One-Hit Wonders From the 80s: Where Are They Now?

As a total movie fanatic, I’ve always been fascinated by the ’80s. It was the decade for huge blockbusters and launched so many stars we still talk about. While some of those actors kept their careers going strong, others kind of became defined by that one iconic role. It’s really interesting to see what happened to them – some moved into different fields altogether, or started working behind the camera. It’s a cool reminder that fame changes, and there are so many different paths people take after hitting it big in Hollywood.

Jennifer Grey

I’ll never forget seeing ‘Dirty Dancing’ – Jennifer Grey was just amazing as Baby, and she instantly became a huge star! Before that, I loved her as Ferris Bueller’s sister, Jeanie. It’s wild to think that she later said a nose job really altered where her career went. Thankfully, she had a fantastic comeback, winning ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and sharing her story in a really honest memoir. Even now, she’s still working in TV and voice acting, and honestly, she’s still one of the most recognizable faces from the ’80s.

Phoebe Cates

Phoebe Cates became well-known for her roles in films like ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ and ‘Gremlins,’ becoming a popular teen star in the 80s and early 90s. She later chose to leave acting after marrying actor Kevin Kline and focusing on raising their family and supporting charities in New York City. Currently, she owns and runs a successful gift shop called Blue Tree. While she sometimes appears with her husband at charity events, she generally remains retired from acting.

Kelly LeBrock

I remember Kelly LeBrock as a total knockout in the eighties – she really burst onto the scene with ‘Weird Science’ and ‘The Woman in Red’! Before acting, she was a really successful model, and she just defined that era. It was a bit surprising when she stepped away from big Hollywood roles after marrying Steven Seagal, choosing to focus on raising her kids on a ranch. But it’s great to see her popping up in some indie films lately, and she’s really dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle and homeopathic medicine, which is cool. She’s always been a captivating presence, and it’s nice to see her still out there doing her thing.

Judge Reinhold

As a comedy fan of the eighties, I always remember Judge Reinhold. He was everywhere! From the hilarious Detective Billy Rosewood in ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ to the wonderfully exasperated Brad Hamilton in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High,’ he really defined that era for me. While he’s kept working steadily over the years, those roles remain his most iconic. These days, you’ll find him doing voice work, appearing in smaller independent films, and connecting with fans at conventions. Interestingly, he’s settled down in Arkansas, but he’s still involved in filmmaking, contributing to regional productions and taking on occasional roles. It’s great to see a familiar face still enjoying what he does!

Mia Sara

Mia Sara first gained widespread recognition for her role as Sloane Peterson in the popular comedy ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.’ In 1985, she also appeared in the fantasy film ‘Legend’ with Tom Cruise. While she continued acting in the nineties with films like the science fiction thriller ‘Timecop’ and various TV miniseries, she later transitioned her focus to writing and family life. Now retired from acting, Mia Sara currently lives in the United Kingdom and enjoys writing poetry and raising her children.

Jennifer Beals

Jennifer Beals became well-known around the world after playing the lead in the 1983 film ‘Flashdance’. Her role as a woman who worked as a welder and secretly pursued her dream of becoming a dancer made her a style icon and launched her film career. Though she decided to prioritize her studies at Yale University soon after, she continued to appear in movies and TV shows. Later, she gained critical praise for her work on the series ‘The L Word’ and has taken on many different roles in a variety of projects. Currently, she’s still acting and is also a talented photographer, showcasing her photos in various publications.

Henry Thomas

Henry Thomas is best known for his unforgettable role as Elliott in the movie ‘E.T.’ His moving performance touched audiences worldwide and is still a beloved part of 1980s pop culture. Though he continued acting, he intentionally chose smaller parts to have a more normal childhood. Recently, he’s become popular again thanks to his work in several successful horror series created by Mike Flanagan. Outside of filming, Henry enjoys playing music and spending time with his family.

Barret Oliver

Barret Oliver is known for his roles as Bastian in ‘The Neverending Story’ and the title character in the sci-fi film ‘D.A.R.Y.L.’ He achieved considerable success as a child actor in the mid-1980s, but later chose to leave the film industry. He then pursued a career in photography, becoming an expert in older, historical printing methods. He’s written a book and teaches classes on 19th-century photographic techniques, and his work is frequently displayed in galleries and published in academic journals.

Noah Hathaway

Noah Hathaway is best known for playing Atreyu in the classic film ‘The Neverending Story’. Before that, he had a role in ‘Battlestar Galactica’ as a child. After finding fame in the 1980s, he pursued martial arts and worked in fields like tattoo art and motorcycle racing. He returned to acting in the 2012 movie ‘Sushi Girl’ and regularly attends fan conventions worldwide. Today, he lives in California and remains active within the science fiction and fantasy community.

