Kathy Ireland
Little did 16-year-old Kathy Ireland know her life was about to change when she signed with Elite Model Management. This 1987 'Sports Illustrated' picture was one of her 13 consecutive appearances for the magazine, including three covers. Her 1989 yellow swimsuit shot has become the most successful edition for the magazine.
The supermodel continued her reign in the modeling world by appearing for reputable publications like 'Vogue,' 'Harper's Bazaar,' 'Cosmopolitan,' and 'Forbes.' At 30, Ireland was ready for the next phase and started the brand marketing agency kathy ireland Worldwide (kiWW). The huge success of the firm is responsible for her $420 million net worth, making her one of the richest former models.
Phoebe Cates
Phoebe Cates, the dream girl for many in the '80s, shot to stardom with her 1982 film 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High.' This 1982 photo of hers in a tiger bikini was just a teaser and Cates later bewitched everyone with a jaw-dropping bikini drop in the movie. According to 'Rolling Stone,' it is one of the most iconic scenes in Hollywood history. It’s not a surprise she was mentioned in season 3 of 'Stranger Things' when Dustin calls his girlfriend a hotter version of Cates.
The actress’ other popular projects include the Spielberg flick 'Gremlin' and 'Drop Dead Fred.' By the 2000s, she had quit showbiz and started a department store on Madison Avenue in New York City called Blue Tree.
Pulsating Paula
Just like her pseudonym "Pulsating Paula," Paula Grimaldi-Reardon led quite an exciting life. A full-time photographer and a part-time model, she began documenting the life of biking and tattoo communities through beautiful black and white shots.
The documentary photographer’s career took off when her photos got accepted for 'Biker Lifestyle' magazine. Her pictures became a regular feature in the magazine and various events for the next two decades, and this striking pose of her turned into a classic photograph representing the '80s American bike scene. Paula was also a cover model for tattoo magazines and Cheri, an adult magazine. She appeared as a go-go dancer in the 1991 film 'Shadows in the City.'
Christina Applegate
Christina Applegate not only delivered hits across all the visual forms of entertainment, but she also had a long list of nominations and awards proving her comic timing. Starting as a child actress, she got her breakthrough role as Kelly Bundy in the sitcom 'Married… with Children.'
Applegate followed this success with several popular sitcoms like 'Jesse' and 'Samantha Who?' and the black comedy 'Dead to Me,' receiving Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for all three. She won the Emmy for a guest role in the sitcom 'Friends' and a Tony Award for the musical 'Sweet Charity.' The actress also starred in notable films like 'Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead,' 'Grand Theft Parsons,' and the 'Anchorman' franchise.
Cheryl Tiegs
'Sports Illustrated' launched the career of many supermodels, and one of them is Cheryl Tiegs, often considered America’s first supermodel. Tiegs turned into a sensation after posing in swimsuits on the covers of 'Sports Illustrated' and 'Time.' The yellow bikini picture appears in the 1983 edition of the former.
The supermodel also graced the covers of several popular magazines like 'People,' 'Harper’s Bazaar,' and 'Vogue.' Her 'Time' magazine cover story "All-American Model" was well-received. While enjoying a successful modeling career, she also launched an apparel and accessories line for Sears. Her brand recorded almost a billion sales, giving the declining retail company a major boost. Tiegs was once again on the cover of 'Time,' this time as a successful entrepreneur!
Michelle Pfeiffer
There are few actresses with a career as illustrious as that of Michelle Pfeiffer. She enjoyed the status of Hollywood’s most sought-after actress. The big screen is a competitive place to make a name for yourself, but Michelle played it smart. She paid her dues as an extraordinary supporting actress before finally stepping into the limelight.
Her role in 'Scarface,' depicted in this iconic scene from the movie, put her on the map for her later role in 'Married to the Mob.' After winning an Oscar nomination for her role, she became unstoppable. Her career was at its peak throughout the '90s and '80s but her name remained in the Hollywood Hall of Fame long after she retired.
Bo Derek
The image was taken of Bo Derek a year after her first breakout role. Her part in the '70s romantic comedy "10" set her up for stardom. Although her appearance was brief, she made an impression on Hollywood and the nation at large. She became synonymous with the "dream woman" and propelled the film to commercial acclaim.
Bo won her former husband John Derek's heart during this time. He was the director of many films that solidified her place in the acting world. Her roles in "Ghosts Can’t Do It" and "Tarzan, the Ape Man" were directed by him and they cemented her as an in-demand actress even after her semi-retirement.
