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

The eighties was a decade defined by blockbuster cinema and breakout stars who captured the hearts of audiences around the world. While many actors from this era built lasting legacies some remain frozen in time as icons of their specific breakout roles. These performers often moved into different industries or took on behind the scenes work after their initial success. Exploring where these individuals are today offers a fascinating look at the evolution of fame and the paths taken after reaching the heights of Hollywood stardom.

Jennifer Grey

Jennifer Grey became an international star for her performance as Baby in the 1987 classic ‘Dirty Dancing’. She also earned a following for her role as Jeanie Bueller in the comedy ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’. Following her initial success she underwent a rhinoplasty procedure that she later noted changed the trajectory of her career significantly. She eventually won a season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and published a memoir about her life in the entertainment industry. Today she continues to work in television and voice acting while remaining an iconic figure of the decade.

Phoebe Cates

Phoebe Cates achieved fame for her appearances in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ and the hit creature feature ‘Gremlins’. She was considered one of the most prominent teen idols of the era before she decided to step away from acting in the mid nineties. She married fellow actor Kevin Kline and dedicated her time to their family life and philanthropic efforts in New York City. Today she is a successful business owner who manages a boutique gift shop called Blue Tree. She occasionally makes public appearances at charity events with her husband but remains mostly retired from the screen.

Kelly LeBrock

Kelly LeBrock gained widespread attention as the dream woman in the comedy ‘Weird Science’ and for her role in ‘The Woman in Red’. She was a successful model before transitioning into acting and becoming a major symbol of the eighties. After a high profile marriage to Steven Seagal she retreated from the Hollywood spotlight to raise her children on a ranch. She has recently appeared in a few independent films and continues to work as a spokesperson for various causes. She is also involved in promoting homeopathic medicine and healthy living to her followers.

Judge Reinhold

Judge Reinhold became a staple of eighties comedy with memorable roles in ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ and ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’. He played the lovable Detective Billy Rosewood and the frustrated fast food worker Brad Hamilton. Although he remained active in the industry his peak commercial success stayed rooted in the middle of the decade. He has since transitioned into voice work and independent film projects while appearing at fan conventions. He currently lives in Arkansas and continues to participate in the film industry through regional production and guest roles.

Mia Sara

Mia Sara is best remembered for her breakout role as Sloane Peterson in the comedy ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’. She also starred alongside Tom Cruise in the fantasy film ‘Legend’ during the same year. After the eighties she appeared in the science fiction thriller ‘Timecop’ and several television miniseries. She eventually shifted her focus to writing and her personal life while living in New York and later the United Kingdom. She is now retired from acting and spends much of her time writing poetry and raising her family.

Jennifer Beals

Jennifer Beals rose to international fame after starring in the 1983 dance drama ‘Flashdance’. Her performance as a welder by day and a dancer by night made her a major fashion icon and cinematic star. Although she chose to focus on her education at Yale University shortly after her breakout she remained a consistent presence in film and television. She later starred in the critically acclaimed series ‘The L Word’ and has appeared in numerous projects across various genres. Today she continues to act and is also an accomplished photographer who shares her work through various publications.

Henry Thomas

Henry Thomas became one of the most famous child stars in history for his role as Elliott in ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’. His emotional performance captured the hearts of millions and remains a cornerstone of eighties nostalgia. While he continued to work in the industry he deliberately chose smaller roles to maintain a sense of normalcy during his youth. In recent years he has enjoyed a significant career resurgence by starring in several popular horror series directed by Mike Flanagan. He also plays music and spends time with his family when he is not filming new projects.

Barret Oliver

Barret Oliver starred as Bastian Balthazar Bux in ‘The Neverending Story’ and played the lead in the science fiction film ‘D.A.R.Y.L.’. He was one of the most successful child actors of the mid eighties before deciding to leave acting behind entirely. He transitioned into the world of photography and became a highly respected specialist in historical printing processes. He has written a book about nineteenth century photography techniques and teaches classes on the subject. His artistic work is often featured in galleries and academic publications.

Noah Hathaway

Noah Hathaway gained fame for his role as Atreyu in the fantasy epic ‘The Neverending Story’. He also appeared in ‘Battlestar Galactica’ as a young child before his breakout cinematic performance in the mid eighties. After the decade ended he trained extensively in martial arts and worked in several different industries including tattoo artistry and motorcycle racing. He made a return to the screen in the 2012 film ‘Sushi Girl’ and has appeared at various fan conventions across the globe. He currently lives in California and continues to engage with the science fiction and fantasy community through special events.

