From Johnny Depp to Ralph Macchio: These Iconic Stars Have the 1980s To Thank for Kicking Off Their Lucrative Careers

TrendingApril 1, 2022

Bill Murray – Ghostbusters

As one of the most successful ’80s stars that continue to thrive today, Bill Murray has found the secret to success. Although he’s best known for so many blockbuster hits, who could ever forget about his comedy horror movie “Ghostbusters”?

He gained waves for his work with “Saturday Night Live,” for which he had won his Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy-Variety or Music Series. For decades, Murray maintained his A-list status in the industry, starring in many critically acclaimed movies like “Lost In Translation” and “Rushmore.” Even to this day, the comedian still gives us his active pizzaz, as seen in his 2021 show “The Now.”

Jenilee Harrison – Three’s Company

The hit show “Three’s Company” starred Joyce DeWitt, John Ritter, and Suzanne Somers, who was axed from the program reportedly following higher salary demands. When the 1980s arrived, fans saw Jenilee Harrison filling the void, although she only played the part for two seasons.

Unfortunately, Harrison never achieved the same height of popularity as her predecessor in terms of portraying the role. Nonetheless, she continued to bag acting jobs in the ’80s, including “Dallas” and “The Love Boat.” Her prominence started to wane down toward the next decade, and by the turn of the millennium, it became apparent that she was nearing the end of her career.

Soleil Moon Frye – Punky Brewster

Soleil Moon Frye was bitten by the acting bug even before she could truly understand stardom. That is, she has been in front of cameras since she was two, so one can say that she has honed her craft in the years that she portrayed parts. She got her first taste of success when she landed the titular role in the ’80s sitcom “Punky Brewster.”

Unlike others who are itching to shed their characters portrayed when they were kids, Frye is extremely proud of her success because of the iconic show. She even reprised her role in the 2021 follow-up series with the same title.

Heather Langenkamp – A Nightmare on Elm Street

Only a few actors can deliver exceptional performances in the horror genre, and this includes Heather Langenkamp, who is widely known for her scream queen roles, particularly in the 1984 movie “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” In fact, her character Nancy Thompson has become so iconic that she went on to reprise the role in other films, including the 2020 short “StopTheNightmare.”

Even though fans saw her in “American Horror Story,” “The Butterfly Room,” and “Growing Pains,” Langenkamp has largely been busy with voice acting in recent years. In 2021, she lent her voice to several characters in “My Little Pony.”

Danny Glover – Lethal Weapon

Celebrated actor Danny Glover first gained directors’ attention for his performance in “Master Harold…and the Boys.” Then, he etched his name in the mainstream industry when he landed the film “Places in the Heart,” but what made him a household name was the “Lethal Weapon” franchise.

To this day, he is a huge part of crime films and has become synonymous with his character, Roger Murtaugh. With throngs of accolades under his belt, it’s not surprising that he is constantly hired for projects, just like in the 2022 movie “American Dreamer.”