The 80s were a golden era for pop culture, and the decade's icons were just as eager to race back to their childhood shows as the rest of us. From Brat Pack heartthrobs to music icons, these stars were once just like us, growing up under the spotlight of Hollywood. Here's a look at some of the decade's most beloved stars and their early beginnings.
Demi Moore
Demi Moore burst onto the scene with her breakthrough role in ABC's General Hospital as reporter Jackie Templeton at just 19 years old. Since then, she's gone on to star in iconic films like Ghost, Indecent Proposal, and The Substance, as well as finding success on the small screen with Landman. Moore's journey from teen actress to Hollywood superstar is a testament to her talent and determination.
Rob Lowe
Rob Lowe, the charming heartthrob of the 80s, joined the Brat Pack on screen with his role in St. Elmo's Fire. But it was his performance in The Outsiders at just 19 years old that brought him into the world of Hollywood fame. Lowe has since kept the spotlight fixed on him with roles in Unstable, hosting duties on The Floor, and his own podcast, Literally! With Rob Lowe. His enduring appeal and versatility as an actor have solidified his place as one of the decade's most beloved stars.
Cher
Cher's global stardom began as part of the iconic duo Sonny & Cher. Their track 'I Got You Babe' topped charts in 1965, but it's Cher's solo career that has become most beloved by fans. With hits like 'If I Could Turn Back Time' and 'Strong Enough', Cher's solo career has solidified her place as one of the decade's most enduring pop icons. Her ability to evolve and reinvent herself has kept her relevant and beloved by fans for decades.
George Michael & Andrew Ridgeley
At the heart of Wham! were childhood friends George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. The pair climbed up the pop charts together, making their first appearance on screen with a 1982 performance of 'Wham Rap' and 'Young Guns' on Saturday Superstore. Wham! became a decade-defining pop group, releasing Christmas classic 'Last Christmas', energetic track 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go', and sun-soaked hit 'Club Tropicana'. Their friendship and musical partnership have endured, and they continue to be celebrated as one of the 80s' most iconic pop duos.
Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John wasn't always Sandy Olsson. In fact, she had a successful music career established years before with her debut album If Not For You. The title track and 'Banks of the Ohio' became international hits, and we've been singing alongside Olivia ever since. Her role in Grease showcased her talent for the screen, as well as behind the microphone, and secured her a place in pop culture history. Newton-John's enduring appeal and versatility as an actress and singer have kept her beloved by fans for decades.
Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy's comedy talents were on full display when he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 1980. His debut on the iconic skit show marked the beginning of his rise to fame, and he followed up with a movie credit in 48 Hrs. in 1982. Murphy's comedy skills have only continued to shine, with iconic films like Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop, and Coming to America. His ability to reinvent himself and push the boundaries of comedy has kept him beloved by fans for decades.
Michael J. Fox
Michael J. Fox is the definition of an 80s staple, and his journey to stardom began at just 15 years old with the 1976 series Leo and Me. In 1980, he transitioned to the big screen with Midnight Madness and reached global fame with Family Ties. The second half of the decade brought his most iconic role: the young time-travelling Marty McFly in Back to the Future. From 1985 to 1990, his adventures into the past had 80s fans hooked. Fox's enduring appeal and versatility as an actor have kept him beloved by fans for decades.
Goldie Hawn
Goldie Hawn's journey to stardom began as a dancer, taking ballet and tap lessons at just three years old. After dropping out of college in 1964, she began teaching at a ballet school in Washington D.C. While Hawn brought glamour in the 60s, the 80s and 90s gave us some of her most iconic roles. Her recent roles include The Christmas Chronicles, starring alongside real-life partner Kurt Russell. Hawn's enduring appeal and versatility as an actress have kept her beloved by fans for decades.