Tami Stronach

Tami Stronach played the Childlike Empress in ‘The Neverending Story’ which was her only major film role during the decade. Her parents were wary of the pressures of Hollywood fame and encouraged her to pursue her passion for dance instead. She became a professional dancer and choreographer based in New York City where she founded her own dance company. Recently she returned to the world of acting and film production through an independent project titled ‘Man and Witch’. She also teaches yoga and dance to students of various ages while managing her creative studio.

Jeff Cohen

Jeff Cohen is beloved by fans for his role as Chunk in the classic adventure film ‘The Goonies’. His performance of the truffle shuffle became an iconic moment in eighties cinema history. Instead of continuing his acting career into adulthood he decided to focus on his education and legal studies. He eventually became a successful entertainment lawyer and cofounded his own law firm in Beverly Hills. Today he represents various actors and creators while occasionally reflecting on his childhood stardom in interviews.

Kerri Green

Kerri Green starred as Andy in the hit film ‘The Goonies’ and earned praise for her lead role in the drama ‘Lucas’. She was a prominent face in teen cinema during the mid eighties before stepping away from the spotlight to attend college. She later cofounded a film production company called Independent Women Artists which focuses on female led projects. She has worked behind the camera as a director and writer on various independent productions. She maintains a private life while occasionally contributing to industry discussions about independent filmmaking.

Ilan Mitchell-Smith

Ilan Mitchell-Smith became a household name after playing Wyatt Donnelly in the comedy ‘Weird Science’. He was a popular teen star who appeared in several other films before shifting his focus toward academia. He eventually earned a doctorate in medieval studies and began a new career as a university professor. He has taught at several institutions and specializes in medieval literature and the history of tabletop gaming. Today he is a respected scholar who occasionally appears at conventions to speak about his transition from acting to teaching.

Lori Singer

Lori Singer rose to prominence after starring as Ariel Moore in the blockbuster musical drama ‘Footloose’. She was also a talented cellist who showcased her musical skills in the television series ‘Fame’. Following the eighties she appeared in several independent films and won a Golden Globe as part of the ensemble in ‘Short Cuts’. She has recently returned to her musical roots and continues to perform as a concert cellist. She also participates in various film festivals and remains active in the New York arts scene.

Robert Romanus

Robert Romanus is best known for his role as the ticket scalper Mike Damone in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’. He also appeared in the musical drama series ‘Fame’ and several other teen comedies throughout the decade. After his acting roles became less frequent he turned his attention to his passion for music and food. He opened a successful cafe and performance space in Los Angeles where he often performed live music. Today he continues to act in guest roles on television while pursuing various musical projects and creative ventures.

Heather Langenkamp

Heather Langenkamp became a scream queen after starring as Nancy Thompson in the horror classic ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’. She reprised the role in several sequels and became a central figure in the horror genre during the eighties. Beyond her acting work she cofounded a special effects makeup studio called AFX Studio with her husband. Her company has provided effects for major films like ‘Dawn of the Dead’ and ‘The Cabin in the Woods’. She remains very active in the horror community and frequently appears at genre conventions to meet fans.

Mark Patton

Mark Patton starred as Jesse Walsh in ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street 2’ which was the first sequel in the famous franchise. His performance became a subject of renewed interest in later years due to the films subtext and themes. After the eighties he largely stepped away from Hollywood to pursue a career in interior design in Mexico. He eventually returned to the spotlight to film a documentary titled ‘Scream Queen’ that detailed his experiences as a young actor. Today he travels to various horror festivals and uses his platform to advocate for greater representation in the film industry.

Diane Franklin

Diane Franklin became a recognizable face in eighties cinema with roles in ‘The Last American Virgin’ and ‘Better Off Dead’. She was also featured as the princess in the comedy hit ‘Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure’. After taking a break from the industry to raise her family she returned to acting and appeared in several independent films. She has also written several books about her experiences as an actress during the eighties. Today she is a frequent guest at fan conventions and continues to work on new film projects.

Amanda Wyss

Amanda Wyss is well remembered for her role as Tina Gray in the original ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’. She also appeared in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ and ‘Better Off Dead’ alongside other prominent teen stars. Throughout the subsequent decades she has maintained a steady career with numerous guest roles on popular television shows. She remains a favorite within the horror community and often works on independent thriller films. Today she is active on social media and frequently participates in events celebrating eighties cinema.