Tami Stronach

Tami Stronach is best known for playing the Childlike Empress in ‘The Neverending Story,’ and that was her biggest acting role of the 1980s. Her parents, concerned about the challenges of fame, supported her decision to focus on her love of dance. She moved to New York City and built a career as a professional dancer and choreographer, eventually starting her own dance company. More recently, Tami has returned to acting with an independent film called ‘Man and Witch.’ She also shares her passion for movement by teaching yoga and dance, and runs her own creative studio.

Jeff Cohen

Jeff Cohen is fondly remembered by fans as Chunk from the hit movie ‘The Goonies.’ His performance of the ‘truffle shuffle’ is one of the most iconic scenes from the 1980s. Rather than continue acting, he chose to pursue education and a career in law. He became a successful entertainment lawyer and co-founded a law firm in Beverly Hills. Now, he represents actors and other creatives, and sometimes talks about his experiences as a child star.

Kerri Green

Kerri Green is well known for her roles in the popular film ‘The Goonies’ and the drama ‘Lucas’. She was a leading actress in teen movies during the mid-1980s, but she later left acting to pursue a college education. After college, she co-founded Independent Women Artists, a film production company dedicated to projects led by women. She’s continued to work in film, now as a director and writer on independent projects, while generally keeping a low profile and occasionally sharing her insights on independent filmmaking.

Ilan Mitchell-Smith

Ilan Mitchell-Smith is best known for his role as Wyatt Donnelly in the movie ‘Weird Science,’ which made him a popular teen actor. After appearing in a few other films, he decided to pursue higher education. He eventually earned a PhD in medieval studies and became a university professor. He now teaches at various schools, focusing on medieval literature and the history of tabletop games. While he’s now a respected academic, he occasionally attends conventions to talk about his career change from acting to teaching.

Lori Singer

Lori Singer became well-known for her role as Ariel Moore in the hit movie ‘Footloose’. Beyond acting, she’s a skilled cellist and even played one on the TV show ‘Fame’. After the 1980s, she worked on several independent films, and won a Golden Globe award as part of the cast of ‘Short Cuts’. More recently, she’s returned to playing the cello professionally, performing in concerts. She also stays involved in the arts community in New York, attending film festivals and participating in various events.

Robert Romanus

Robert Romanus is most famous for playing the ticket scalper Mike Damone in the movie ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High.’ He also had roles in the TV series ‘Fame’ and a number of other popular teen comedies in the 1980s. When acting jobs became less common, he followed his interests in music and food, opening a thriving cafe and venue in Los Angeles where he regularly performed. Now, he still takes on occasional TV roles while continuing to work on music and other creative projects.

Heather Langenkamp

Heather Langenkamp is best known for her role as Nancy Thompson in the iconic horror film ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’, which earned her the title of ‘scream queen’. She continued playing Nancy in several follow-up movies and became a prominent figure in the horror world throughout the 1980s. Along with her acting, she co-founded AFX Studio, a special effects makeup company, with her husband. AFX Studio has contributed effects to popular films such as ‘Dawn of the Dead’ and ‘The Cabin in the Woods’. Langenkamp continues to be involved in the horror community, often attending conventions to connect with fans.

Mark Patton

I remember watching ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street 2’ when it first came out, and Mark Patton was really captivating as Jesse Walsh. It’s amazing to me how much discussion there is now about the film’s deeper meanings and what it was really about. After the 80s, he actually left Hollywood behind and became an interior designer in Mexico! Then, he came back with a documentary called ‘Scream Queen,’ which was incredibly brave of him, sharing what it was like being a young actor in that situation. Now, he’s a regular at horror festivals, and I really admire how he uses that platform to push for more diversity and inclusion in the film world.

Diane Franklin

Diane Franklin was a popular actress in 1980s films like ‘The Last American Virgin’ and ‘Better Off Dead’, and she played the princess in the comedy ‘Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure’. After taking time off to focus on her family, she returned to acting, appearing in a number of independent movies. She’s also written books sharing her experiences as an actress in the eighties. Now, she often attends fan conventions and continues to work on new films.

Amanda Wyss

As a film fan, I always remember Amanda Wyss from the original ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ – she really stood out as Tina Gray! But she was part of that awesome 80s teen movie scene too, appearing in films like ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ and ‘Better Off Dead’. It’s cool to see she’s kept working steadily over the years, popping up in lots of TV shows. She’s still a big favorite with horror fans, and often lends her talent to independent thrillers. And now, she’s super active on social media and loves attending events that celebrate 80s movies – it’s great to see her still connected with fans!

