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The ‘80s was an epic decade that gave birth to a number of Hollywood careers, romances, and heartthrobs. Besides giving birth to some dynamite careers, it also gave birth to some 15 minute-glory that didn’t end well. We, personally, love the ‘80s! Everything from the fashion, toys, music, fashion, TV, movies, books and of course celebs! This might even be our favorite decade. It was this decade where shows like The Wonder Years, Saved by the Bell, Growing Pains, and The Cosby Show were on TV. Music artists like Madonna, Tiffany, and Vanilla Ice made their mark on music and fashion. We are still singing and dancing to some of their hit singles! It was also during this decade where movies such as Back to The Future, E.T., The Goonies, and The Shining were box office hits! People like Johnny Depp, Jason Bateman, Winona Ryder, Drew Barrymore and Michael J. Fox all became famous, and we are glad they did! We are total fans! Also, let’s not forget about Slinkys and rubrics cubes! There is simply no other decade like the ‘80s!
While the above are some ‘80s kids and teen stars that went on to have very successful careers as adults, not all ‘80s stars were so lucky. Many of them, unfortunately, developed drug and alcohol addictions, made sex tapes and landed in jail. Some even sadly took their own lives before they had a mid-life crisis. To be fair, this is not uncommon. Many children and teens struggle to live an entire life in the limelight. Some simply cannot handle the pressure to be perfect and the lack of privacy. Nonetheless, we feel sad for some of the celebs on the list, and you may too.
So, do you want to know what happened to the teen and child actors of the ‘80s? Where have they been? How do they look? Are they still adorable? What did they do after their big break? Who are they dating or married to? Are they ok? Stop asking and start reading! Prepare to be a little surprised and a little sad.
Let’s begin…
Remember Ricky Schroder?
Ricky Schroder has been acting for over 20 years now! He made his acting debut in the movie The Champ when he was a child. His role was opposite Faye Dunway and Jon Voight. A few years later, he played Ricky Stratton in Silver Spoons. The show was on the air from 1982 to 1987. Most of Ricky’s fans thus saw him grow up on the show and have a special place in their heart for him. More recently, he played himself for Get Him to the Greek in 2010.
Remember Ricky Schroder@
The Cosby Show’s Keshia Knight Pulliam
Keshia got her big break when she was only 4 years old! She was on the cast of Sesame Street. Not a bad start to an amazing career! She went on to play Rudy Huxtable on The Cosby Show where she was nominated for an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress. After the show ended, she continued to work in front of and behind the cameras. In 2005 she was in Beauty Shop, was on Tyler Perry’s House of Pain for 4 years and also began and still operates her own production company. Pretty impressive!
The Cosby Show’s Keshia Knight Pulliam
Tracey Gold from Growing Pains
Tracey Gold began acting when she was just four years old! Her first big role was as Carol Seavers on Growing Pains when she was only 16 years old. She battled anorexia for many of the years she was on the show. She married Roby Marshall two years after Growing Pains ended and has four sons. Her most recent work was appearing in the 2014 film My Dad’s a Soccer Mom.
Tracey Gold From Growing Pains
Danny Lloyd from The Shining
Danny Lloyd became a known ’80s star in “The Shining.” Despite this role propelling him to fame, he didn’t stay in show business for long. He quit Hollywood when he was 14 years old. Later in life, he decided to work at Walmart, worked on a farm, went to college and is currently a biology teacher. He is married and has 6 kids.
Danny Lloyd From The Shining
Punky Brewster’s Soleil Moon Frye
Soleil Moon Frye got her big break when she was just 7! She played the iconic role of Punky Brewster from 1984 to 1988. After the series, she continued to act. She appeared on Saved By The Bell and The Wonder Years. She still acts and does voice-overs. She is now a mother of three children and founded a craft company for children called Moonfrye. Cute name!
Punky Brewster’s Soleil Moon Frye
Remember heartthrob Kirk Cameron in Growing Pains?
Kirk Cameron began his acting career when he was only 9 years old. His break came when he played the role of Mike Seaver on the sitcom Growing Pains. While the show was filming, Cameron became seriously involved with religion and some of his beliefs caused tension on the set. These days, Cameron is a born-again Christian who has set up his own ministry.
Remember Heartthrob Kirk Cameron In Growing Pains@
Remember Sean Astin in The Goonies?
Sean Astin played “the kid with asthma” in The Goonies. He was only 14 years old when the film premiered. His role was definitely critical in cementing the movie as a cult classic. After the film, he continued to act in the ’80s and ’90s. He got another big break when he played Samwise Gamgee in Lord of The Rings. His most recent role is on the Netflix Series, Stranger Things. Quite the career, Sean! Nice job!
