Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise is one of the highest-paid actors in the world, and anyone who has seen him in his natural acting instinct can agree that he deserves it. He has been on our screens since making his initial appearances in "Risky Business" and "Top Gun," and he always finds ways to take his career to new levels.
Cruise has been stellar in his collaboration with Paramount Studios for almost four decades. He has played Ethan Hunt in the "Mission Impossible" series, which has made over $3.6 billion at the box office. It seems he's not yet done, having reprised his role in 2022's "Top Gun: Maverick."
Demi Moore
Since American actress and producer Demi Moore appeared in the soap opera "General Hospital" in the '80s, she has been well on course to a stellar career. We have to say we have become used to her magnificent acting skills with appearances on top-grossing films such as "Ghost," which also earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
With the film industry transforming in every way, it's good to know that actresses like Moore are not left behind, as she has maintained her golden touch on every role, as we saw in her 2022 appearances in "Please Baby Please" and "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent."
Winona Ryder
The film industry has seen some splendid acting stars over the years, but not many are renowned for their versatility more than American actress Winona Ryder. Having thrived on eccentric roles at the beginning of her career, she became well known for her diversity in the '90s, when she made appearances in all genres she would master.
Some of Ryder's best appearances came in films such as Tim Burton's "Beetlejuice," "Little Women," and "Alien Resurrection." In 2016, she was also famously cast as Joyce Byers on "Stranger Things." She continues to beef up her portfolio with magnificent appearances that leave us yearning for more.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
Best known as the Olsen twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are former American actresses who are renowned for their duo performances. Not many people get the start they had to their career, making their acting debut as Michelle Tanner on "Fuller House" when they were just six months old.
Mary-Kate and Ashley's exceptional performances brought a different perspective to every film they appeared in and put them well among the most popular figures in the pre-teen market in the late '90s and early 2000s. Since 2004, they have focused more on their love for fashion, where they are also doing well.
Elizabeth Hurley
We've seen it all in the film industry, but one thing that stands out is a star making waves with a touch of gold in every appearance they make. Elizabeth Hurley is one of those actresses who have achieved this incredible feat, and the proof is in her roles, which include as the outstanding Vanessa Kensington in "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery."
Hurley has also been heavily involved in television works such as NBC's "Wonder Woman" and as a guest judge on RuPaul's "Drag Race UK." While she is still active in film, she is also the face of Estée Lauder and the owner of an eponymous swimwear label.
Heather Locklear
Heather Locklear is one of the most all-rounded actresses to ever grace the industry. Most of her diehard fans can remember her for her role as Amanda Woodward in the series "Melrose Place." Since then, she has kept her spot in the limelight with scintillating roles in "Game of Life," "T.J. Hooker," and "The Perfect Man."
Locklear has had her moments in and out of fame, especially when she kept away from work after her appearance on 2017's "Too Close to Home," only to make a stunning comeback in the 2021 Lifetime TV movie "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff: The Kristine Carlson Story." We hope she's back to stay.
Molly Ringwald
Recognizable for her red hair and intense gaze, it's safe to say the teen film industry of the '80s would be empty without Molly Ringwald. Since her first appearance as Molly in the NBC sitcom "The Facts of Life," she has looked on course to a stellar career, which is the least we can say of her impressive portfolio.
Over the years, Ringwald has continued to stamp her name in the history books with sterling performances in "Tempest," "The Kissing Booth," and "All These Small Moments." She has never stopped working, even during the transformational period of film, and we can't wait to see more of her.
Christina Applegate
Making an impression like Christina Applegate did in her starring role as Kelly Bundy in "Married... With Children" is every artist's dream come true. Even more impressive, she did so as a child actress before establishing a fruitful film and television career with roles in "Samantha Who?," "Up All Night," and "Ask the Storybots."
Applegate also portrayed the character of Jen Harding in the Netflix dark tragicomedy series "Dead to Me" from 2019 to 2022. Her performance earned her two nominations for the primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and also turned out to be her last before she retired to nurse her health.
