close play Alex Forrest, a mentally unstable woman who becomes involved with a married man, and the film was a commercial and critical success, with Close’s performance widely praised.
“Dangerous Liaisons” saw Close play the Marquise de Merteuil, and her performance in the film was widely praised. Close’s work in the 80s helped to establish her as one of the most talented actresses of her generation, and her contributions to the art of acting continue to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers.
Sally Field
Sally Field is a talented actress known for her captivating performances in a variety of film genres. During the 80s, she starred in several notable films, including “Norma Rae”, “Absence of Malice”, and “Places in the Heart”. In “Norma Rae”, Field played Norma Rae Webster, a factory worker who becomes involved in the labor movement, and the film was a commercial and critical success, with Field’s performance widely praised.
“Absence of Malice” saw Field play Megan Carter, a journalist who becomes involved in a scandal, and “Places in the Heart” saw Field play Edna Spalding, a widow who tries to save her farm during the Great Depression.
Debra Winger
Debra Winger is a talented actress known for her captivating performances in a variety of film genres. During the 80s, she starred in several notable films, including “An Officer and a Gentleman”, “Terms of Endearment”, and “Shadowlands”. In “An Officer and a Gentleman”, Winger played Paula Pokrifki, a factory worker who becomes involved with a naval officer, and the film was a commercial and critical success, with Winger’s performance widely praised.
“Terms of Endearment” saw Winger play Emma Horton, a mother who tries to deal with the trials and tribulations of motherhood, and the film was a commercial and critical success, with Winger’s performance widely praised. “Shadowlands” saw Winger play Joy Gresham, an American writer who becomes involved with the British author C.S. Lewis, and the film was widely praised for its powerful performances.
Kathleen Turner
Kathleen Turner is a talented actress known for her captivating performances in a variety of film genres. During the 80s, she starred in several notable films, including “Body Heat”, “Romancing the Stone”, and “Prizzi’s Honor”. In “Body Heat”, Turner played Matty Walker, a seductive woman who becomes involved with a lawyer, and the film was a commercial and critical success, with Turner’s performance widely praised.
“Romancing the Stone” saw Turner play Joan Wilder, a romance novelist who becomes involved in a treasure hunt, and “Prizzi’s Honor” saw Turner play Maerose Prizzi, a Mafia princess who becomes involved in a family feud.
Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg is a talented actress, comedian, and talk show host known for her captivating performances in a variety of film genres. During the 80s, she starred in several notable films, including “The Color Purple”, “Burglar”, and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”.
In “The Color Purple”, Goldberg played Celie Johnson, a woman who tries to find her place in the world, and the film was a commercial and critical success, with Goldberg’s performance widely praised. “Burglar” saw Goldberg play Bernice “Bernie” Rhodenbarr, a burglar who tries to clear her name, and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” saw Goldberg play Terri, a computer operator who becomes involved in a spy plot.
Bette Midler
Bette Midler is a talented actress, singer, and comedian known for her captivating performances in a variety of film genres. During the 80s, she starred in several notable films, including “Ruthless People”, “Outrageous Fortune”, and “Big Business”.
In “Ruthless People”, Midler played Barbara Stone, a woman who is kidnapped by her husband’s business rivals, and the film was a commercial and critical success, with Midler’s performance widely praised. “Outrageous Fortune” saw Midler play Lauren Saunders, an actress who tries to clear her name, and “Big Business” saw Midler play Rose Shelton, a woman who tries to save her family farm.
Goldie Hawn
Goldie Hawn is a versatile actress who rose to prominence in the 70s and continued her success in the 80s. She was known for her comedic performances and her ability to bring humor to the screen.
Hawn was also known for her ability to play dramatic roles as well, showcasing her range as an actress. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “Private Benjamin” (1980), “Best Friends” (1982), and “Overboard” (1987).
Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton is a highly acclaimed actress who has been in the industry for over five decades. In the 80s, she was one of the most sought-after actresses, and her career reached new heights.
Keaton was known for her unique style and her ability to bring a sense of sophistication to her roles. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “Annie Hall” (1977), “Manhattan” (1979), and “Baby Boom” (1987).
Melanie Griffith
Melanie Griffith is an actress who first gained recognition in the 80s. She was known for her captivating performances and her ability to bring depth to her characters.
Griffith was often cast in leading roles and quickly became a sought-after actress. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “Working Girl” (1988), “Stormy Monday” (1988), and “Body Double” (1984).
Kim Basinger
Kim Basinger is a talented actress who rose to prominence in the 80s. She was known for her stunning beauty and her ability to bring a sense of elegance to her roles.