Claudia Wells

Claudia Wells was originally known for playing Jennifer Parker in ‘Back to the Future,’ but she had to leave the series because of family issues. Although her role was taken over by another actress in the sequels, she’s still beloved by fans of the movie. After stepping away from acting for a while, she returned to do smaller films and voice work. She also became a successful business owner, opening a men’s clothing store in California called Armani Wells. Now, she often attends fan conventions around the world to connect with those who love the classic time travel film.

Thomas F. Wilson

Thomas F. Wilson is best known for playing the memorable villain, Biff Tannen, in the ‘Back to the Future’ movies. He skillfully portrayed Biff at different ages throughout the series, demonstrating his acting ability. But Wilson’s talents don’t stop there – he’s also a successful stand-up comedian and musician who has toured extensively. In addition, he’s a professional artist, and his paintings are popular with both fans and art collectors. He continues to work today as a voice actor in animated shows and stays active online.

Peter Billingsley

Peter Billingsley is best known for playing Ralphie in the beloved holiday film ‘A Christmas Story,’ and his search for a Red Ryder BB gun has become a cultural icon enjoyed every December. While he started as a child actor, he later became a successful producer and director in Hollywood. He’s worked on major films like ‘Iron Man,’ ‘Couples Retreat,’ and ‘The Break-Up.’ Recently, he returned to his most famous role in the sequel ‘A Christmas Story Christmas’ and continues to produce television shows.

Kimmy Robertson

Kimmy Robertson is known for her roles in the classic film ‘Honey, I Shrunk the Kids’ and, especially, as the memorable Lucy Moran in the TV series ‘Twin Peaks’. Since the 1980s, she’s built a successful career as a voice actor in many animated projects. She reprised her role as Lucy in the acclaimed 2017 revival of ‘Twin Peaks’ and continues to be a popular figure in Hollywood, often appearing at events for fans.

Charlie Schlatter

Charlie Schlatter first became well-known for his roles in the comedy film ’18 Again’ and the TV series ‘Ferris Bueller’. He then starred for many seasons on the medical drama ‘Diagnosis Murder’ with Dick Van Dyke. Later, he transitioned into voice acting and became incredibly successful, voicing numerous characters in popular animated shows like ‘Ben 10’ and ‘The Loud House’. He’s still actively working as a voice actor today and is highly regarded within the industry.

Olivia d’Abo

Olivia d’Abo is famous for playing the spirited older sister, Karen Arnold, in the popular show ‘The Wonder Years’. In the early 1980s, she was also in the fantasy movie ‘Conan the Destroyer’. Throughout her career, she’s successfully combined acting in both movies and TV with her passion for singing and songwriting. She’s a well-respected voice actress, bringing major characters to life in projects like ‘Star Wars’ and ‘The Legend of Tarzan’. She continues to perform music and has recently made guest appearances on television.

Marc Price

Marc Price is best known for playing Skippy Handelman on the hit TV show ‘Family Ties’. He became a familiar face in the 1980s as Mallory Keaton’s quirky neighbor. After ‘Family Ties’ ended, he worked as a stand-up comedian and television writer. He’s also been a producer for shows on networks like the Disney Channel. Currently, he continues to perform comedy shows and work in television production.

Justine Bateman

I remember Justine Bateman so well – she was Mallory Keaton on ‘Family Ties’! She was a huge star back in the eighties, and I even saw her in a movie with Julia Roberts called ‘Satisfaction’. After ‘Family Ties’ ended, she kept acting, but she also got really into the technical side of things – directing and digital production. It’s amazing, but she went back to school at UCLA in her forties and got a computer science degree! Now she’s a seriously accomplished director and an author. She’s written a few books recently about what it’s like dealing with fame and getting older in today’s world, and they’re actually really insightful.

Tina Yothers

Tina Yothers is best known for her role as Jennifer Keaton, the youngest daughter on the popular TV show ‘Family Ties.’ Many viewers grew up watching her throughout the 1980s. After the show ended, she pursued a music career, forming a band with her brother. She’s also been on reality TV shows like ‘Celebrity Wife Swap’ and ‘What Not to Wear.’ Now, she mainly focuses on her family, with occasional TV appearances.

