45 Well-Known Global Celebrities From The 1980s – A Look At Their Past And Present!

Juliette Lewis – born in 1973

Juliette Lewis, once Brad Pitt’s girlfriend, began her acting career at just 14 with the TV drama I Married Dora. She earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Martin Scorsese’s horror film Cape Fear.

Lewis showcased her skills in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) and Carla’s Wedding Proposal (1999). Most recently, in 2020, she appeared in the TV drama I Know This Much Is True.

Jodie Foster - born 1962

Jodie is a gifted actress and Yale University graduate who began her entertainment career at the age of three, starring in commercials. In 1976, she earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver.

She later won two Oscars for Best Actress in The Accused and The Silence of the Lambs. Her powerful performances are truly unforgettable. Today, she continues to work both in front of and behind the camera as an actress and director.

Sandra Bullock - Born 1964

Sandra Bullock, who studied drama in college, gained widespread recognition with her breakout role in the 1994 action film Speed. The following year, she received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress for While You Were Sleeping.

In 2009, she starred in two major box office hits—The Proposal and The Blind Side—cementing her status as the top star of the year. Known not only for her talent but also her generosity, she was the first to donate $1 million to aid relief efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake. Sandra is a rare blend of skill, success, and compassion.

Brooke Shields - born 1965

Brooke Shields began her modeling career as an infant and shot to fame with the 1978 film Pretty Baby. She became a teen sensation with back-to-back hits in 1980, starring in The Blue Lagoon and Endless Love.

Despite her success, she prioritized education and graduated with honors from Princeton University in 1987. In recent years, she’s appeared in popular TV series like Law & Order and Jane the Virgin. On the personal front, she married screenwriter Chris Henchy in 2001 and is now a mother of two daughters.

Natalie Portman - born 1981

Natalie Portman, a stunning Israeli-born actress, is also academically gifted, having attended Harvard University. She made her off-Broadway debut in 1994 and rose to prominence the same year with her role as Matilda in Luc Besson’s Léon: The Professional, a part she won over more than 2,000 other hopefuls.

Her impressive acting skills have continued to shine in major films like Star Wars and Black Swan. She married the choreographer she met on Black Swan and is now a proud mother of two.

Michael J. Fox - born 1961

When Michael J. Fox’s name comes up, Back to the Future instantly springs to mind! This iconic trilogy defined the 1980s and catapulted him to widespread fame. Before that, he was already popular as a teenager starring in the TV show Family Ties.

At 30, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and stepped back from acting, but he made a notable return in 2013 as the lead in a television series. Ultimately, he chose to retire again in 2020.

Tom Cruise - Born 1962

Tom has played leading roles in numerous blockbuster hits such as The Graduate, Top Gun, Cocktail, Mission: Impossible, and The Last Samurai. Since beginning his acting career in 1981, he has appeared in more than 30 films.

In 2022, he starred in Top Gun: Maverick, and in 2023, he produced Mission: Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1. On the personal side, he has been divorced three times—who will be his fourth wife?

Kiefer Sutherland - born 1966

Kiefer Sutherland gained recognition in 1986 for playing the rebellious leader in the classic 80s film Stand by Me.

Although he struggled to find steady roles afterward, he made a major comeback in 2001 as Jack Bauer, the lead in the hit TV series 24. Since then, he has also taken on the role of producer for the show.

Cyndi Lauper - born 1953

Cyndi Lauper gained fame with "Good Enough," the theme song for the 1985 hit film The Goonies. The year before, she released the iconic tracks "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," which climbed to No. 2 on the US charts, and "Time After Time," which hit No. 1.

She became a defining figure in 80s music. Today, she continues her musical career while also dedicating time to LGBT charity work.

Alyssa Milano - born 1972

Alyssa Milano, an Italian-American actress from New York, began her acting journey at age 8 in a regional production of Annie.

