The Ultimate 80s Star Challenge: Can You Name All These Actors And Actresses?

The 1980s: a decade that revolutionized cinema with its innovative storytelling, iconic soundtracks, and larger-than-life characters. It was a time when VHS tapes were king. It’s when the movie premieres felt like national holidays. And when hairstyles were as memorable as the films themselves. Among the neon lights and synth-pop soundtracks, a group of the ultimate 80s star rose to prominence. They became the faces of an era that has since lodged itself into the nostalgic hearts of many.

Whether you spent the 80s in a movie theater, or you’ve discovered these classics through retro cinema nights, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Can you name these major actors and actresses from the 1980s?

Robert De Niro

Guess what? This guy wasn’t always the cinematic titan we toast with our popcorn in hand today. Nope, he was just a kid from New York City with big dreams, a passion for acting, and probably a pretty funky wardrobe (it was the ’60s and ’70s, after all). Bobby made the bold move to ditch school at 16 because, why not? If you’re going to chase the spotlight, might as well start young.

That Big Break Moment

Before we knew him as the God of acting, he had to grind it out with roles that had him flexing his acting muscles hard. But then, bam! ‘Mean Streets’ happened in 1973, and it was like the universe said, “Okay, kid, let’s see what you’ve got.” Turns out, he had a lot.

The 80s: When He Decided to Own It All

Fast forward to the 80s, and it’s like De Niro decided to just take over the world. Drama? Nailed it. Comedy? Killed it. Action? Smashed it. From a stand-up comedian with a dark side in ‘The King of Comedy’ to a gangster in ‘Once Upon a Time in America’, and let’s not forget the iconic ‘The Untouchables’, Bobby was the guy they called when a movie needed to go from “meh” to “WOW.”

Becoming Mr. Immortal in American Cinema

Let’s talk about how De Niro’s movies are more than just movies. They’re time capsules, baby! Classics that we’ll be showing to our grandkids, saying, “See? They don’t make ’em like they used to.” And the cherry on top? His films are getting the royal treatment by being snatched up and preserved for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. Talk about leaving a mark!

Showered in Gold and Glitter

When it comes to awards, let’s just say Bobby’s mantlepiece is probably screaming, “Enough already!” Two Oscars, a Golden Globe, and even a Presidential Medal of Freedom? When President Obama is handing you medals, you know you’ve made it big. Plus, the Kennedy Center Honors? That’s Hollywood royalty status right there.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford’s journey into the world of acting started with uncredited roles, such as the bellhop in “Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round” (1966). He struggled to find significant work initially and turned to professional carpentry to support his family. Little did he know that this decision would lead to a fortuitous encounter with director George Lucas.

Rise to Stardom

The ’80s marked Ford’s catapult into superstardom, not just through his reprisal of Han Solo in the “Star Wars” sequels—The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983)—but also with his portrayal of Indiana Jones. This iconic character debuted in the 1981 film Raiders of the Lost Ark, a collaboration between George Lucas and Steven Spielberg that became the year’s highest-grossing film.

Unforgettable Roles

Aside from swinging through lost temples and piloting the Millennium Falcon, Ford took on diverse roles in the decade. 1982 saw him as the brooding Rick Deckard in the cult classic Blade Runner, and he continued to impress with his acting versatility in Witness (1985), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Legacy and Influence

By the end of the ’80s, Ford had forever sealed his role in cinematic history. With his rugged charm and everyman appeal, he was not just a celebrity; he was a cultural icon whose movies grossed billions worldwide. His work ethos and ability to choose characters that resonated with audiences made him a household name and a defining face of ’80s cinema.

Beyond Acting

Even off-screen, Ford proved to be a real-life hero. A licensed pilot, he utilized his flying skills in rescue missions and has been an influential environmental activist, serving as vice-chair of Conservation International.

Jack Nicholson

Born and raised in Neptune City, New Jersey, Jack had a funky little family tale. He grew up thinking his grandma was his mama and his mother as his sister. Talk about wild! This guy could have won an Academy Award for just surviving his childhood. Imagine using those experiences to fuel some crazy-good performances on screen, which is exactly what he did!

