The 10 Best ’80s Actors

The influence of the 1980s on modern pop culture remains strong, with no signs of waning. Upcoming projects like “Karate Kid: Legends” indicate that our fascination with this era is far from over in the world of cinema today. In simpler terms, the ’80s are often reduced to iconic items such as the Rubik’s Cube, songs, or movie posters, but they were also a time when real people shaped the art we see. Particularly, the 1980s were a golden decade for the traditional idea of a movie star. A number of actors drew huge crowds to cinemas and redefined what leading men and women could look like.

Among us, ten ‘80s actors are fondly remembered as the crème de la crème of that era. Each of these top ’80s performers has endured for a variety of compelling reasons. Some achieved iconic status due to their roles in blockbuster movies that remain among the biggest box office hits ever. Others built up a dedicated fanbase over time, while some left an indelible mark on pop culture through their roles in classic ’80s films that continue to be relevant today. These actors boasted a diverse range of achievements that helped establish their enduring legacies. It’s no surprise that modern pop culture continues to revisit and celebrate the ’80s with such fervor, thanks to these talented individuals.

Eddie Murphy

In a different turn of events, Gregory Hines might have played Reggie Hammond in the 1982 buddy comedy “48 Hrs.”, which could have led the humor-filled movies’ trajectory to an entirely new path. However, it was Eddie Murphy who squared off with Nick Nolte in that successful box office hit, setting the stage for Murphy’s reign during the ’80s across numerous hit comedies. Iconic films of the decade like “Coming to America,” “The Golden Child,” and notably “Beverly Hills Cop” would have been absent without his influence. Murphy’s significant impact on ’80s cinema was a culmination of his experiences on “Saturday Night Live”, where he sharpened his talents. He joined “SNL” in 1980, and after establishing himself on the long-running sketch show, he ascended to become a movie star.

Books and essays looking back at Murphy’s career often highlight the far-reaching, beneficial impacts of his fame. For instance, his 1988 film “Coming to America” was a significant Hollywood production that provided leading roles to numerous Black actors – a rarity at the time for major studio films. Murphy’s comedies brought on countless laughs, but they also played a crucial role in shaping American comedy cinema. Even his large paychecks for brief appearances in movies like “Best Defense” symbolize the extravagant movie star salaries that characterized the ’80s (he made a million dollars for just one week’s work on the Dudley Moore picture). Murphy was ubiquitous throughout the ’80s, and it’s fascinating to consider that this may not have occurred if Gregory Hines hadn’t declined “48 Hrs.” instead.

Sigourney Weaver

In the ’80s, there was a surge of action films led by male stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, but female action stars were scarce. However, Sigourney Weaver stepped into the scene, reprising her role as Ellen Ripley from “Alien” in James Cameron’s action-packed sequel “Aliens.” Weaver’s strong personality and unyielding determination perfectly suited this character and Cameron’s plan to expand the “Alien” franchise. With her outstanding performance, Weaver created a new action heroine who would become one of the iconic characters of ’80s cinema. Moreover, she played numerous roles during that decade, which solidified her as an indomitable figure in film. Notably, she starred as Dana Barrett in the blockbuster “Ghostbusters” movies.

Apart from her blockbuster roles, Weaver also captivated audiences with her performances in less mainstream films like “Gorillas in the Mist” and “Working Girl”. These two movies earned her a unique distinction – she became one of only five actors to receive nominations for two acting Oscars in the same year. Specifically, she was nominated for Best Actress for “Gorillas in the Mist” and Best Supporting Actress for “Working Girl”, solidifying her status as a formidable talent in Hollywood. While “Aliens” was indeed her most famous ’80s movie, it certainly didn’t define her entire career to audiences. Flowing seamlessly between big action films, poignant dramas, spooky comedies, and numerous other genres, Weaver’s diverse and influential filmography was a vital component of the cinema landscape during this decade.

Jack Nicholson

Jack Nicholson’s acting career had already been established well before the 1980s, with his debut roles tracing back to the late ’50s and early ’60s. He was awarded a Best Actor Oscar for “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” in the ’70s. However, Nicholson left an indelible mark on ’80s cinema, as evidenced by his impactful performances. The terror he instilled in the classic horror film “The Shining” immediately resonated with audiences, and he continued to captivate them with his supporting roles, winning a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for “Terms of Endearment” in 1983. As a seasoned actor, Nicholson brought an air of authority to later ’80s films like “The Witches of Eastwick” and “Broadcast News,” where he played mentor-like roles to the new generation of movie stars. The lessons learned from earlier projects such as “Five Easy Pieces” undoubtedly contributed to his commanding presence in these productions.

