The 1980s was a blockbuster decade, giving us several stars, from singers to actors. While some of these celebrities are still making waves in the entertainment industry, many of them have stepped away from the limelight. Similarly, some look almost the same as they looked then, while others look significantly different. Here are five ’80s stars and what they’re up to today.
Jennifer Grey
Jennifer Grey starred in the 1980’s hit movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”. She became famous after she bagged a Golden Globe nomination for her role in “Dirty Dancing”. About the same time “Dirty Dancing” hit theaters, she had a car crash with Matthew Broderick, whom she was dating then.
According to her, she never recovered from the survivor’s guilt of the accident. In the 90’s, she appeared in TV shows like “It’s Like, You Know…”. She also starred in “Red Oaks”, which ran from 2015 to 2017. She married Clark Gregg, who played Agent Phil in the Marvel Universe.
Madonna
From “Material Girl” to “Like a Prayer,” Madonna gave us different hits that made the 80’s more lively. Gaining popularity after releasing her “Madonna” album, she is one of the most iconic pop musicians ever. So what’s she doing now?
Although Madonna isn’t releasing albums like she did in the past decades, she is an MTV legend today. As a music legend who has broken different barriers and a successful musician who has sold out worldwide arenas, she remains an inspiration as a writer, actress, and businesswoman.
Anthony Michael Hall
Anthony Michael kickstarted his career with commercials and played Rusty Griswold in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” at age 13. However, it wasn’t until he acted in “Sixteen Candles” and became a Brat Pack member that he became famous. By the mid-80s, he had joined “Saturday Night Live.”
He returned to the limelight after taking time off to handle his drinking problem and acted in “Edwards Scissorhands” in 1990. In 2018, Anthony played the role of Tommy Doyle in “Halloween Kills”, a sequel to “Halloween”. He produced and acted in “The Dead Zone.”
Molly Ringwald
Molly Ringwald was an 80s sweetheart and a member of the Brat Pack. She starred in “Sixteen Candles,” “Pretty in Pink,” and “The Breakfast Club”. She also acted alongside Robert Downey Jr. in “The Pick-up Artist.”
The actress starred in the five seasons of “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” from 2008 to 2013. Aside from acting, Molly Ringwald is a writer and jazz artist. She also translated the French book “Lie With Me” into English.
Paula Abdul
If you didn’t know her in the 80’s, you might find it surprising that Paula Abdul was a famous singer then. She even bagged a Grammy for her song “Opposites Attract.” She was also a former dancer who choreographed for Duran Duran and George Michael.
She was even more famous as a judge on “American Idol.” Although she has some drug issues, she is now clean. Then, alongside Simon Cowell, her fellow judge, she moved on to the “X-Factor” series. She is not leaving showbiz anytime soon.
