Where Are They Now? Actresses of the 80's

Debra Winger, Kathleen Turner, Jennifer Grey, Kelly McGillis, Daryl Hannah, Andie Macdowell, Cher, Marlee Matlin, Jessica Tandy, Kim Basinger, Kate Capshaw, Pheobe Cates, Catherine Mary Stewart, Mary Stuart Masterson, Kerri Green, Elisabeth Shue, Justine Bateman, Mia Sara, Meg Ryan, Jami Gertz, Kelly Lynch, Lori Singer, Jennifer Beals, Beverly D'Angelo, Kelly LeBrock, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Virginia Madsen, Ally Sheedy, Geena Davis, Barbara Hershey, Bette Midler, Susan Sarandon, Jessica Lange, Renee Russo, Holly Hunter, Rebecca DeMornay, Juliette Lewis, Diane Lane, Winona Ryder, Glenn Close, Theresa Russell, Pam Dawber, Betty White, Ann Jillian, Teri Garr, Tawney Kitaen, Dee Wallace, Julia Roberts and last but never least, the famous Miss Piggy ........Where are they now?

Debra Winger: Although Urban Cowboy came out in 1980, An Officer and a Gentlemen in 1982, it was Terms of Endearment, released in 1983, that catapulted Debra Winger to stardom. No sooner had Debra became famous, she dwindled back into obscurity. In 1995 she took a long hiatus from acting, but the time kept ticking. The starring roles for younger women, primarily romantic leads, went by the wayside leaving only co-starring roles. The small window of youth had passed and Debra never again would have the opportunities she had in the 80's. As of 2010, Debra made a guest appearance on televisions "Law & Order" and later that year, joined the cast of HBO's "In Treatment." I graduated in 1981, Debra Winger's 3 most popular movies bring back memories of my youth, she is probably one of my favorite actresses.

Kathleen Turner: When I think of Kathleen Turner, I think of "Romancing the Stone", "Jewel of the Nile" and "The War of the Roses", the two films she starred in with Michael Douglas and Danny DeVito. Of course, Kathleen Turners career started with "Body Heat" in 1981 and as of 2008, Turners last movie was "Marley and Me." During the 1980's, Kathleen Turner was one of the most beautiful leading ladies, as with all of us, time takes it's toll. In the early 90's, Turner became the victim of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Now in her 40's, the offers to play leading ladies slowed considerably and completely stopped when Kathleen experienced weight gain from the medication for her arthritis.

Jennifer Grey: Known as the queen of "Dirty Dancing", Jennifer Grey has appeared in several movies, including "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". Not known as one of the 1980's Brat Pack, but definitely an 80's star, Jennifer's looks were unique. In the early 1990's, Jennifer underwent rhinoplasty surgery. After the surgery, even Jennifer's closest friends did not recognize her. She has said "I went into surgery a movie star and came out unrecognizable." As of 2010, Jennifer mostly appears on television.

Kelly McGillis: Tom Cruises love interest in "Top Gun" is still acting. During the 1980's she starred in such films as "The Accused" and "Witness" opposite such stars as Harrison Ford and Jodie Foster. The "Innkeepers", a horror film to be released in 2012 is one of Kelly's most current projects. In 2010 Kelly married Melanie Leis in a civil union in New Jersey. Kelly and second husband, Fred Tillman, with whom she has two daughters, divorced in 2002. In 2009 Kelly publicly declared her long term struggle of attraction to women. Today Kelly and Melanie live far from Hollywood in New Jersey, where Kelly works full time at a rehabilitation center with those addicted to drugs and alcohol.

Darryl Hannah: In the 80's, she starred in such movies as "Splash", "Roxanne", "Blade Runner", "Legal Eagles", "Wall Street" and "Steel Magnolias". In 2011 Darryl starred in "A Fonder Heart", based upon a true story, the film has an all star cast of several 70's and 80's stars. But the roles today that Hannah is most passionate about is that of being an environmental activist. Arrested several times for public demonstrations, Hannah's most recent arrest on August 30, 2011, in front of the White House in protest of the Keystone oil pipeline.

