There were so many talented actors and singers during the 1980s who gained throngs of fans through the years. The 1980s Hollywood scene has transitioned so well into the succeeding decades and a lot of the stars from the era still look amazing to this day. Many of them managed to maintain their earnings through the years but a number of them also decided to leave the industry they once loved.
Here are some of the biggest stars from the 1980s and let us see what keeps them busy in more recent times.
Lindsay Wagner, Nighthawks - Still Acting
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Most of you probably remember actress Lindsay Wagner for her role as Jaime Sommers in the show, The Bionic Woman. Her role made her a very popular name back in the 1970s. Her other popular portrayals were on Nighthawks, Scruples, and A Peaceable Kingdom. She continues to make money through her work as an actress, even to this day.
Her most recent acting parts were in the film Samson and on an episode of the show, Grey's Anatomy. She has gone through marriage four times and all of them did not work out.
Lee Majors, The Fall Guy - Divorced Three Times
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Lee Majors is an actor who first made it big in the 1960s when he was cast as Heath Barkley in the show, The Big Valley. He later booked another major role in the show The Six Million Dollar Man and in the 1980s, people knew him for his part on The Fall Guy.
Despite the fortune that his acting career had brought him, Majors seems unlucky when it comes to his love life. He has been married to Faith Cross since 2002 but prior to their marriage, he already went through three marriages that all ended in a divorce. Majors' most recent project was the show, Ash vs. Evil Dead.
Catherine Bach, The Dukes of Hazzard - Still Acting
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Another actress from back then who hasn't stopped raking in big bucks through acting is Catherine Bach. Bach is most remembered for giving life to the role of Daisy Duke on The Dukes of Hazzard.
Other shows she was known for appearing in were African Skies and The Love Boat. Bach has a recurring role as Anita Lawson in the show The Young and the Restless to this day. Outside of her work as an actress, she was also able to launch her own jewelry line at Debenhams.
Nancy McKeon, The Facts of Life - Competed On Dancing with the Stars
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Back in the 1980s, Nancy McKeon was well known for playing Jo Polniaczek in the hit show, The Facts of Life. She appeared in about 189 episodes so she was able to get a huge salary. Her more recent roles were in shows like Sonny With A Chance, Can't Hurry Love, and The Division.
Despite not being in the public eye since 2011, she made a comeback in 2018 when she became a contestant on Dancing With The Stars. Sadly, she was one of the first few celebrities who got eliminated.
Lauren Tewes, The Love Boat - Voice Acting & Theater
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If you were into watching TV back in the late 1970s until mid-1980s, then you would likely recognize actress Lauren Tewes since she starred as Julie McCoy on the show, The Love Boat. Her nine years on the show had brought her the stable earnings she needed to pay her bills.
However, her career slowed down after she got into vices and despite bouncing back, she struggled booking roles. These days, she is already 64 years old and it is reported that she has stuck to theater acting and voice acting.
Debbie Gibson, Out of the Blue - Battling Lyme Disease
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Debbie Gibson became a popular name in the music scene in the 1980s after her album Out of the Blue became a hit. Her career had been blessed because she managed to release a second album that became another hit as well.
Some of her most popular singles were Foolish Beat and Lost in Your Eyes. Gibson is going through a tough time right now because she has been battling Lyme disease for years already. Despite her battle, she was still able to appear on Dancing with the Stars in 2017.
Philip Michael Thomas, Miami Vice – Quiet Retired Life
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Miami Vice was a very popular series back in the 1980s and actor Philip Michael Thomas was the guy who played detective Ricardo Tubbs. But before he was even cast in the show, he was already recognized for his performances on Coonskin and Sparkle.
The last movie he acted in before his retirement was Fate. Although, he did do voice work for Grand Theft Auto: Vice City in 2002 and Gangstar Rio: City of Saints in 2011. For quite some time now, he has stayed away from the media's eye and is enjoying his peaceful and quiet life.
Bernadette Peters, Pennies from Heaven – Returns to Broadway
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Bernadette Peters is a very respected and established name on Broadway and in films. Some of her most popular stage roles were in productions like Into The Woods, Mack and Mabel, and Hello, Dolly!. She was fortunate enough to be able to balance her stage career with her on-screen career.