Remember Sean Astin In The Goonies@
Little House on the Prairies’ Melissa Gilbert
Melissa Gilbert made her television debut as Laura Ingalls in the popular series Little House on the Prairie. The show ran for nine years! More recently she appeared in Secrets and Lies. She maintains an avid interest in politics and she has run for different seats in the Michigan Congress.
Little House On The Prairies’ Melissa Gilbert
Jonathan Ke Quan in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (and The Goonies)
Jonathan Ke Quan is the adorable little Asian boy from Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom? He also starred in The Goonies, and in the TV series Together We Stand. He is now working as a stunt choreographer for different Hollywood movies. He has worked on the set of X-Men and The One.
Jonathan Ke Quan In Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom And The Goonies
The Wonder Years’ Danica McKellar
We have such a big crush on Danica McKellar! She first became famous playing Fred Savage’s love interest on The Wonder Years. After the series, she did some voice work and took on some small acting roles. In 2009 she published a book about math to help children become interested in the subject. She is a beauty with a big brain!
The Wonder Years’ Danica McKellar
Jerry Supiran from Small Wonder
Jerry Supiran first entered the limelight on the TV show, Small Wonder. He played Jamie Lawson from 1985 to 1989. His life took a turn after the show. He lost much of his money and experienced some personal controversy. For a time he was homeless and lived in a homeless shelter. He recently announced he is planning to be a cast member on Dancing With The Stars.
Jerry Supiran From Small Wonder
Lukas Haas from the movie Witness
Lukas Haas got his big break playing a role opposite Harrison Ford in Witness. He continued to act and has appeared in a number of notable films including the 2016 movie The Revenant.
Lukas Haas From The Movie Witness
Brian Austin Green was also in Small Wonder
Brian Green was in a number of awesome ’80s shows like Knots Landing, Highway to Heaven, Small Wonder, Baywatch, and Beverly Hills 90210. He is now married to Megan Fox and they have three sons together.
Brian Austin Green Was Also In Small Wonder
80’s Teen Idol Corey Feldman
Corey Feldman was one of the most popular ’80s actors ever! His role in The Goonies definitely made him a household name. He starred in Stand By Me and The Lost Boys. In addition to acting, he loves music and is currently recording some songs.
80’s Teen Idol Corey Feldman
The sad life of Corey Haim
Corey Haim was definitely a huge ’80s heartthrob! He is most well known for his roles in The Lost Boys and License to Drive. He, unfortunately, developed a drug problem which led to his death in 2010. He was only 38 years old.
The Sad Life Of Corey Haim
Andrew Koenig from Growing Pains grew up in pain
Andrew Koening became famous on Growing pains. He struggled with depression most of his life. He went missing in Vancouver, and sadly took his own life when he was only 41 years old.
Andrew Koenig From Growing Pains Grew Up In Pain
Who can forget Alyssa Milano in “Who’s The Boss”?
Alyssa Milano first played Annie in a touring production. She was only 8 years old when she played Annie. She quickly became a household name when she was 11 years old for her role in Who’s The Boss. She continued to be a household name throughout the ’90s. She starred in the hit TV series Charmed. She currently is the host of the reality TV show “Project Runway: All-Stars.”
Who Can Forget Alyssa Milano In “Who’s The Boss”@
Where is sweet ‘Full House’ star, Jodie Sweetin?
Everyone knows Jodie Sweetin from Full House. She has some difficulties in her adult life. She developed a drug problem, went to a rehabilitation program, and got divorced from her husband. She went on to marry the father of her daughter, Cody Herpin and has written a book about her experience with addiction entitled “unSweetined.”
Where Is Sweet ‘Full House’ Star Jodie Sweetin@
Where is Websters’, Emmanuel Lewis?
Emmanuel Lewis became famous for his role on the TV show Webster. It was on the air until 1989. When the show ended, so did Emmanuel’s career. He made some reality show appearances, but nothing too notable.
Where Is Websters’ Emmanuel Lewis@
Saved By the Bell’s Dustin Diamond
Dustin Diamond, of course, played Screech on Saved By The Bell. In 2006 he released a sex tape causing some issues in his personal and professional life. His manager believed the sex tape would add some fire to his career, but it didn’t quite work out.
Saved By The Bell’s Dustin Diamond
Where is Molly Ringwald now?