She gained widespread recognition for her role as Samantha in the 1984 TV series Who’s the Boss?, becoming a beloved teen idol. Many also know her as the third daughter in the 1998 series Charmed. Today, she continues to act and produce, while also serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Winona Ryder - born 1971

Winona, known for her slender, tomboy charm, started her career in entertainment at just 12 years old. She showcased her acting skills in films like Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands and Little Women.

In 1999, she took on the role of executive producer for the film Personal Record. More recently, she has starred in the Netflix series Stranger Things, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Drama Series.

Jennifer Connelly - born 1970

Jennifer Connelly is one of the rare actresses who began her career as a child and achieved lasting success. In 1984, she earned praise for portraying the heroine’s younger self in Once Upon a Time in America, establishing herself among notable actresses.

In 2001, she won the Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress for her role in A Beautiful Mind. Most recently, in 2022, she gained attention for starring alongside Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick.

Demi Moore - born 1962

Demi Moore began her career as a model at 16. Despite a difficult childhood marked by her parents’ divorce and her mother’s arrest, she rose to global fame with the 1990 blockbuster Ghost, earning a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.

Since then, she has starred in many films, including Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, and also took on producing duties for Austin Powers. In her personal life, Demi has been divorced three times, with her longest marriage being to Bruce Willis.

Julia Roberts - Born 1967

Born into a family with a background in theater, Julia pursued acting by enrolling in drama school in New York after high school and spent much of her time auditioning. Her breakthrough came with the 1990 hit Pretty Woman, which catapulted her to stardom.

In 2001, she earned the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Erin Brockovich. Since then, she has consistently appeared in films or TV series nearly every year. Julia is also recognized for her deep devotion to Hinduism.

Tom Hanks - born 1956

Tom began his career as a young comedian, making a name for himself on Saturday Night Live and in comedy films like Splash, The 'Burbs, and Big. He evolved into a highly respected actor, winning back-to-back Academy Awards for Best Actor—first in 1993 for Philadelphia, and again in 1994 for Forrest Gump.

He has remained active in the industry ever since and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2019 for A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.

Drew Barrymore - born 1975

She captured hearts as the lovable younger sister in the 1982 film E.T., quickly becoming a beloved child star. In 1999, she both starred in and executive produced Never Been Kissed, which topped the U.S. box office.

From 2000 onward, she delivered a series of romantic comedy hits, including 50 First Dates, Music and Lyrics, and He's Just Not That Into You, all of which gained popularity in Japan as well. While raising her two daughters, she actively supports charitable causes, including donating over 100 million yen to the World Food Program to help feed children in Africa.

Lea Thompson - born 1961

Lea Thompson is instantly recognizable for her role as Marty’s mother in the iconic Back to the Future series. Originally trained as a dancer, she performed with a ballet company before switching to acting at age 20. She became especially popular in Japan, even appearing on magazine covers.

Since the mid-2000s, she has expanded her career by directing numerous TV dramas. In a rare feat for Hollywood, she has enjoyed a long and happy marriage with the same partner.

Mel Gibson - Born 1956

Mel Gibson, born in the United States, moved to Australia during childhood and went on to study acting at the prestigious Australian National Academy of Dramatic Art. He rose to prominence with his lead role in the 1979 Australian action film Mad Max. His popularity soared further with the success of the Lethal Weapon series in the U.S., cementing his status as a major Hollywood star.

In later years, Gibson found acclaim as a director, winning the Academy Award for Best Director in 1995 for Braveheart. His 2004 film The Passion of the Christ, which portrays the final hours of Jesus Christ, sparked both controversy and acclaim, but ultimately became a major box office success.

Bill Murray - Born 1950

Bill Murray rose to fame as a comedian after joining Saturday Night Live in 1977. He went on to star in a wide range of films, with standout roles in classics like Groundhog Day and Ghostbusters.

In 2003, he earned the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for his performance in Lost in Translation, which was set in Tokyo. Now in his 70s, Murray remains active in the industry and continues to be a beloved presence on screen.

