Where Are They Now? The Lives of Forgotten ’80s Celebrities Today
NEW YORK, NY — The 1980s, a decade marked by iconic films, unforgettable music, and larger-than-life personalities, launched the careers of many stars whose names once dominated pop culture. Yet, as the years have passed, some of these faces have faded from the public eye, embarking on new journeys far from the glare of Hollywood’s spotlight. A recent BuzzFeed feature revisits these ’80s celebrities, revealing what they are doing today and how their lives have evolved.
Phoebe Cates, known for her roles in classics like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins, stepped away from acting after 1994’s Princess Caraboo. She chose to focus on family life with her husband, Kevin Kline, and their children. In 2005, she opened Blue Tree, a boutique in New York City, which she continues to operate, embracing a quieter life away from the cameras.
Judge Reinhold, another familiar face from Fast Times at Ridgemont High and the Beverly Hills Cop series, experienced a career slowdown after the late ’80s but made a notable return in 2024 reprising his role in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. His journey reflects the unpredictable nature of Hollywood careers.
Jeff Cohen, beloved as Chunk from The Goonies, transitioned from child actor to entertainment lawyer after completing his law degree at UCLA. Notably, he represented fellow ’80s star Ke Huy Quan during contract negotiations for the critically acclaimed film Everything Everywhere All at Once. His shift from acting to law underscores the diverse paths former stars can take.
Toni Basil, whose hit song “Mickey” remains a cultural touchstone and has been sampled in contemporary hits like Rosé and Bruno Mars’ “APT,” has dedicated much of her career to dance. She continues to teach and choreograph, contributing to the arts beyond her pop stardom.
Kelly McGillis, famous for her roles in Top Gun and Witness, has balanced acting with personal growth, including focusing on sobriety and raising her children. She has also worked in rehabilitation centers and taught acting, illustrating a commitment to both her craft and community.
Philip Michael Thomas, who rose to fame with Miami Vice, ventured into music and later became a spokesperson for the Psychic Reader’s Network. His voice work in the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City in the early 2000s marked one of his last major entertainment roles before retiring.
Mia Sara, known for Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, took a hiatus from acting after 2013 but recently returned to the screen in Mike Flanagan’s film The Life of Chuck. Alongside her artistic pursuits, she is a poet and mother, married to Brian Henson.
Justine Bateman, once the eldest Keaton daughter on Family Ties, has evolved from acting into writing, producing, and directing. She has also become an outspoken critic of artificial intelligence’s impact on the arts, reflecting broader societal debates about technology’s role in creativity.
Steve Guttenberg, a familiar face from Police Academy and Three Men and a Baby, has continued acting sporadically but devoted much of the late 2010s and early 2020s to caregiving for his father, highlighting the personal dimensions behind public personas.
Bo Derek, who became a pop culture icon with Tarzan, the Ape Man, has shifted her focus toward activism and a quieter life on her ranch with husband John Corbett.
Jennifer Beals, star of Flashdance, balanced her acting career with academic pursuits, earning a degree in American Literature from Yale. She has maintained a steady presence in film and television, including notable roles in The L Word series, while also exploring photography.
Rick Moranis, beloved for his roles in Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, largely stepped back from acting after the death of his wife in 1991 to raise his children. After years focused on voice work and writing, he is set to return to live-action with the upcoming Spaceballs 2, marking a significant comeback.
These stories illustrate the varied trajectories of ’80s celebrities, many of whom have reinvented themselves beyond the entertainment industry. Their journeys offer a glimpse into the complexities of fame, personal growth, and the enduring impact of a decade that shaped pop culture.
For more on the evolution of entertainment careers and cultural icons, visit the Library of Congress and National Endowment for the Arts. Insights into the entertainment industry’s legal landscape can be found through the American Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Section. To explore the cultural significance of ’80s media, the Smithsonian Institution offers extensive archives and resources.
Leave a Reply