Cindy Crawford
Cindy Crawford started out as a model and took the fashion industry by storm to become one of the most celebrated icons in her field. She made a name for herself in the '80s and '90s with her beauty and glamorous appearances on magazine covers and runways before finally diversifying into acting.
Crawford started out her television career as the host of MTV’s "House of Style" for seven seasons. This laid the groundwork for more film credits in "Fair Game," "The Simian Line," and "The Secret of My Success." While she has stuck to television works such as 2022's "Pepsi, Where's My Jet?" she has always been magnificent on our screens.
Meg Ryan
Meg Ryan has been on our screens since making her acting debut in the drama film, "Rich and Famous." Since then, she has been nothing short of magnificent on our screens in films such as "As the World Turns," "Promised Land," and "When Harry Met Sally..." which earned her her first Golden Globe nomination.
Ryan's appearance in "In the Cut" was one of her last before she stepped out of the spotlight. Though she lost interest in acting, film is always dear to her heart, as she began producing and directing, with her first project being 2015's Ithaca. Luckily for her fans, she still accepts film projects and casting offers.
Alicia Silverstone
Not many people now what they want to do at the age of 17, but that's not Alicia Silverstone. At that age, she was making her film debut in the 1993 thriller "The Crush." After achieving recognition with the role, she went on to star in numerous films, including "Gods Behaving Badly," "King Cobra," and "Last Survivors."
Silverstone has been through it all in her career, from woeking alongside Paul Rudd on "Clueless" to being criticized for her role in "Batman & Robin." However, that hasn't held her back, and she has withstood it and the test of time to become the most recognizable blonde in film.
Denise Richards
Denise Richards may be renowned as one of the most hardworking actresses over the past three decades, but her enthusiasm started back in school when she was the only girl on her baseball team. She brought the same determination to her acting career, and she was always destined for greatness since she made her first starring role in 1997's "Starship Troopers."
Other roles in films such as "The Secret Lives of Cheerleaders," "The Bold and the Beautiful," and "Love Accidentally" put Richards on the map, and it's a good thing that she doesn't seem to be retiring anytime soon, as we just can't get enough of her.
Tia and Tamera Mowry
Tia and Tamera Mowry are a twin duo that took the film industry by storm when they first gained recognition for their teen portrayals of Tia Landry and Tamera Campbell in the ABC/WB sitcom "Sister, Sister." They went on to star together in the Disney Channel original movie "Twitches" and its 2007 sequel, "Twitches Too."
Together, Tia and Tamera have been recognized with numerous awards for their scintillating, dynamic performances, including two Apucalpo Black Film Festival Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress and three NAACP Awards for Outstanding Children's Program. Their understanding of each other makes them the actresses they are, and we are hoping for more from them.
Pamela Anderson
Anyone who has watched the action drama series "Baywatch" can remember the magnificent portrayal of C.J. by Pamela Anderson Parker. However, that was after she was handed a major stepping stone to fame when she was named the Playmate of the Month for "Playboy" in February 1990. Since then, she has become a regular fixture on the magazine's cover and also added some acting credits to her impressive portfolio.
For more than three decades, Anderson has entertained us with awe-inspiring performances in films such as "Pauly Shore is Dead," "The Commuter Julia," and "Alone at Night." While she is more focused on philanthropy, she still appears in films occasionally.
Michelle Pfeiffer
When film was becoming more dominant in the entertainment industry in the '80s and '90s, Michelle Pfeiffer was one of the most recognizable faces of the revolution. Her most acclaimed films include "The Fabulous Baker Boys," "Avengers: Endgame," and "Ant-Man and the Wasp." Her role as Catwoman in 1992's "Batman Returns" established her firmly among the most prolific and highest-paid actresses of the time.
In the 2000s, Pfeiffer went on a brief hiatus due to family commitments and to reevaluate her approach to choosing roles. In 2017, she returned with a slew of work and has been active since, showing why she is so celebrated.