David Lee Roth - Born 1954

David, famously known as the lead vocalist of the legendary band Van Halen, earned the nickname "Diamond Dave" for his energetic, flashy persona. Active in the music scene since the 1970s, he left Van Halen in 1985 to launch a solo career but officially rejoined the band in 2007.

Interestingly, from 2012 to 2013, he lived in Japan for nearly a year and later released a short film he created there titled Gaijin Ninkyoden – Tokyo Jihen, which is available on YouTube.

Keanu Reeves - Born 1964

Keanu Reeves rose to international fame in the early 1990s with blockbuster hits like Speed and The Matrix, where his intense performances left a lasting impression.

Since then, he has taken on a wide range of roles in films such as the John Wick series, Il Mare, and The Day the Earth Stood Still. He’s also known for being a devoted fan of Japanese actor Shinichi Chiba.

Jon Bon Jovi - Born 1962

Jon Bon Jovi is the frontman of the legendary rock band Bon Jovi, which has been a major force in the music world since its debut in 1984. Although the group was initially formed to support Jon’s solo career, he insisted on debuting as a full band.

Over the years, Bon Jovi has released 12 studio albums, and Jon has also released two solo records, solidifying his place as one of the most commercially successful musicians in history. Beyond music, he’s also appeared in popular TV shows like Ally McBeal and Sex and the City.

Harrison Ford - born 1942

Harrison Ford is one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, and it was his role as Han Solo in the 1977 film Star Wars that catapulted him to stardom. Though he made his film debut in 1966, he supported himself as a carpenter before landing a major role—thanks to a connection made while on the job.

Following his breakout, he starred in numerous hits, including the Indiana Jones series. Even in his 80s, Ford remains active; he made his voice acting debut in The Secret Life of Pets in 2019. Fans are eagerly anticipating the release of a new Indiana Jones film, slated for 2023.

Sylvester Stallone - Born 1946

Sylvester Stallone is famously known for starring in the Rocky series, which kicked off in 1976. He not only starred in the film but also wrote the script and sold it to the studio.

Like the character Rocky, Stallone embodied the American dream, later finding success with the Rambo series starting in 1982. He became famous for his muscular physique—and impressively, he has maintained that strong build well into his 70s!

Richard Gere - Born 1949

Richard Gere rose to major fame in 1990 with his role opposite Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. He’s also known for his appreciation of Japan, having starred in Akira Kurosawa’s Rhapsody in August and appearing in American remakes of Japanese films like Shall We Dance? and Hachi: A Dog’s Tale.

More recently, he featured in the 2019 TV drama MotherFatherSon. Now in his 70s, Gere continues to remain active and vibrant in his career.

Corey Feldman - born 1971

Corey Feldman entered the entertainment world at just three years old and first gained global attention through a McDonald’s commercial. He became widely recognized as a film actor in 1984 with Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter.

Many also remember him for starring in popular movies that became hits in Japan, including The Goonies, Gremlins, and Stand by Me. Additionally, he broadened his career by lending his voice to the TV series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Nicole Kidman - born 1967

Holding both American and Australian citizenship, she has earned numerous accolades for her acting. Her film debut came in 1983, but it was her role in Dead Calm (1988) that caught the attention of Tom Cruise, who invited her to Hollywood. The two later married but divorced after roughly a decade.

Her notable works include The Seduction, Moulin Rouge, and the TV series Big Little Lies. On the personal side, she is raising three children simultaneously—her biological child, an adopted child, and one born via surrogate—and is actively engaged in philanthropy, including serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Kelly McGillis - born 1957

Since her debut in 1983, she has shared the screen with renowned actors like Tom Cruise in Top Gun, Harrison Ford in The Witness, and Jodie Foster in The Accused.

She’s also made guest appearances on TV series including The L Word and Z Nation. Nowadays, however, she appears to be leading a quieter life, focusing on her work as an acting coach.