Sharon Stone
Sharon Stone was photographed in 1983 while she was trying to establish herself as an actress in movies and television. Determined to become a critically acclaimed actress, she moved to New York to pursue her dreams.
Her first successful role was as an extra on a Woody Allen movie. This seemed to get the legendary director’s attention. She was cast in 'Stardust Memories' and 'Deadly Blessing.' The role that truly established her as a mainstream success was her role in 'Basic Instinct.' She won various Emmy and Golden Globe awards and even earned the title of Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters in France.
Catherine Bach and Larry Wilcox
They say the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Catherine Bach and Larry Wilcox both established themselves as formidable names in the entertainment industry. Their mutual appearance in the 1980 drama television series 'The Love Boat' ensured that the series was a raving success.
Catherine Bach made a name for herself on the silver screen as a regular star on television series like 'The Dukes of Hazzard' and the infamous daytime series 'The Young and the Restless.' Larry, on the other hand, made a name for himself in his most well-known role as Jonathan Baker in 'CHiPs.' Their joint success ensures that this photograph of the acting duo remains iconic.
Carrie Fisher
Most science fiction fans would know the name of 'Star Wars' beloved Princess Leia. She sported the iconic metal bikini on the cover of 'Rolling Stone' for their 1983 summer issue. The outfit was from her role as Leia in 'Return of the Jedi' which later acquired icon status on its own. The role won her international praise and four Saturn Award nominations.
She went on to star in other acclaimed films, such as 'When Harry Met Sally….' By the end of her career, Carrie was both a successful actress and screenplay writer with writing credits in 'Postcards from the Edge' and 'Sister Act.' She truly was Hollywood royalty after all.
Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Jessica Parker is known for appearing in several famous titles, such as the Halloween masterpiece 'Hocus Pocus' and 'Footloose.' But it took her a couple of years to gain the fame she has now. In this picture, we get a glimpse of the actress back in the '80s as she made her way toward the limelight.
Thanks to her role in the HBO television series 'S*x and the City', Parker won two Emmy Awards, four Golden Globes, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards. Moreover, it made her reach a higher level of fame. According to Time magazine, Parker's work in the entertainment industry made her one of the world's most influential people in 2022.
Tanya Roberts
Late actress Tanya Roberts was the dream girl for every teenage boy back in the '80s as she blessed screens with memorable roles such as Kiri in the 'Beastmaster' and Midge Pinciotti on the sitcom 'That '70s Show.' This photograph shows precisely why teenagers drooled over her.
Nevertheless, Roberts's looks weren't the only thing she was known for, as she acted in other famous movies and TV shows, such as the 'James Bond' movie 'A View to a Kill,' 'Charlie's Angels,' and much more. All of the significant roles she portrayed made her one of the greatest. Unfortunately, Roberts passed away in 2021.
Christie Brinkley
Here is another fan favorite, Christie Brinkley, who captured everyone's heart during the '80s when she modeled for the 'Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue,' and appeared on the magazine's cover for three consecutive years, from 1979 to 1981. Discovered for her modeling talent by American photographer Errol Sawyer in 1973, Brinkley gained fame for being the face of 'CoverGirl' and had brand deals with many major brands.
In addition, Brinkley got the title of one of the most attractive women of all time from both 'Allure' and 'Men's Health magazine.' Besides modeling, she is also an illustrator, writer, and activist for human and animal rights and environmental causes.
Dolly Parton
This picture shows the one and only Dolly Parton in a beautiful dress. Parton got the success she deserved immediately after she released her debut album in 1967 under the name 'Hello, I'm Dolly,' breaking charts in the '80s. Parton gave us great classics like 'Coat of Many Colors' and '9 to 5.' She also wrote the song 'I Will Always Love You' for Whitney Huston.
Since then, she has sold over 100 million records and achieved significant status in the Recording Industry Association of America. In 2000, the singer established her Label, Dolly Records. Apart from being the one of the greatest singers of all time, Parton is also a Golden Globe nominee, thanks to her role in 'The Best Little Wh*rehouse in Texas.'
Apollonia Kotero
Apollonia Kotero made her debut in acting in the 1984 movie 'Purple Rain'. Thanks to her outstanding performance, she became one of the brightest faces of the '80s. After her debut, she appeared in other films like 'Ministry of Vengeance,' 'Falcon Crest,' and 'Air America.'
