Hollywood in the 1980swas thriving and gave birth to some of the biggest hits which are still being revisited. FromIndiana JonestoDirty DancingandDie Hard, these10 years were glorious. The 1980s also gave rise to some significant actors who are continuing to break boundaries and illustrate their talent. Years later, these actors are still considered heartthrobs. So, imagine what they would have been like in their youth. Revisiting these films reminds us of how good-looking, talented and enigmatic certain stars were.
It is not just good looks that have made these actors so famous. Their talent, their charm and the effort they put into their performing arts has allowed them to win the audiences for decades. So, here is a compilation of some of the biggest stars of the 1980s who gained significant fame following their performances.
10Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington’s performance in the 1981 film,Carbon Copy, by Michael Schultz is regarded as his first Hollywood appearance. Even though Washington is known for more serious roles like Malcolm X and Robert McCall inThe Equalizer, his role inCarbon Copyas Roger Porter was comical. He had one of his big breaks through his portrayal of Dr. Phillip Chandler on NBC’sSt. Elsewhere. Given the lack of diversity during in Hollywood during the 1980s, Washington’s role inSt. Elsewherewas significant. Following this, Washington participated in numerous other television shows. He ended the decade by winning Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role inGloryand went on to furtherraise the bar in the 1990s.
9Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzeneggermight not be making huge headlines in the present decade, but in the 1980s he was regarded as one of the best actors in the action genre. Born in Austria, this actor’s native language is not English but regardless of this obstacle, he was able to becomeone of the highest grossing starsof all time, “with over 50 credits grossing more than $4 billion worldwide”. The actor, who is a former professional bodybuilder, had his breakout with his role in the 1982 filmConan the Barbarian. He later became popular for the role of the Terminator inThe Terminator, which was yet another major hit in the 1980s and even in later years.
8Tom Cruise
An actor who is still making headlines with huge roles in action-packed films,Tom Cruisewas taking over Hollywood with his diverse roles in the 1980s. Even though the most recentTop Gunfilm,Top Fun: Maverickis consideredCruise’s most successful filmever, it was 1986 which laid the foundation for its major hit. In addition to his success in the OGTop Gunfilm, Cruise also went on to prove his ability to step outside the boundaries of action films through his roles inRain ManandRisky Business. His role in the 1989 filmBorn On The Fourth of Julywent on to land him his first everOscar nomination under the category Best Actor.
7Robin Williams
The lateRobin Williamswas an actor that everyone loved so much. His comedic genius and his golden heart allowed him to gather a large audience. The 1980s were a big decade for Williams as it was the era in which he made his big film debut by taking over the lead role inPopeye(1980). He also played the character of Mork in the sitcomMork and Mindy. However, it wasThe World According to Garp, where he plays the role of Garp, which showed the world that William isnot only humorousbut someone who can take on challenging roles. In 1989, Williams was highly praised for his portrayal of John Keating inDead Poets Society, which is regarded a classic even today.
6Anthony Hopkins
The oldest actor to winan Oscar,Anthony Hopkinshas been taking over Hollywood for decades and continues to shock viewers with his brilliant performances. Before his portrayal of Hannibal Lecter inThe Silence of The Lambs(1991), Hopkins was having some trouble finding success in Hollywood. Nevertheless, his performances inThe Elephant Man(1980),The Bunker(1981)The Hunchback of Notre Dame(1982) andThe Bounty(1984) allowed him to get recognized. In fact, his portrayal of Hitler inThe Bunkerled him to an Emmy win. Following this, Hopkins became well-known for his ability to portray challenging personas.
Related:Best Anthony Hopkins Movies, Ranked
5Jack Nicholson
ForThe Shiningfans,Jack Nicholsonwill always be one of the best horror actors ever. Stanley Kubrick’sThe Shining, which was released in 1980, continues to take over headlines, and Nicholson’s portrayal of Jack Torrance has a lot to do with it. While this legendary performance might have bought Nicholson manyother phenomenal opportunities, he had his big break in 1969 thanks toEasy Rider. However, in the 1980s, Nicholson took over Hollywood with huge hits likePrizzi’s Honor(1985),Reds(1981),The Witches of Eastwick(1987) andIronweed(1987) with some of these films bringing him Oscar nominations. He ended the decade with yet another highly acclaimed portrayal as the Joker in the 1989Batmanfilm.
4Michael Douglas
In 1984,Michael Douglaswas able to show-off both his acting and producing skills thanks to the filmRomancing the Stone. Following his performance as the protagonist, Jack T. Colton, in this film, Douglas became an ideal leading man. Thus, he took over an array of roles in different films. From the role of a greedy antagonist inWall Street(1987) to a hero with a complicated love-cheat element inFatal Attraction(1987) and a man going through a messy divorce inThe Way of the Roses(1989), Douglas’roles in these classicsprove his phenomenal talent. In fact, his portrayal of Gordon Gekko inWall Streetlanded him an Academy Award.
3Mel Gibson
It was the 1981 filmMad Max 2, the second installment of the Australian post-apocalyptic franchise,Mad Max, that madeMel Gibsonan international star. Thus, the1980s became one of Gibson’s most successfulyears. He was able to take over the role of the protagonist inThe Bounty(1984), continue to thrive in the action genre with anotherMad Maxsequel;Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome(1985), take over the romantic drama genre with his performance of Guy Hamilton inThe Year Of Living Dangerously(1982) and also win an AACTA Award for Best Lead Actor through his role as Frank Dunne in the war drama filmGallipoli(1981). The actor is now taking over headlines for his projectThe Passion of the Christ: Resurrection, which he is directing.
Related:These Are the Best Harrison Ford Movies, Ranked
2Harrison Ford
Even today,Harrison Fordis known for his portrayal of Han Solo in theStar Warsoriginal trilogy. Even though the first film out of the three,Star Wars, was released in 1977, it wasThe Empire Strikes Back(1980)that brought the franchise to its glory. It was also what led Harrison Ford to become one iconic Hollywood star. Ford’s performances in the firstBlade Runnerfilm, released in 1982, and the firstIndiana Jonesfilm,Indiana Jones and the Raiders of The Lost Ark(1981)played a prominent role in allowing the franchises to thrive in Hollywood, even decades later. Ford later returned to revive his role as Indiana Jones in the 1984 film,Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,which went on to become another major hit.
1Robert De Niro
Robert De Niroranks number one on this list simply because this particular actor shook Hollywood with his talent in the 1980s. Martin Scorsese’s 1980 masterpieceRaging Bull, which is regarded as “Greatest Film in the History of Cinema” by some, allowed De Niro to not only win an Academy Award for Best Actor but also confirm his ability to take over some of the most challenging roles. Following this, De Niro found great success through other portrayals such as the ones inBrazil(1985),Midnight Run(1988),The King of Comedy(1983),Once Upon A Time in America(1984) andThe Untouchables(1987). The actor went on to furthersucceed in the 1990s. De Niro continues to be one of the biggest Hollywood legends and his 1980s performances are ones that are worth re-watching.