Without a doubt, Nicholson’s outstanding performance as The Joker in Tim Burton’s “Batman” in 1989 was undeniably deserving of recognition on this list. By perfectly embodying a pop culture legend within a fictional character, the casting choice brilliantly blended reality and fiction. The anticipation surrounding Nicholson stepping into the shoes of the most notorious comic book villain was a powerful selling point for “Batman,” which broke box office records in its release year. With his intensely dedicated and flamboyant portrayal of Batman’s archenemy, Nicholson concluded an impressive decade of unforgettable acting feats.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep’s film legacy extends beyond a single decade, much like many other actors on this list. However, it was during the 1970s that she made her mark with notable performances in movies such as “The Deer Hunter” and “Kramer vs. Kramer.” But it was in the 1980s when her career truly flourished, starring in films like the best picture winner “Out of Africa” and other critically-acclaimed titles like “Evil Angels,” or “A Cry in the Dark.” It was also during this decade that Streep embarked on her path to becoming a cinematic legend, as she claimed her first Academy Award (in the best supporting actress category) for “Kramer vs. Kramer” in 1980. However, her Oscar achievements didn’t stop there; just three years later, she added another statuette (this time in the best actress category) to her collection for “Sophie’s Choice.

As a gamer (or movie enthusiast), I’ve got to say, Meryl Streep was a force to be reckoned with during the 1980s. If action legends like Sylvester Stallone symbolized the action-packed flicks of this era, then Streep was undeniably the queen of prestigious movies. Flicks such as “Silkwood” skillfully tackled pressing issues while still raking in the box office dough. Many films fail to achieve that balance, but for those with Streep at the helm, it seemed like common practice. Not even a flop like “She-Devil” in 1989 could tarnish the impact and credibility she had built over the previous nine years. After showcasing her skills in the ’70s, Streep truly thrived in the following decade, delivering a win for moviegoers everywhere.

Harrison Ford

In 1977, Harrison Ford charmed audiences everywhere as Han Solo in “Star Wars.” This launched him into the forefront of ’80s blockbuster cinema. Not only did this decade see two more “Star Wars” installments, one of which (“The Empire Strikes Back”) left viewers on the edge of their seats with a nail-biting cliffhanger where Han Solo was encased in carbonite. However, Ford’s success during this decade wasn’t solely due to lingering “Star Wars” popularity: The ’80s also saw him lead three Indiana Jones movies that ruled the box office. These Steven Spielberg blockbusters revitalized the retro-adventure genre and proved that Ford was a major box office attraction, even without Chewbacca by his side.

In smaller films from the ’80s, Harrison Ford was delivering exceptional performances and leaving a lasting impact on audiences. For example, “Blade Runner” in 1982 didn’t set the box office ablaze, but it ultimately transformed the landscape of sci-fi movies (many films and TV shows wouldn’t have been made if “Blade Runner” hadn’t been created). After the initial “Indiana Jones” film, audiences were eager to follow him anywhere, even to the Amish setting in his 1985 title “Witness,” and his role in the hit “Working Girl” in 1988 broadened his popularity beyond genre cinema. These films garnered him a great deal of praise, but it was his ’80s blockbuster roles that truly cemented him as an icon of the era. When discussing popular and entertaining ’80s movies, you’ll often find yourself talking about the man behind Han Solo and Indiana Jones.

Michelle Pfieffer

1980s legend Michelle Pfeiffer delivered intense passion in her diverse film roles, such as “Dangerous Liaisons,” “The Fabulous Baker Boys,” and “Married to the Mob.” Her debut performance as Stephanie Zinone, the Pink Ladies leader in “Grease 2” (1982), has gained a contemporary cult following due to her dedication to the role. However, it was in 1983’s “Scarface,” where she portrayed Elvira Hancock, that she truly made an impact, performing alongside Al Pacino. Her performance was remarkable, especially considering the challenging task of acting opposite such a powerful actor. She demonstrated her versatility by excelling in roles across various genres (ranging from lighthearted musicals to serious dramas), leaving audiences awestruck with her captivating portrayals.

In the 1980s, Michelle Pfeiffer’s acting talent resulted in two Oscar nominations (one for Best Supporting Actress in “Dangerous Liaisons” and one for Best Lead Actress in “The Fabulous Baker Boys”). This helped establish her as a major star of that era. Her impressive performances during this decade have been consistently recognized, and she continues to be celebrated among contemporary actors. For example, her role as the manipulative Velma Von Tussle in “Hairspray” was a modern take on an ’80s cult classic. Similarly, the ’80s nostalgia was evident in her casting for projects like “Ant-Man and the Wasp.” The impact of Michelle Pfeiffer on 1980s pop culture remains significant, with this decade continuing to influence her career even as it progressed through the years. It’s clear that some of Michelle Pfeiffer’s finest performances can be found in films from the 1980s.

James Spader

Before the era of Raymond “Red” Reddington, Robert California, and Ultron, James Spader was a popular heartthrob in the 1980s, symbolizing the type of young male leads that were prevalent in films during this time. With numerous movies like “The Breakfast Club” imitations making it clear, the ’80s was a decade characterized by teen-focused cinema. This genre produced a distinct breed of handsome leading men, which Spader embodied flawlessly in titles such as “Pretty in Pink.” Portraying Steff in “Pretty in Pink” catapulted Spader to greater stardom and further solidified the type of male characters that ’80s audiences admired. The archetype of this character owes much to Spader’s captivating acting skills and natural good looks.