Basinger was often cast in leading roles and quickly became one of the most sought-after actresses of her time. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “9 1/2 Weeks” (1986), “Never Say Never Again” (1983), and “Blind Date” (1987).
Mimi Rogers
Mimi Rogers is an actress who was known for her stunning performances in the 80s. She was often cast in leading roles and quickly became a sought-after actress.
Rogers was known for her ability to bring depth to her characters and her natural acting ability. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “Someone to Watch Over Me” (1987), “Desperate Hours” (1990), and “Lost in Space” (1998).
Geena Davis
Geena Davis is an actress who rose to prominence in the 80s with her captivating performances. She was known for her versatility and her ability to bring a sense of humor to her roles.
Davis was often cast in leading roles and quickly became a sought-after actress. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “The Fly” (1986), “Beetlejuice” (1988), and “A League of Their Own” (1992).
Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie Lee Curtis is a talented actress who was known for her versatility in the 80s. She was often cast in leading roles and quickly became a sought-after actress.
Curtis was known for her ability to bring depth to her characters and her natural acting ability. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “Halloween” (1978), “Prom Night” (1980), and “Trading Places” (1983).
Stockard Channing
Stockard Channing is a highly acclaimed actress who was known for her captivating performances in the 80s. She was often cast in leading roles and quickly became a sought-after actress.
Channing was known for her ability to bring depth to her characters and her natural acting ability. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “Grease” (1978), “Six Degrees of Separation” (1993), and “Smoke” (1995).
Cher
Cher is a multi-talented actress who rose to prominence in the 60s and continued her success in the 80s. She was known for her unique style and her ability to bring a sense of sophistication to her roles.
Cher was often cast in leading roles and quickly became a sought-after actress. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “The Witches of Eastwick” (1987), “Moonstruck” (1987), and “Suspect” (1987).
Susan Sarandon
Susan Sarandon is an actress who rose to prominence in the 70s and continued her success in the 80s. She was known for her captivating performances and her ability to bring depth to her characters.
Sarandon was often cast in leading roles and quickly became a sought-after actress. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “Atlantic City” (1980), “The Hunger” (1983), and “Bull Durham” (1988).
Jessica Lange
Jessica Lange is an actress who rose to prominence in the 80s with her captivating performances. She was known for her versatility and her ability to bring depth to her characters.
Lange was often cast in leading roles and quickly became a sought-after actress. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “Tootsie” (1982), “Country” (1984), and “Sweet Dreams” (1985).
Holly Hunter
Holly Hunter is a highly acclaimed actress who was known for her captivating performances in the 80s. She was often cast in leading roles and quickly became a sought-after actress.
Hunter was known for her ability to bring depth to her characters and her natural acting ability. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “Raising Arizona” (1987), “Broadcast News” (1987), and “The Piano” (1993).
Winona Ryder
Winona Ryder is an actress who rose to prominence in the 80s with her captivating performances. She was known for her versatility and her ability to bring a sense of humor to her roles.
Ryder was often cast in leading roles and quickly became a sought-after actress. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “Beetlejuice” (1988), “Heathers” (1988), and “Edward Scissorhands” (1990).
Demi Moore
Demi Moore is an actress who rose to prominence in the 80s with her captivating performances. She was known for her versatility and her ability to bring depth to her characters.
Moore was often cast in leading roles and quickly became a sought-after actress. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “St. Elmo’s Fire” (1985), “About Last Night…” (1986), and “Ghost” (1990).
Madonna
Madonna is a multi-talented actress who rose to prominence in the 80s with her captivating performances. She was known for her versatility and her ability to bring a sense of humor to her roles.
Madonna was often cast in leading roles and quickly became a sought-after actress. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “Desperately Seeking Susan” (1985), “Shanghai Surprise” (1986), and “Who’s That Girl” (1987).
Cybill Shepherd
Cybill Shepherd was an actress who rose to prominence in the 80s with her captivating performances. She was known for her versatility and her ability to bring a sense of humor to her roles.
Shepherd was often cast in leading roles and quickly became a sought-after actress. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “The Last Picture Show” (1971), “Taxi Driver” (1976), and “Moonlighting” (1985-1989).
Raquel Welch
Raquel Welch is an actress who rose to prominence in the 80s with her captivating performances. She was known for her beauty and her ability to bring depth to her characters.
Welch was often cast in leading roles and quickly became a sought-after actress. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “The Three Musketeers” (1973), “The Four Musketeers” (1974), and “Legends of the Fall” (1994).