In 1981, she starred in a movie called Pennies From Heaven and her portrayal of the character Eileen won her the Best Actress Award at the Academy Awards. Peters is still making money through acting and her more recent roles are in shows like Mozart in the Jungle and The Good Fight.
Brigitte Nielsen, Rocky IV – Still Acting
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Brigitte Nielsen's net worth kept growing back in the 1980s because she was booking roles left and right. Some of her most popular portrayals were in movies like Rocky IV, Cobra, and Red Sonja.
Nielsen was married to her co-star Sylvester Stallone at some point but their marriage only lasted for about two years. She still acts to this day and she is set to appear in the upcoming movie, Creed II. Nielsen is already 55 years old but she gave birth to her first baby back in June 2018.
Christian Slater, Heathers – Starring in the TV series Mr. Robot
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Actor Christian Slater is another star from the 1980s who has built an impressive acting portfolio through the years. He made his big-screen debut through the film The Legend of Billie Jean, then he eventually made his own mark in the industry after his performance in the movie theaters.
He was also very busy in the 1990s for he starred in Interview with the Vampire, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and Pump Up the Volume. To this day, Slater continues to star as the lead character on Mr. Robot.
Linda Gray, Dallas – Set To Appear In 2019's Prescience
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Linda Gray was very popular in the 1980s, thanks to her character Sue Ellen Ewing on Dallas. She portrayed the role ever since the late 1970s and she was able to earn nominations at the Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy Awards for it.
Her other popular acting parts were in the show Models Inc. and in TV movies like Accidental Meeting and Moment of Truth: Why My Daughter?. Her acting career still increases her fortune in the bank to this day. Gray is set to appear in an upcoming 2019 movie called Prescience.
Sean Penn, At Close Range – Starring In The Netflix Series The First
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Sean Penn started his acting career in the 1970s but he first caught the attention of people when he appeared in 1980s movies like At Close Range, Carlito's Way, and State of Grace. He got people to label him as a leading man after his superb performance in the film, Dead Man Walking.
His other memorable on-screen performances were in movies like Milk and Mystic River. Penn's fortune is already at a whopping $150 million but he isn't thinking of cashing in on his retirement investments yet. He stars on The First and is set to star in an upcoming movie called The Professor and the Madman.
Ann-Margret, A Streetcar Named Desire – Stars In 2018 Film Papa
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Ann-Margret Olsson rose to fame back in the 1960s, thanks to her performances in movies like The Cincinnati Kid, Carnal Knowledge, and Bye Bye Birdie. Her success just continued on in the decades that followed.
Ann-Margret had award-winning performances in TV movies such as A Streetcar Named Desire and Who Will Love My Children?. She might be 77 years old as of today but retirement is not in her immediate plans just yet (and she looks great!). Ann-Margret stars in the 2018 movie called Papa and she is currently filming Welcome to Pine Grove!
Jason Priestley, Teen Angel – Part Of The Cast Of Private Eyes
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Jason Priestley's good looks and charm made him an instant heartthrob in Hollywood when he first started out back in the late 1970s. In 1989, he was cast as the lead on the show Teen Angel. he later starred in another show called Sister Kate but his biggest break came when he was cast as Brandon Walsh in the hit show, Beverly Hills, 90210.
He appeared in 246 episodes of the show so the role really helped him grow his savings account. You can still catch Priestley on TV to this day as he stars as Matt Shade in the show, Private Eyes.
Mia Sara, Ferris Bueller's Day Off - Licensed Pilot
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Back in the mid-1980s, people knew actress Mia Sara for being the woman who played Sloane Peterson on Ferris Bueller's Day Off. She also had notable performances in movies like Timecop and Legend. In fact, her performance in the latter had won her the Best Supporting Actress award at the Saturn Awards.
Sara decided to enter retirement in 2013 and these days, she is apparently pursuing her passion for flying after having obtained a pilot's license. Her last few roles were on Pretty Pretty and Dorothy and the Witches of Oz.
Richard Dean Anderson, MacGyver - Busy Raising His Daugther
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During the mid-1980s, actor Richard Dean Anderson became popular for playing Angus MacGyver in the show, MacGyver. A decade before that, he was known for playing Dr. Jeff Webber on General Hospital.
His role on Stargate SG-1 really earned him a ton of money because he appeared in 214 episodes of the show. He does not do that much acting work anymore because he wants to get to raise his daughter properly. Anderson's last acting role was a guest role as himself in an episode of Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23.