Lisa and Louise Burns
Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining" made headlines when it was released in 1980. One of the most memorable moments was when the film's protagonist, young Danny Lloyd, saw the ghosts of two twin girls murdered at the Overlook Hotel. The twins, Lisa and Louis Burns were only twelve years then but their careers took on the rise since.
With the horror classic film being over four decades old, Lisa and Louis have also grown up and gone on different paths as a lawyer and scientist respectively. They still remain among the finest children actors of their time and the film is still watched by fans annually on Halloween.
Cyndi Lauper
Not many acting stars manage to hold on to their fame for over four decades, but Cyndi Lauper has broken that narrative in a resounding style. She first took it to the limelight as a singer with her album "She's So Unusual," which was the first ever by a female to achieve four top-five hits on the Billboard 100.
Lauper has been credited as one of the greatest musicians of her time, and she has earned the same respect in the film industry with numerous jaw-dropping appearances in "Front and Center," "Magnum P.I.," and "Project Runway." Luckily for us, she's still active, and we are sure to see more of her.
Brooke Shields
Most people only know Brooke Shields for her uncanny resemblance to her daughter, Grier Hammond Hench. However, one thing we know for sure is that she is following in her mother's footsteps with her modeling career. One thing that Hammond would take a long time to master is Shield's acting prowess.
Shields started her career in a leading role in 1978's "Pretty Baby." At the time, she was just 12, and no words can explain her meteoric rise to prominence. After magnificent roles in the films "The Blue Lagoon," "The Hot Flashes," and "A Castle for Christmas," she is still going strong and always ready for a new challenge.
Liv Tyler
Liv Tyler is best known for her lively, scintillating appearances and starring roles in blockbusters such as "Amargeddon," and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Before then, she had made a name for herself in the entertainment industry by appearing in a series of music videos for Aerosmith, her father's band.
Since tasting the fame of the industry, she has enjoyed a steady career over the years, landing big roles in Damon Lindelof's drama "The Leftovers," "Jamie Marks is Dead," and "Gunpowder." She has been nothing short of phenomenal in everything she has done, and she still has some more performances in her.
Don Johnson
Golden Globes and Primetime Emmy Awards don't come easy, and Doh Johnson has definitely done enough in the film industry to deserve them. Since appearing in "Miami Vice" as "James "Sonny" Crockett," his career took a turn for the better, and he has been charming his audience with his distinctive acting style for the best part of the last four decades.
Johnson has also appeared in films such as "A Boy and His Dog," "Django Unchained," and "Knives Out." It is good to know that he's still actively acting, and we still have a long time to witness his prowess on television.
Matt Dillon
Matt Dillon is one of those film stars that never seems to age. It's hard to believe that he has been on our screens since 1979 when he made his feature film debut in "Over the Edge." As a teenager, he continued with his incredible performances and made a mark in the industry with memorable performances in every role he was cast in, including "Little Darlings" and "The Outsiders."
Dillon brought his prowess into the 2000s and 2010s, and his career has gone from strength to strength. No wonder producers are always in line to cast him in their films. He's a sensation we will always look forward to experiencing.
Mel Gibson
Mel Gibson may have made his film debut in "Summer City," but it was the first three films of the post-apocalyptic action series, "Mad Max," that brought out the best we have seen of him as an American actor, film director, and producer. He also portrayed Martin Giggs in the action-comedy film series "Lethal Weapon."
Gibson has been in the headlines since his first appearances and has stamped his name in the hearts of his fans. It's no surprise that he even received a standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival in 2016. Good thing he isn't retiring anytime soon, and we are looking forward to more from him.
Kiefer Sutherland
Kiefer Sutherland is best known for his starring role as Jack Bauer in the Fox drama series "24." He started out in the series from 2001 to 2010 before taking a break and returning in 2014. Saying he was magnificent in the film would be an understatement, but his Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award, two Screen Actor Guild Awards, and two Satellite Awards.