Linda Hamilton
Linda Hamilton is an actress who rose to prominence in the 80s with her captivating performances. She was known for her versatility and her ability to bring depth to her characters.
Hamilton was often cast in leading roles and quickly became a sought-after actress. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “The Terminator” (1984) and “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1991).
Ellen Barkin
Ellen Barkin is an actress who rose to prominence in the 80s with her captivating performances. She was known for her versatility and her ability to bring depth to her characters.
Barkin was often cast in leading roles and quickly became a sought-after actress. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “Diner” (1982), “The Big Easy” (1987), and “Sea of Love” (1989).
Meg Ryan
Meg Ryan is an actress who rose to prominence in the 80s with her captivating performances. She was known for her versatility and her ability to bring a sense of humor to her roles.
Ryan was often cast in leading roles and quickly became a sought-after actress. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “Top Gun” (1986), “When Harry Met Sally…” (1989), and “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993).
Andie MacDowell
Andie MacDowell is an actress who rose to prominence in the 80s with her captivating performances. She was known for her natural beauty and her ability to bring depth to her characters.
MacDowell was often cast in leading roles and quickly became a sought-after actress. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes” (1984), “Sex, Lies, and Videotape” (1989), and “Groundhog Day” (1993).
Emma Thompson
Emma Thompson is an actress who rose to prominence in the 80s with her captivating performances. She was known for her versatility and her ability to bring depth to her characters.
Thompson was often cast in leading roles and quickly became a sought-after actress. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “Howards End” (1992), “Sense and Sensibility” (1995), and “The Remains of the Day” (1993).
Joan Cusack
Joan Cusack is an actress who rose to prominence in the 80s with her captivating performances. She was known for her versatility and her ability to bring a sense of humor to her roles.
Cusack was often cast in supporting roles and quickly became a sought-after actress. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “Working Girl” (1988), “Say Anything…” (1989), and “Grosse Pointe Blank” (1997).
Rosie Perez
Rosie Perez is an actress who rose to prominence in the 80s with her captivating performances. She was known for her versatility and her ability to bring depth to her characters.
Perez was often cast in supporting roles and quickly became a sought-after actress. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “Do the Right Thing” (1989), “White Men Can’t Jump” (1992), and “Fearless” (1993).
Anjelica Huston
Anjelica Huston is an actress who rose to prominence in the 80s with her captivating performances. She was known for her versatility and her ability to bring depth to her characters.
Huston was often cast in leading roles and quickly became a sought-after actress. Some of her most memorable films from the 80s include “Prizzi’s Honor” (1985), “The Dead” (1987), and “The Grifters” (1990).
Isabella Rossellini
Isabella Rossellini was an Italian-American actress and model who rose to prominence in the 80s. She starred in several films during this decade, including the critically acclaimed “Blue Velvet” (1986) directed by David Lynch.
Her performance in this movie as the mysterious and sensual Dorothy Vallens earned her widespread recognition and critical acclaim. In addition to “Blue Velvet,” Isabella Rossellini also appeared in “White Nights” (1985) and “Crime of the Century” (1996).
Ally Sheedy
Ally Sheedy was an American actress best known for her roles in several classic 80s films. She made her film debut in the critically acclaimed “Bad Boys” (1983) and quickly became a leading lady of the decade.
One of her most memorable performances was as Allison Reynolds in the cult classic “The Breakfast Club” (1985). Sheedy also starred in the popular films “St. Elmo’s Fire” (1985) and “Short Circuit” (1986). She remains one of the most beloved actresses of the 80s.
Molly Ringwald
Molly Ringwald was an American actress and singer who rose to fame in the 80s with her starring roles in several popular films. She was known for her performances in John Hughes films such as “Sixteen Candles” (1984), “The Breakfast Club” (1985), and “Pretty in Pink” (1986).
Ringwald’s ability to capture the experiences of teenage life and her charming screen presence made her a beloved icon of the decade. She has since continued to act in films and television, but her 80s films remain some of her most beloved works.
Jennifer Jason Leigh
Jennifer Jason Leigh was an American actress who started her acting career in the late 70s. She rose to prominence in the 80s, starring in films such as “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (1982), “The Outsiders” (1983), and “Easy Money” (1983).
Her versatility as an actress and her ability to bring depth and nuance to her roles made her a sought-after performer. Jennifer Jason Leigh also appeared in the films “The Hitcher” (1986) and “Last Exit to Brooklyn” (1989) during this decade.
