19 Actors who dominated the 80’s

The 1980s is one of the most influential and colourful eras in the history of pop culture. From sci-fi and horror to epic sagas and fantasy, the decade had every genre of movies. As one of the most defining decades for films, the 1980s also gave viewers some of the most trail-blazing talent in terms of actors and actresses. From the charismatic action hero Harrison Ford to the boyish charm of Matthew Broderick, here are 19 actors who captured the zeitgeist of the 1980s.

1. Bruce Willis

The action star made a splash onto the 1980s Hollywood scene with the famous movie Die Hard. But before he became known for his humorous yet macho character of John McClane, Willis charmed the audiences with his role in the classic comedy series, Moonlighting. After his big debut on screen though, there was no turning back.

2. Michael J. Fox

Yet another famous actor of the 1980s who was a hit both on TV and film, Fox became a household name with his money-loving character on Family Ties, before he became a true Hollywood star with his breakthrough role in Back to the Future trilogy. The actor’s comedic timing and youthfulness made him a famous star of the decade.

3. Tom Cruise

The renowned actor is the poster boy for Hollywood internationally and is known for his charming looks. Cruise began his career with a string of successful hits in the 1980s that included the likes of Top Gun, Rain Man, Risky Business, and more. His looks and hits made him one of the most bankable stars of the decade and he has continued to transform himself into an actor who does his own stunts in the Mission Impossible series.

4. Molly Ringwald

As a member of the brat pack of the 1980s, Ringwald was one of the most famous stars from the bunch and was deemed the sweetheart of America. All her collaborations with John Hughes became instant classics and she became the “It” girl of the decade. Her famous movies include The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, and Pretty in Pink.

5. Arnold Schwarzenegger

Schwarzenegger stole the scene when he made his big debut in the classic sci-fi movie by James Cameron, The Terminator. A former bodybuilding champion from Austria, he did not let the barrier of language or profession deter him from trying his luck at Hollywood and the rest, as they say, is history. Known for other hits like Commando and Predator, the actor was a defining star of the decade.

6. Eddie Murphy

Who better than Eddie Murphy for a comedy film? Known for his goofy persona that could be translated into an action hero as well, the actor made a breakthrough in Hollywood with his iconic role in Beverly Hills Cop. The actor also dabbled in Saturday Night Live and continued to enjoy success in other movies like Shrek in the later decades.

7. Michael Douglas

Douglas was an actor who could do it all during the 1980s. The actor had hits in action movies like Romancing the Stone and Jewel of the Nile and continued his success with gritty movies like Wall Street. His most iconic performance was in the raunchy psychological thriller, Fatal Attraction, a genre he became closely associated with.

8. Dustin Hoffman

Hoffman was already a star before the 1980s but continued to command the decade with movies like Tootsie, where he showcased his comedic talents and Rain Man, where he stunned the audiences with a captivating performance. The versatile actor has continued his success in the later decades as well with roles in Kung Fu Panda, and Little Fockers.

9. Harrison Ford

A star that was everywhere during the 1980s, Ford was the epitome of a good-looking action hero and his back-to-back iconic roles reflected that. His role as Han Solo in the legendary Star Wars movies showcased his wit and charm. But it was the portrayal of an archaeologist in the Indiana Jones franchise, which defined him as the rugged and charismatic action hero.

10. Bill Murray

Another actor who ruled the decade with his comedic timing was Bill Murray. The talented actor first tasted success in Saturday Night Live, before he branched off to work in movies. With hits like Ghostbusters, Scrooged, and Stripes, the actor became famous for his deadpan delivery, quirky charm, and unmistakable wit, which made him a popular face.

11. Sylvester Stallone

The actor already made a mark for himself as an action star with his movie Rocky in the late 1970s. But Stallone truly became the embodiment of the action hunk with hits like the Rambo franchise, Cobra, and Tango and Cash. His muscular physique, good looks, and larger-than-life movies made him the reigning action star of the decade.

12. Robin Williams

Known for his comedic timing, which could be translated into tender sentimentality as well, Williams was a gifted actor who ruled during the 1980s. His heartfelt roles in Mork and Mindy, Good Morning, Vietnam, and Dead Poets Society, made him stand apart. The actor was an audience favourite and continued to enjoy success with later movies like Mrs Doubtfire and Good Will Hunting.

13. Matthew Broderick

Broderick was the poster boy of the 1980s teenage angst and won over hearts with his charmingly rebellious performance in the hit movie, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. He continued to diversify by acting in other movies like Glory and War Games. The actor’s boyish looks and comedic talent made him a teen heartthrob. He is one of the most recognizable faces from the decade.

14. Jane Fonda

The actress is credited with starting the aerobics craze of the 1980s and for revolutionizing fitness in America with her home workout tapes. But the talented actress also dominated the 1980s movie scene with films like 9 to 5 and The Morning After. Known for her versatility and acting chops, the actress was an influential part of the decade.

15. Val Kilmer

The actor was a popular face during the 1980s and before he embodied the cocky but smouldering persona of Iceman for Top Gun, he had already wowed the audiences with his comedic talent in films like Top Secret! and Real Genius. The actor also acted in the movie Willow and continued to diversify in the later decades in movies like The Doors and Heat.

16. Kurt Russell

Another actor known for his rugged persona and charm was Russell, which elevated him into an action hero. The actor worked in a slew of hits like Escape from New York, and Big Trouble in Little China and wowed the audiences with his role in the horror movie, The Thing. The actor has continued to work in a diverse range of movies in the later decades as well.

17. Michael Keaton

Keaton was yet another actor who was immensely versatile and could therefore adapt himself to a large variety of roles. The actor worked in genres like comedy, horror, and drama. Some of his most famous work during the decade was as the zany ghost in Beetlejuice and as the enigmatic Batman directed by Tim Burton, which made him a household name.

18. Robert De Niro

The talented actor already wowed the audiences with his role in Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver in 1976 and he thus came into his own during the 1980s. Niro was known for his immense acting range and dedication and he therefore ruled the decade by starring in movies like Raging Bull, The Untouchables, and more. The prolific actor has continued to give hits like The Intern and The Irishman, in the later decades.

19. Kathleen Turner

The actress made an impactful entrance and continued to diversify and showcase her acting talents with back-to-back hits like Romancing the Stone and Jewel of the Nile. She also showed off her comedic chops with the movie Peggy Sue Got Married and remained one of the most magnetic stars of the era.