14 Famous Faces From The 70s & 80s That You Wouldn't Recognise Today

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Courtney Love: Blamed for the death of her superstar husband Kurt Cobain, of Nirvana, by many fans, Courtney had a successful music career and acting career of her own until she spiralled out of control. Unfortunately she fell into drugs. Of course there was the successful music career with Hole that she should be remembered for. Hole sold over 3 million records over 4 albums. Two of those albums went platinum in the USA and Canada. There were also several acting gigs that kept her in the spotlight in the late 90s and early 2000s.She is now 51 and actually quite busy with a lot of projects. She debuted a new single in May of 2015, and recently appeared in the FX show, Sons of Anarchy. She’s also involved with numerous charities.

1/14 Courtney Love: Blamed for the death of her superstar husband Kurt Cobain, of Nirvana, by many fans, Courtney had a successful music career and acting career of her own until she spiralled out of control. Unfortunately she fell into drugs. Of course there was the successful music career with Hole that she should be remembered for. Hole sold over 3 million records over 4 albums. Two of those albums went platinum in the USA and Canada. There were also several acting gigs that kept her in the spotlight in the late 90s and early 2000s.She is now 51 and actually quite busy with a lot of projects. She debuted a new single in May of 2015, and recently appeared in the FX show, Sons of Anarchy. She’s also involved with numerous charities.

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Bridget Fonda: Born with one of the most famous last names in Hollywood, Bridget started acting at the age of 5, in the movie Easy Rider (1969). In the 1990s, Bridget starred in 27 movies. That works out to 3 movies a year. Somehow when the new millennium rolled around, she all but disappeared from public sight. Her breakout role was in The Godfather Part III (1990). She followed that up with so many movies, such as Single White Female (1992). She is currently 51 years old, and is out of the limelight.

2/14 Bridget Fonda: Born with one of the most famous last names in Hollywood, Bridget started acting at the age of 5, in the movie Easy Rider (1969). In the 1990s, Bridget starred in 27 movies. That works out to 3 movies a year. Somehow when the new millennium rolled around, she all but disappeared from public sight. Her breakout role was in The Godfather Part III (1990). She followed that up with so many movies, such as Single White Female (1992). She is currently 51 years old, and is out of the limelight.

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Catherine Bach: So this one might overlap with the 70s a little bit, but the name Daisy Duke was practically used in any conversations that involved beauty, or sexiness in the 80s. Catherine Bach was the reason. She’s a soap opera star on The Young and The Restless since 2012.

3/14 Catherine Bach: So this one might overlap with the 70s a little bit, but the name Daisy Duke was practically used in any conversations that involved beauty, or sexiness in the 80s. Catherine Bach was the reason. She’s a soap opera star on The Young and The Restless since 2012.

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Kelly McGillis: The female lead in Top Gun, the movie that further catapulted Tom Cruise to stardom, was a high school dropout that did have success in her dream of becoming an actress. It’s a pretty bold move for a daughter of a doctor and a housewife with no pedigree in show business. What happened to her? Can she really be that old? Okay, she doesn’t look bad at all but she is only 58. What made her famous? Her break out role was Witness (1985), a thriller where she was an Amish mother. She co-starred with Harrison Ford. A year later she starred in Top Gun. She now teaches acting in Asheville, NC.

4/14 Kelly McGillis: The female lead in Top Gun, the movie that further catapulted Tom Cruise to stardom, was a high school dropout that did have success in her dream of becoming an actress. It’s a pretty bold move for a daughter of a doctor and a housewife with no pedigree in show business. What happened to her? Can she really be that old? Okay, she doesn’t look bad at all but she is only 58. What made her famous? Her break out role was Witness (1985), a thriller where she was an Amish mother. She co-starred with Harrison Ford. A year later she starred in Top Gun. She now teaches acting in Asheville, NC.

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Lil Kim: Lil Kim was a highly successful musician who dominated the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Charts in the late 90s, proving that women could make their mark in that industry. Lil Kim made her mark by selling sexy as much as music. Her image was centred on being provocative with crazy outfits and sexy looks. Her debut album HardCore (1996) spawned 3 consecutive No. 1 Rap Hits - a record for female rappers. She also had 3 platinum albums (only one of two female rappers to do so).

5/14 Lil Kim: Lil Kim was a highly successful musician who dominated the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Charts in the late 90s, proving that women could make their mark in that industry. Lil Kim made her mark by selling sexy as much as music. Her image was centred on being provocative with crazy outfits and sexy looks. Her debut album HardCore (1996) spawned 3 consecutive No. 1 Rap Hits - a record for female rappers. She also had 3 platinum albums (only one of two female rappers to do so).

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Jennifer Jason Leigh: Jennifer was born to actor Vic Morrow, and writer Barbara Turner. At one point in her life, she was voted one of “America’s 10 most beautiful women” by Harper’s Bazaar Magazine, in 1989. What happened to her? Nothing exciting. Just aged naturally and gracefully. The following movies made her famous:Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982), The Hitcher (1986) and Single White Female (1992). She is currently 53 years old, had a child at 48 and still acts. Her recent gigs include the TV Drama Revenge, the 2013 film Kill Your Darlings, and the 2015 film The Hateful Eight.

