Top 10 80s Celebs You Forgot Were AWESOME

#10: Bronson Pinchot

Talk about an ‘80s scene stealer! Following an appearance in “Risky Business,” Bronson Pinchot would go on to make a splash in 1984’s “Beverly Hills Cop” as Serge, the eccentric art gallery worker. Demonstrating his versatile acting chops opposite Eddie Murphy, Pinchot proved he had a penchant for comedic timing. Of course, his true rise to fame came with the role of Balki Bartokomous on the sitcom “Perfect Strangers.” It’s here that he charmed audiences with his portrayal of an overly optimistic immigrant from the fictional Mediterranean island of Mypos. A true fan favorite, Pinchot would continue acting in later years, but nothing quite matched the impact of his '80s stardom.

#9: Phoebe Cates

If you grew up in the '80s, you definitely remember Phoebe Cates. Heck, she’s featured in one of the most rewatched moments in movie history. You know the one - the infamous pool scene in 1982’s “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” And while that role is certainly burned in the brains of ‘80s teens, Cates also appeared in the darkly comic “Gremlins” movies, proving she had range beyond her iconic teen comedy role. Her decision to mostly step away from the limelight to focus on family life may have contributed to her often being overlooked, but Phoebe Cates’ influence on ‘80s pop culture is undeniable.

#8: Shelley Long

Before shows like “Friends” and “The Big Bang Theory,” “Cheers” ruled the airwaves as the biggest sitcom on television - and Shelley Long was a key reason why. As the snooty yet quirky Diane Chambers, Long helped define the show’s early seasons alongside Ted Danson’s Sam Malone. And while her work on “Cheers” earned her an Emmy and Golden Globe awards, Long eventually left the show to pursue a film career. She would go on to showcase her affability in such ‘80s films as “The Money Pitt” and “Troop Beverly Hills.” Meanwhile, 90s audiences developed a soft spot for her as the matriarch in the “Brady Bunch” films.

#7: Elisabeth Shue

If you needed a charismatic, girl-next-door type in the 1980s, Elisabeth Shue was no doubt the go-to actress. For starters, she starred opposite Ralph Macchio in “The Karate Kid” as Ali, the love interest of both Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence. Shue would later steal the show in 1987’s “Adventures in Babysitting” and 1988’s “Cocktail.” Heck, she even stepped into the “Back to the Future” franchise, taking over the role of Jennifer Parker from Claudia Wells. And though she’s had a steady career since, including a memorable role in “The Boys,” many forget just how important Elizabeth Shue was in shaping '80s pop culture.

#6: Steve Guttenberg

Few actors had a streak like Steve Guttenberg did in the 1980s. He was the face of three major film franchises: "Police Academy," "Cocoon” and "Three Men and a Baby.” Thanks to Guttenberg’s everyman charm and comedic timing, he was one of the most bankable stars of the decade. While his career eventually slowed down in later years, there was a time when he was practically everywhere. In early 2025, the actor proved he was still awesome when he personally helped move vehicles on clogged roads for emergency responders during the LA wildfires. Steve would go on to encourage kindness and community support during the dire situation.

#5: Joan Collins

Joan Collins’ Alexis Carrington Colby walked so Heather Locklear’s Amanda Woodward could run. On "Dynasty,” one of the most-watched TV shows of the decade, Collins redefined what it meant to be a television villain. Her catfights with Linda Evans’ character, Krystle, were legendary, as Collins brought an unmatched level of style and attitude to the screen. Making audiences love-to-hate her, she earned multiple Golden Globe nominations and a win for the role. And while her vixen portrayal paved the way for countless television characters that followed, it also influenced 80s fashion. Yep, many can thank the actress for playing a significant role in popularizing those bold shoulder pads in women's clothing.

#4: Emilio Estevez

You can’t talk about ‘80s celebrities without talking about the “Brat Pack.” As a core member of the group, Emilio Estevez delivered iconic performances throughout the decade in movies like "The Breakfast Club" and "St. Elmo's Fire." He extended his range far beyond those roles, however, with turns in 1986’s "Maximum Overdrive" and 1988’s "Young Guns” – to name a few. The 90s would also prove fruitful for Estevez, including three “Mighty Ducks” films. And while often overshadowed by his more famous brother Charlie Sheen, his father Martin Sheen, and former Brat Pack colleagues, Estevez's contributions to 80s cinema proves to be just as significant and wonderfully varied. Speaking of Brat Pack members…

#3: Anthony Michael Hall

John Hughes movies practically defined the '80s, and Anthony Michael Hall was the king of them. Hall played the quintessential geek in such John Hughes films as “Sixteen Candles,” “The Breakfast Club,” and “Weird Science.” Yep, Anthony made being awkward cool before it was trendy. He later diversified his roles by joining the cast of “Saturday Night Live” from 1985 to 1986 with his real-life buddy, Robert Downey Jr. Hall also broke away from his nerdy image in the 90s with roles in films like “Edward Scissorhands” and later-in-life turns in “The Dark Knight” and “Halloween Kills.” However, the '80s remain his true golden era.

#2: Jennifer Grey

Nobody puts Jennifer Grey in a corner. The actress became an absolute ‘80s sensation with “Dirty Dancing,” where she played the role of Baby opposite Patrick Swayze’s Johnny. Of course, before that, she shined as Ferris Bueller’s snarky sister in 1986’s “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” However, while Jennifer was on track to become Hollywood’s next big star, her fame declined thanks in part to some controversial cosmetic surgery. Worried that her appearance might limit her opportunities, she underwent rhinoplasty, which altered her look so drastically that it’s said even close friends struggled to recognize her. While she never quite reached the A-list, for '80s fans, she remains an icon.

#1: Rick Moranis

When it comes to overlooked ‘80s stars who deserve their flowers, Rick Moranis stands at the top. The Canadian comedian was the comedic glue of “Ghostbusters,” the ultimate parody master in “Spaceballs,” and the heart of “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids”— not to mention a plethora of other memorable credits to his name. Moranis had an unmatched ability for portraying lovable nerds and quirky characters, making him one of the most in-demand comedic talents of the era. Though his success carried into the ‘90s, he chose to step away from acting to focus on his family after his wife's passing. Despite his absence from Hollywood, his impact on ‘80s pop culture remains immeasurable.

What celebrity makes you yearn for the '80s? Let the nostalgia flow in the comments below.