Since his major breakthrough, Sutherland has found no trouble landing roles, as he has appeared in films of his choosing, including "The Contractor." His career looks set to continue on an upward trajectory, and we can't wait to see what it holds.
Samantha Fox
Samantha Fox first turned heads in the '80s when her modeling career was on the rise. However, she seemed to have found a new lease of life when she ventured into acting in the early '90s. After starting out in television commercials, she finally made her film debut as Samantha Steele in the 1990 American sitcom "Charles in Charge."
Fox's film portfolio includes films such as "The Match," "7 Cases," and the comedy horror film "Sharknado 5: Global Warming." She has not had a boring career, as she has appeared in "Celebrity Wife Swap" and "Celebrity Big Brother 18," where she missed out narrowly on reaching the final.
Richard Simmons
Richard Simmons was the public figure that everyone looking to lose weight and live a healthier life in the '90s looked at. His career in fitness began in the late '80s when he opened a gym and salad bar named Slimmons, where he taught motivational classes and aerobics. His fit personality earned him television roles in productions such as "Wheel of Fortune" and "The Doctors."
While Slimmons officially closed in 2016, Simmons stopped appearing in public in 2014. Over the years, there have been neither any fitness inspirations nor any explanations from him, but we all know how much he is missed by his audience.
Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford has made a name for himself as one of the best stars to ever grace Hollywood. Whether it's portraying the character of Han Solo in "Star Wars" or Indiana Jones in the titular film franchise beginning with "Raiders of the Lost Ark," he has been nothing short of scintillating in all his roles.
Even with an already impressive portfolio under his belt, Ford still continues to make appearances. Just before his 80th birthday in 2022, he accepted the starring role of Dr. Phil Rhodes in the comedy series "Shrinking." Besides his occasional roles, he has maintained a quiet lifestyle living in his Wyoming Ranch.
Jenilee Harrison
When the character of Chrissy Snow ran out of time in the hit sitcom "Three's Company," most fans thought that there would hardly be a replacement fit enough to fill in the shoes. However, Jenilee Harrison took the chance with both hands, replacing the character as her cousin Cindy Snow in impeccable style.
While that was in the early '80s, Harrison continued to charm her audience with similarly awe-inspiring roles, including in "Murder, She Wrote," "Prime Target," and "Fists of Irish." Unfortunately, she stopped acting over two decades ago and focused on real estate investments, and we're sure her fans would give anything just to see her back.
Sylvester Stallone
Sylvester Stallone is one of the most recognizable action movie stars to ever grace the industry. His struggle to make a name for himself at the beginning of his career would perhaps come as a surprise to many who have seen the stellar career that he has had since making his breakthrough in 1976 in the first film of the successful "Rocky" series.
Stallone has put in the work over the years, and his credits include "The Expendables," "Creed," and "Escape Plan." Even when his career took a dip in the 2000s, he got back up and has continued to perform at the highest level since.
Eddie Murphy
If stand-up comedy were to be given an appearance, it would definitely be Eddie Murphy's. It's no wonder he ranks in the top 10 of Comedy Central's greatest standups of all time. However, his rise to fame came from a different course: the sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live," for which he was a regular cast member in the early '80s.
Most people can only recall him from his appearances in early 21st-century films such as "Coming 2 America" and "Tower Heist," but he has always been impressive, so it's satisfying to know that he has an array of roles laid down and doesn't plan on retiring anytime soon.
Bruce Willis
Anyone who has watched the entire "Die Hard" franchise can agree that it would never be the same without action hero Bruce Willis. Since gaining widespread recognition for his leading role in the comedy-drama series "Moonlighting," he has continued to make scintillating portrayals, with more than 100 acting credits on his resume.