The Road To Stardom

Jack’s path to stardom is like a crazy rollercoaster ride. After dabbling around in odd-jobs, including a stint at MGM’s cartoon studio, Nicholson made his way into acting. His teen years on the sunny side of California seemed to have an inspiring effect! His big break came in Easy Rider (1969), but the groovy 80s was when Nicholson let loose. Remember The Shining (1980)? His performance as crazed writer Jack Torrance was nothing short of phenomenal—it felt like a wild, nightmare-fueled fever dream!

Mr. Award Magnet

As if being super talented wasn’t enough, this guy went on to snag three Academy Awards: Best Actor for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) and As Good as It Gets (1997), as well as Best Supporting Actor for Terms of Endearment (1983). He’s like the Oprah of the Oscars: “You get an award! You get an award!”

Camera Rolling, Action!

Not just a talented actor, old Jack even stepped behind the camera to direct his brainchildren. While you may not have heard of Drive, He Said (1971), Goin’ South (1978), and The Two Jakes (1990), these films gave him another avenue to showcase his passion for storytelling.

Leaving His Mark

On top of his awards, Jack’s influence on the film industry is mind-boggling. The man’s a walking legend, setting standards for performance with his deep and emotionally charged portrayals. I mean, how many actors have racked up three Academy Awards and a truckload of nominations? As far as legacies go, Jack’s truly is a tough act to follow.

Michael Douglas

Let’s throw it back to when the TV was king and Michael Douglas was just starting to make waves. Remember The Streets of San Francisco? Yeah, that’s where our guy bagged three Emmy noms right off the bat. But hold up, it wasn’t just the small screen where he sparkled. Douglas got his hands on an Oscar for producing One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – talk about setting the bar high!

“Romancing” His Way to Our Hearts

Cut to the 80s, and boom, Michael Douglas turns into the adventure hero we didn’t know we needed. Romancing the Stone hit us with that perfect mix of danger and charm, making Douglas everyone’s dream adventure buddy. And just when you thought it couldn’t get better, The Jewel of the Nile rolls out. Sequels, am I right? Sometimes they work, and when Douglas is involved, they work big time.

Gordon Gekko: Slick, Sleek, Supremely Michael

Remember Gordon Gekko? Of course, you do. “Greed is good” became the motto for every Wall Street wannabe, and Douglas snagged an Oscar for making corporate greed look cool in Wall Street. Who else could’ve done it? No one, that’s who.

Playing the Field Like a Pro

Douglas wasn’t about to be pinned down. From playing the dangerously charming guy in Fatal Attraction to the couple-goals (kinda?) husband in The War of the Roses, he showed us all the flavors of men gone wild. He was the 80s It Guy for a reason – that man could do drama, comedy, romance, and scare-the-pants-off-you thriller, all before breakfast.

Still Our Favorite Leading Man

Fast forward to now, and Michael Douglas’s 80s era remains iconic. Those roles? Timeless. Those performances? Chef’s kiss. His legacy in the 80s is like the best mixtape – hits after hits that never get old. Douglas wasn’t just an actor; he was the actor.

Sigourney Weaver

Born on October 8, 1949, Sigourney Weaver is an accomplished American actress. She adopted the name “Sigourney” at the tender age of 14 from a character in The Great Gatsby and developed an interest in performance art while at the Ethel Walker School.

Rising to Fame

Weaver’s breakthrough came in 1979 when she starred as Ellen Ripley in Ridley Scott’s science fiction film, Alien. The character is regarded as one of the most significant female protagonists in cinema history. She reprised this role in a series of Alien sequels and it remains one of her most iconic roles.

Accomplishments

Weaver has received a British Academy Film Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Grammy Award while also earning nominations for three Academy Awards. The actress achieved significant acclaim in the ’80s for her work in films like Aliens (1986), for which she received her first Academy Award nomination, and Ghostbusters (1984).

