The ’80s were an incredible time to be alive ! The ’80s helped to give birth to some of the biggest movie stars in Hollywood’s history and the films remain as relevant today as they were back then.
As someone who was born in the latter part of the decade, it pains me to think just how long ago that decadent decade was . So for a little dose of nostalgia, here’s a look at some of our favorite ’80s stars: then and now .
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Then: John Belushi
John Belushi was one of the breakthrough talents of Saturday Night Live and went on to appear in decade-defining films, such as The Blues Brothers and Animal House . Sadly, Belushi’s life was cut short after he suffered an accidental heroin overdose .
Then: Demi Moore
Demi Moore was one of the original members of the Brat Pack. She, along with her band of young cohorts, would define the ’80s and help to usher in an entirely new generation of young stars.
Now: Demi Moore
Demi took a decided step back from acting in the wake of her divorce from Bruce Willis. She decided her time was better spent raising her children , and she’s also recently published a memoir, titled Inside Out.
Then: Eddie Murphy
All throughout the ’80s, Eddie Murphy was the undisputed king of comedy. Over the course of the decade, Eddie released his iconic stand-up comedy film, Raw — as well as a slew of iconic comedies that include Trading Places and Beverly Hills Cop.
Now: Eddie Murphy
Over the past few years, Eddie Murphy has been going through a career resurgence. He received a Golden Globe nomination for “Best Actor” for the film Dolemite Is My Name, and just last year released Coming 2 America.
Then: Molly Ringwald
A proper conversation about ’80s cinema cannot be had without giving fair mention to Molly Ringwald, the muse of legendary director John Hughes . Back then, Molly was best known for her work in The Breakfast Club as well as Pretty in Pink.
Now: Molly Ringwald
Molly made the difficult decision to leave Hollywood for a period of time after she was the victim of sexual assault during an audition. She’s since made a slow return to the big and small screen , with several cameo and recurring appearances.
Then: Johnny Depp
Did you know that Johnny Depp’s first role was in the 1984 horror classic, A Nightmare On Elm Street ?! From there, he went on to star in 21 Jump Street and even had a minor part to play in Platoon.
Now: Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp is starting to finally get his life back after a lengthy and public courtroom battle with his ex-wife, Amber Heard. Johnny also recently released a brand new collaborative album with British guitar legend, Jeff Beck.
Then: Michael Keaton
Michael Keaton had recently become a household name thanks to films like Mr. Mom and Beetlejuice. But it wasn’t until he was tapped to portray the Dark Knight in Tim Burton’s Batman that Keaton became a bonified movie star.
Now: Michael Keaton
Michael Keaton is just as much of an unstoppable force as he ever was. In 2015, Keaton received an Academy Award nomination for “Best Actor” in Birdman . Most recently, he took home the Golden Globe for ” Best Actor in a Limited Series ” for Dopesick.
Then: Jamie Lee Curtis
Back in the ’80s, Jamie Lee Curtis not only solidified her status as the reigning Scream Queen of Hollywood, but she also showed off a set of acting chops that would go on to propel her to the upper echelon of cinema’s elite.
Now: Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie recently released the mind-bending Everything, Everywhere, All At Once . If you’ve yet to see it, the film is an easy Oscar contender and easily the best multiverse flick of the decade (sorry/not sorry Dr. Strange ).
Then: Tom Cruise
In the ’80s, Tom Cruise took audiences to the “Danger Zone.” He wowed moviegoers with his sultry dance moves in Risky Business and showed the world just what it meant to be Born On the 4th of July.
Now: Tom Cruise
Currently, Tom Cruise has the most profitable film of the 2020s, after having raked in more than a billion dollars with Top Gun: Maverick . He’s a movie star, an icon, and a certified living legend/adrenaline junkie.