Michelle Pfeiffer - born 1958

She began her film career in 1980 and earned Academy Award nominations for her roles in Dangerous Liaisons, The Fabulous Baker Boys, and Love Field starting in 1988.

From 2000, she took a step back from acting to focus on her family but made a comeback in 2007 with Hairspray. More recently, she made a strong impression in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019) and received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in 2020 for French Exit.

Bruce Willis - Born 1955

Bruce Willis rose to fame as the star of the Die Hard series. He started his career in television dramas in 1984 and gained recognition for his comedic work in Moonlighting. Over the years, he has appeared in numerous films, including Pulp Fiction, The Fifth Element, and The Sixth Sense.

He is currently with Elle Heming, whom he married in 2009, and is a father to five children, including one from his previous marriage to Demi Moore. In March 2022, Willis announced his retirement due to a diagnosis of aphasia.

Eddie Murphy - Born 1961

Eddie Murphy first gained fame as a comedian on Saturday Night Live at just 19 years old, becoming one of the most successful comedians ever. He made his film debut in 48 Hours (1982) and then starred in the hugely popular Beverly Hills Cop series.

Beyond live-action, he’s lent his voice to beloved animated films like Shrek and Mulan, earning widespread acclaim. Most recently, in 2021, he returned to the screen in Coming 2 America, the long-awaited sequel to his hit film from over three decades ago. He remains very much active today!

Arnold Schwarzenegger - Born 1947

Arnold Schwarzenegger is famously known as a former bodybuilder who transitioned into a Hollywood star and later became the 38th Governor of California, serving from 2003 to 2011.

His most iconic roles include the Terminator and Predator film series. In Japan, he earned the affectionate nickname "Schwa-chan." Now in his 70s, his acting career continues strong, with a role in Terminator: Dark Fate released in 2019.

Meryl Streep - Born 1949

Meryl Streep is an exceptionally gifted actress, known for her numerous Academy Award wins and an impressive 30 Golden Globe nominations.

A Yale drama graduate, she has a rich portfolio of iconic roles, with standout films including Sophie’s Choice, Out of Africa, Mamma Mia!, The Devil Wears Prada, and The Iron Lady, beloved across generations. In her personal life, she is noted for her devotion to her first marriage—an uncommon commitment in Hollywood.

Denzel Washington - Born 1954

Denzel Washington, who began his career in 1981, is a versatile talent—actor, director, and producer. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1989 for Glory and made history in 2002 as the second African-American to win Best Actor for Training Day.

His filmography includes major hits like Malcolm X, The Bone Collector, and Unstoppable. In 2022, he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States.

Johnny Depp - born 1963

He started his career as a musician at 16. His film debut came in 1984 with A Nightmare on Elm Street, but it was Nicolas Cage who encouraged him to pursue acting. He gained fame as a teen idol in the TV series 21 Jump Street before choosing to focus on a film career.

Since then, he has starred in numerous blockbusters, including Edward Scissorhands, Pirates of the Caribbean, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Fantastic Beasts. Although he is currently involved in a personal dispute, hopefully it will be resolved soon so he can fully concentrate on his work.

John Stamos - Born 1963

John Stamos, best known for his role as Uncle Jesse in the comedy-drama Full House—which was hugely popular in Japan—made his acting debut in the daytime soap General Hospital in 1983.

He later portrayed Tony Gates in the medical drama ER and reprised his Uncle Jesse role in Fuller House, where he also serves as a producer. Additionally, he’s well-known for being a devoted Disney fan.

Rob Lowe - Born 1964

Rob Lowe, who first appeared on television in 1979, was regarded as one of the most attractive actors of the 1980s.

He starred in the hit 1985 film St. Elmo’s Fire and the TV drama The West Wing, and had already earned a Golden Globe nomination in 1983 for the TV movie Thursday’s Child. More recently, in 2019, he took on both leading and executive producing roles in Holiday in the Wild.

