Pamela Anderson

Pamela Anderson's first public endorsement came in 1989 when she was pictured wearing a Labatt's beer T-shirt at a football game in Vancouver, after which she was briefly hired as their spokesmodel. She followed that with an appearance in the October 1989 issue of Playboy and later featured in the February 1990 edition as the magazine's playmate of the month.

Anderson was further propelled into the limelight by starring in the ABC sitcom "Home Improvement" for the first two seasons. She eventually became a household name by appearing in the action drama series "Baywatch" as CJ Parker, one of her best-known roles.

Kathy Ireland

Former supermodel Kathy Ireland had her humble beginnings in Santa Barbara, where she was scouted and recruited by Elite Model Management at the age of 16. She then went on to grace 13 consecutive Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues, including three covers, and this iconic 1987 Sports Illustrated photo is one of the many she appeared in.

Ireland's career as a supermodel lasted throughout the '80s and into the '90s. In 1993, she began her foray into entrepreneurship by founding her brand licensing company in an exclusive deal with Kmart, which has since then managed to grow into a multi-billion business.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis is a well-known movie star to those who grew up in the '70s and '80s or are fans of movies from that era. Long before she became an actress, Curtis initially studied to become a lawyer but dropped out after one semester to pursue acting. In an undeniably glittering career, she has earned the title of 'Scream Queen' by appearing in numerous slasher and horror movies like "Halloween," "Terror Train," and "Prom Night."

Here we're seeing her in a scene from the movie "Halloween," as the character Laurie Strode, a babysitter. This film would be the one to catapult an almost twenty-year-old Curtis into international superstardom.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is a household name, primarily for her work in country music. Her first album debuted in 1967, and since then, she has gone on to achieve phenomenal commercial and critical success, including selling well over a hundred million records worldwide. Her music has also garnered 11 Grammy Awards, ten Country Music Association, four People's Choice, three American Music Awards, and even two Guinness World Records.

Known for her very iconic hairstyle and flamboyant wigs, Parton is pictured here at the premiere of the movie "9 to 5." Her co-stars were Hollywood icons Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, and Parton wrote and recorded the movie's hit theme song.

Phoebe Cates

Before Phoebe Cates became an actress, she was a teen model who first appeared on the cover of 'Seventeen' magazine in 1979. But her glamor industry career didn't last very long as she grew dissatisfied with the jobs and quit. Being born into a family of television and Broadway producers, it didn't come as a surprise when she decided to venture into the world of showbiz as an actress.

Her breakthrough role came in the 1982 movie "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." Two years later, she starred in the 1984 box office hit "Gremlins," which remains the highest-grossing movie of her career.

Michelle Pfeiffer

Before becoming one of Hollywood's leading ladies, Pfeiffer appeared onscreen in supporting roles, one of which was in the 1983 movie "Scarface." This picture captures her in one of its iconic scenes. She achieved further success with her role in "Married to the Mob," for which she picked up an Academy Award nomination.

Pfeiffer appeared on People's Magazine's list of "Most Beautiful People in the World" six times and was one of Hollywood's most bankable actresses throughout the '80s and '90s. Her contribution to showbiz earned her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007, and she's widely considered one of the most talented actresses in Hollywood.

Sarah Jessica Parker

The '80s were when Sarah Jessica Parker slowly entered mainstream media, with her first TV lead role coming in the sitcom "Square Pegs." Her other acting roles include the popular HBO television series "S*x and the City," in which she played the character Carrie Bradshaw. Critics have recognized that as one of the most fantastic female characters in American television.

Through her work in TV, she has won two Emmys, four Golden Globes, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Time Magazine named Parker one of the 100 most influential people in the world. This picture shows a young Parker at an industry event in the '80s.

Apollonia Kotero

Fans of the 1984 movie "Purple Rain" will surely recognize Apollonia Kotero, as that film was the one to launch her into stardom in the '80s. She also starred in other successful projects like "Ministry of Vengeance," "Falcon Crest," and "Air America," which further endeared her to American audiences.