Molly Ringwald is a huge ’80s icon. She was definitely an “it girl” during this and the following decade. She became famous for her roles in Different Strokes and The Facts of Life. Her fame was cemented after Sixteen Candles came out. She is currently married, has three kids, and wrote a couple of books.
Where Is Molly Ringwald Now@
Different Strokes’ Dana Plato
Dana Plato became famous when she appeared as Kimberly Drummond on the series Different Strokes. She was on the show from 1978 to 1984. After the show, she appeared in Playboy magazine and took on some smaller film roles. She developed a drug addiction and died in 1999. She was only 34 years old.
Different Strokes’ Dana Plato
The years have been kind to The Wonder Years’ Fred Savage
Fred Savage was only 9 when he first appeared on The Wonder Years. He was always extremely talented and won two Emmy’s for his role as Kevin Arnold on the show. After the show, he played roles in The Princess Bride and The Boy Who Could Fly. His TV and movie career has continued to do well until now. In addition to acting, he is working as a director and is married with three kids.
The Years Have Been Kind To The Wonder Years’ Fred Savage
Macaulay Culkin
Macaulay Culkin became an instant start when Home Alone premiered. His stardom faded as time went on. He is currently dating an actress named Brenda Song.
Macaulay Culkin
What happened to Gary Coleman?
Gary Coleman is forever a pop culture icon due to his role as Arnold Jackson in the TV sitcom “Diff’rent Strokes.” After the show, he had a number of confrontations with police and accumulated numerous citations. He died in 2010 when he was 42 due to an epidural hematoma.
What Happened To Gary Coleman@
Hollywood still loves Jason Bateman
Jason Bateman got his big break in the ’80s for his role on “The Little House on the Praire” when he was 12 years old. He went on to have a very popular role in “Teen Wolf Too”. Like many other ’80s stars on this list, he developed an addiction problem. He turned his life around and accepted a role on Arrested Development. He earned two Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe for his work on the show. He is currently married to another actor named Amanda Anka and they have two children together.
Hollywood Still Loves Jason Bateman
Drew Barrymore is still Hollywood Royalty
Drew Barrymore comes from a famous of Hollywood royalty. She is the granddaughter of actor John Barrymore. She got her big break when she was only 6 for her role in “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” She too abused drugs and alcohol that she was in and out of rehab three times before she turned 15. She turned her life around and went on to have an excellent career as an adult. She has starred in numerous successful movies and won a Golden Globe for her role in the HBO movie “Grey Gardens.” She is currently married and has two daughters.
Drew Barrymore Is Still Hollywood Royalty
Flight of the Navigator’s Joey Cramer
Joey Cramer became an ’80s icon for his role as David Freeman in the film Flight of the Navigator. He went on to be in Runaway opposite Tom Selleck and in the movie D.A.R.Y.L. Unfortunately, his career’s success stopped in the ’90s. He hasn’t been in the spotlight since 2016 when he was seen robbing a bank in British Colombia.
Flight Of The Navigator’s Joey Cramer
Lisa Bonet as Denise Huxtable in ‘The Cosby Show’ and ‘A Different World’
Lisa Bonet became very famous for her role as Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show and A Different World. She is now happily married to gorgeous Game of Thrones star Jason Momoa and has two children. She has not accepted a role on TV or in a movie since 2008.
Lisa Bonet As Denise Huxtable In ‘The Cosby Show’ And ‘A Different World’
Tiffany Renee Darwish shot to fame with her single “I Think We’re Alone Now”
Many people don’t know this, but Tiffany was actually discovered when she came in second in “Star Search.” She performed a rendition of the song “I Think We’re Alone Now.” She went on to have a successful music career. She had a disagreement with her manager and her family about controlling her finances. This led to her exiting the spotlight. Even though her career ended, we still love her music to this day!
Tiffany Renee Darwish Shot To Fame With Her Single “I Think We’re Alone Now”
Todd Bridges won the role of Will Jackson on “Diff’rent Strokes”
Todd Bridges is the son of an actress and a talent agent. His premiere role was on “Diff’rent Strokes” when he was only 8 years old. He developed a drug addiction and got in trouble with the law for dealing drugs. He continued to have legal issues and hasn’t had another role quite as big to his role in the ’80s.
Todd Bridges Won The Role Of Will Jackson On “Diff’rent Strokes”
Jeff Cohen was in The Goonies
Jeff Cohen became famous for his role in The Goonies in 1985. He decided to not continue in the spotlight and went to the University of California to study business and then UCLA for law. He is now a successful entertainment lawyer and was named by Hollywood Reported on their list of top 35 entertainment executives under the age of 35.
