Support Us
Sign Up
The 1980s were a time of flashy fashion, legendary films, and unforgettable pop culture moments. While some stars from this era solidified their legacy, others faded from the spotlight despite being big “It Girls” of their time. These women lit up the silver screen, dominated the airwaves, or wore clothes that defined the decade, only to retreat from the limelight or move to quieter surroundings. Let’s take a look back at these 25 forgotten former “It Girls” of the 1980s, reflecting on their influence at the height of their magnetism and seeing where they are today.
25. Joyce Hyser
In the cult classic Just One of the Guys (1985), Joyce Hyser turned heads as a girl who poses as a boy to reveal sexism, giving a memorable performance. Revered for her infectious comedic timing and endearing demeanor, she was a fleeting sweetheart of teen movie culture. Hyser moved away from acting in the late ‘90s and instead dedicated herself to philanthropy. These days, she spends a lot of time raising awareness about clean water initiatives.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
24. Tawny Kitaen
Tawny Kitaen shot to fame as the sultry cover girl in Whitesnake music videos, including “Here I Go Again.” She also had memorable roles opposite Tom Hanks in Bachelor Party (1984). Though she was a hot ’80s property for a short time, her life after fame was turbulent, adding to her woes. Thresholds are more for the tone of the times than the memory of Kitaen’s rock-video queen legacy.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
23. Heather Thomas
Jody Banks, the hit TV series The Fall Guy catapulted Heather Thomas to pin-up status in the ’80s. A glamorous beauty with star presence, she dominated the cover of TV and magazine covers. But Thomas stepped away from acting in the early 1990s, shifting her work to screenwriting and settling into a quieter life with her family.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
22. Apollonia Kotero
Apollonia Kotero is best known for playing Prince’s love interest in his 1984 film Purple Rain, but she had a short-lived but notable acting and singing career. The sensuous performance catapulted her to pop culture icon status overnight with a new generation of fans. After stepping away from the spotlight, she devoted her energy to producing while also making the occasional cameo, maintaining her connection to the music world.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
21. Kim Wilde
With the release of her hit single “Kids in America,” Kim Wilde established herself as a mainstay of ’80s music and style. Her hard-edged look and catchy melodies made her a global pop phenomenon. Wilde eventually left the stage to do what she loved best: writing best-selling books about gardening and hosting horticultural TV shows.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
20. Lisa Bonet
Lisa Bonet is a familiar face today, but her legacy as a trailblazing “It Girl” in the ’80s deserves some attention. As Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show, she embodied effortless cool and was a style icon for young women. Bonet eventually distanced herself from mainstream Hollywood, steering toward independent projects and a more low-key life.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
19. Vanity (Denise Matthews)
As the frontwoman of Vanity 6 and a muse of Prince, Vanity reigned over the music and entertainment world for a short yet indelible period. Renowned for her sultry image and boundary-pushing performances, she later shunned celebrity, discovering the comfort of religion. Before her death in 2016, Vanity became an evangelist.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
18. Deborah Foreman
Deborah Foreman played the title role in Valley Girl (1983), a film that nailed the teen zeitgeist of the moment. She became a go-to figure for young audiences, thanks to her quirky charm. Although she continued acting in the ’80s and ’90s, Foreman ultimately stepped away to pursue other creative interests, such as graphic design.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
17. Jennifer Grey
Jennifer Grey’s performance as Baby in Dirty Dancing (1987) is iconic, but her “It Girl” moment was short-lived. Having taken a break from public life, Grey reinvented herself with a slew of television appearances and personal projects, including a winning stint on Dancing with the Stars.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
16. Kristy McNichol
Kristy McNichol was one of the biggest TV and film stars of the early ’80s, acting in hits like Little Darlings (1980). McNichol left Hollywood in 1992 to concentrate on her mental health, despite her ability and appeal. Now, she is a teacher and mental health advocate.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
15. Alyssa Milano
Alyssa Milano first became a household name in the 1980s on the beloved sitcom Who’s the Boss?, where she played Samantha Micelli. Her charisma and talent, along with her relatable portrayal of a spunky teenager, made her an immediate fan favorite. Milano was an instant teen idol, landing on magazine covers and emulating her relatable vibe and look for young girls.
