15 Icons from the 1980s Who Are Still Thriving, Thank You Very Much
These stars from the 1980s continue to shine in the 2020s.
Despite the passage of time, they remain vibrant, although many are now more frequently featured on streaming platforms than in cinemas, a reflection of the current landscape.
Let’s celebrate these stars from the 1980s.
**Winona Ryder**
*Image Credit: 20th Century Fox*
Winona Ryder has recently reprised one of her most memorable characters in the successful sequel to Beetlejuice, solidifying her status as the dark princess of 1980s stars—a title she earned with Heathers before transitioning to adult roles, including a part in Bram Stoker's Dracula.
Her notable performances include Edward Scissorhands (1990), directed by Tim Burton, as well as in Little Women and The Age of Innocence. Recently, she played a significant role in the popular series Stranger Things, which concluded earlier this year.
**Harrison Ford**
*Image Credit: Paramount Pictures*
Harrison Ford has headlined numerous blockbusters while maintaining a sense of understated cool. He started the 1980s with The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Blade Runner, later receiving acclaim for his performances in Witness and Working Girl, showcasing his versatility as a leading man.
In 2023, he featured in the fifth and final Indiana Jones installment, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, as well as in the Yellowstone prequel series, 1923. Additionally, he joined the Marvel Universe in Captain America: Brave New World last year.
Currently, he stars in the Apple TV+ series Shrinking.
He is pictured above with Kate Capshaw in the underrated Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, which ranks high among the best Indiana Jones films.
**Kevin Costner**
*Image Credit: Universal Pictures*
Kevin Costner was largely left out of The Big Chill but bounced back to become one of the biggest stars of the 1980s with remarkable films such as The Untouchables, No Way Out, Bull Durham, and Field of Dreams.
In subsequent years, he continued to shine, leading titles like The Bodyguard and Oliver Stone's JFK, while also winning Best Picture and Best Director for 1990's Dances With Wolves.
After a well-publicized departure from Yellowstone, television's biggest show, he has embarked on a solo endeavor to direct Horizon: An American Saga.
**Jamie Lee Curtis**
*Image Credit: Paramount Pictures*
Jamie Lee Curtis achieved a late-career peak by winning her first Oscar in 2023 for Everything Everywhere All at Once, and she remains active. She delivered a strong performance in The Bear and enjoyed her role in the recent sequel Freaky Friday.
Though born into Hollywood, Curtis earned her acclaim through a series of scream-queen roles beginning with her 1978 debut in Halloween. She became one of the 1980s’ greatest stars with standout performances in Trading Places, Perfect, and A Fish Called Wanda.
Additionally, she starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the massive 1994 hit True Lies.
**Arnold Schwarzenegger**
*Image Credit: Orion Pictures*
Before his film career, Arnold Schwarzenegger was a celebrated bodybuilder and entrepreneur. He gained fame with Conan the Barbarian and solidified his superstar status with The Terminator—though it was not the highest-grossing film of 1984, it became a huge success on VHS the following year. His 1980s career continued with hits like Commando, The Running Man, and Predator.
His success escalated in the '90s with films like Terminator 2: Judgment Day and True Lies. In the following decade, he was elected governor of California, earning a good reputation in office.
He is rumored to return as an older and perhaps heavier Conan.
**Sylvester Stallone**
*Image Credit: Warner Bros.*
Stallone was frequently underestimated yet continued to thrive. It’s important to remember he didn’t just star in Rocky—he wrote it, creating one of cinema's most beloved underdog stories.
As Arnold’s rival, he dominated the 80s box office with both the Rocky and Rambo franchises, taking control of his career while also pursuing painting. He starred in Cobra and later teamed up with Schwarzenegger for the Planet Hollywood franchise, revitalizing the Rocky character in the Creed series.
The star of The Expendables franchise also leads Paramount+’s Tulsa King and is reportedly working with Quentin Tarantino on a new project.
**Eddie Murphy**
*Image Credit: Paramount Pictures*
Eddie Murphy recently returned to the Beverly Hills Cop franchise on Netflix with Axel F.
He still appears youthful, perhaps due to starting his career early. Murphy was just a teenager when he joined Saturday Night Live, revitalizing the show after the original cast left.
He enjoyed an impressive film career beginning with 48 Hrs. and continuing with Trading Places, the Beverly Hills Cop series, and Coming to
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15 Icons from the 1980s Who Are Still Thriving, Thank You Very Much
These stars from the 1980s are still prominent in the 2020s.