6/14 Jennifer Jason Leigh: Jennifer was born to actor Vic Morrow, and writer Barbara Turner. At one point in her life, she was voted one of “America’s 10 most beautiful women” by Harper’s Bazaar Magazine, in 1989. What happened to her? Nothing exciting. Just aged naturally and gracefully. The following movies made her famous:Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982), The Hitcher (1986) and Single White Female (1992). She is currently 53 years old, had a child at 48 and still acts. Her recent gigs include the TV Drama Revenge, the 2013 film Kill Your Darlings, and the 2015 film The Hateful Eight.

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Jared Leto: An accomplished actor, musician, director and songwriter, Jared Leto is one of the few people on this list (if not the only person) who has seen success virtually every year since he burst onto the scene in 1994, in the teen drama My So-Called Life. Today he is more famous for what he will do, as for what he has done, as he is slated to play the “Joker” in the upcoming Suicide Squad movie. After achieving cult status with My So-Called Life (1994), he moved on to film appearing in such films as How To Make An American Quilt (1995), Fight Club (1999) and American Psycho (2000). As if that wasn’t enough he formed the band, 30 Seconds to Mars, in 2002, selling over 15 million copies worldwide (over 4 albums). He was still a successful actor throughout that decade. Let’s not forget his Academy Award winning performance in Dallas Buyers Club (2013).

7/14 Jared Leto: An accomplished actor, musician, director and songwriter, Jared Leto is one of the few people on this list (if not the only person) who has seen success virtually every year since he burst onto the scene in 1994, in the teen drama My So-Called Life. Today he is more famous for what he will do, as for what he has done, as he is slated to play the “Joker” in the upcoming Suicide Squad movie. After achieving cult status with My So-Called Life (1994), he moved on to film appearing in such films as How To Make An American Quilt (1995), Fight Club (1999) and American Psycho (2000). As if that wasn’t enough he formed the band, 30 Seconds to Mars, in 2002, selling over 15 million copies worldwide (over 4 albums). He was still a successful actor throughout that decade. Let’s not forget his Academy Award winning performance in Dallas Buyers Club (2013).

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Marilyn Ghigliotti: She is an actress that has had sporadic roles in films over the last two decades, 12 to be exact. Clerks (1994) is where she broke through. She was cast in this role for her ability to cry. She later turned down another role in Chasing Amy, because she was uncomfortable kissing a girl on film. She is currently 54 years old and still Acts. Alien Armageddon (2011) kept her in the public spotlight.

8/14 Marilyn Ghigliotti: She is an actress that has had sporadic roles in films over the last two decades, 12 to be exact. Clerks (1994) is where she broke through. She was cast in this role for her ability to cry. She later turned down another role in Chasing Amy, because she was uncomfortable kissing a girl on film. She is currently 54 years old and still Acts. Alien Armageddon (2011) kept her in the public spotlight.

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Mia Sara: This lady with two first names was actually born Mia Sarapochiello. Those of us in High School in the eighties remember her as Ferris Bueller‘s girlfriend. Believe it or not after striking it big in 1986, she did manage to make a huge number of appearances in film and TV up until a few years ago. What made her famous? Of course Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), but there was also TimeCop (1994) which earned her a Saturn Award for best supporting actress, the only award she ever won. She is now 48 lives in semi-retirement with her last acting job being a short film in 2013.

9/14 Mia Sara: This lady with two first names was actually born Mia Sarapochiello. Those of us in High School in the eighties remember her as Ferris Bueller‘s girlfriend. Believe it or not after striking it big in 1986, she did manage to make a huge number of appearances in film and TV up until a few years ago. What made her famous? Of course Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), but there was also TimeCop (1994) which earned her a Saturn Award for best supporting actress, the only award she ever won. She is now 48 lives in semi-retirement with her last acting job being a short film in 2013.

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Richard Dean Anderson: This guy dreamed of becoming a hockey player, until he broke both his arms. He was an adventurer who once went on a 5600 mile bicycle trek from his home in Minnesota to Alaska. Then he became a soap opera star, before he received his defining role in Hollywood in the 80s. He started out playing Dr. Jeff Weber in General Hospital, between 1976-1981. In 1985, he received his defining role as MacGyver, the ingenious action hero who caught bad guys with science without a gun. That role lasted 7 years. Unlike most actors, he was able to redefine himself five years later on another successful TV series, Stargate SG-1. He is currently 65 years old and retired, but he’s involved with several environmental organizations.

10/14 Richard Dean Anderson: This guy dreamed of becoming a hockey player, until he broke both his arms. He was an adventurer who once went on a 5600 mile bicycle trek from his home in Minnesota to Alaska. Then he became a soap opera star, before he received his defining role in Hollywood in the 80s. He started out playing Dr. Jeff Weber in General Hospital, between 1976-1981. In 1985, he received his defining role as MacGyver, the ingenious action hero who caught bad guys with science without a gun. That role lasted 7 years. Unlike most actors, he was able to redefine himself five years later on another successful TV series, Stargate SG-1. He is currently 65 years old and retired, but he’s involved with several environmental organizations.