Apart from being a great actress, Kotero is a former model and talent manager with an angelic voice that became useful during acting. In addition, she once sang with a girl group called Apollonia 6 as the lead singer. Some of the titles they released are 'The Same Dream' and 'Take Me with U' featuring Prince.
Bette Midler
Among the many highlights of the ’80s, who can forget the rise of actress, singer, and comedian Bette Midler? Originally from Hawaii, Midler rose to fame through her acting skills on Broadway, and later her magnificent vocals in all time hit songs like ʼWind Beneath My Wings and Boogie Woogie Buggle Boy.’
This rare picture shows Midler in the prime of her youth, with her fellow backup singers during the 80s. During the time this picture was taken, Midler had already established a name for herself in the acting and music circuits. She later went on to star in popular projects like ʼThe Rose’—for which she won the Golden Globe for Best Actress—and the ‘Adams Family.’
Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz was always a stunner, even before she made her Hollywood debut. This picture shows Diaz in her high school days. The beauty was perfect cheerleader material, with her cheerleader’s uniform looking dapper during a game in 1988.
Before popular projects like ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ and ‘There’s Something About Mary,’ the star actress first appeared on screen in the cult classic film ‘The Mask.’ Since then she has won many awards and accolades for her work and went on to become of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood.
Pamela Anderson
Some fans may find it hard to recognize Pamela Anderson in this rare picture from her teenage days in the ‘80s. Back then, way before becoming a popular actress, Anderson was like any high school kid—going to games and hanging out with friends.
It was during a Canadian Football League match in Vancouver, that the turning point for the star came. She was wearing the Labatt’s Beer logo T-shirt during the game, which led the company to hire her as a brand ambassador and model. This launched her career in modeling, after which she featured in Playboy for two decades and became a successful actress.
Sigourney Weaver
This picture shows Sigourney Weaver in a highlight of her career and youth. This was a time when the star was a household name associated with some of the biggest blockbuster and cult classic movies of all time.
One of her most popular projects is the film ‘Alien’ which granted her a nomination for the British Academy Awards. Her character in the film went on to become one of the most distinguished and popular female characters in silver screen history. Other successful projects of the actress include the ‘Ghostbusters’ franchise and ‘Gorillas in the Mist.’
Sean Connery and Kim Basinger
This vintage picture of Sean Connery and Kim Basinger was taken during the filming of the 1983 ‘James Bond’ movie ‘Never Say Never Again.’ The movie was a huge commercial success and acquired critical acclaim worldwide for Connery and Basinger’s stellar performances.
Connery was the first actor to play the fictional ‘James Bond’ character for the franchise from 1962 to 1983. Basinger found her bearings in Hollywood after the success of this movie and went on to star in many successful roles in hit projects like ‘Batman,’ ‘The Natural’ and ‘LA Confidential.’
Jane Leeves
Though she’s a Golden Globe and Emmy nominee, Jane Leeves, just like many other celebrities, had a humble beginning. Her career in showbiz began with minor roles in movies like ‘Hill’s Angel’ and ‘The Benny Hill Show,’ where she barely had enough lines.
She got her breakthrough when she moved to the United States and got interesting roles in movies like ‘Miracle on 34th Street,’ ‘Music of the Heart,’ ‘The Resident,’ and countless others. She’s also got an endearing comic side which her appearances in sitcoms like ‘Murphy Brown,’ and ‘Seinfeld’ gave her fans a taste of. This is a photo of the dashing star striking an iconic pose.
Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie Lee Curtis is best known for her outstanding performance in horror movies like ‘The Fog,’ ‘Terror Train,’ and ‘Prom Night’. Her roles in these flicks have bagged her an immense fan base.
Still, this beloved scream queen has got some non-horror talents up her sleeves thanks to her amazing physique. The 1985 movie ‘Perfect’ garnered impressive accolades, and also drew fans to appreciate her stunning beauty, just as we can see in this shot from the film. The star is still very much active in the industry and has even dabbled successfully in writing as we can tell from her bestselling work, ‘Other Moods That Make My Day.’
Brooke Shields
Brooke Christa Shields rose to prominence as a 12-year-old child model in Louis Malle’s 1978 film ‘Pretty Baby.’ Ushered into the movie industry in her teenage years, her performances in movies like ‘The Blue Lagoon,’ and ‘Endless Love’ were well-received by critics.