Aside from being known for her acting chops, Kotera is also a talented singer, as she regularly showcased her singing talent in her movies. The girl group Apollonia 6 is named after her, and she was their lead singer, releasing hits like "Take Me with U," "Mismatch," and "The Same Dream."

Rebecca De Mornay

A few people might be wondering what Rebecca De Mornay was thinking about in this picture. And we'd like to know, too, as this was taken before the 1983 movie "Risky Business," in which she starred and was the one to push her to mainstream audiences.

But before she came into the limelight, she made her acting debut in the movie "One from the Heart," where she had a minor role. After appearing in "Risky Business," she followed that up by appearing in several other successful films like "The Trip to Bountiful" and "Runaway Train," which were both nominated for several Academy Awards.

Heather Thomas

Heather Thomas began her showbiz career at the age of 14 when she was a host of the NBC series "Talking with a Giant," and she interviewed celebrities. In 1978, she landed a small but impactful role in the series "Co-Ed Fever," and from there, her career took off.

Her first major gig was in the television series "The Fall Guy," where she played the character of Jody Banks. While cast in the series, she also featured in the movie "Zapped," her first movie role. However, Thomas quit acting in 1998, but since then, she has written a screenplay and a novel.

Cheryl Tiegs

Frequently described as America's first supermodel, Cheryl Tiegs is well known for her 1978 pink bikini poster and her yellow swimsuit picture. She is the first model to appear twice on the cover of Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue and was once the owner of the biggest endorsement contract.

In addition to Sports Illustrated, she graced the covers of Glamour, Elle, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, People, and Time magazine. She was featured in the 1978 "All-American Model" cover story, and in 1980, Tiegs established her signature accessories and clothing line, Sears. By 1989, the brand had amassed over one billion dollars in sales.

Bette Midler

 

Bette Midler, pictured here alongside her backup dancers in the '80s, is well known for her comedy and distinctive voice. Her singing career began in the summer of 1970 in the Continental Baths, where she befriended music icon Barry Manilow, who produced her first album.

Midler then went on to release fourteen studio albums, selling over 30 million records worldwide. She is also a recognized actress, with her film debut coming in the 1979 movie "The Rose." Her singing and acting talents have brought her four Golden Globe Awards, three Grammy Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and two Tony Awards.

Debra Winger

"Terms of Endearment," "An Officer and a Gentleman," and "Shadowlands" these three movies should ring a bell if you are a fan of Debra Winger. The gifted leading lady earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress from all three of these projects, which is pretty impressive.

In 1995, she took a hiatus from acting and became a teaching fellow at Harvard University for one Semester, returning in 2001 with the film "Big Bad Love," which was also her debut as a producer. She then decided to try out Broadway acting and made her debut in 2012 in a production of David Mamet's "The Anarchist."

Elvira and Cheech Marin

Elvira and Cheech Marin are two Hollywood icons who have fond memories of each other, as represented by this photo in the '80s. Elvira, whose real name is Cassandra Peterson, had her first dose of fame when she began hosting the KHJ-TV station show "Elvira's Movie Macabre" as Elvira, her stage persona.

Marin is an actor and comedian who gained recognition in the '70s and '80s for being part of the comedy duo Cheech & Chong. He is famous for voicing characters in animated movies like "The Lion King" and "Coco." They both teamed up in the music video for the song "Born in East LA."

Farrah Fawcett

The television series "Charlie's Angels" was where Farrah Fawcett first got her big break. The show ran from 1976 to 1977, and after it ended, Fawcett moved on to movies like "The Burning Bed" and "Small Sacrifices," both of which bagged her Emmy nominations. She was an icon in the '80s, with her hairstyle dubbed the "Farrah-do," which can be seen in the picture, being predominantly popular with American women.

A 1976 poster of her in a red one-piece bathing suit was reported as being the best-selling poster in history, a feat that further lends credence to Fawcett's immense popularity and influence.