Notable Roles

In addition to her groundbreaking role in the Alien series, Weaver played Dana Barrett in the Ghostbusters films. Her other notable films from the ’80s include Gorillas in the Mist, Working Girl – both of which won her Golden Globe Awards and earned her dual Academy Award nominations in 1988 – and The Year of Living Dangerously.

Ongoing Influence

Even beyond the ’80s, Weaver continued to make her mark in the film industry, with significant roles in high-grossing films such as Avatar (2009). Moreover, her voice work includes Pixar films such as WALL-E (2008) and Finding Dory (2016), reaffirming her versatility as an actress.

Meryl Streep

Oh, Meryl Streep, where do we even start with this legend? The ’80s just kicked off, and Meryl’s already turning heads in Hollywood after snagging an Oscar for Kramer vs. Kramer. Talk about making an entrance into the new decade!

That Oscar Shelf Just Keeps Expanding

If you thought one Oscar was cool, then hold my popcorn because Meryl was just warming up. She landed her second Academy Award for Sophie’s Choice in 1982, making everyone go, “Wait, how does she even do that?” From nailing complex accents to pouring her soul into her roles, Meryl was basically showing everyone in the ’80s how it’s done.

The Woman of a Thousand Faces

The ’80s were like Meryl’s personal playground. Drama? Nailed it. Romance? Killed it. She teamed up with Robert Redford in Out of Africa and made everyone wish they could run off to a picturesque farm in Kenya. Seriously, Meryl gave us role envy before it was even a thing. Her ability to transform into anyone is probably why every director was like, “Get me Streep, stat!”

Still the It Girl

Fast forward to now, and Meryl’s still at the top of her game. Sure, the ’80s were great to her, but have you seen her lately? It’s like she found a way to bottle that ’80s magic and sprinkle it on everything she does. From dramatic tear-jerkers to belly-aching comedies, Meryl’s range is basically a giant rainbow of talent.

Forever Our Fave

Let’s be real, Meryl Streep is more than just an actress from the ’80s—she’s an institution. She’s the cool aunt we all wish we had, teaching us life lessons through her films and making us wonder if there’s anything she can’t do. Thanks, Meryl, for being the leading lady of the ’80s and every decade after.

Mel Gibson

So, there’s Mel Gibson, right? A young, charming lad born in New York but whisked away to the land of Aus when he was just 12. Imagine switching from New York bagels to Vegemite sandwiches basically overnight. Mel decided to hit the drama books at the National Institute of Dramatic Art, where he got all Romeo-y alongside Judy Davis. It didn’t take long for Mel to make waves in the Australian film scene before he thought, “Hey, why not take over Hollywood too?”

The ’80s Called, They Want Their Action Hero Back

The ’80s! What a time to be alive, and Mel was our go-to guy for action that left you on the edge of your seat, gripping your popcorn for dear life. Hello, “Mad Max” and “Lethal Weapon” series! Mel was all about that action-packed, heart-throbbing hero vibe, making us swoon. And, let’s be honest, we got a bit jealous of his rugged charm. Plus, he snagged the title of People’s first “Sexiest Man Alive” in ’85. If you ask me, the ’80s were basically the “Mel Gibson era.”

Awards, Baby!

Our boy Mel didn’t just make waves; he surfed them all the way to the accolades shore, picking up awards faster than a shopaholic with a credit card. Remember “Gallipoli”? That flick bagged him a Best Actor Award quicker than you can say, “Pass the popcorn.” And let’s not forget that swoon-worthy title of Sexiest Man Alive. Hands down, he was THE heartthrob of the time.

The Drama, The Comebacks

Now, every story’s got its twists, and Mel’s tale? Whew, it’s no exception. Despite hitting a few bumps down fame lane and stirring up the pot with some controversies, Mel made a comeback that deserves its own slow clap. He hopped back into the director’s chair with “Hacksaw Ridge” and had us all remembering why we fell for him in the first place.

Those ’80s Flicks, Though

Ah, the good old ’80s, when Mel was serving us iconic roles faster than a bartender on a busy night. “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior”, “The Year of Living Dangerously”, you name it. Each one was like a love letter to his range as an actor, peppered with that undeniable Gibson charm.

