Can You Recognize These ’80s Superstars?

Olivia Cantor

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About This Quiz

Every person who grew up in the wonderful era of the '80s definitely knows each and every pop culture superstar of that defining decade. Can you name these superstars of film, TV, and music?

Each decade produces great materials from different kinds of artists. These artists can actually set the trend of their given time, and they can also influence each other by being one another's "competition," in a way. Of course, there will always be "duds" in a given batch, just like there will be hopeful trends that will dissipate into time-bound fads only. We also know of artists whose works went that way.

But then there are the superstars, the artists who create many kinds of works, and majority of them are just fantastic. Whether records, films, or TV shows, these superstars became big because they have what it takes: talent, unyielding charisma, and memorable material. Do you remember the 80's well enough to identify all these stars? Do you have your playlist already going? 

Time to find out if you can name all of these '80s superstars from the world of music, movies and TV!

Can you name this music superstar of the '80s who had an album called "True Blue?"

Among the most memorable female superstar to come out of the '80s is none other than Madonna, the singer-dancer who took advantage of the burgeoning MTV-influenced visual culture by morphing her style with every album she released. Her self-titled debut album was released in 1983.

She was writer-director John Hughes' teen flick princess in that decade. What's her name?

Every teen who grew up watching John Hughes films could definitely relate to star Molly Ringwald and her various roles that gave voice to many teen concerns back then. Today, though, she plays the mother of another favorite teen: redhead Archie Andrews in the hit Netflix series "Riverdale."

"The Greatest Love of All" defined a decade and this singer. Can you guess who this musical superstar was?

The '80s won't sound like the '80s without the R&B ballad or dance stylistics of Whitney Houston who gave us great timeless hits. For instance, "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" still resonates with lovelorn people ever since it was released in 1987. Yes, her songs are that powerful and that classic.

This superstar was called "The King of Pop." Do you know his name?

The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, invented the dance style termed Moonwalk, and he danced his way to the hearts of many during the '80s when he embarked on a solo career. He gave us dance-worthy hits like "Beat It," "Smooth Criminal," and even "Billie Jean."

He was the TV superstar of the '80s known for playing Alex P. Keaton. Name the actor!

For movie fans, he's Marty McFly, the time-traveling bungling teen in the "Back to the Future" trilogy. For TV fans, he's Alex P. Keaton, that Republican go-getter from "Family Ties." Michael J. Fox went on to do more movies and TV shows, but these two roles remain his most memorable.

This drummer left Genesis to perform as a solo singer. Who is this English lad?

Phil Collins released around 45 singles as a solo artist, and he has also won Grammy Awards for his musical efforts. He also won an Academy Award for "You'll Be In My Heart," a Best Original Song recipient, and that song is in the soundtrack of the Disney film "Tarzan."

Everybody wore his "Raspberry Beret," in a way. Who was this superstar performer-composer?

The '80s was a time of great music, and the world got to listen to many great artists who began developing their personality during that decade. One of them was Prince, the genius composer and musician.

He was both "Conan The Barbarian" and "Conan The Destroyer" in the '80s. Who's this action hero superstar?

In interviews, Arnold Schwarzenegger mentions that, during his youth in Austria, he dreamed of going to America for more opportunities. Winning the Mr. Universe title at age 20 was his ticket to fame in the land of Uncle Sam later on.

He wasn't "Under Pressure" to team up with Queen, but he did, for this song. Can you name this English superstar?

English singer David Bowie actually started his musical career earlier than the '80s, as he has been making records and touring during the '70s. But he produced many memorable hits during the '80s like "Let's Dance," "Modern Love," and "China Girl."

This Australian Princess of Pop did "The Loco-motion" with us! Who's this superstar from Down Under?

Kylie Minogue started out as a child actress, performing various roles in Australian media productions, particularly in the long-running soap opera called "Neighbours." She then turned to music, and became a pop sensation after releasing many worldwide hits.

It's "True," they went "Through the Barricades" music-wise. Who's this superstar singing group?

Tony Hadley's distinct vocals made Spandau Ballet one of the most popular superstar bands of the '80s. They contributed timeless songs to the British pop landscape of that era, with hits like "Gold," "True," "Only When You Leave," "Lifeline," and "Through The Barricades."

He was one-half of the superstar duo that made up the "Miami Vice" team. What's his name?

TV productions of the '80s also tinkered with style and substance, producing familiar shows with new packaging. Such was the success garnered by "Miami Vice" headlined by Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas. As Sonny Crockett, Johnson made it cool for law enforcers to dress up in style.

He got more superstar movie cred in the '90s for the "Mighty Ducks" films. Who's this '80s heartthrob?