Susan Anton, Spring Fever– Quiet Life Away From The Spotlight
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Susan Anton was attracting attention during the mid-1970s after her commercials for Muriel Cigar. By 1978, she had a variety show with Mel Tillis titled Mel and Susan Together. Anton became a film actress by the 1980s and some of her most known roles were in movies like Cannonball Run II and Spring Fever.
Her former relationship with actor Dudley Moore was much talked about during the early 1980s. She does not make that much money through acting anymore though. Her last acting role was in the 2014 TV movie, Sharknado: The 4th Awakens.
Nicole Eggert, Charles In Charge – Owns An Ice Cream Truck
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The highlight of Nicole Eggert's acting career back in the 1980s was her lead role in the show, Charles in Charge. Prior to this, she had roles in other shows like T.J. Hooker and Who's The Boss?. In the 1990s, Eggert became popular for portraying the role of Summer Quinn on Baywatch.
She hasn't been doing any acting of late but she continues to grow the fortune she has in her account, thanks to her new venture as an ice cream truck owner and operator. Eggert did make an appearance on the reality TV show Botched in 2011 and went through a breast reduction surgery.
Denise Austin, Non-Aerobic Trim & Tone Workout - Keeping it real on Social Media
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Denise Austin is a very popular fitness guru who rose to fame in the 1980s. All the workout videos she has released through the years really brought her a hefty income. Prior to entering the world of fitness, Austin was known for being a gymnast who had a scholarship at the University of Arizona.
Some of her most popular works are Pilates for Every Body and Shrink Your Female Fat Zones. Her most recent release was 2014's Yoga Booty Lift. Austin has a daughter named Katie who pursued a career as a fitness instructor as well.
Rob Lowe, The Outsiders - Still Acting
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Rob Lowe is remembered for being one of the biggest teen stars from the 1980s. New Kind of Family was the first ever show he appeared in but his roles on The Outsiders, St. Elmo's Fire, and The Hotel New Hampshire are what made him a household name in the industry.
Lowe is still blessed with a busy career to this day that we doubt he would ever experience bankruptcy. He appeared in the 2018 movie Super Troopers 2 and he is set to star in an upcoming film called Christmas In The Wild.
Click NEXT to see what is Cyndi Lauper has been up to these days!
Cyndi Lauper, She's So Unusual - Still Performing
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Cyndy Lauper became a big name in the music scene in 1983 when she released her first ever album - She's So Unusual. Her debut album had her popular hits like Time After Time and Girls Just Want to Have Fun. During the 1985 Grammy Awards, she was able to win the Best New Artist Award.
Lauper had also guested in a number of movies and TV shows. Lauper still shares her talent with the world to this day despite having millions in the bank. She will have her yearly Home For The Holidays concert on December 8, 2018.
Brooke Shields, The Blue Lagoon – Voice Work & Occasional Acting
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Actress Brooke Shields first gained popularity in the late 1970s when she 12 years old, thanks to her starring role on Pretty Baby. She managed to become even more popular in the 1980s after she starred in Endless Love and The Blue Lagoon. Shields took a break from her career in 1983 and earned a Romance Languages degree from Princeton University.
She eventually found her way back to Hollywood and starred in Lipstick Jungle and Suddenly Susan. These days, Shields is making money through being a voice actress. Her most recent acting role was that of River Fields on Jane The Virgin.
Tony Danza, Who's the Boss? - Still Active
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Acting, singing, boxing, dancing, or teaching – it’s hard to decide which is the best talent of Tony Danza. Throughout the 1980s, he remained a known face on television through the hit comedy show Who's the Boss?.
Year after year, Tony continued to grace the screen through several TV programs and movies along with being actively involved in other careers as well. Most recently, the multi-talented celebrity appeared on the series like There's... Johnny! and The Good Cop, which proves that he is very much active in the industry and doesn’t have a plan to consider retirement any time soon.
Kirk Cameron, Growing Pains - Evangelical Minister
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A lot of people remember Kirk Cameron for being the guy who portrayed the role of Mike Seaver on the series, Growing Pains. His performance on the show earned him two nominations at the Golden Globe awards.
