How many of these 80s TV and movie icons do you recognise today? --[Reported by Umva mag]

Test your eighties knowledge in our quiz.

Oct 6, 2024 - 08:10
How many of these 80s TV and movie icons do you recognise today? --[Reported by Umva mag]
The unrecognisable 80s icons
How many of these 80s TV and movie icons do you recognise today? (Picture: REX/Getty)

The 1980s has given us some of the biggest names in film and TV.

But it was 40 years ago since the decade reigned supreme (we know, it makes us all feel ancient), so our memories of its hottest stars might be a little hazy.

As the years have passed, celebs have moved on from the roles that rocketted them to fame in the 80s, moving to different mediums and some taking a step back from the limelight.

As you would expect now four decades have passed, many of the most recognisable stars of the 80s look nothing like the roles we may associate them with.

Here, we’ve rounded up 10 stars from the era to test your film and TV knowledge. How many can you name?

1.

Cybill Shepherd wearing a black satin top and a black sequinned blazer while attending an event
They’re no stranger to the big screen – but do you recognise them now? (Picture: David Crotty/Getty Images)

It has been 35 years since this actor’s hit TV show ended, but they’ve still stayed in the spotlight.

The actress had her breakthrough role in the 1971 coming-of-age drama The Last Picture Show alongside Jeff Bridges, before nabbing roles in The Heartbreak Kid, Taxi Driver and Alice.

They then starred alongside Bruce Willis in the hit detective comedy Moonlighting which ran from 1985 until 1989.

Click here to reveal the answer.

2.

This 80s heartthrob had legions of people fall in love with him while starring in Just Good Friends from 1983 to 1986.

He also had a villainous role in EastEnders, as well as previously having a blossomming pop career.

Click here to reveal the answer.

3.

Debra Winger smiling at an event wearing a black suit jacket, a blue shirt, and a patterned scarf
She has been nominated for Golden Globe and Bafta Awards (Picture: Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

An Officer and a Gentleman and Terms of Endearment simply would not have been the same without this Hollywood icon.

But her most iconic role came in 1980 romantic drama Urban Cowboy with John Travolta, in which she was nominated for multiple awards.

Click here to reveal the answer.

4.

Linda Lusardi wearing a gold sequined suit with a white top
She was a poster girl for the 1980s (Picture: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Hearst)

The London model first rose to fame at the age of 18 when she began posing for pictures as a page 3 girl in The Sun.

She went on to appear in Mayfair and Fiesta before making a move into the world of acting with roles in Emmerdale, The Bill, and various reality TV shows.

Click here to reveal the answer.

5.

Cassandra Peterson at The First Omen premiere wearing a black dress
She’s one of the most recognisable faces in horror – when she has her costume on (Picture: Frazer Harrison/WireImage)

In costume, you would recognise this TV icon as she has embodied the same horror icon for 40 years.

Throughout her career, the star has appeared Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, JJ Villard’s Fairy Tales, Red Riding Hood, and Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.

Click here to reveal the answer.

6.

Nigel Planer smiling at an event wearing grey trousers, a blue shirt, and a grey jacket
No one ever listened to him anyways, but do they recognise him? (Picture: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage)

This actor has been making us laugh for generations, but you may not recognise him not in costume in one of the 80s most iconic comedy shows.

He most recently appeared in TV series There She Goes, but has also had roles in Lockwood & Co, Dreamland, Inside No. 9, Death in Paradise, and more than 100 other credits.

Click here to reveal the answer.

7.

Tami Stronach at the premiere of Man and Witch wearing a black glitter skirt and a black satin top with a matching shirt
The actor recently returned to the big screen (Picture: Rob Kim/Getty Images)

She rose to fame in the 80s, but she might be harder to recognise now as she was just 10 when she had her breakout role.

But despite the runaway success of her first feature role, the film star purused a career in theatre and dance – making her comeback 40 years on in Man and Witch: The Dance of a Thousand Steps.

Click here to reveal the answer.

8.

Jenny Powell smiling at an event wearing a silver dress
She is still an icon in the music world (Picture: Mike Prior/Redferns)

If you were a Top Of The Pops fan, you will surely recognise this 80s star.

She also presented children’s television show No Limits as well as smash hit game show Wheel of Fortune.

Click here to reveal the answer.

9.

Lethal Weapon fans will be kicking themselves if they don’t recognise this legendary actor.

She has also had small screen roles in small screen in Blue Bloods, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and the 2022 film She Said.

Click here to reveal the answer.

10.

Diana Moran smiling while posing for photos at an event. She is wearing a black dress and a pink coat with a matching beaded necklace
Fitness fans are sure to remember this face (Picture: Tim P. Whitby/Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Breast Cancer Care)

Between 1983 and 1987, this star was a regular face on the popular exercise segment of BBC1’s Breakfast Time programme.

She has gone on to appear in music videos, present her own radio shows, and regularly appear on Five’s The Wright Stuff.

Click here to reveal the answer.

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