Andrew McCarthy - born 1962

Andrew McCarthy, born and raised in New Jersey, studied drama at New York University. Since making his film debut in 1983, he gained fame through iconic ’80s teen movies like St. Elmo’s Fire and Pretty in Pink.

He has since maintained a steady presence in television, recently acting in shows such as Good Girls and New Amsterdam, while also pursuing work as a director.

Jonathan Ke Quan - born 1971

Everyone knows him! As a child actor, he starred in hugely popular 1980s Hollywood films like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and The Goonies. During that time, he enjoyed significant popularity in Japan and even had his own fan club. Later, he attended university with the aim of becoming a film director.

In recent years, he has worked as an assistant martial arts instructor on movies such as X-Men and The One. Multilingual from childhood, he speaks Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. In the film 2046, he served as an interpreter, translating director Wong’s Cantonese instructions to Kimura Takuya in English.

Michael Jackson - Born 1958

Michael Jackson, known globally as the "King of Pop," is a legend whose impact is hard to capture in just a few words. He began his career in the 1960s as a member of the family group Jackson 5, quickly gaining fame for his extraordinary talent.

After launching his solo career, he delivered countless hits, with iconic 1980s tracks like Thriller and Bad. Michael remained deeply committed to his music until his untimely and mysterious death in 2009. Even today, his music continues to be cherished and enjoyed by fans around the world.

Robert Downey Jr. - Born 1965

He began his career at just five years old and has been a prominent figure in the film industry for decades. He gained recognition in the ’80s with movies like Charlie and Less Than Zero, and in the ’90s, he earned a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for Ally McBeal.

Since then, he has produced major franchises such as the Iron Man and Avengers series. Now in his 50s, he continues to thrive, and we can look forward to seeing him on the big screen for many years ahead!

James Spader - born 1960

James Spader left high school to pursue acting in New York, determined to build a career in film. He rose to fame playing the antagonist in the 1986 hit Pretty in Pink, and quickly became known for portraying quirky and offbeat characters.

However, he broke free from that typecasting with his acclaimed performance in Sex, Lies, and Videotape, which earned him the Best Actor award at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival. He later starred in the TV drama Boston Legal, a spin-off of The Practice, winning Primetime Emmy Awards for both. More recently, he's gained recognition for voicing Ultron in the Avengers series.

Madonna - Born 1958

Madonna, famously dubbed the "Queen of Pop," has dominated the music scene since launching her solo career in the 1980s.

Before going solo, she was part of two bands, but it was hits like Like a Virgin and Papa Don't Preach that truly defined her early success. Even in her 60s, Madonna remains active—constantly touring, releasing new music, and proving she has no plans to slow down anytime soon.

Jackie Chan - Born 1954

Jackie Chan is, without question, a legendary kung fu action star. He began training at the China Drama Academy at age 7, where he studied Peking Opera and Chinese martial arts for 10 years. He made his film debut in 1962 and even worked as a stuntman in Bruce Lee’s movies. His breakthrough came in 1978 with the comedic martial arts films Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow and Drunken Master, which launched him to stardom.

He went on to star in other iconic titles like Project A and Police Story. After transitioning to Hollywood, he found international success with hits like Rush Hour and The Karate Kid. He has also showcased his talents in voice acting, notably in Kung Fu Panda, and remains active across various entertainment fields.

Meg Ryan - Born 1961

Meg originally enrolled in university with dreams of becoming a journalist, but made her film debut in Best Friends while still a student. She gained recognition with her role in Top Gun in 1986, and solidified her stardom when When Harry Met Sally became a major hit in 1989.

Throughout the 1990s, she starred in beloved romantic comedies like Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail, earning her the title "Queen of Romantic Comedy." Though her on-screen appearances became less frequent in later years, she made her directorial debut in 2015 with Ithaca (released in Japan as Tears of a Messenger: A Promise of a 14-Year-Old).