Emilio Estevez was one of the young members of the so-called Hollywood Brat Pack of the '80s. He hit it big by appearing in movies like "The Outsiders," "Repo Man," and of course "The Breakfast Club." He continued to make other great films in the '90s.

"Stand" if you know who this is! What's the name of this alternative pop rock group?

R.E.M. helped establish the alternative rock sound when they came out in the '80s. Some of their hits include "The One I Love," "Orange Crush," and "Stand." But more people got to know them in the '90s thanks to hits like "Shiny Happy People," "Everybody Hurts," and "Losing My Religion."

George Michael was one-half of this superstar singing '80s duo known as what?

George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley were the two English lads who made up Wham! They're known for their catchy '80s hits like the danceable "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and the sexy ballad called "Careless Whisper." After they broke up, George Michael had a more successful solo music career.

There were two superstar movie teens named Corey back then. Which one is this dude?

Corey Haim started out as a Canadian child actor before being cast in Hollywood movie teen roles. In the '80s, he appeared in films like "Lucas," "License to Drive," "Dream a Little Dream," and the hit vampire movie called "The Lost Boys."

He was a TV soap opera star before transitioning to sitcoms. What's the name of this dapper superstar dude?

The '80s heartthrob John Stamos first gained popularity in the TV series called "General Hospital." Eventually, he would also dabble in sitcoms, and got cast in the popular series called "Full House." He never stopped being active on TV, but he also appeared in some films along the way.

Superstar singer Sting came from this superstar band. What's the name of their group?

The English band called The Police gave us classic songs like "Roxanne," "Message in a Bottle," and "Can't Stand Losing You" when they started in the late '70s. They continued this in the '80s with hits like ""Every Little Thing She Does is Magic," "King of "Pain," and "Every Breath You Take."

They were "Hungry Like The Wolf" when they're not being "The Wild Boys." Can you name this superstar group?

Many screaming teens of the '80s knew who Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor, and Simon Le Bon were back then: the members of the wildly popular group Duran Duran. They contributed to the British new wave and synth-pop sound of the era.

"With or Without You," they still experienced a "Sunday Bloody Sunday." Who's the band?

The Irish band U2 has been around since the late '70s, and they have continued to create music and tinker with their musical style since then, producing an eclectic discography with a very diverse sound. The group is composed of Bono, the Edge, Larry Mullen Jr., and Adam Clayton.

He was a TV superstar first before transitioning to become a movie superstar in a "Die Hard" way." Who's this guy?

It is said that the producers of the hit '80s film "Die Hard" were reluctant to cast Bruce Willis in the lead, since he was more of a comedy-drama actor, especially since he was identified with the hit TV series called "Moonlighting" back then. Of course, he proved them all wrong when he stepped in.

We saw her "True Colors" "All Through the Night." Can you identify this singing superstar?

Another familiar superstar voice of the '80s belongs to singer-composer Cyndi Lauper who gave us hits like "Time After Time" and "Girls Just Want To Have Fun." She made more albums and hits, but she also found success on Broadway with her award-winning musical stage composition called "Kinky Boots."

When she wasn't "Romancing The Stone," she was in "The War of the Roses." Can you guess who?

Kathleen Turner was one of the most popular actresses of the '80s who appeared in many films that also defined that era. Some of her '80s filmography include "Body Heat," "Romancing The Stone," "Prizzi's Honor," "Peggy Sue Got Married," and "The War of the Roses," to name a few.

The other "Corey" of '80s teen flicks was this Michael Jackson dance impersonator. What's his name?

Corey Feldman appeared in '80s movies like "The Goonies," "Gremlins," and "Stand By Me" before being packaged with Corey Haim as "The Two Coreys" of Hollywood, making movies and TV shows together until Haim's death. Feldman still remained active in the entertainment business after that.

He was a certified member of the '80s Brat Pack. Can you guess who?

Brat Pack member Andrew McCarthy is an '80s superstar with hit movies like "Weekend at Bernie's," "Mannequin," "Pretty in Pink," "St. Elmo's Fire," and "Less Than Zero," to name a few. Since the 2010s, he has also been busy behind the camera as a TV director of series like "Orange is the New Black."

He's "Rambo," "Rocky," and "Cobra," too. Who's this muscled movie superstar?

Sylvester Stallone is an undeniable action movie superstar who started appearing in films in the '70s, became one of the most bankable actors of the '80s and '90s, and still continues to make action movies now. He got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1984.

They were the early faces of the British new wave! Who's this synth-sounding superstar band?