Andie MacDowell: Her career started as a fashion model, modeling for Vogue magazine and appearing in ads for Yves Saint Laurent, Vassarette, Armani perfume, Sabeth-Row, Mink International, Anne Klein and Bill Blass. Her beauty discovered, she debuted in 1984 in "Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes". MacDowell's South Carolina accent was so thick, that Glenn Close recorded her lines in a British accent. Andie had a small part in "St. Elmo's Fire" and starred in "Sex, Lies and Videotape." She went on to play in several films of the 90's and is still acting in 2012. Her latest role is staring in the TV series "Jane by Design."

Cher: Before Madonna, there was Cher. Before Lady Gaga, there was Cher. Before Elton John, there was Cher. With her spectacular uncensored gowns designed by Bob Mackey, terrific figure before weight lifting for women was in style and her short, non-musical husband in tow, she was something to behold and she could even sing. While we knew Cher since the 60's as part of the "Sonny & Cher" singing duo and in the 1970's when that duo transitioned to television with the "Sonny & Cher Hour", we came to know Cher as an actress in the 80's. She stared in such films as "Silkwood", "Mask", "Moonstruck" and "The Witches of Eastwick". Turning 66 in 2012, Cher is still active as performing as a singer as well as actress. From 2008 to 2011, Cher performed onstage at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and stared in the movie "Burlesque", opposite Christina Arguilera. She still has one of the most magnificent figures, void of middle age spread, can still act and can still sing. The only difference in Cher's life today is her daughter, Chastity has become her son, Chaz, whom she loves and staunchly supports.

Marlee Matlin: We met her in 1986 in "Children of a Lesser God", the first time since 1926 that a deaf actor/actress played in a lead role. Marlee's role was far more demanding as the 1926 film was a silent picture. Marlee won an Oscar for her role in "Children of a Lesser God". Matlin had been deaf since she was 18 months old, she is beautiful and brilliant. Matlin has overcome considerable struggles in her life, especially her physical disability and is an encouragement to young women wanting to pursue they're dreams. Today, Matlin is married to a Burbank police officer and has four children. She currently has a co-staring role in "Switched at Birth" on television.

Jessica Tandy: We adored her in "Driving Miss Daisy" and enjoyed both Jessica and husband of 52 years, Hume Cronin in "Coccoon". As of 1989, she was the oldest actress (80 years old) to receive an Oscar, which she received for "Driving Miss Daisy". Tandy was not new to acting, having started her acting career at 16 in London and acting in Hollywood since 1942. Her career was at it's height with "Driving Miss Daisy" and despite her age continued to act in such films as "Fried Green Tomatoes". Tandy's last film was in 1994, sadly the year she died of cancer.

Kim Basinger: She was one of the James Bond girls in "Never Say Never Again" in 1983. She was Eminem's mom in "8 Mile", she was Mickey Rourke's love slave in "9 1/2" weeks, she played Vicki Vale in "Batman", won a Golden Globe for her work in "The Natural" and an Academy Award, Golden Globe and Screen Actor's Guild Award for her role in "L.A. Confidential". She posed for Playboy, had roles in television, a music video, sang with Ozzy Ozbourne, played a kidnapped woman in "Cellular", was an adulterous woman in "The Burning Plain", went on a "Blind Date", had "No Mercy" and "Final Analysis" with Richard Gere, was "Nadine", owned an entire town in the United States, was the voice of herself on "The Simpsons" and most recently played Zac Efron's mom in "Charlie St. Cloud". She was rumored to have had an affair with Richard Gere, dated Prince, married co-star Alec Baldwin from "The Marrying Man", is an advocate for animal rights and has a daughter with Alec Baldwin with whom she is now divorced and has continually been in the press for their custody battles over their daughter. We met her in the 80's and she is still going strong in 2012.