As she got older, she appeared in more grown-up parts, most famously in Charmed (1998–2006), which really established her as an actress with range. Milano is still acting in Hollywood and is a strong advocate for social justice, quick to prove her influence has never faded far beyond the ‘80s stardom she derived in her younger years.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
14. Molly Ringwald
Molly Ringwald defined 1980s teen cinema due in no small part to her iconic performances in John Hughes classic films like Sixteen Candles (1984), The Breakfast Club (1985), and Pretty in Pink (1986). She reflected the trials and tribulations of girlhood, so she connected with a generation of cinema lovers. The quintessential Brat Pack “It Girl,” her impact on pop culture was as loud as it was far-reaching, inspiring fashion trends and winning her countless fans.
Although her career gradually transitioned to supporting roles in independent films and television projects, Ringwald is still an iconic figure from 1980s cinema. Her career has continued to thrive with recent turns on shows like Riverdale.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
13. Ally Sheedy
Ally Sheedy was luminous in the 1980s as a Brat Pack mainstay, with memorable turns in The Breakfast Club (1985) and St. Elmo’s Fire (1985). Her goofily tortured performance as introverted Allison Reynolds in The Breakfast Club earned her a death’s grip on the 1980s’ most memorable stars. Outside her work on the big screen, Sheedy was showing her range in projects like WarGames (1983) and High Art (1998). Later, she switched to teaching and writing with a goal to cultivate new talent. Although she sometimes returns to acting, Sheedy is a beloved figure of an era defined by coming-of-age classics.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
12. Brooke Shields
Brooke Shields was a multihyphenate star of the 1980s, effortlessly moving from child star to supermodel to actress. Her breakout role in The Blue Lagoon (1980) solidified her place in pop culture history, and her legs (and looks) made her the cover girl of magazines across the globe. Shields remained in the public eye with roles in movies, including Endless Love (1981), as well as with her Calvin Klein ad campaigns, which were both controversial and influential. Even with a less prolific career in later years, she has dwelled in the public eye through television roles and her raw memoirs. Shields is a study of resilience, navigating fame, and reinvention for decades.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
11. Ione Skye
Ione Skye won hearts as the romantic lead in Say Anything… (1989), alongside John Cusack, in the most romantic movie of the decade. Her performance as Diane Court — a driven but vulnerable young woman — would become one of the most defining roles in teen cinema. Though she acted in other notable films, including River’s Edge (1986) and Gas Food Lodging (1992), she began to drift away from mainstream Hollywood. Skye has since dedicated herself to independent films, TV roles, and visual art, cultivating a more subdued but soul-nourishing creative life. Her turn in Say Anything… is still a cultural touchstone for fans of ‘80s romantic comedies.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
10. Bo Derek
This taller-than-life woman became the goddess of beauty and sex after her star-making turn in 10 (1979) where her legendary beach scene is regarded as one of the most iconic moments in all of cinema. The role made her a sex symbol and anchored her as an “It Girl” of the early 1980s.
Though her later films, such as Bolero (1984), were not as successful, Derek’s undeniable influence on pop culture remained. In recent years, she has pursued occasional acting roles and registered time for animal advocacy. Career high and low, however, Derek is still synonymous with glamour and allure in the 1980s.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
9. Rebecca De Mornay
Rebecca De Mornay’s breakout role in Risky Business (1983), as Tom Cruise’s foil, demonstrated her magnetic screen presence and established her firmly as an up-and-comer. Her sultry and complex depiction of Lana distinguished her from a crowded field of 1980s starlets. She followed that up with critically acclaimed performances in films like Runaway Train (1985) and The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992), showcasing her range as an actress. Though her mainstream appeal waned in the late 1990s, De Mornay has remained a steady presence both in film and on television. Her performance in Risky Business is one of the decade’s most iconic.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
8. Jamie Gertz
She was a quintessential ’80s starlet, captivating audiences in The Lost Boys (1987), Less Than Zero (1987), and Sixteen Candles (1984). Her girl-next-door charm and her ease in both comedic and dramatic roles endeared her to fans. Though she eased up on acting in the 1990s, Gertz moved into a successful business career with her husband and owned a stake in the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. She pops back into acting once in a while, but she remains Atlanta’s sweetheart in the hearts of the 1980s. Gertz’s combination of talent and charisma made her a star during a competitive era.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
7. Olivia d’Abo
Olivia d’Abo is probably most well-known for her role as the free-spirited older sister Karen Arnold on The Wonder Years (1988–1993), where she infused a rebellious character with depth and nuance. Outside of her TV work, d’Abo took her talents to films such as Conan the Destroyer (1984) and Bolero (1984). She also had a career in music, recording albums that showcased her work as a singer-songwriter. Today, she remains in entertainment and she has a few voice-acting roles and smaller film projects. D’Abo is still a creative force, juggling acting, music, and art.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
6. Mariel Hemingway
Mariel Hemingway wowed audiences in her breakout role in Woody Allen’s Manhattan (1979), which led to an Academy Award nomination. With her ethereal beauty and contemplative performances, she became a much-coveted actress in the early 1980s, with movies like Personal Best (1982) and Star 80 (1983) securing her status in Hollywood. But Hemingway has since turned her focus to wellness, becoming a mental health and healthy living advocate.