Glenn Close

Alright, you can’t chat about 80s movie icons without bringing up Glenn Close! Back in 1974, this gal started by making waves on stage, and she scored a Tony nom for “Barnum.” Because, why do anything by halves, right? She grabbed three Tonys like they were going out of style, winning hearts with “The Real Thing,” “Death and the Maiden,” and “Sunset Boulevard.”

Silver Screen Sweetheart

Now, the beginning of our fabulous 80s finds Glenn sashaying into Hollywood! Yep, she landed a role in “The World According to Garp” in 1980, picking up an Oscar nod for her cinematic debut! Then the vibe of the 80s truly embraced her with “The Big Chill” and “The Natural” – both performances soared to stardom and bagged further Oscar nominations. What a gal!

Let’s get a Little Psycho!

Can we ever forget Glenn as the scarily intense Alex Forrest in “Fatal Attraction?” Oh honey, you better believe that performance got Oscar buzzing! She truly became the face you just couldn’t unsee in 80s pop culture.

Genre-Hopping Queen

In “Dangerous Liaisons” (1988 – how is it that long ago already?), Glenn gifted us another stellar performance – cunning, manipulative Marquise de Merteuil! Add to that her wide-spanning roles in diverse films like “Jagged Edge” and “Maxie,” and it’s clear this lady can serve up any genre on a platter!

Badges of Glory

Let’s wrap up with some well-deserved awards chatter! Glenn kicked off the new millennium with gusto, getting inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2016 and featured in Time’s 100 most influential people in 2019. Long live, the lady of the 80s!

Kathleen Turner

Hey, have you ever heard of a little someone named Kathleen Turner? No? Let’s rewind a bit and spill some tea! Born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, our girl Kathleen didn’t exactly grow up in the glitz and glam of Hollywood. Yet, she broke through the ‘Smallville’ mold, trading in the theatres of London for Broadway’s bright lights by 1977. What can we say? Talent always finds its spotlight!

The Heat is On

Then came that role—yes, you guessed it! Our lady, seducing audiences as Matty Walker in “Body Heat” (1981), became the nation’s dream girl overnight. Is your heart fluttering yet? From that sultry role, she bounced to rom-com and action in the heart-thumping “Romancing the Stone” and its sequel “The Jewel of the Nile” (1985). Picture Kathleen, Michael Douglas, and Danny DeVito together—Bam! Instant charisma bomb! Plus, she bagged a Golden Globe. Mic drop.

Keep the Applause Coming

But hey, that was just the beginning. Throughout the 80s, Kathleen was the ‘It girl’, snagging another Golden Globe for “Prizzi’s Honor” (1985) and an Oscar nomination with “Peggy Sue Got Married” (1986). And who could forget her voice as Jessica Rabbit in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988)? Bunny ears never looked better!

Warrior Woman

Now, getting real here, Kathleen didn’t have it all easy. Despite a rough bout with rheumatoid arthritis in the early 90s, she didn’t let that stop her from nailing her performances. Trust Kathleen to bring the drama on and off-camera! She’s a fighter and we love her for it.

You Can’t Touch This Legacy

So, what’s Kathleen up to now? Well, with two Golden Globes, Oscar, Grammy, and Tony nominations to her name, she’s been nurturing the next gen of superstars at New York University. Kathleen Turner: Actress, Teacher, 80s Icon, and Our Forever Queen. We stan a versatile legend!

Dustin Hoffman

Oh, Dustin Hoffman, where do we even start? This guy zoomed from a struggling actor to an ’80s movie legend faster than you can say “Oscar bait.” With a truckload of talent and a knack for picking unforgettable roles, Hoffman turned the cinematic world upside down during the decade of big hair and even bigger movies.

From Piano Dreams to Hollywood Screens

Yup, you heard it right. Our man Dustin initially fancied tickling the ivories as a classical pianist before diving headfirst into the acting pool. After a stint at the Pasadena Playhouse and lighting up Broadway, he decided Hollywood needed a dose of his magic. And boy, were we lucky he did!