Since her very first on-screen appearance, this Manhattan-born star has been a fan favorite, adored by all ages and races. She starred in the award-winning sitcoms, ‘Suddenly Susan’ and ‘Lipstick Jungle’ before bagging another hit role in ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ in 2017. Though in her late 50s, Shields remains one of Hollywood’s greatest talents and top beauty queens.
Samantha Fox and Jon Bon Jovi
Any passionate fan of ‘80s music will recognize these two legends. Taken in 1987, this photo of pop singer Samantha Fox and rock musician Jon Jovi is a relic of the 1987 Hedonism Weekend in Jamaica which took the world by storm. They were busy promoting their albums but still spared the time to go sunbathing.
Though Fox started as a topless model for ‘The Sun’ and even became one of the most photographed women in Britain, her love for music led her to pursue a career in the music industry. She achieved success and even performed with the likes of Bon Jovi who is the founder and front-man of the remarkable rock band ‘Bon Jovi.’
Kelly McGillis
At age 18, Kelly McGillis left high school to study acting at Julliard before penetrating the movie industry. Her stage and on-screen roles endeared her to the public, most especially for her part as Rachel Lapp in the 1985 movie ‘Witness,’ which won her Golden Globe and BAFTA award nominations.
This picture is a shot from her appearance in ‘Top Gun’ in 1986. She has also starred in ‘Made in Heaven,’ ‘The House on Carroll Street, and also in horror films like ‘The Innkeepers,’ and ‘We Are What We Are.’ The Hollywood superstar now teaches acting at the New York Studio in North Carolina alongside many other acting endeavors.
Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper elevated herself to a new level with her distinct image and powerful four-octave vocal range. This picture was taken sometime in 1984 while she was performing at one of her numerous music shows. Cyndi rose to prominence in the '80s with her songs 'Time After Time' and 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun.' Her 'She Bop' would even go on to break streaming charts.
Cyndi is one of the few artists who have received numerous Grammy, Tony, MTV, American Music, and Billboard Awards. Having sold over 50 million records, she has made it to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The singer is also known for her charitable and humanitarian work.
Sofia Vergara
Many people know Sofia Vergara as America’s highest-paid television actress between 2013 and 2020. What they may not know is that before that feat, Sofia came from a humble background, a far cry from the limelight. Sofia has always been stunning, and that's what got her discovered by a photographer while she was walking on a beach.
Before her Pepsi commercial at 17, she was presented with television offers and modeling deals, which she felt apprehensive about. Though fame came for her after the Pepsi commercial, she is best known for her performance in 'Modern Family,' for which she has earned some of the most prestigious awards, including a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe.
Cathy Lee Crosby
Cathy Lee Crosby, before her fame as the iconic actress that the world knows today, achieved quite a lot in the world of sports, where she had a memorable stint as a professional tennis player. In the '60s, After playing at Wimbledon twice, Cathy left the game she began playing at the age of 12 to pursue a career in acting.
The actress starred in the movie 'Wonder Woman,' in the '70s, and that was the film that gave her a breakthrough. Other movies were 'Trackdown,' 'Coach,' and 'The Dark.' She has enjoyed great success following her breakthrough and is also fondly remembered for co-hosting the 'That’s incredible' television series.
Rebecca De Mornay
Most Hollywood lovers would agree that the movie 'Risky Business' is the film that earned Tom Cruise his fame. Rebecca De Mornay also has the project to thank for her emergence in the mainstream media.
Following her performance in the movie, she became renowned for being a leading lady and was soon cast in movies like 'The Hand That Rocks the Cradle,' 'Runaway Train,' and 'The Trip to Bountiful.' Rebecca didn't stop at this level, as she is also remembered for some of her television screen appearances, especially for her roles as Dorothy Walker in 'Jessica Jones' of Marvel and Wendy Torrance in 'The Shining.' She had taken this picture long before coming into the limelight.
Heather Locklear
No other name comes to mind faster than that of Heather Locklear, for wicked and mean. Heather topped the charts in the '80s with her unique television acting performances, strongly characterized by her charming eyes and strongly-styled hair. Scarcely known due to her minor roles, she soon got her breakthrough following her Sammy Jo Carrington role in 'Dynasty.' This being her first major television role also established her collaboration with producer Aaron Spelling.
After her role in 'Dynasty,' she went on from 1993 to 1999 to get her highly successful role as Amanda Woodward in 'Melrose Place.' This performance also earned her successive Golden Globe Best Actress nominations.