Jennifer Beals
Jennifer Beals was an American actress and model who rose to fame in the 80s with her starring role in the dance film “Flashdance” (1983). This movie was a huge commercial and critical success and launched her career as a leading lady.
Jennifer Beals also appeared in films such as “The Last American Virgin” (1982) and “Doctor Detroit” (1983) during this decade. She has since continued to act in films and television, but her 80s work remains some of her most memorable.
Virginia Madsen
Virginia Madsen was one of the most talented actresses of the 80s. She started her career in the early 80s and rose to fame with her roles in various movies and TV shows.
Madsen is best known for her roles in “Electric Dreams” (1984), “Fire with Fire” (1986), and “The Hot Spot” (1990). In these movies, she displayed her range as an actress, playing a variety of characters with ease.
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is a highly respected actress known for her versatile roles. She rose to fame in the 80s with her powerful performances in movies like “Scarface” (1983), “The Color of Money” (1986), and “The Abyss” (1989).
Mastrantonio’s captivating performances and her ability to bring depth and emotion to her characters earned her critical acclaim and recognition from audiences around the world.
Kelly McGillis
Kelly McGillis was one of the most sought-after actresses in the 80s. She rose to fame with her breakthrough role in the classic movie “Top Gun” (1986).
In addition to this iconic role, she also starred in “Witness” (1985) and “Made in Heaven” (1987). Her performances in these movies showcased her talent and her ability to deliver powerful and memorable performances.
Tatum O’Neal
Tatum O’Neal was a child star in the 70s, but she continued to make her mark in the 80s. She won an Academy Award for her performance in “Paper Moon” (1973) and later starred in movies such as “Little Darlings” (1980) and “Bad News Bears” (1976).
Her charming and confident performances made her one of the most beloved actresses of the decade.
Susan Dey
Susan Dey was a popular actress in the 80s, known for her roles on TV and in movies. She rose to fame as a cast member of the hit TV show “The Partridge Family” (1970-1974), and later starred in films like “First Love” (1977) and “Echoes in the Darkness” (1987).
Dey’s ability to bring warmth and humor to her roles made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Mariel Hemingway
Mariel Hemingway is an American actress and author best known for her roles in 1980s films. Born in 1961, she began her acting career at a young age and quickly gained recognition for her talent and natural beauty. She received critical acclaim for her role as Tracy in the film “Manhattan” (1979), directed by Woody Allen. This film established her as one of the most promising actresses of her generation.
In the 80s, Hemingway starred in several popular films, including “Star 80” (1983), where she played the lead role of Playboy model Dorothy Stratten. The film was a critical success, and Hemingway received praise for her powerful performance. She also starred in the films “Personal Best” (1982) and “The Morning After” (1986), both of which showcased her versatility as an actress.
Willem Dafoe
Willem Dafoe is an American actor, best known for his roles in the 80s. He has a distinctive voice and intense eyes that make him stand out on the big screen. Dafoe made his big-screen debut in 1980, and quickly became a sought-after performer.
One of his best-known roles from the 80s was Jesus Christ in Martin Scorsese’s “The Last Temptation of Christ” (1988). Dafoe’s other notable 80s movies include “Platoon” (1986), “Mississippi Burning” (1988), and “Street Smart” (1987).
John Malkovich
John Malkovich is an American actor, director, and producer, who rose to fame in the 80s. He has a unique acting style that has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. Malkovich made his film debut in “The Killing Fields” (1984), where he played a photojournalist.
In 1985, he starred in “Places in the Heart,” which earned him an Academy Award nomination. Malkovich’s other notable 80s movies include “Empire of the Sun” (1987), “Dangerous Liaisons” (1988), and “Being John Malkovich” (1999).
Jeff Goldblum
Jeff Goldblum is an American actor, best known for his roles in the 80s. He has a quirky sense of humor and a charming demeanor that make him a popular performer. Goldblum made his film debut in “Death Wish” (1974), and went on to star in many other movies.
One of his best-known roles from the 80s was Dr. Ian Malcolm in “Jurassic Park” (1993). Goldblum’s other notable 80s movies include “The Fly” (1986), “Earth Girls Are Easy” (1988), and “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (1978).
Danny DeVito
Danny DeVito is an American actor, producer, and director, who rose to fame in the 80s. He has a unique acting style that has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. DeVito made his film debut in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975), and went on to star in many other movies.
One of his best-known roles from the 80s was Louie De Palma in “Taxi” (1978-1983). DeVito’s other notable 80s movies include “Throw Momma from the Train” (1987), “The War of the Roses” (1989), and “Ruthless People” (1986).