Crushing It in the ’80s

The ’80s rolled around, and Dustin Hoffman was not messing around. Sure, “Kramer vs. Kramer” hit theatres in ’79, but it was the ’80s when we all couldn’t stop talking about Hoffman’s heart-wrenching portrayal of a dad fighting for his son. Hello, first Oscar win! In “Tootsie,” Hoffman pulled off a stunner by transforming into an actress to land a gig. The result? Box office gold and another notch on his Oscar belt (well, a nomination, but who’s counting?). Fast forward to ’88, and there’s “Rain Man.” Hoffman, alongside Tom Cruise, served us a brotherly bond that had us laughing, crying, and winning him his second Oscar. Talk about ending the decade with a bang!

The Hoffman Effect

Let’s face it, Dustin Hoffman didn’t just grace the ’80s with his presence; he owned it. With a career that’s kept on shining into the 21st century, it’s clear this legend knew how to leave a mark. Whether behind the camera or in front of it, Hoffman’s magic touch is unmistakable.

Michelle Pfeiffer

Oh, Michelle Pfeiffer, the queen bee of the ’80s cine-scape, absolutely refused to be pigeonholed into the blonde bombshell corner. And honey, did she serve us some iconic looks and roles or what? Let’s look into her glow-up from a Hollywood newbie to the ultimate ’80s screen siren.

From Zero to Hero

Picture this: it’s Grease 2 (1982), and critics are not having it. But did our girl Michelle throw in the towel? Nope. She flipped her hair, powered through, and by the time Scarface (1983) rolled around, everyone was eating their words. Hello, star in the making!

The Stardom Escalade

Next thing we know, she’s everywhere. The Witches of Eastwick (1987) – bam! Tequila Sunrise (1988) – bam! And just when we thought she couldn’t get any cooler, she gets a nod from the Golden Globes for her role in Married to the Mob (1988). I mean, talk about versatility. Comedy, drama, romance – you name it, she nailed it.

Queen of the Screen

But wait, there’s more! Dangerous Liaisons (1988) and The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989) happened, and they weren’t just hits; they were Michelle Pfeiffer showing the world she wasn’t just another pretty face. With back-to-back Academy nods and a Golden Globe tucked under her belt, it was clear – she owned the ’80s.

Still Got It!

Fast forward a bit, and she’s still killing it. From the sultry Catwoman in Batman Returns (1992) to countless other roles that made us laugh, cry, and everything in between. Michelle Pfeiffer isn’t just a Hollywood staple; she’s a legend.

Jane Fonda

Oh honey, have you heard about the fabulous Jane Fonda? Born December 21, 1937, this powerhouse grabbed her first Broadway script in 1960 and began turning heads. Fast forward a hot minute, and she’s giggling her way on to the silver screen in “Tall Story” – talk about a star in the making!

Flexing those Actress Muscles

The ’60s and ’70s brought big things for our girl Jane. She vamped it up as the feisty space chick “Barbarella,” and let me tell you, the Galaxy was never quite the same. Her tons-of-fun turns in “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” and “Klute” earned her a spot at the Oscar’s table. Not too shabby, Jane!

Roll on the 80s!

The 80s were totally tubular for Fonda, hitting it big in the office madness of “9 to 5,” and getting some much-deserved Oscar love for “The Morning After.” Plus, she nabbed a Primetime Emmy for “The Dollmaker” on the side – ’cause why not? Jane didn’t stop at the acting gigs. No, siree! She ruled the ’80s workout scene with her own video and even sparked headlines with her daring activist efforts. Controversial? Maybe. Boring? Never!

She’s Back, Y’all!

Thought you saw the last of Jane? Think again! After some much-needed me-time, our gal tangoed back into the limelight in the 2000s – proving she still got the goods on and off Broadway, and absolutely rocking it on “Grace and Frankie.”

This is so Jane

Multi-talented, always intriguing, and unapologetic – that’s our Jane. Her rollercoaster journey through film, tele, that iconic fitness video, and even the front lines of activism, is nothing short of legendary. Two-time Academy Award winner, fitness trendsetter, dedicated activist, and TV delight – Jane Fonda, we salute you! So, who ruled the 1980s? Jane Fonda, baby!