Pulsating Paula

The '80s were a fun time, biker gangs were all the rage, and this woman was there to capture it all. Pulsating Paula, whose real name is Paula Grimaldi-Reardon, was always fascinated with the biker culture and lifestyle, and she dedicated her life to it. She also made tattoo artists the subject of her photography.

A self-taught photographer, Paula was ever-present at biker meet-ups and parties and was always on hand to capture everything she could. She began submitting photos to Biker Lifestyle magazine in the early '80s, and after they were accepted, she became a frequent contributor to the publication for over two decades.

Samantha Fox and Jon Bon Jovi

The year 1987 wouldn't be forgotten by a lot of people in a hurry because it was the year that Jon Bon Jovi and Samantha Fox were present in Jamaica for the MTV Hedonism Weekend. It was a competition organized by MTV, whereby the winner would go on to meet Jon Bon Jovi and travel with him to Jamaica; what a prize!

In this picture, Jon Bon Jovi, the frontman of the rock band Bon Jovi, an iconic musician with 15 studio albums and two solo albums to his name, strikes a pose with Samantha Fox, a former model who had transitioned to a thriving career in music.

Crystal Gayle

You might have read about Rapunzel in children's books, but what if we told you there was a real-life Rapunzel, and she was a singer? That'd be pretty hard to believe, wouldn't it? Well, say hello to Crystal Gale.

Crystal Gayle is an American country music singer best known for her 1977 hit "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue," which shot to the top of the Billboard country chart. Although a country singer, her sound, which was likened to be more of country pop, appealed to a much wider audience. As a result, she was one of the most successful crossover artists of the '70s and '80s.

Sigourney Weaver

Have you ever heard of the movie "Aliens"? Or maybe, by chance, you might have watched one of its numerous sequels. Well, suppose by any chance you have, Sigourney Weaver is to thank for that, as she's the actress that brought the iconic female character Ripley to life. She, in return, earned herself a BAFTA nomination for Most Promising Newcomer for her role in it.

Weaver's other notable works include roles in the "Ghostbusters" franchise and the movie "Avatar" which is the highest-grossing movie of her career, as well as one of the highest-grossing movies ever made. Here's a stunning picture of her from the '80s.

Brooke Shields

"You want to know what comes between my Calvins and me? Nothing." If you've heard this famous tagline, chances are you know who Brooke Shields is, but for those of you who don't, Shields was a famous child model and actress, beginning her modeling career at the tender age of 11 months when she landed a job advertising Ivory Soap.

By the age of 14, she was the youngest beauty to ever appear on the cover of Vogue magazine. As time went by, Shields combined her modeling career with acting, with her most notable movie being the 1980 classic "The Blue Lagoon.''

Demi Moore

Demi Moore began her career as a model, but after being inspired by her next-door neighbor, she signed up for drama classes to become an actress. In 1981, she appeared on the cover of Oui magazine, an adult magazine, and later that year, Moore played a brief role in the movie "Choices."

She also played a character in the television series "General Hospital" before her breakthrough came from the movie "St. Elmo's Fire," which was a box office hit. The following years saw her appear in films like "Parasite," "Blame it on Rio" but her most successful project to date remains the 1990 movie "Ghost."

Sharon Stone

Beginning her career as a model, Sharon Stone featured in various television and print advertisements before venturing into showbiz as an extra in Woody Allen's "Stardust Memories." Pretty soon, Stone was able to land a minor role in Wes Craven's "Deadly Blessing," which led to starring in other movies such as "Irreconcilable Differences" and "Above the Law."

Stone delivered a scene-stealing performance in the 1992 movie "Basic Instinct" and bagged her first Golden Globe Award nomination. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1995 and was named Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters in addition to her Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Awards.

Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher, spotted donning her iconic Princess Leia costume in this picture on the cover of the 1983 summer issue of Rolling Stone, was best known for that character in the "Star Wars" movies. She received four Saturn Award nominations for her performance, and Leia remains a very beloved character.

The late Fisher began her career at the age of seventeen, starring in the movie "Shampoo," and became known for her performances in projects like "The Blues Brothers" and "The Women." Aside from her acting credits, she was also a published author, with novels like "Postcards from the Edge" and "Wishful Drinking."