Kate Capshaw: In 1984, Capshaw was cast in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom", where she met her future husband, Steven Speilberg. Speilberg and Capshaw have 5 children together and 1 each from previous marriages. After marrying Speilberg, Capshaw has continued to act, although not very often.

Pheobe Cates: At the age of 17, Cates did fully nude scenes in "Paradise" and a topless scene in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High". In the 90's, Cates went on to star in "Drop Dead Fred" and "Gremlins". In 1989, she married actor, Kevin Kline with whom she has two children. The couple live in New York city. Cates retired from acting in the mid 90's to raise her children.

Catherine Mary Stewart: She starred in "Night of the Comet", a zombie movie, before zombies were popular. "Weekend at Bernies" and "The Last Starfighter" were some of her other 80's hits. She is a wife and mother and still acts, mostly for television.

Mary Stuart Masterson: In 1987 she starred in "Some Kind of Wonderful" and went on to star in "Benny and Joon" and "Fried Green Tomatoes". In 2011, Masterson and her husband welcomed twins. As of late, Masterson has been involved in television, directing and film making.

Kerri Green: One of the "Goonies", she also starred in "Lucas". Today Green lives in New York with her husband and children, writes screenplays and has very little to do with the Hollywood scene.

Elisabeth Shue: She co-starred in 1984 in "The Karate Kid" was in "Adventures in Babysitting", had roles in "Back to the Future" both II and III, won several awards for her role in "Leaving Las Vegas", was in "The Saint" and most recently has a recurring role on television in "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation".

Justine Bateman: From 1982 to 1989 she played Mallory Keaton, younger sister of Michael J. Fox's character in "Family Ties" on television. Justine continually has roles in television, with her latest role on "Private Practice" and "Criminal Minds". Bateman's brother, Justin is a leading man in several movies.

Mia Sara: She was a princess in "Legend" and skipped school in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". Mia Sara has continued to act, but mostly on television. Her latest accomplishment is her role in "The Witches of Oz" in 2012.

Meg Ryan: She was Goose's woman in "Top Gun" and received widespread recognition in 1989 in "When Harry Met Sally", which actually ushered her in as Hollywood's girl next door in the 90's. She went on to star in "Sleepless in Seattle", "French Kiss", "Courage Under Fire", "You've Got Mail", "City of Angels", "Addicted to Love" and "When a Man Loves a Woman". She was married to actor Dennis Quaid, with whom she has one son. She fell from grace when she reportedly had an affair with Russell Crowe. As a single woman, she adopted a daughter and is currently dating rock-musician John Mellencamp. As for her career, while no longer a leading lady, she is still very active. Her latest film, due for release in 2012 is "Lives of the Saints".

Jami Gertz: In the 80's she was in "The Lost Boys", "Less than Zero" and a small part in "Sixteen Candles". She went on to star in the television sitcom "Still Standing" and co-starred in "Twister". Today Gertz lives with her husband and three sons in Beverly Hills. In 2011 she appeared in an episode of "Modern Family".

Kelly Lynch: In 1989 she starred opposite Patrick Swayze in "Roadhouse". In 1988 she co-starred in "Cocktail" with Tom Cruise. Throughout the 90's, Lynch has had roles in several films and a few television episodes. Her latest role is in "Passion Play" released in 2011.

Lori Singer: In 1984 she co-starred in "Footloose" opposite Kevin Bacon. In 1985 she was in "The Falcon and the Snowman" and "The Man with One Red Shoe". Lori acted in several films during the 90's, but has only had a small role in one episode of "CSI-Crime Scene Investigation" since 2006. Singer is an accomplished Cellist, trained at Julliard. She played solo at Carnegie Hall in 2008 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

Jennifer Beals: Best known for her starring role in "Flashdance" in 1983, Beals was instantly a star and then disappeared when she returned to college after the movie. She was asked by Director, Joel Schumacher to do "St. Elmo's Fire" but turned down the offer to remain at Yale. Beals returned to the big screen in 1985 in "The Bride". She had not pursed her career while she was known for "Flashdance" and she never attained the leading lady status she had earned in "Flashdance". In one of her latest roles in "The Book of Eli" she gives a very good performance as a blind woman.