Al Pacino

It’s the ’80s, big hair is all the rage, and there’s this guy with a killer gaze and a New York twang that’s totally taking over Hollywood. Yep, that’s Al Pacino, our man of the hour!

Flashy Roles and Wild Stories

Pacino’s been the bad boy, the mob boss, and the tough cop. Remember “Scarface”? Of course, you do! “Say hello to my little friend” is practically etched into our brains forever, right? And who can forget the drama of “The Godfather Part III”? That’s some serious Pacino magic!

King of the Screen

This guy’s got more awards on his shelf than we’ve got shoes in our closets (and that’s saying something!). From Oscar glory to Emmy love, he’s grabbed ’em all. Trust me, each shiny little guy is well-deserved.

The Method to His Madness

Trained by the legends at the HB Studio and The Actors Studio, Al’s got chops! He’s all about diving deep into his roles. Honestly, it’s like he becomes the character – kinda gives you the chills, doesn’t it?

More Than Just a Movie Star

Here’s the deal – Al didn’t just stop at movies. He strutted his stuff on stage too, snatching up Tony Awards like they were going out of fashion. And hey, let’s not forget his TV stints. Our man Al killed it in “Angels in America” and didn’t even break a sweat!

Bill Murray

Listen up – Bill Murray wasn’t just any ’80s icon; he was the king of cool, the sultan of sarcasm! His express ticket to fame? “Saturday Night Live.” That’s right, Bill was the wisecracking, side-splitting hero of SNL, and we all wanted to be part of his cool kids’ club.

The Flicks That Made Us Flip

Let’s talk hits, honey! Murray was the cat’s meow in the big-screen buffet of the ’80s. Ever heard of a little thing called Ghostbusters? Of course, you have! Bill strapped on a proton pack and zapped his way right into our hearts. And if you don’t get the hype over Caddyshack and Stripes, we need to have words – those movies are like, totally tubular!

Ramis & Murray: BFFs or What?

Harold Ramis and Bill Murray? More like creative soulmates! This dynamic duo churned out the kind of funny that had us choking on our popcorn. From chasing gophers in Caddyshack to boot camp belly laughs in Stripes, these two were the dream team of comedy.

Not Just a Funny Face

Bill didn’t just tickle our funny bone; he showed us he could take on any gig. Remember Tootsie? Bill stole scenes without breaking a sweat, and that cameo in Little Shop of Horrors was simply rad. This dude knew how to mix it up!

The Man, The Myth, The Murray

Oh, come on, you know Bill Murray is, like, the definition of an ’80s powerhouse. From his snarky one-liners to those unexpected moments of gold, Bill’s charisma made every movie an instant sleepover classic. He’s the type of guy you want to have a beer with or maybe get locked in an amusement park overnight. A total charmer who redefined the cool comedy guy vibe for the ages!

Cher

Let’s take a walk down memory lane and remember the amazing Cher. Born as Cherilyn Sarkisian, she may have started as one half of the dynamic duo, Sonny & Cher, with that head-turning tune, “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down).” But quickly, our girl Cher knew she was a solo superstar.

Lights, Camera, Cher!

Tired of singing? No problem! She put the diva in div-actors (get it, diva+actors?). From Broadway’s “Come Back to 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” to nabbing the Oscar for her out-of-this-world performance in “Moonstruck,” she lit the acting world on fire. And let’s not forget her roles in “Mask,” “Silkwood,” and “Mermaids.” You could say she was on a roll, and we’re not talking sushi!

No Small Screen for this Star

And, of course, who could forget about Cher’s bling on the small screen? When she wasn’t knocking us out on the big screen, she was entertaining us right in our own living rooms with “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour.” And let me tell you, she commanded that screen like nobody’s business.