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Mickey Rourke An amateur boxer (with a 27 and 3 record), turned actor, turned professional boxer, turned actor again, Mickey has resurrected his career of late in high budget films such as Iron Man II. What happened to him? Between the picture on the left and the picture on the right he was a professional boxer with a not too shabby six wins, no losses and two draws. What made him famous? Movies likeDiner (1983), The Pope Of Greenwich Village (1984), 9 1/2 weeks (1986) and Angel Heart (1987). Though none of them were blockbusters, it was definitely the erotic 91/2 weeks that gained him the most recognition. In the early 90’s he went back to boxing, before making a comeback into mainstream cinema with Sin City (2008). Mickey has won numerous awards over his life, mostly in his comeback years and most of them from his movie The Wrestler, in 2008. In 2014 he did announce that he planned four more professional fights.

11/14 Mickey Rourke An amateur boxer (with a 27 and 3 record), turned actor, turned professional boxer, turned actor again, Mickey has resurrected his career of late in high budget films such as Iron Man II. What happened to him? Between the picture on the left and the picture on the right he was a professional boxer with a not too shabby six wins, no losses and two draws. What made him famous? Movies likeDiner (1983), The Pope Of Greenwich Village (1984), 9 1/2 weeks (1986) and Angel Heart (1987). Though none of them were blockbusters, it was definitely the erotic 91/2 weeks that gained him the most recognition. In the early 90’s he went back to boxing, before making a comeback into mainstream cinema with Sin City (2008). Mickey has won numerous awards over his life, mostly in his comeback years and most of them from his movie The Wrestler, in 2008. In 2014 he did announce that he planned four more professional fights.

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Ralph Macchio: Considered a teen star by just about everyone, Ralph Macchio started his career at 19 on TV, and had his first major breakthrough at 23. What made him famous? The Karate Kid (1984), along with its two successful sequels. He did do a few projects before that, starting his career as a regular on the television sit-com Eight is Enough (1980-1981). In 1992 he had a pivotal role on My Cousin Vinnie. He is now 53 and over the last few years, he’s made many cameos on TV, often times playing himself, with a couple of film appearances along the way.

12/14 Ralph Macchio: Considered a teen star by just about everyone, Ralph Macchio started his career at 19 on TV, and had his first major breakthrough at 23. What made him famous? The Karate Kid (1984), along with its two successful sequels. He did do a few projects before that, starting his career as a regular on the television sit-com Eight is Enough (1980-1981). In 1992 he had a pivotal role on My Cousin Vinnie. He is now 53 and over the last few years, he’s made many cameos on TV, often times playing himself, with a couple of film appearances along the way.

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Mr. T: Actor, wrestler and reality star Mr. T, got his Hollywood start rather late in life. One of twelve children raised by his mum in a 3 room (not bedroom) apartment in Chicago. A wrestling star in high school, he was expelled from University after qualifying with a football scholarship. Working as a bodyguard, he developed his trademark gold chains and haircut, until Sylvester Stallone noticed him one day in a bouncer competition and the rest is history. His signature haircut and his gold chains, along with his appearance in the first WrestleMania where he teamed up with Hulk Hogan was his main gig. He was also in a successful TV show in the 80’s called the A-Team, and the great villain Clubber Lang, in Rocky 3. He now stars in a home-improvement show called I Pity The Tool.

13/14 Mr. T: Actor, wrestler and reality star Mr. T, got his Hollywood start rather late in life. One of twelve children raised by his mum in a 3 room (not bedroom) apartment in Chicago. A wrestling star in high school, he was expelled from University after qualifying with a football scholarship. Working as a bodyguard, he developed his trademark gold chains and haircut, until Sylvester Stallone noticed him one day in a bouncer competition and the rest is history. His signature haircut and his gold chains, along with his appearance in the first WrestleMania where he teamed up with Hulk Hogan was his main gig. He was also in a successful TV show in the 80’s called the A-Team, and the great villain Clubber Lang, in Rocky 3. He now stars in a home-improvement show called I Pity The Tool.

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Pamela Anderson: Sex symbol, Playboy playmate and actress from the 90s, Pamela Anderson’s fame started at birth, having been the first baby born on July 1st, 1967 in Canada, marking the Country’s 100th birthday. One of the most popular series, if not the most popular series in the world at the time, Baywatch (1992-1997), Playboy Cover Girl (1990) and Home Improvement (1991-1993) are what made her famous. Of course the view from the popular red bathing suit from Baywatch pictured above also made her famous.

14/14 Pamela Anderson: Sex symbol, Playboy playmate and actress from the 90s, Pamela Anderson’s fame started at birth, having been the first baby born on July 1st, 1967 in Canada, marking the Country’s 100th birthday. One of the most popular series, if not the most popular series in the world at the time, Baywatch (1992-1997), Playboy Cover Girl (1990) and Home Improvement (1991-1993) are what made her famous. Of course the view from the popular red bathing suit from Baywatch pictured above also made her famous.

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