Beverly D'Angelo: She went on vacation in America, in Europe and for Christmas with husband Clark and cousin Eddie. Most popular for National Lampoon's "Vacation", "European Vacation", and "Christmas Vacation" all released in the 80's. D'Angelo has consistently acted in movie and some television roles with her last work in 2010.

Kelly LeBrock: She was the "Woman in Red" and came to life in "Weird Science". She married actor Steven Seagal in 1987 and had three children. They divorced amongst rumors of abuse in 1996. LeBrock has been in 5 films and no television since 2002. Her latest work was in 2011 in "Prep School". In 2010 it was reported that LeBrock was writing an autobiographical book, but she has not or is not completing it as of February 2012.

Michelle Pfeiffer: In 1983, she was Al Pacino's love interest, she was "Married to the Mob", was a "Witch of Eastwick", had a "Dangerous Liaison", went "Into the Night", had a "Tequila Sunrise" and ended the 80's with being nominated for and winning several awards for her portrayal of a beautiful, eccentric singer in "The Fabulous Baker Boys". Pfeiffer did all this in a decade and continued thorough out the 90's and even into the 2000's as a leading lady. Her latest role is in 2012 in "Dark Shadows" with Johnny Depp.

Jennifer Jason Leigh: Daughter of actor Vic Morrow, who was killed while filming "The Twilight Zone", Leigh was best known for her role in 1982 in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High", she has continued to act and in 2010 writing and directing "Greenberg".

Virginia Madsen: She co-starred in 1983 in "Class" and in 1984 starred in "Electric Dreams" and had a part in "Dune" in 1984. Her brother is actor, Michael Madsen. She was nominated for her 2004 role in "Sideways" for both a Golden Globe and Academy Award. In 1984, Madsen appeared in Kenny Loggins music video for the movie "Footloose". Madsen has remained very busy acting in both television and film. In 2008, she formed her own production company. Her latest roles have been in "Red Riding Hood" in 2011 and in the eight episode TV series "The Scoundrels" in 2010.

Ally Sheedy: She was one of the Brat Pack from the 80's. Her film debut came in the 1983 film "Bad Boys" with Sean Penn. She is best known for her roles in the "The Breakfast Club", "St. Elmo's Fire", "War Games", "Short Circuit" and "High Art". She starred in these films as well as "Maid to Order" and "Short Circuit 2" all before the decade was over. By the 90's, the Brat Pack grew up and went their separate ways. Sheedy stayed and continues to stay busy in smaller, co-starring roles and television. Her last role was in 2010 in an independent film with "Twilight's" Kristen Stewart.

Geena Davis: "Beetlejuice"! "Beetlejuice"! "Beetlejuice"! In 1988, she was the enchanting house wife in "Beetlejuice" and went on to be Louise's counterpart having a one night stand with young Brad Pitt in "Thelma and Louise". Davis has continued to act in both film and television, although her largest role lately has been wife and mother.

Barbara Hershey: She made us cry in "Beaches" and played the wife of astronaut, Chuck Yeager in "The Right Stuff". Her most recent accomplishment is her role in "Black Swan" for which she was nominated for numerous awards.

Bette Midler: She can sing and she can act. Bette Midler starred in "The Rose", "Down and Out in Beverly Hills" and "Beaches", just to name a few from the 80's. Midler has stayed very busy singing and acting in film, even an occasional television appearance.

Susan Sarandon: Although Sarandon has been around since the 70's, she was popular throughout the 80's. She was a witch of Eastwick and co-starred in "Bull Durham". In 1991, she starred in "Thelma & Louise" for which she received several award nominations. She is currently filming "Cloud Atlas" with Tom Hanks, due to be released in 2012. Amazingly, Sarandon looks fabulous at 65 and seems to have not aged. From 1988 - 2009, she had a relationship with actor, Tim Robbins, 12 years her junior, with whom she has 2 sons.