Claudia Wells

Claudia Wells played Jennifer Parker in the original ‘Back to the Future’ film before leaving the franchise due to personal family matters. Her role was subsequently recast for the sequels but she remains a fan favorite in the science fiction community. After a long break from the screen she returned to acting in several independent projects and voice roles. She also became a successful entrepreneur by opening a high end mens clothing boutique in California called Armani Wells. Today she is a regular guest at international conventions where she meets fans of the time travel classic.

Thomas F. Wilson

Thomas F. Wilson became famous for his iconic portrayal of the bully Biff Tannen in the ‘Back to the Future’ trilogy. His ability to play multiple versions of the character across different time periods showcased his range as an actor. Beyond the screen he is an accomplished stand up comedian and a talented musician who has toured the country. He is also a professional artist whose paintings are collected by fans and galleries alike. Today he continues to work as a voice actor for major animated series and maintains a popular presence on digital platforms.

Peter Billingsley

Peter Billingsley is synonymous with the holiday season due to his lead role as Ralphie in the classic film ‘A Christmas Story’. His quest for a Red Ryder air rifle became a legendary part of pop culture that is celebrated every December. After his time as a child actor he transitioned into a highly successful career as a producer and director in Hollywood. He has been a key collaborator on major films such as ‘Iron Man’ and ‘Couples Retreat’ and ‘The Break Up’. He recently reprised his most famous role in a sequel titled ‘A Christmas Story Christmas’ and continues to produce content for television.

Kimmy Robertson

Kimmy Robertson gained attention for her role in the family comedy ‘Honey I Shrunk the Kids’ and her distinctive voice. She became even more famous for playing the quirky secretary Lucy Moran in the television series ‘Twin Peaks’. Since the eighties she has worked extensively as a voice actress for various animated shows and films. She returned to her most famous television role for the 2017 revival of ‘Twin Peaks’ to much critical acclaim. She remains an active member of the Hollywood community and frequently participates in fan events.

Charlie Schlatter

Charlie Schlatter rose to fame after starring in the comedy ’18 Again’ and the television adaptation of ‘Ferris Bueller’. He later enjoyed a long run as a series regular on the medical drama ‘Diagnosis Murder’ alongside Dick Van Dyke. After his live action success he became one of the most prolific voice actors in the animation industry. He has provided voices for dozens of characters in shows like ‘Ben 10’ and ‘The Loud House’. Today he continues to work daily in the recording booth and is a respected figure in the voice acting community.

Olivia d’Abo

Olivia d’Abo is best known for her role as the rebellious older sister Karen Arnold on the hit series ‘The Wonder Years’. She also appeared in the fantasy film ‘Conan the Destroyer’ during the early eighties. Throughout her career she has balanced acting roles in film and television with a successful career as a singer and songwriter. She is a highly sought after voice actress who has voiced major characters in ‘Star Wars’ and ‘The Legend of Tarzan’. Today she continues to perform musically and recently appeared in several television guest roles.

Marc Price

Marc Price played the character Skippy Handelman on the popular sitcom ‘Family Ties’. He became a well known face during the eighties as the nerdy neighbor who was obsessed with Mallory Keaton. After the show ended he pursued a career in stand up comedy and writing for television. He has also worked as a producer for various television projects on networks like the Disney Channel. Today he continues to perform live comedy sets across the country and remains involved in television production.

Justine Bateman

Justine Bateman became a household name playing the fashion obsessed Mallory Keaton on the sitcom ‘Family Ties’. She was one of the most popular young actresses of the eighties and appeared in the film ‘Satisfaction’ alongside Julia Roberts. After the series concluded she continued to act but also developed a strong interest in directing and digital production. She earned a computer science degree from UCLA in her forties and has since become an accomplished director and author. She recently released several books about fame and aging in the modern world.

Tina Yothers

Tina Yothers played the youngest daughter Jennifer Keaton on the long running series ‘Family Ties’. She grew up on television and became a familiar face to millions of viewers throughout the decade. After the show ended she transitioned into the music industry and formed a band with her brother. She has also appeared on various reality television programs including ‘Celebrity Wife Swap’ and ‘What Not to Wear’. Today she focuses primarily on her family life while making occasional appearances in television specials.