Brian Bonsall

Brian Bonsall is best known for playing Andrew Keaton on ‘Family Ties’ during the show’s later years. He also starred in the movie ‘Blank Check’ and made guest appearances on ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation.’ In the mid-1990s, he stepped away from acting to pursue his love of music, joining several punk rock bands. Though he’s faced difficulties in his personal life, Brian has recently returned to both performing music and acting in independent films. He now lives in Colorado and continues to create new music.

Danica McKellar

Danica McKellar is best known for her role as Winnie Cooper in the popular TV show ‘The Wonder Years,’ which made her a teen star in the late 80s and early 90s. She chose to focus on her studies and went on to earn a math degree from UCLA, even co-authoring a scientific theorem. Since then, she’s become a successful author, writing several bestselling books that inspire girls to explore mathematics. Today, she continues to act in TV movies and is a strong advocate for STEM education.

Josh Saviano

Josh Saviano is best known for playing Paul Pfeiffer, the lovable and intelligent best friend on the TV show ‘The Wonder Years’. He was a vital part of the show’s popularity and appeared in every episode throughout its run. However, after ‘The Wonder Years’ ended, Josh made a surprising change – he left acting to become a lawyer. He went on to graduate from Yale University and built a successful career as a corporate lawyer in New York City. Now, he’s started his own law firm, specializing in protecting the creative work of artists and brands.

Jerry Supiran

Jerry Supiran is most famous for playing Jamie Lawson in the sitcom ‘Small Wonder’. He was on the show for four seasons, playing the older brother of a robot named VICI. After ‘Small Wonder’ ended, he found it difficult to maintain a steady acting career as an adult. He eventually left Hollywood and has since worked in different service jobs. Several news stories have covered his experiences, highlighting the difficulties faced by many former child actors.

Tiffany Brissette

Tiffany Brissette is best known for her role as the robot VICI in the 1980s TV show ‘Small Wonder’. Her character’s dry wit and distinct personality made her a popular figure on television. After the show ended, she acted in a few more projects but later left the entertainment world. She went on to become a registered nurse and has worked in Colorado for many years. She values her privacy and doesn’t use social media.

Emmanuel Lewis

Emmanuel Lewis rose to international fame as the star of the sitcom ‘Webster’. His small size and appealing personality made him a hugely popular child star throughout the 1980s. At the height of his career, he frequently appeared in public with icons like Michael Jackson. After ‘Webster’ ended, he prioritized his education and pursued business opportunities in the music world, even starting his own record label. He continues to be involved in charitable causes and occasionally makes guest appearances.

Glenn Scarpelli

Glenn Scarpelli began his acting career as Alex Handris on ‘One Day at a Time’ and was also known for his role in the early eighties sitcom ‘Jennifer Slept Here.’ Later, he transitioned away from acting to pursue work in media production and dedicate himself to community service. He helped establish Sedona Biz, a community television station in Sedona, Arizona. Currently, he remains actively involved in local media and broadcasting and is a valued member of his community.

Kim Fields

Kim Fields first became well-known as Tootie Ramsey on the popular eighties sitcom, ‘The Facts of Life,’ where she was famous for her roller skating and memorable lines. After the show ended, she continued to act, taking on more mature roles in series like ‘Living Single.’ She’s also proven herself as a skilled director, working on many TV episodes and movies. Kim Fields is still a familiar face on television today, recently appearing in the Netflix sitcom ‘The Upshaws.’

Danielle Brisebois

I’ve always been so impressed by Danielle Brisebois! I remember seeing her as a kid on ‘All in the Family’ and ‘Archie Bunker’s Place,’ and I didn’t realize she was one of the original Mollys in ‘Annie’ on Broadway – that’s incredible! What’s even more amazing is that she transitioned out of acting and became a really successful songwriter and producer. She’s written songs for artists like Kelly Clarkson and Natasha Bedingfield, and now she’s a truly respected figure in the music industry, even getting award nominations for her work. It’s inspiring to see someone reinvent themselves like that!

Michael Schoeffling

Michael Schoeffling captured the hearts of teenagers everywhere when he played Jake Ryan in the movie ‘Sixteen Candles’. He was instantly popular for his role as the kind and good-looking high school student, and remained a favorite for many years. However, despite getting a quick start in acting, he chose to leave the profession in the early 1990s. He moved to Pennsylvania and began a new career building furniture by hand. He now lives a very private life and rarely appears in public or speaks to the press.

Jason Hervey

Jason Hervey is widely known for his role as Wayne Arnold, the mischievous older brother, on the TV show ‘The Wonder Years.’ He was a regular on the show and quickly became a familiar face to viewers. After ‘The Wonder Years’ ended, he moved behind the camera and became a successful television producer. He’s produced many popular reality and sports programs for major networks, and continues to work as a producer and run his own production company today.