Cathy Lee Crosby

You might have heard of Cathy Lee Crosby, the actress, but have you heard of Cathy Lee Crosby, the tennis player? Crosby was an excellent athlete, excelling in tennis, especially after starting at the age of 12. She was ranked as high as seven in singles and four in doubles in the USA junior tennis competition.

Crosby swapped her sports career for a television career, and she appeared in her first movie role in the 1972 movie "Call Me by My Rightful Name." Her other well-known films include "Wonder Woman." "Trackdown" and "Coach." She was also a co-host of the TV series "That's Incredible!"

Tanya Roberts

When you think about the 1982 movie "The Beastmaster," there are a lot of things that come to your mind, one of them being Tanya Roberts herself, who was every boy's heartthrob in the '80s. This picture of her might be one of the reasons why.

Well known for portraying the character Julie Rogers in the final season of the television series "Charlie's Angels," she also played a minor role in the James Bond movie "A View to a Kill." Unfortunately, the latter earned her a Razzie Award. One of her most notable roles was Midge Pinciotti in the iconic television series "That '70s Show."

Christie Brinkley

Christie Brinkley began her journey into the modeling industry in 1973 when she was discovered in a Paris post office by American photographer Errol Sawyer. She continued appearing in magazines throughout the '80s, one of which is the photo displayed above. Brinkley gained superstardom when she appeared in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues, featuring on three consecutive covers from 1979 to 1981.

She also snagged brand deals from major fashion and non-fashion brands and was the face of Covergirl, and appeared on over five hundred major magazine covers. Brinkley was named one of the most attractive women of all time, by leading publications like Men's Health and Allure.

Lynda Carter

Before Gal Gadot donned the costume of Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter preceded her by playing the character of Diana Prince/Wonder Woman in the live-action television series "Wonder Woman." The role garnered the latter a huge following and made her a fan favorite.

Carter told Palm Springs Life that she had to work very hard to achieve the physique of Wonder Woman because after being cast, she felt like she didn't correctly embody the role and character. She mentioned aerobics and strenuous classes of ballet as the two things that helped her get in shape for the job. Carter was also the winner of the Miss World USA in 1972.

Sean Connery and Kim Basinger

Sean Connery is known for being the first actor to play the fictional secret agent James Bond in the film series of the same name. He starred in several James Bond movies between 1962 and 1983. In 1983, he starred in the film "Never Say Never Again" alongside Kim Bassinger, both pictured on set in the photo above.

This movie launched Bassinger's career, as the project was a commercial success. In a candid talk with Interview Magazine, she shared that she had to do a lot of research before finally accepting the daunting role, as she initially doubted her capabilities.

Kelly LeBrock

Kelly LeBrock had her big break at 19 when she landed on the cover of Vogue magazine. Capitalizing on her new-found success, she signed a contract with Christian Dior and became one of the most sought-after models. She is also known for her catchphrase, "Don't hate me because I'm beautiful," which she said in a commercial for Pantene shampoo.

LeBrock soon took a dive into the world of Hollywood with her first role in the movie "The Woman in Red." However, she then took a break from acting in 1985, ending her hiatus in 1990 to star in the film "Hard to Kill."

Jane Leeves

Jane Leeves only had a few speaking lines in the 1985 British comedy television show "The Benny Hill Show," but that was enough to kick-start her career. She soon moved to the USA, where she got minor roles in movies, and in 1986, she had her first leading role in the sitcom "Throb."

Leeves went on to secure a part in the TV sitcom "Murphy Brown" before receiving further global recognition by starring in movies like "Miracle on 34th Street" and "James and the Giant Peach." She was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for her role in the series "Hot in Cleveland."

Sofía Vergara

Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, and given the nickname "Toti" by her family, Sofía Vergara was discovered by a photographer during a stroll on the beach. She soon found herself presented with modeling and acting career choices. Initially apprehensive, Vergara decided to give it a shot and appeared in a Pepsi commercial that aired in Latin America.