Jeff Cohen Was In The Goonies
Sean O’Neal from ‘Clarissa Explains It All’
Sean O’Neal got his big break on ‘Clarissa Explains It All.’ After the show, he accepted a small role on the TV Series ‘ Development Hell.’ He is still auditioning and looking for more roles.
Sean O’Neal From ‘Clarissa Explains It All’
Will Wheaton in “ Stand by Me” and Star Trek
Will Wheaton became a household name after appearing in “Stand by Me” in 1986. He went on to play the role of Ensign Wesley Crusher in “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” on which he starred until 1994. After that, Wheaton retired from Hollywood and relocated to Topeka, Kansas. He works for a technology company and occasionally accepts small roles in TV series.
Will Wheaton In “ Stand By Me” And Star Trek
Michael J. Fox
Michael J. Fox became an ’80s icon after playing Marty McFly in Back to the Future. His career was basically set after that. In 1991 he was sadly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and had to semi-retire from acting because of this.
Michael J Fox
Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp became famous in the ’80s and is still a household name. His big break was due to the TV series 21 Jump Street. He was such a heartthrob on the showgirls around the world went wild for him! Now, he is considered one of the best actors of our generation. Part of his success is because he has been selective with the roles he takes on. Seems like he has made a number of the right decisions! We love you, Johnny!
Johnny Depp
Rob Lowe
Rob Lowe’s career highlights all occurred in the ’80s due to his roles in films such as ‘The Outsiders’, ‘St. Elmo’s Fire; and About Last Night.’ After the ’80s he struggled finding roles, and his life became filled with scandals. He recently appeared in the series Code Black but hasn’t had an epic role in anything since the ’80s.
Rob Lowe
Kevin Bacon
Everyone knows Kevin Bacon from Footlose. He was so dreamy! Like Johnny Depp, he went on to develop a great acting career. He recently appeared in the FOX series The Following.
Kevin Bacon
Tiffany Brissette as V.I.C.I. in Small Wonder
Tiffany was the little girl robot V.I.C.I. in the TV sitcom Small Wonder. The show ran for four years! When the show ended, she continued to act and do voice overs. Her last work was in 1991 appearing in the TV series Equal Justice. She currently works as a registered nurse in Boulder, Colorado.
Tiffany Brissette As V.I.C.I. In Small Wonder
Matt Dillon
Matt Dillon was in a number of awesome ’80s movies including Bodyguard (1980), Little Darlings (1980), Tex (1982), Rumble Fish (1983) The Outsiders (1983) and The Flamingo Kid (1984). His career continued to be sucessful after the ’80s. More recently he starred in the series Wayward Pines, where he portrays an American Secret Service Agent.
Matt Dillon
Ralph Macchio
Ralph is better known as Daniel LaRusso from the Karate Kids series. He appeared in some other TV series an films but struggled to shake off his image from the Karate Kids movies. He now lives in California, is married, and has two children.
Ralph Macchio
Neil Patrick Harris
We just adore NPH! He is so talented and handsome. He became famous as a child when he was cast in a drama film ‘ Clara’s Heart’ starring Whoopi Goldberg. He went on to develop an amazing career and is still a household name. One very notable role for him was as Barney Stinson on How I Met Your Mother. He was nominated for 4 Emmy’s for his role. Besides acting, he is also politically involved and is an LGBTQ activist.
Neil Patrick Harris
Troop Beverly Hills’ Jenny Lewis
Jenny Lewis was only 9 when she was on the sitcom Life with Lucy. Her true big break came in 1989 when she played the role of Hannah in the series “Troop Beverly Hills.” She went on to be the lead singer of the very sucessful indie group Rilo Kiley. She is still performing with the band and as a solo artist.
Troop Beverly Hills’ Jenny Lewis
Joey Lawrence played two Joeys in NBC’s Gimme a Break! And Blossom”
Joey Lawrence became famous for his role on ‘Gimme a Break!’ He went on to play another role as a Joey on ‘Blossom.’ Just this year he decided to pursue music and started a band called Still 3. They just released their debut single called “Lose Myself.”
Joey Lawrence Played Two Joeys In NBC’s Gimme A Break And Blossom”
Winona Ryder
Winona became famous playing the gothic teenager in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice. She has played many notable roles since then including opposite Angelina Jolie in Girl, Interrupted. Her most recent role has been in the incredibly popular Netflix series ‘Stranger Things.’ She was awarded a Golden Globe and SAG nomination for her role. Nice job, Winona!
Winona Ryder