Jessica Lange: We were awed by her in "Frances" in 1982. Loved her in "Tootsie", "The Postman Always Rings Twice", "Sweet Dreams" and "Cape Fear", just to mention a few of her acting accomplishments. Her last movie was "Bonneville" in 2006 and while she continued to play parts on television, we missed her in starring roles. In 2011, Lange came back with a bang as Constance in "American Horror Story" for which she won her fifth Golden Globe award.

Rene' Russo: In 1989, she played Tom Berenger's "ex" in "Major League." Russo went on to do "Lethal Weapon 3 and 4", "Freejack", "In the Line of Fire" and "Yours, Mine and Ours." Just to name a few. She acted with such leading men as Mel Gibson, Al Pacino, Clint Eastwood, Kevin Costner, Dustin Hoffman and Anthony Hopkins. In 2006, Russo took a 6 year break from acting. She came back in 2011 in "Thor."

Holly Hunter: She was adorable in "Raising Arizona", terrific in "Broadcast News" and sad in "Always." She has continued steadfast in the industry through out the decades. Her last big screen ventures were in 2005 and her most recent work from 2007 to 2010 in the television series, "Saving Grace."

Rebecca DeMornay: Both DeMornay and Tom Cruise became well known from their roles in 1983's "Risky Business." DeMornay has stayed busy since the 80's in both film and television. Her last film was "Downers Grove" in 2011

Juliette Lewis: While her first acting role was in the television series "I Married Dora" in 1987, her breakthrough role was in "Cape Fear" in 1991. Lewis has been active in both television and film and her voice is used in a video game. Her latest role film in 2011 is "Hick" and she has a role in the television series "The Firm."

Diane Lane: Although her first role was in 1979, she came to popularity in 1983 with her performance in "The Outsiders". Lane has consistently acted throughout the 80's and 90's, but she has transcended as an accomplished actress in the 2000's with her performances in "A Perfect Storm", "Unfaithful", "Under the Tuscan Sun" and "Secretariat". Lane has been married to actor, Josh Brolin since 2004. Her next role is in "Man of Steel" slated for release in 2013. Lane and Kevin Costner play Superman's adoptive parents. Lane is a rare actress that has successfully crossed the line from young actress to leading lady.

Winona Ryder: Ryder was a young actress that came to recognition in the 1980's. Some of her early films were "Lucas", "Beetlejuice", "Heathers" and "Great Balls of Fire". She continued through the 90's with "Edward Scissorhands", "Mermaids", "Dracula", "Little Women" and "The Crucible" with many more not mentioned. The young lady of the 80's is now 40, although she appears to be 10 years younger. We remember her engagement to Johnny Depp and her 2001 shoplifting arrest. Despite her bad publicity and break from Hollywood until 2006, she is acting now more than ever with roles booked to 2013. Ryder's latest role is in "The Iceman". Ryder has performed very minimally in television throughout her career.

Glenn Close: In 1982, she played Robin Williams mother in the strange film "The World According to Garp". In 1983 she did "The Big Chill", 1984 - "The Natural", 1985 - "Jagged Edge" and became known for her role in "Fatal Attraction" in 1987. Most recently, Glenn Close was nominated and won several awards for her portrayal of a woman living as a man in "Albert Nobbs."

Theresa Russell: She starred in "The Razor's Edge" in 1984 and "Black Widow" in 1987. Russell has consistantly acted since the last 70's, but has not retained the leading lady status she experienced in the 80's.

Pam Dawber: "Nanoo- Nanoo" was the greeting made popular by "Mork and Mindy", which ran from 1978 - 1982 and introduced America to both Robin Williams and Pam Dawber. Pam starred in "My Sister Sam", which ran for only two years and married actor, Mark Harmon. She raised two children and other than doing a documentary in 2006, she has been content to play the role of wife and mother.