Brian Bonsall

Brian Bonsall joined the cast of ‘Family Ties’ as the youngest son Andrew Keaton during the later seasons. He went on to star in the film ‘Blank Check’ and appeared in several episodes of ‘Star Trek The Next Generation’. After leaving acting in the mid nineties he focused on his passion for music and joined several punk rock bands. He has faced some personal challenges over the years but has recently returned to performing music and acting in independent projects. He currently lives in Colorado and continues to write and record new music.

Danica McKellar

Danica McKellar became a star playing Winnie Cooper on the beloved coming of age series ‘The Wonder Years’. She was a major teen idol during the late eighties and early nineties before deciding to prioritize her education. She graduated from UCLA with a degree in mathematics and coauthored a scientific theorem during her studies. She has since written several best selling books aimed at encouraging young girls to pursue mathematics. Today she is a prolific actress in television movies and continues to advocate for STEM education.

Josh Saviano

Josh Saviano played the role of the nerdy best friend Paul Pfeiffer on ‘The Wonder Years’. His performance was a key part of the shows success and he remained with the series for its entire run. Unlike many of his costars he chose to leave the acting profession after the show ended to pursue a legal career. He graduated from Yale University and became a successful corporate lawyer in New York City. He recently founded his own firm that focuses on helping artists and brands manage their intellectual property.

Jerry Supiran

Jerry Supiran is best known for his role as Jamie Lawson on the science fiction sitcom ‘Small Wonder’. He starred in the show for four seasons as the older brother to a robotic girl named VICI. After the series concluded he struggled to find consistent work in the acting industry as an adult. He eventually left Hollywood and has worked in various service industry jobs over the years. His life after television has been documented in several news articles about the challenges faced by former child stars.

Tiffany Brissette

Tiffany Brissette played the iconic robot girl VICI on the television series ‘Small Wonder’. Her deadpan delivery and unique character made her a staple of mid eighties television across the country. After the show finished its run she appeared in a few other projects before leaving the entertainment industry entirely. She eventually earned a nursing degree and began a long career as a registered nurse in Colorado. She prefers to keep a private life away from the public eye and does not maintain a presence on social media.

Emmanuel Lewis

Emmanuel Lewis became a global star for playing the lead role in the sitcom ‘Webster’. His small stature and charming personality made him one of the most recognizable child stars of the entire decade. He made several high profile public appearances with major stars like Michael Jackson during his peak fame. Since his show ended he has focused on his education and various entrepreneurial ventures in the music industry. He also founded his own music label and remains active in charity work while making occasional guest appearances.

Glenn Scarpelli

Glenn Scarpelli joined the cast of ‘One Day at a Time’ as the young boy Alex Handris. He was a popular child star who also appeared in the sitcom ‘Jennifer Slept Here’ during the early eighties. He eventually left the acting world to focus on media production and community involvement. He cofounded a community television station in Sedona Arizona called Sedona Biz. Today he is a prominent member of his local community and continues to work in media and regional broadcasting.

Kim Fields

Kim Fields rose to fame as Tootie Ramsey on the long running sitcom ‘The Facts of Life’. She became famous for her roller skates and her iconic catchphrases throughout the eighties. After the show ended she successfully transitioned into adult roles in series like ‘Living Single’. She has also become a talented director who has worked on numerous television episodes and films. Today she remains a regular on television and recently starred in the sitcom ‘The Upshaws’ on Netflix.

Danielle Brisebois

Danielle Brisebois was a well known child star who appeared in ‘All in the Family’ and its spin off ‘Archie Bunker’s Place’. She also played the role of Molly in the original Broadway production of ‘Annie’ before the eighties began. After the decade ended she chose to shift her focus from acting to a career in the music industry. She became a highly successful songwriter and producer who has written hits for artists like Kelly Clarkson and Natasha Bedingfield. Today she is a respected member of the music community and has received several award nominations for her work.

Michael Schoeffling

Michael Schoeffling became a teenage heartthrob after playing the character Jake Ryan in the romantic comedy ‘Sixteen Candles’. His portrayal of the sensitive and handsome high school student made him a fan favorite for generations of viewers. Despite his early success he appeared in only a few more films before deciding to leave the acting profession entirely in the early nineties. He moved to Pennsylvania with his family to start a new life as a handcrafted furniture maker. He maintains a very private lifestyle and rarely makes public appearances or grants interviews to the media.