Willis' stellar career has seen new levels, which culminated in his 2022 haul of nine films in one year. The films included "Paradise City," "Fortress: Sniper's Eye," and "Corrective Measures," all of which he was spectacular in. He clearly still has it in him to continue with his scintillating appearances.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
When Arnold Schwarzenegger famously appeared in the 1977 body-building documentary "Pumping Iron," no one could have predicted his career would take such a massive turn. After retiring from bodybuilding, he made his breakthrough in "Conan the Barbarian" and strengthened his place among the greatest with jaw-dropping roles in films such as "The Terminator" series, "Commando," and "The Running Man."
Schwarzenegger has played the title role numerous times in his career, and when he switched to politics in a 2003 recall election, he was as impressive as ever. Since appearing in "Terminator: Dark Fate" in 2019, he has been in the spotlight, but as a Kremlin critic and environmentalist.
Tiffani Amber Thiessen
Getting into the film industry in the '90s was a nightmare purely due to the competition for roles among the upcoming stars. However, Tiffani Thiessen was able to squeeze through, and she deserved the recognition she got for roles such as the portrayal of Kelly Kapowsi on "Saved by the Bell" and Valerie Malone on "Beverley Hills, 90210."
Over the three decades she has been on our screens, Thiessen has provided nothing short of the best we expect from the entertainment industry. She has undertaken new challenges, including hosting the MTV comedy clip show "Deliciousness." We sure hope she continues in the same vein.
Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts is the woman behind the scintillating portrayal of Vivian Ward in the 1990 romantic comedy, "Pretty Woman." While the film captured the hearts of everyone who watched it, she was also a sight to behold, not only for her beauty but also for her acting prowess.
After launching her career impressively, Roberts went on to replicate her successful charm in numerous films, including "Sleeping With the Enemy," "Runaway Bride," and "Money Monster." And her work has not gone unnoticed, as she boasts an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA Award. With her maintaining her standards, we are sure to see the list soar.
Steve Guttenberg
The privilege of getting leading roles in films has to be earned, and no producer has ever doubted that Steve Guttenberg deserved the chance. In turn, he never let them and his fans down in all his appearances in "Three Men and a Baby," "The Bedroom Window," and "The Big Green."
Guttenberg's talent was always there for all to see, even in his initial performances before his breakthrough in the film "Police Academy" in 1984. And he has been a busy man since then, appearing in a host of major films and television shows, something he is still adept at.
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman has been around for more than four decades. She began her career in Australia, making minor appearances in various films before her breakthrough finally came with the thriller "Dead Calm." Since then she has applied a golden touch to any film that she has appeared in, including "Days of Thunder," "Batman Forever," "Rabbit Hole," and "Being the RIcardos."
Unlike most of her peers, who started acting professionally in the '80s, Kidman has managed to maintain her performance standards at the highest possible level over the years. With her love and enthusiasm for films, it seems we are going to have her on our screens for a longer time.
Rebecca De Mornay
Among the pantheon of actors who came to our attention in the '80s, few seemed to be destined for the greatness levels that Rebecca De Mornay has mastered. She was clearly a cut above most of her contemporaries, with traits that earned her her first minor role as Lan in "Risky Business."
With her scintillating portrayal, she positioned her leg well inside the coveted doors of Hollywood and all she could do was move forward with similarly mesmerizing roles in "The Three Muskateers," "Wedding Crashers," and "Mother's Day." She definitely was and still is primed to continue gracing our screens with her charming personality and unmatched acting prowess.
Victoria Principal
The point at which we decide what careers to pursue determines our entire lives, and for Victoria Principal, that turning point came when she was nursing her injuries from a serious road accident in college. Her decision turned out to be the best she'd ever make as she landed her first main role in John Houston's "The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean."
Principal has made disruptive appearances in television shows such as "Family Guy," "Home Improvement," and "Titans." Since retiring in 2001, she has diversified into writing, producing, and entrepreneurship, and we are left her vintage roles to remind us hof her acting days.