She soon after appeared in movies like "Chasing Papi" and "Meet the Browns," and that culminated in her being offered a role in the ABC comedy series "Modern Family." While working on the latter, she became the highest-paid television actress from 2013 to 2020 and received numerous award nominations.

Bo Derek

Bo Derek rose to fame in 1979 by appearing in the romantic comedy movie "10'' and is pictured here from a scene in the film." Her appearance left an impression on audiences, and Derek soon appeared in films like "A Change of Seasons" and "Tarzan, the Ape Man," the latter of which earned her a Golden Raspberry Award.

Derek appeared in a photoshoot for Playboy magazine in 1980, making further appearances in 1981, 1984, and 1994. She returned from a five-year hiatus in 1989 to feature in the movie "Ghosts Can't Do It." Although currently semi-retired, she still features in film and television occasionally.

Cameron Diaz

Photographed here in her cheerleading outfit for cheerleading duties at her high school in 1988, Cameron Diaz signed with Elite Model Management at 16. She then appeared in advertisements for brands like Calvin Klein and Levi's, and the following year, she landed the coveted July 1990 cover of Seventeen magazine.

Diaz had her first taste of acting in the 1994 movie "The Mask," which launched her career. The part led her to feature in films like "Charlie's Angels," "Shrek" and "Vanilla Sky," which were all box office successes. In 2013, Diaz was named the highest-paid Hollywood actress over 40. However, by 2018 she had formally retired from acting.

Daryl Hannah

Director Brian De Palma's supernatural horror film "The Fury" was Daryl Hannah's movie debut. After that, she gained further prominence by featuring in projects like the 1982 movie "Blade Runner," "Splash" and the 2003 blockbuster "Kill Bill," winning a Saturn Award for her portrayal of the character Elle Driver.

Hannah reportedly developed an interest in acting at a young age partly due to insomnia and her shyness; she would frequently stay home and watch films. Hannah is also a theatre actress, and she featured in the play "The Seven Year Itch," where critics praised her performance, calling it the perfect vehicle for the leading lady to showcase her talent.

Kelly McGillis

For her role in the 1985 movie "Witness," Kelly McGillis received Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations. In 1986, she starred in the film "Top Gun," a commercial and critical success that also took her career to new heights.

At a young age, McGillis expressed an interest in acting, and in 1975, she dropped out of high school, relocated to New York, and enrolled in the Juilliard School, where she graduated in 1983. Afterward, she performed in a series of Broadway theatre productions across New York before getting her big break. McGillis took a couple of years off from acting in 1992 before returning in 1994.

The Bangles

 

The Bangles are undoubtedly a group that would be remembered by '80s pop-rock band enthusiasts, as they were one of the iconic groups to come out during that period. The band formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, California, and the group comprised Susanna Hoffs, Vicki Peterson, Debbi Peterson, and Michael Steele.

They are famous for releasing singles like "Manic Monday," "Walk Like an Egyptian," "In Your Room," and "Eternal Flame." which reached the top ten of the USA charts. Originally called 'The Bangs,' they changed it after discovering that the name was already registered and used by another band.

Ornella Muti

Italian actress Ornella Muti was born in Rome. During her teenage years, she worked in the modeling industry. Word of her stunning looks soon spread, and the studio executives came calling. Before long, she made her film debut in 1970 with the Italian movie "La Moglie Piu Bella" (The Most Beautiful Wife.)

She continued to act in Italian movies until 1980, when she made her English-speaking film debut as the character Princess Aura in the movie "Flash Gordon." Muti subsequently went on to feature in more English-speaking American movies like "Love and Money," "A Season of Giants," "Once Upon a Crime," and "To Rome with Love."

Lea Thompson

Lea Thompson began her career with a series of supporting roles on stage and in film, but her appearance in the 1985 movie "Back to the Future" finally brought her stardom. The success of the first movie, which was the highest-grossing release of that year, led to two more sequels, which were all well received.

Thompson, pictured here during the filming of the first "Back to the Future" movie, went on to star in other famous movies like "Howard the Duck" and "Dennis the Menace." She also starred in the sitcom "Caroline in the City," and she received a People's Choice Award for her performance.

Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio

Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is an American actress whose most well-known movie is the 1983 crime drama movie "Scarface" where she played the role of the main character's sister. She also portrayed Carmen in "The Color of Money," which earned Mastrantonio an Academy Award nomination.

Also a Broadway actress, she made her Broadway debut in the 1980 play "West Side Story" and has had roles in plays like "Copperfield," "The Human Comedy," and "Man of La Mancha," landing a Tony award nomination for the latter. As for TV appearances, Mastrantonio has had recurring roles in notable series like "The Punisher" and "Blindspot."

Meryl Streep

One of the most well-reputed and respected names in Hollywood, Meryl Streep is often acclaimed as one of the most phenomenal performers of her generation. This picture of the living legend from her appearance in the movie "Sophie's Choice," just one of the numerous classics she has graced with her presence.

Streep is known for her versatility and adaptability. As a result, she has won numerous honors for her performances, including three Academy Awards, eight Golden Globes, two Screen Actors Guild accolades, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and six Grammy Awards. Streep is also an accomplished theatre actress, making her debut in the 1975 production "Trelawny of the Wells."

Elisabeth Shue

Fans of the 1984 classic "The Karate Kid" can surely recognize Elizabeth Shue from this picture of her taken during the filming of the movie. She began her career by appearing in television commercials while still in high school, some of which included Burger King, DeBeers diamonds, and Hellmann's mayonnaise.

After making her feature film debut, she followed that up with roles in movies like "Link," "Cocktail," and "Back to the Future II." In 1995, she starred in "Leaving Las Vegas." Shue bagged a nomination at the Academy Awards and won the British Film Academy and Screen Actors Guild Award along with a Golden Globe for her iconic performance.

Cyndi Lauper

Have you ever heard the chart-topping single "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and wondered who the singer was? Well, here she is! Cyndi Lauper, pictured here in 1984 in one of her numerous music shows, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress.

With a glittering career spanning over four decades and a catalog of hit songs like "True Colors," "Change of Heart," and "Time After Time," Lauper has sold over fifty million records worldwide. And while amassing an array of awards, including Grammy, Emmy, American Music, MTV, Tony, and Billboard Awards, she is also an inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Christina Applegate

The sitcom "Married…with Children", where she portrayed the character Kelly Bundy was the one to launch Christina Applegate's career. After gathering a substantial following due to her hilarious comedic timing, her Hollywood career skyrocketed. She followed this up with a string of award-winning performances.

Applegate has established a successful career in film and television, starring in series like "Friends," "Samantha Who?," "Up All Night," and "Dead to Me." Her accolades include nominations for the Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe, and Tony Awards, and she won a Primetime Emmy for her performances. Aside from being a gifted performer, she is also an animal activist.

Catherine Bach and Larry Wilcox

Catherine Bach and Larry Wilcox are both established actors, but who could forget their performance in the 1980 romantic comedy and drama series "The Love Boat," pictured above? Bach first made her professional debut as one of the children in "The Sound of Music" and is most known for playing Daisy Duke in the series "The Dukes of Hazzard."

Larry Wilcox began his television debut in the TV series "Room 222" and also had roles in movies like "Lassie," "The Dirty Dozen: Next Mission" and "The Last Hard Men." Still, the handsome leading remains most well-known for his unforgettable role in the series "CHiPs."

Heather Locklear

This beauty began modeling and appearing in commercials while she was a student at UCLA, and her first foray into TV started with minor roles in series like "CHiPs," "240-Robert" and "Eight is Enough." Soon after, Heather Locklear began her long-term collaboration with TV producer Aaron Spelling.

She portrayed her first significant role in television as the character Sammy Jo Carrington in the series "Dynasty." Locklear is famous for her role as the character Amanda Woodward in "Melrose Place," for which she was nominated for four consecutive Golden Globe Awards. She also featured in movies portraying characters in films like "The Perfect Man," "Firestarter," and "Money Talks."