Khrystyne Haje

Khrystyne Haje is best known for her role as Simone Foster, the intelligent student on the sitcom ‘Head of the Class.’ She was a key part of the show’s cast for all five seasons. Following the series, Khrystyne continued acting in both television and theater, while also dedicating herself to photography. She’s worked on independent films, made guest appearances on well-known TV dramas, and established herself as a photographer with work displayed in galleries and magazines.

Robin Givens

Robin Givens first became well-known for her role as Darlene Merriman on the sitcom ‘Head of the Class’ and quickly became a popular public figure. She starred in the film ‘Boomerang’ and continued to work on prominent projects throughout the eighties and beyond. While her personal life was frequently covered by the media, she consistently prioritized her acting career. More recently, she’s appeared in shows like ‘Riverdale’ and ‘The Game,’ and she continues to act and direct in both television and theater.

Brian Robbins

Brian Robbins first became known in the late 1980s as Eric Mardian on the TV show ‘Head of the Class.’ After acting, he shifted his focus to producing, co-founding a company that created popular shows like ‘Smallville’ and ‘All That.’ He continued to climb the ranks in the industry and is now the president and CEO of Paramount Pictures. Robbins’s career change from actor to studio executive is widely considered a major Hollywood success story.

Dan Frischman

Dan Frischman is known for his roles as the quirky Arvid Engen on ‘Head of the Class’ and in ‘Kenan and Kel’. He became popular on teen shows thanks to his great comedic timing and memorable characters. But acting isn’t his only talent – he’s also a skilled magician who has performed at famous places like the Magic Castle. Frischman has also written books and continues to work behind the scenes as a writer and producer for TV. He’s still active in the entertainment industry today, and occasionally appears at events.

Mindy Cohn

Mindy Cohn is best known for playing Natalie Green on the popular TV show ‘The Facts of Life’. Producers found her while she was still in school in California. After the show ended, she continued acting and famously became the voice of Velma Dinkley in the ‘Scooby Doo’ series. She’s made many appearances in TV and movies and is still a favorite among animation fans. She continues to work in television today, voicing numerous well-known characters.

Nancy McKeon

Nancy McKeon became well-known for her role as the strong-willed Jo Polniaczek on ‘The Facts of Life,’ joining the cast in its second season. She quickly became a fan favorite and appeared in a number of TV movies throughout the 1980s. Even after ‘The Facts of Life’ ended, Nancy continued acting, landing roles in shows like ‘The Division’ and making guest appearances on many popular series. Now, she prioritizes her family but still occasionally takes on acting projects.

Lisa Whelchel

Okay, so I remember Blair Warner from ‘The Facts of Life’ – Lisa Whelchel totally nailed that spoiled, fashionable girl for nine seasons! She was a huge teen star back then, and I even remember she put out a pretty successful Christian pop album in the eighties. After the show ended, she stepped away to focus on her family, and then really became known as an author and speaker, sharing her thoughts on parenting and faith. It was cool to see her pop up on ‘Survivor’ a few years back – she almost won! And now, if you tune in, you can catch her hosting ‘Collector’s Call’ on TV. She’s still writing books too, so she’s definitely kept busy!

Todd Bridges

Todd Bridges is best known for his role as Willis Jackson on the hit TV show ‘Diff’rent Strokes’. While he achieved fame as a child actor, he dealt with difficult personal issues after the show ended. He successfully navigated these challenges and shared his story in his memoir, ‘Killing Willis’. Bridges has since returned to acting, appearing in shows like ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ and on various reality TV programs. Now, he uses his experiences to support others facing similar hardships and continues to work in entertainment.

Shavar Ross

Shavar Ross is an actor known for his roles as Dudley Ramsey in ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ and in ‘Friday the 13th: A New Beginning.’ He was a regular guest star on many popular TV shows in the 1980s. Later, he transitioned into production, eventually starting his own film and television company where he worked as a director and writer. He continues to produce independent films, stay active in the entertainment industry, and also works in ministry while managing his media company.

Kim Richards

Kim Richards started her career as a popular child actress, starring in films like ‘Escape to Witch Mountain’ and ‘Tuff Turf’. After appearing in many movies and TV shows throughout the 1980s, she stepped away from acting for a while. She later became well-known again as a main cast member on ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ and has since made guest appearances on various TV dramas. Today, she still makes public appearances and remains a familiar face.

Please share your thoughts on these eighties stars in the comments.

2026-01-08 21:22