Remarkably, I found myself captivated by James Spader’s influence in ’80s cinema, extending beyond the realms of mainstream teen movies. His leading role in the 1989 Sundance sensation “Sex, Lies, and Videotape” marked the beginning of a flourishing era for independent filmmaking that would later ignite a mid-’90s cinematic revolution. This spark, which eventually fueled films like “Pulp Fiction,” was initially kindled in the twilight of the ’80s, and Spader stood at the forefront of this transformative period, embodying the audacious creativity that would ultimately propel him into critically acclaimed roles such as the erotic thriller “Crash.” Throughout the second half of the ’80s, Spader solidified his status as one of the era’s most cherished stars, and his endeavors served to encapsulate the essence of both conventional and avant-garde cinematic artistry.

Demi Moore

Discussing 80’s film stars inevitably leads to mentioning the Brat Pack. This group consisted of young talents like Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, and Demi Moore. They were a huge draw at the box office during their time. The Brat Pack became synonymous with 80’s cinema, and while Demi Moore may have gained more recognition over the years due to her work beyond that decade, her roles in the 80’s laid the foundation for those later successes. Interestingly, it was her 80’s films that paved the way for her acclaimed performances such as “A Few Good Men,” which wouldn’t have been possible without her earlier works like “No Small Affair.

Most notably, Nicole Moore gained significant recognition as a remarkable actress of the ’80s due to her rapid rise to fame among viewers. Her breakthrough role came in “Blame It on Rio” in 1984, followed by her sensational portrayal of Jules in “St. Elmo’s Fire” the following year. In the ’80s, it was possible for an actor to become a movie star almost overnight with a single outstanding performance, and this is exactly what happened to Moore. She continued to appear in films such as “About Last Night…,” “One Crazy Summer,” “Wisdom,” “The Seventh Sign,” and “We’re No Angels” before her role in “Ghost” in 1990 solidified her status as one of the most desired A-listers of that era. For those curious, here’s what members of the ’80s group known as the Brat Pack look like today.

Tom Cruise

It might surprise you to know that at one point, Tom Cruise wasn’t the leading actor in movies as we now know him. Way before “Mission: Impossible” and “Magnolia,” and right at the beginning of the 1980s, Tom Cruise made his debut in Hollywood with minor roles. However, by 1983, he was taking the lead in his own films, such as “Risky Business,” which became the epitome of cool teenagers during that decade. Just three years later, Cruise took center stage in “Top Gun,” a blockbuster that made a significant impact since “Star Wars” hit cinemas in 1977. The new level of Hollywood spectacle was set and at the heart of it all was Cruise’s cool charisma. People were drawn to the jets soaring across the sky, but they also came to see Cruise in his most prominent role yet, becoming the embodiment of ’80s stardom.

By the close of the ’80s, Tom Cruise made his mark in virtually every genre of that era’s cinema by taking on more serious roles in critically acclaimed films like “Born on the Fourth of July” and the Oscar-winning “Rain Man.” The latter movie was not only a dramatic success but also the highest-grossing film of 1988. This means that Tom Cruise starred in two of the decade’s top-earning films, with “Top Gun” being the other one. His fame didn’t fade after this influential decade, and he continues to be a box office draw today, as evidenced by his successful “Mission: Impossible” series and the hit sequel “Top Gun: Maverick.” Tom Cruise is a classic movie star and stands among the select few who dominated the 1980s.

Glenn Close

Glenn Close made an impressive debut in the film industry, landing a significant role (Jenny Fields) in the 1982 movie “The World According to Garp,” alongside Robin Williams. This breakthrough performance earned her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination, solidifying her status as a formidable talent on the silver screen. For the remainder of the 80’s, Close became a regular at the Oscars and featured in some of the decade’s most-watched films. One of these was the blockbuster hit “Fatal Attraction,” which was released in 1987. This groundbreaking film allowed Close to merge her renowned acting abilities with popular storytelling techniques, significantly boosting her career trajectory.

In the span of ten years, the type of roles Glenn Close embodied were predominant at cinemas during the ’80s. Erotic thrillers, weepie dramas, intricate romance films, and legal thrillers were all the trend, with titles like “Fatal Attraction,” “Immediate Family,” “Dangerous Liaisons,” and “Jagged Edge” being particularly popular. It’s no surprise that Glenn Close was one of the decade’s most sought-after stars; she was a mainstay in the genres that audiences frequently favored during this time period. The fact that she earned five Oscar nominations over eight years during the ’80s demonstrates her high regard as a performer. At the beginning of the ’80s, Glenn Close had no film credits to her name. By the end of the decade, it was hard to imagine cinema without Glenn Close’s presence.

2025-05-05 19:31