Breaking Records Left, Right, and Center

Our girl doesn’t like to brag, but she has sold over 100 million records worldwide and has been shining on the Billboard charts for seven – count ‘em, seven! – decades. With Grammys, Emmys, Golden Globes, and pretty much every award you can think of in her trophy cabinet, she’s a force to be reckoned with.

Cher Here, There, and Everywhere

From her humble beginnings as a part of a folk-rock duo to becoming one of the most influential and iconic figures in the entertainment industry, Cher definitely did it her way. Sunlike, she rises, sets, but never disappears. Just when you think our queen’s lost some of her sparkle, she reinvents herself and shines again.

Tom Cruise

Bet you didn’t know his full name is Thomas Cruise Mapother IV? Yeah, me neither. Before he was jumpin’ on couches and running like a maniac in your favorite action films, little Tom kicked things off in the early ‘80s.

High-Speed Rise to Stardom

Does anyone remember Tom in the unforgettable glasses and white socks slide through “Risky Business”? Of course you do! And then, we all had our hearts racing with his hotshot flying skills in “Top Gun” (1986)! Talk about versatility!

Awards, Baby!

Don’t forget his Golden Globe-winning role in “Born on the Fourth of July” – an Oscar would’ve been nice, but hey, we can’t win them all, can we? Besides, Tom doesn’t need an Oscar to show him a good time, his performances remain iconic, period.

He’s Still Got It!

Back in the ’80s, Tom gave us iconic characters that were the stuff of legend! Through the ’90s, he shook the box office with hits like “A Few Good Men”, “The Firm” and who can forget “Jerry Maguire”? Nowadays, he’s your friendly neighborhood action star—Jetting from a skyscraper in one of the “Mission: Impossible” series? Yea, just another day in his life!

Off-camera Shenanigans

And all the while, he’s had some roller coaster rides in his personal life too! Three high-profile marriages – to Mimi Rogers, to Nicole Kidman, and to Katie Holmes. He’s got three kiddos, and he’s a huge —and I mean huge— fan of the Church of Scientology.

Jessica Lange

Jessica Lange is a true gem of the 80s, whose talent and sparkle outshone even the flashiest of disco balls. Born on April 20, 1949, in the small town of Cloquet, Minnesota, she was destined for big things, and folks, she did not disappoint!

From Model to Monster’s Leading Lady

Imagine stepping into Hollywood with a big splash in the King Kong remake. That’s Jessica for you, turning heads right from her debut in 1976. Some critics couldn’t handle her shine, but she snatched a Golden Globe like a boss, setting the stage for an epic career.

Snagging Oscars Like It’s NBD

Seriously, if there was an award for effortlessly winning awards, Jessica would’ve nailed that too. In 1982, she not only rocked a dual role in Tootsie, but also scooped up the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, plus a Golden Globe ’cause why not? Then, as if to prove she wasn’t resting on her laurels, she gets another Oscar nod for Frances. The girl was on fire!

A Decade Dripping in Gold

The magic didn’t stop there. Jessica’s mantel kept getting more crowded with nods for her roles in Country, Sweet Dreams, and Music Box. I mean, talk about range! From a country singer to a troubled actress, is there anything our Jessica can’t do? Spoiler: Nope!

Legacy? Legendary!

So what’s Jessica’s 80s legacy? Beyond the glitzy awards and mind-blowing performances, she showed us how it’s done with grace, power, and a whole lot of talent. Her work back then was just the beginning. Today, she’s an unstoppable force in Hollywood, with a career that newbies can only dream of.

The Final Reel

How did you do on our blast from the past, the ultimate ’80s actor quiz? Whether you totally crushed it, or you’re sitting there thinking, “Who the heck is that?” we’ve got to admit, diving into the world of ’80s icons is like stepping into a time machine with a tub of popcorn.

If you nailed it, you’re probably sitting there with a smug smile, ready to binge-watch some classic ’80s flicks. If not, no judgment here! It’s the perfect excuse to call up some friends (or hey, your cool Aunt Linda who can’t stop talking about the ’80s) and have a movie marathon. Either way, we had a blast putting your movie knowledge to the test and reminiscing about the decade that gave us some of cinema’s finest.