WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Teen idols of the 1980s

Erin McDowellApr 18, 2022, 23:16 IST

Andrew McCarthy won the hearts of many in "Pretty in Pink."Paramount Pictures; Greg Allen/Invision/AP

While some teen idols from the 1980s faded into obscurity, others are still household names.
"Brat Pack" member Andrew McCarthy still acts, but he's also a director and award-winning writer.

Mark Hamill shot to fame after playing Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars."

Mark Hamill in Paris on June 1, 1980.Alain Dejean/Sygma via Getty Images

Hamill continues to act and even appeared in "The Mandalorian" in his original role as Luke Skywalker.

Mark Hamill.Jemal Countess/Stringer/Getty Images

Molly Ringwald was already one of the most famous young actresses when "Pretty in Pink" hit screens in 1986.

Molly Ringwald in "Pretty in Pink."Paramount Pictures

She also continues to act, but she has no desire to star in any potential reboots of her previous projects.

Molly Ringwald in 2021.Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Rob Lowe's boyish good looks won hearts in the early 1980s.

Rob Lowe in 1983.AP Photo/Lennox Mclendon

Lowe is still a verified heartthrob well into his 50s.

Rob Lowe.JOCE/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Andrew McCarthy's sincere smile and adorable personality won the hearts of many when he starred as Blane in "Pretty in Pink" alongside Molly Ringwald.

Andrew McCarthy in "Pretty in Pink."Paramount Pictures

Andrew McCarthy continues to act but mostly directs TV episodes. He's also an award-winning travel writer.

Andrew McCarthy in 2015.Rich Fury/Invision/AP

Brooke Shields was adored by many when she shot to stardom in the 1980s.

Brooke Shields in 1985.AP Photo/Peter Southwick

Shields went on to star in shows like "That '70s Show," Law & Order: SVU," and "Jane the Virgin." Last year, she starred in the Netflix holiday movie "A Castle for Christmas."

Brooke Shields.Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images for American Ballet Theater

Shields went on to star in shows like "That '70s Show," Law & Order: SVU," and "Jane the Virgin." Last year, she starred in the Netflix holiday movie "A Castle for Christmas."

Michael J. Fox rose to fame after starring in '80s sitcom "Family Ties."

Michael J. Fox in 1983.AP Photo/Wally Fong

Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991.

Michael J. Fox in 2013.Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

Eddie Murphy shot to fame in the 1980s as a cast member on "Saturday Night Live."

Eddie Murphy in 1983.AP Photo/Mario Cabrera

Murphy is still one of the biggest names in Hollywood.

Eddie Murphy attends the WSJ Magazine 2019 Innovator Awards.Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

John Stamos cemented his teen-idol status when "Full House" hit television screens in 1987.

John Stamos in 1983.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Today, Stamos is still a beloved actor and heartthrob.

John Stamos.Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Teen idols of the 1980s

Mark Hamill shot to fame after playing Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars."

Hamill continues to act and even appeared in "The Mandalorian" in his original role as Luke Skywalker.

Molly Ringwald was already one of the most famous young actresses when "Pretty in Pink" hit screens in 1986.

She also continues to act, but she has no desire to star in any potential reboots of her previous projects.

Rob Lowe's boyish good looks won hearts in the early 1980s.

Lowe is still a verified heartthrob well into his 50s.

Andrew McCarthy's sincere smile and adorable personality won the hearts of many when he starred as Blane in "Pretty in Pink" alongside Molly Ringwald.

Andrew McCarthy continues to act but mostly directs TV episodes. He's also an award-winning travel writer.

Brooke Shields was adored by many when she shot to stardom in the 1980s.

Shields went on to star in shows like "That '70s Show," Law & Order: SVU," and "Jane the Virgin." Last year, she starred in the Netflix holiday movie "A Castle for Christmas."

Michael J. Fox rose to fame after starring in '80s sitcom "Family Ties."

Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991.

Eddie Murphy shot to fame in the 1980s as a cast member on "Saturday Night Live."

Murphy is still one of the biggest names in Hollywood.

John Stamos cemented his teen-idol status when "Full House" hit television screens in 1987.

Today, Stamos is still a beloved actor and heartthrob.