These days, Cameron is known for being an evangelical minister who is one of the people behind the evangelism ministry and show called The Way of the Master. He continues to host the said show to this day but he also recently appeared as himself in the 2018 movie, Connect. Even though Cameron isn't a big star anymore, his personal finances are very much in good standing, what with having $20 million to back him up.
Morgan Fairchild, Flamingo Road - Still Acting
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Morgan Fairchild's role as Constance Weldon Semple Carlyle on the show Flamingo Road made her rather popular during the 1980s. She was already going good in her career during the 1970s because she had parts in shows like Search for Tomorrow and Dallas.
Fairchild's acting career still brings her a ton of earnings even in her late 60's for she appeared on seventeen episodes of the show Days of Our Lives in 2017. Fairchild also does a lot of activism work connected to issues such as environmental protection and AIDS.
Kelly LeBrock, The Woman in Red - Appeared On Growing Up Supermodel
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Kelly LeBrock was only sixteen years old when she embarked on a modeling career. She was able to star in a spread for Vogue when she was nineteen years old. She eventually pursued acting and her big break came when she starred in the movie, The Woman in Red.
Her other memorable roles were in films like Weird Science and Hard To Kill. She once battled substance abuse but was fortunate enough to get the help that she needed. Reportedly, LeBrock's net worth today is around $2 million. In 2017, she appeared in the docu-series, Growing Up Supermodel with her daughter.
Lisa Whelchel, The Facts of Life - Motivational Speaker
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From 1979 until 1988, Lisa Whelchel was playing the role of Blair Warner on The Facts of Life. Her salary must have been quite high since she appeared in 200 episodes of the show. Other popular acting projects she was a part of were The New Mickey Mouse Club, The Love Boat, and Survivor: Philippines.
Whelchel also has had a successful singing career; in fact, her album titled All Because of You earned a Grammy nomination in 1984. These days, what keeps her busy is her work as a motivational speaker.
Judge Reinhold, Fast Times at Ridgemont High - Still Acting
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Judge Reinhold has been blessed with a fruitful acting career since the 1980s. You might remember him for the roles he had in movies like Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Daddy's Dyin': Who's Got the Will?, and Gremlins.
Reinhold never really became a huge leading man in Hollywood but he was still blessed with a stable career that brought him millions in his bank account. His most recent acting gig was when he played Harry in the 2017 movie, Bad Grandmas. Reinhold also appeared in two episodes of The Detour, in 2016.
Jonathan Ke Quan, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom - Stunt Choreographer
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Jonathan Ke Quan was a very busy child actor back in the 1980s. Some of the famous movies he appeared in were The Goonies and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and he even bagged a Young Artist Award for his performance in the latter.
Surprisingly, his on-screen appearance was quite limited in the time that followed, and it’s been more than 15 years since he performed in a film. However, the famous star also worked as a stunt expert, and probably it is the profession that keeps him busy these days.
Claudia Wells, Back to the Future - Acting Comeback
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Marty McFly's girlfriend in the 1985 hit Back to the Future is Jennifer Parker and the character was portrayed by actress Claudia Wells. Wells did not appear in the sequels because she was taking care of her mother who was battling cancer. After so many years away from the spotlight, she made a comeback in the acting scene in 2011 when she appeared on Alien Armageddon.
She is currently making up for all the years she was away and is starting to add more acting credits to her name. We want to know her anti-aging ritual as she looks great for her age! Wells' most recent role was in the 2018 movie, Groove Street.
Susan Dey, L.A. Law - Retired Actress
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Back in the 1980s, actress Susan Dey was known for playing Grace Van Owen in the show, L.A. Law. She bagged the Best Actress Award at the Golden Globe Awards for her portrayal of the role. Prior to this, Dey was already popular for playing Lauri Partridge in the 1970s show, The Partridge Family.
She is considered to be in retirement for more than a decade already. Her last few acting roles were that of Dianna Davis in the movie Rain and her role as Dr. Breene in two episodes of the show, Third Watch.
Ally Sheedy, The Breakfast Club - Living A Quiet Life
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Ally Sheedy was one of the most popular teen stars from the 1980s and she is known for being one of the actors who were part of the famed Brat Pack. Her roles on St. Elmo's Fire, The Breakfast Club, and High Art were what made people see how much talent she had in acting.