Jason Hervey

Jason Hervey is best remembered for playing the bullying older brother Wayne Arnold on ‘The Wonder Years’. He was a constant presence on the show and became one of the most recognizable young actors on television. After the series ended he transitioned into a career as a successful television producer and executive. He has produced numerous reality shows and sports programs for major networks. Today he continues to work behind the scenes in the entertainment industry and manages his own production company.

Khrystyne Haje

Khrystyne Haje played the brainy student Simone Foster on the sitcom ‘Head of the Class’. She was a popular member of the ensemble cast and appeared in the series for its entire five year run. After the show concluded she continued to act in television and theater while also pursuing her passion for photography. She has appeared in various independent films and guest roles on popular dramas. She is also a published photographer whose work has been featured in several galleries and magazines.

Robin Givens

Robin Givens rose to fame as Darlene Merriman on the sitcom ‘Head of the Class’ and became a major media figure. She appeared in the film ‘Boomerang’ and several other high profile projects during and after the eighties. Her personal life was often the subject of media attention but she remained focused on her acting career. She has since appeared in many television series including ‘Riverdale’ and ‘The Game’. Today she continues to act and direct while working on various television and theater productions.

Brian Robbins

Brian Robbins played the tough student Eric Mardian on ‘Head of the Class’ throughout the late eighties. He was a prominent member of the cast before he decided to move into the production side of the industry. He cofounded a production company that created several massive hits for younger audiences like ‘Smallville’ and ‘All That’. He eventually rose to become a major executive and is now the president and CEO of Paramount Pictures. His transition from actor to major studio head is considered one of the most successful in Hollywood history.

Dan Frischman

Dan Frischman played the socially awkward Arvid Engen on ‘Head of the Class’ and later appeared in ‘Kenan and Kel’. His comedic timing and unique characters made him a favorite on several teen oriented shows. Beyond acting he is a talented magician who has performed at various venues including the Magic Castle in Hollywood. He has also written several books and continues to work as a writer and producer for television projects. Today he remains involved in the creative arts and occasionally makes appearances at industry events.

Mindy Cohn

Mindy Cohn became famous for her role as Natalie Green on the hit series ‘The Facts of Life’. She was discovered by the producers of the show while she was attending a private school in California. After the series ended she continued to act and became the long time voice of Velma Dinkley in the ‘Scooby Doo’ franchise. She has appeared in various television shows and films and remains a beloved figure in the animation community. Today she is active in television and continues to provide voices for many popular characters.

Nancy McKeon

Nancy McKeon played the tough and independent Jo Polniaczek on ‘The Facts of Life’ starting in the second season. She became one of the most popular characters on the show and starred in several television movies during the decade. After the show ended she continued to have a successful career in television dramas and sitcoms. She starred in the series ‘The Division’ and has made guest appearances on various popular programs. Today she focuses on her family life while occasionally taking on new acting roles.

Lisa Whelchel

Lisa Whelchel played the wealthy and fashion conscious Blair Warner on ‘The Facts of Life’ for nine seasons. She was a major teen star who also released a successful Christian pop album during the eighties. After leaving the show she focused on her family and became a prominent author and speaker on parenting and faith. She returned to the spotlight as a contestant on the reality show ‘Survivor’ where she finished as a runner up. Today she hosts a television series called ‘Collector’s Call’ and continues to write books.

Todd Bridges

Todd Bridges became a household name playing Willis Jackson on the popular sitcom ‘Diff’rent Strokes’. He was a major child star who faced significant personal challenges following the conclusion of the series. He eventually overcame these obstacles and wrote a memoir about his experiences titled Killing Willis. He has since returned to acting and appeared in the sitcom ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ and various reality programs. Today he is an advocate for those facing similar struggles and remains active in the entertainment industry.

Shavar Ross

Shavar Ross played the character Dudley Ramsey on ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ and appeared in several episodes of ‘Friday the 13th A New Beginning’. He was a frequent guest star on many popular eighties television shows before shifting his focus to production. He eventually founded his own film and television production company and became a director and writer. He has produced several independent projects and remains involved in the creative community. Today he also works in the ministry and continues to manage his media company.

Kim Richards

Kim Richards was a prominent child actress who appeared in ‘Escape to Witch Mountain’ and the eighties film ‘Tuff Turf’. She was a well known face in both film and television throughout the decade before taking a break from the industry. She later returned to the public eye as a main cast member on the reality series ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’. She has appeared in several guest roles on television dramas in recent years. Today she continues to make public appearances and remains a recognizable figure in popular culture.

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