Dave Gahan's distinct voice, as well as his bandmates' distinct style of music, made Depeche Mode popular during the '80s. Some of their hit songs include "Just Can't Get Enough," "Everything Counts," "People Are People," "Master and Servant," "Somebody," and "Strangelove," to name a few.

He was the "Piano Man" "For The Longest Time." What's the name of this superstar musician?

Piano man Billy Joel has been making timeless tunes since the '70s with notable hits like "Just The Way You Are," "She's Always A Woman," and "Honesty," to name a few. His '80s hits include "Tell Her About It," "Uptown Girl," "The Longest Time," and "We Didn't Start The Fire," among others.

He was a "Beverly Hills Cop" who wanted to "Party All The Time." Who's this superstar comedian-singer?

Primarily a stand-up comedian who transitioned to become a comedy actor, Eddie Murphy was also a musician at one point in his lengthy superstar career. He received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1996, the same year he starred in the film remake of "The Nutty Professor."

He was the "Knight Rider" of the '80s. Who's this generational superstar?

David Hasselhoff is one of those superstar celebrities who has been dabbling in many fields for decades, but he's mostly recognizable as a TV actor. He gained popularity in the '70s in "The Young and the Restless." The '80s found him starring in the sci-fi series "Knight Rider" and "Baywatch."

He was in "Fletch" and "The Caddyshack," too. Who's this comedian?

Chevy Chase is a well-known comedian who was part of the original line-up of "Saturday Night Live" cast members. He was the very first anchor of the Weekend Update segment of the show, which also became a celebrity vehicle for other comedians after him.

They had "One Vision" to be "Radio Ga Ga." What's the name of this superstar rock band?

English rock band Queen had a resurgence of popularity in 2018, thanks to the biopic featuring frontman Freddie Mercury, as portrayed by Rami Malek. While many criticized the film for its fictitious weaving of some real events, crowds still loved it for the music.

He was "Overjoyed" to be a "Part-Time Lover." Can you name this music superstar?

Stevie Wonder proved that being blind is no hindrance to success, as his superstardom can attest. He is included in the tally of the best-selling musicians of all time, with many hit records since the '60s. Some of his '80s hits include "Lately," and "Ebony and Ivory" with Paul McCartney.

He used to have an animalistic middle name in the '80s, but he dropped it now. Can you name this singing star?

Farm Aid founder John Cougar Mellencamp decided to drop that second name and now goes with John Mellencamp only. His influential '80s hits include "Hurts So Good," and "Jack & Diane." He was the face of heartland rock back then.

He remained in "My Hometown" in the '80s before roaming the "Streets of Philadelphia" in the '90s. Who's this superstar singer?

Singer and songwriter Bruce Springsteen is perhaps widely known then and now for one particular song: "Born in the U.S.A." He has been releasing singles since the '70s and has 70 to his credit. The video for his '80s hit "Dancing in the Dark" was pivotal for discovering actress Courtney Cox.

He's the ultimate teen geek in '80s films. Can you name this guy?

Anthony Michael Hall is that lanky teen geek in '80s films such as "The Breakfast Club," "Weird Science," "Sixteen Candles," and "National Lampoon's Vacation." He became a hunky bully, though, in 1988's "Edward Scissorhands." He also became active in TV.

She witnessed "St. Elmo's Fire" before being a "Ghost." Who's this once-highest paid movie superstar?

Demi Moore's colorful film career started to rise by being in the '80s Brat Pack films. In the '90s, she came to her own career-wise, by transitioning to meatier adult roles in films like the wildly popular "Ghost," "A Few Good Men," and "Indecent proposal."

He liked "Dancing on the Ceiling" "All Night Long." "Hello," can you name this superstar singer of the '80s?

Lionel Richie definitely made '80s music colorful with his contributions as a solo artist, with hits like "Endless Love," "Truly," "Stuck on You," "Say You, Say Me," and many more. In the '70s, he was the lead singer of The Commodores, performing hits such as "Three Times A Lady,"and "Easy."

She was feeling "Out of the Blue" when she gets "Lost in your Eyes." Who was this '80s teen singing sensation?

Debbie Gibson hit it big in the music scene when she was only a teen, helping define the pop sound of the late '80s with dance hits like "Electric Youth," "Out of the Blue," "Only in my Dreams," and ballads like "Lost in Your Eyes," "No More Rhyme," and "Foolish Beat."

He became an '80s TV teen superstar thanks to some "Growing Pains." Can you name this actor?

Teen heartthrob Kirk Cameron was big in the '80s as Mike Seaver in the hit TV series "Growing Pains." He also appeared in some movies. Since becoming a Christian, he has redirected his life away from the usual mainstream media industry and chose to focus on Christian-themed media productions and supporting conservative politicians.

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