She is not active in the acting scene anymore but the money she had earned through the years sure allows her to live a comfortable lifestyle to this day. Her last acting role was a cameo in the 2016 movie, X-Men: Apocalypse.
Andrew McCarthy, St. Elmo's Fire - Director & Travel Writer
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Another member of the famous Brat Pack that makes it to this list is actor Andrew McCarthy. McCarty became popular in the 1980s owing to his roles in movies like Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo's Fire. He later pursued working behind the camera as a director and his directorial portfolio has become quite impressive.
He has directed a number of episodes of popular shows like Orange is the New Black, Gossip Girl, and The Blacklist. He also works for the National Geographic Traveler magazine as an Editor at Large/travel writer.
Jennifer Grey, Dirty Dancing - Still Acting
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When you look back at the 1980s, you would most likely remember the iconic film Dirty Dancing. Jennifer Grey was the beautiful actress who starred as Baby in the movie alongside the late Patrick Swayze. Grey was also well-recognized for her role as Jeanie Bueller in the movie, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
Her wealth today is estimated to be at $10 million and she continues to work. Her most recent role was in the movie Untogether and she is also known for winning the eleventh season of Dancing with the Stars. Grey hasn't aged much even with some telltale signs of wrinkles.
Dolph Lundgren, Rocky IV - Still Acting
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Dolph Lundgren is an actor who rose to fame in the 1980s because of his character of Ivan Drago in the hit movie Rocky IV. Lundgren is actually a very smart man because he was able to obtain a chemical engineering master's degree from the University of Sydney.
Lundgren has a lot of things going on for his career as of the moment and his fortune in the bank would still grow further tremendously in the coming years as he is bright and talented. Lundgren is set to appear in upcoming movies like Aquaman, Creed II, and Hard Night Falling.
William Zabka, The Karate Kid - Working in Front of & Behind the Camera
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The Karate Kid is one of the most successful and iconic movies from the 1980s. Actor William Zabka played the "villain" guy Johnny Lawrence in the movie. Zabka is also well remembered for the roles he had on The Equalizer, Just One of the Guys, and National Lampoon's European Vacation. He later shifted his focus to working as a producer, screenwriter, and director.
Zabka has a short film called Most which earned him an Academy Award nomination. These days, he's enjoying a $1.5-million net worth and is currently producing and starring in the web series, Cobra Kai.
Rick Astley, Never Gonna Give You Up - Still Singing
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Most of you remember singer Rick Astley for his very popular single - Never Gonna Give You Up. The song was released back in 1987 and it was able to bag the Best British Single award at the Brit Awards in 1988. Astley decided to enter retirement at 27 years old because he wanted to spend more time with his family.
Fortunately, he realized that music has always been his passion so he made a comeback in the music scene. Astley has a recent album called Beautiful Life which was released in July 2018.
Jeri Ryan, Star Trek: Voyager - Still Acting
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Jeri Ryan is a beautiful actress who was very known for portraying the role of Seven of Nine on the show, Star Trek: Voyager. Her performance on the show earned her the Best Actress Award at the Satellite Awards and the Best Supporting Actress Award at the Saturn Awards.
Her other popular roles were in Boston Public, Shark, and Body of Proof. She is already 50 years old today and is still far from doing any retirement planning. She is reportedly going to appear in an upcoming movie titled The Relic.
Loni Anderson, WKRP in Cincinnati – Still Acting
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For about four years, actress Loni Anderson had played Jennifer Marlowe on the show, WKRP in Cincinnati. She was able to take home three Golden Globe Awards for her portrayal of the role. Anderson was also nominated twice at the Emmy Awards.
Her acting career has slowed down in more recent years but she reportedly has around $12 million in the bank anyway. These days, she continues to promote WKRP in Cincinnati for the MeTV network. Her most recent work is her role as Frances on the show, My Sister Is So Gay.
Erika Eleniak, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial - Still Acting
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Some of you might remember actress Erika Eleniak for the role she had in the movie, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Since then, she was blessed with an exciting acting career. She was able to bag roles on Baywatch, The Beverly Hillbillies, and The Blob.
In 2006, Eleniak was known for having a publicly documented weight loss journey on Celebrity Fit Club. She does not make that much earnings anymore in the acting scene but she still gets to book roles. It is reported that she has an upcoming acting project called Marilyn Monroe Back?.