Rachel Ward
We all start somewhere, and Rachel Ward had a magnificent career as a model, appearing on the covers of Vogue and Cosmopolitan magazines, before venturing into advertising and later film. In film, anyone who watched the major hit mini-series "Sharky's Machine" can recall her starring role alongside Burt Reynolds, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
Since making her debut, Ward has been magnificent in all the roles she has landed, including "The Final Terror," "The Last Impresario," and "I am Burt Reynolds." And while her career may be on the slow side, she is definitely still hot property sought after by numerous producers.
Bo Derek
Comedy was one field that was beginning to sprout in the '70s, and Bo Derek certainly contributed to its growth with her memorable breakthrough appearance in the romantic comedy film "10." However, she didn't just stop there, as she went on to appear in the big hits of the time, including "Fantasies," "Tarzan," and "The Ape Man."
For someone who started her acting career at the teeny age of 18, Derek has been able to hold on to her fame pretty well. Of course, she has done it with a continuous charming presence on our television screens, and we can only hope that the best is yet to come.
Johnny Depp
Not many critically acclaimed actors and producers from the '80s are still going strong in their careers, but Johnny Depp is not one to fall victim to the tests of time. Anyone who witnessed his rise to prominence as a teen idol in the television series "21 Jump Street" will agree that he deserves the fame.
While most people came to know Depp for his divorce proceedings with Amber Heard, he's still the same scintillating actor who charmed our hearts with his portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in the Walt Disney film series "Pirates of the Caribbean." And he seems to be doing better, appearing in various 21st-century blockbusters.
Drew Barrymore
Anyone who understands the history of the Barrymore family of actors knows their talent, but Drew Barrymore seems to be a more superior breed of the family. Having started out as a child actor, she has been nothing short of inspiring in all her appearances over the past four decades that she has been on our screens.
Even with the turn of the century, Barrymore only saw her demand increase, and she has had numerous portrayals in films such as "Charlie's Angels," "Duplex," "Going the Distance," and "The Stand In." Luckily, she's still active, and we still get to see her host her syndicated talk show, "The Drew Barrymore Show."
Stefanie Powers
Anyone who was old enough to watch TV in the '80s will definitely recall the scintillating portrayal of the character Jennifer Hart by Stefanie Powers on the mystery television series "Hart to Hart." We cannot stress enough how stunningly she took the film industry by storm then, but her countless award nominations for the role certainly speak volumes.
Over the years, Powers has held on gracefully to her beauty and her acting prowess as well. She has appeared in numerous films, including "Escape to Athena" and "The Artist's Wife." While she has her wildlife conservation efforts to focus on, she spares time for occasional film appearances.
Helena Bonham Carter
Not many actors and actresses prefer to stick to one genre over the course of their careers. However, Helen Bonham Carter chose to work on blockbusters and independent films, particularly period dramas, and she took to it like a fish to water. It's hard to forget the films "Lady Jane" and "A Room With a View," which put her on the map.
Getting to the top is no big deal. Staying there is, and Carter has repeatedly proven her worth by taking on any challenge that comes her way. This has included unexpected films, such as "Enola Holmes," in which she demonstrated that she still has it.
Veronica Hamel
Being nominated for five Emmy Awards for the same role is not something that most actors and actresses can master, unless they are like Veronica Hamel, who took the chance to make a name for herself in the film industry with her portrayal of attorney Joyce Davenport in "Hill Street Blues" with both hands and has never let go.
Besides the police drama, Hamel has been phenomenal in her appearances in "Stop at Nothing," "Baby Snatcher," and "Touched by an Angel." Her 2008 role in "Bone Eater" was her last, and while she's retired, watching reruns of her films makes for fulfilling practice for her fans.
Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves has probably the most humble beginnings to an actor's career, having started out as a theater actor before making his film debut in 1986's "Youngblood" and later landing his breakthrough role in the science fiction comedy "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure."
Most of Reeves' acclaim comes from his roles as an action hero, especially in the films "Point Break" and "Speed." Furthermore, his three "John Wick" films have earned him the respect of his peers and numerous award nominations. He seems to have a knack for martial arts films, and with his lean physique, we guess he will still be in demand for a long time.