She wrote books about mindfulness and nutrition, establishing herself as a lifestyle guru. Although she largely retreated from performing, her impact on both cinema and health advocacy is lasting.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
5. Carrie Fisher
Although Carrie Fisher is best known for her iconic portrayal of Princess Leia in Star Wars, she was so much more than a sci-fi heroine. Her biting wit and unflinching humor made her a legendary author of works including the memoirs Wishful Drinking and the screenplays for Postcards From the Edge. Fisher was candid about her mental health and addiction issues, becoming a voice for awareness and resilience. She would, of course, become a star with talents multi-faceted enough to reach a variety of influential cultural peaks. Fisher left behind a legacy of brilliance, humor, and unapologetic authenticity.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
4. Phoebe Cates
Phoebe Cates was a teenage dream, courtesy of that famous red bikini moment in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982). She followed with memorable parts in such films as Gremlins (1984) but ultimately chose to run from Hollywood in the mid-’90s to focus on her family and other endeavors, including running her boutique in New York City.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
3. Jennifer Beals
Jennifer Beals became a cultural icon as Alex Owens in Flashdance (1983) with her portrayal inspiring a generation replete with themes of determination and passion. The film’s dance numbers and memorable soundtrack made Beals a household name, even as she attended Yale during her ascent to stardom. Although she eventually shifted to supporting roles, Beals remained a fixture of both film and television over the years, appearing in everything from The L Word to Swamp Thing. Her work ethic and undeniable charisma have kept her in the mix, but her Flashdance legacy is yet to be touched.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
2. Michelle Pfeiffer
In Scarface (1983), Michelle Pfeiffer’s electrifying turn as Elvira Hancock cemented her status as one of her generation’s most talented and alluring actresses. She followed it with a string of hits, including The Witches of Eastwick (1987) and Married to the Mob (1988), displaying her versatility from drama to comedy. Pfeiffer’s freon-ice beauty and natural talent made her an “It Girl” of the decade, although her star power has lasted decades. Now, she’s lauded for her classic roles and her power to transform herself as she has gotten older. Pfeiffer’s body of work is a testament to timeless talent.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
1. Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper shot to fame in the early 1980s with the infectious feminist anthem Girls Just Want to Have Fun, an emblematic song of the era and the time. Her eclectic look and big voice turned her into a worldwide sensation and a fashion and pop culture icon. Lauper followed that success with songs like Time After Time, and later showed her versatility with a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony-winning career that spanned music, acting, and Broadway. Aside from her artistic talents, Lauper has long been a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and other causes. Her legacy is laughter, strength, and an unapologetic embrace of being different.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
More from Nerdspin – 25 Forgotten Former ‘It Girls’ From the 1970s: Where Are They Now?
25 Forgotten Former ‘It Girls’ From the 1970s: Where Are They Now?
Rediscover the Trailblazing Beauties of the 1970s: 25 ‘It Girls’ Who Shaped a Decade and Faded from the Spotlight.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
Also From. Nerdspin – The 15 Best Charlie’s Angels Characters, Ranked: From Original Series to Reboots
The 15 Best Charlie’s Angels Characters, Ranked: From Original Series to Reboots
From Fierce Fighters to Fan Favorites: Ranking Every Iconic Charlie’s Angels Character Across the Generations.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
And From Nerdspin – Denise Richards’s 10 Best Movies and TV Show Performances, Ranked
Denise Richards’s 10 Best Movies and TV Show Performances, Ranked
From Seductive Thrillers to Sci-Fi Classics: Denise Richards’ Most Unforgettable Performances Ranked.
Follow us on MSN for more content like this