Tatum O'Neal: We met her as a 10 year old in "Paper Moon", in which she co-starred with her father, Ryan O'Neal. Her career went on to include "The Bad News Bears" and a couple films in the 80's. Tatum O'Neal is a classic example of a Hollywood childhood gone wrong. Involvement with drugs, a short lived marriage to tennis player John McEnroe, allowed to film a topless scene at 16 and involved in drug induced orgies at an incredibly young age. She has dated Michael Jackson and been arrested for purchasing crack cocaine, was addicted to heroin and lost custody of her children to her ex-husband. She was estranged from her father for 25 years until 2011 when she and her father reconciled to star in the reality show "Ryan & Tatum: The O'Neals".

Betty White: She's the last of the "Golden Girls". An incredible comedian we have laughed at her work for years. From 1985 to 1992, she starred in the "Golden Girls", playing simple minded Rose Nylund. At 90, she is still envoking laughter as a star in the sitcom "Hot in Cleavland" in 2011. White also guest starred on "Saturday Night Live" in 2010. At 90, Betty White is more popular than ever.

Ann Jillian: Best known for her role in the 80's sitcom "It's a Living", she also was known for her bout with cancer and double mastectomy. In 1988, she played herself in the made for tv movie "The Ann Jillian Story" for which she won a Golden Globe award.

Teri Garr:She is one of the sweethearts of the 80's and continues to act through 2007, despite numerous health issues. In 2002, Garr disclosed publicly that she suffered from multiple sclerousis and suffered a brain aneurism in 2006. Garrs last public appearence was in 2008 on David Letterman.

Tawny Kitaen: She played Tom Hanks bride to be in "Bachelor Party" and was most popular for being in the band Whitesnakes music videos, primarily "Here I Go Again" in which she rolled around on the hood of two jaguar cars. Since then, she has been most popular for being arrested, drug abuse and spousal abuse in which she allegedly kicked and twisted the ear of her husband, Cleveland Indians pitcher Chuck Finley in 2002. In 2006, Kitaen was charged with cocaine possession and arrested in 2009 for driving under the influence. Today, Kitaen has turned her life around. She and her ex-husband are close friends. She uses her bad experiences with drugs, alcohol and abuse to help others.

Dee Wallace: We know her best as Elliot's mom in 1982's "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial". Wallace lost her husband, actor Christopher Stone in 1995 to a heart-attack. Together, the two co-starred in 1983's "Cujo" and 1981's "The Howling". Wallace is known as a cult icon for her many roles in horror movies. Stones lastest film "The Lords of Salem" to be released in 2012.

Julia Roberts: In 1988, she was in "Mystic Pizza", in 1989, she won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in "Steel Magnolia's". Roberts had big hair and a smile to match, which landed her leading lady roles in "Pretty Woman", "Dying Young", "Flatliners", "Sleeping with the Enemy", "The Pelican Brief", "My Best Friends Wedding" and "Runaway Bride". In 2000, Roberts was nominated and woman a plethura of awards for her portrayal of Erin Brockovich. Latley, Roberts has been nominated for awards for her roles in "Charlie Wilson's War", "Larry Crowne", "Duplicity", "Valentine's Day" and "Eat, Pray, Love". No longer recognized for her big hair and big smile, Roberts is lately recognized for her acting. She is set to do a film adaptation of the play "August: Osage County", which should be seen in movie theaters in 2012.

Miss Piggy: 1996 TV Guide rated her #23 on it's 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time List. She spawned a huge fad during the late 70's and early 80's. eclipsing Kermit and the other muppets in popularity. She has been a guest star on Dolly Parton's variety show in 1987 and in January 2012 she was a guest judge on Project Runway. As for her personal life, she still adores Kermit and owns a pet poodle named Foo-Foo. As for Miss Piggy she seems to never age and she is here to stay!