The 80s were a time for big hair and tacky fashion. There were many famous people that flourished more in the 80s than in any other decade. Some of these celebrities are still well known today, but others have faded into obscurity over time. If you look at famous people from the 80s in the US, you will find that many of them have ties to today’s pop culture.
These celebrities include pretty much everyone who ever made a movie or appearance on television during this period (including a few before it too) including Madonna, Michael Jackson, and John Travolta.
Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan, real name Terry Eugene Bollea, is one of the most popular wrestlers in the world. He won his first wrestling championship during the 80s, and continued to have a flourishing career as a wrestler during that time and even beyond it. His popularity during this time was so high that he even had a TV series called “Hogan Knows Best,” a reality show featuring him and members of his family. The show lasted for four seasons.
Paula Abdul
Paula Abdul was the most important singing coach at the time. She was also very popular for her appearance on American Idol and has continued to have a successful solo career since that show ended. During the 80s, she was known as a dynamic performer with scandalous choreography work and an extensive backing band.
Her music was very popular during the 80s and 1990s, and even as a choreographer, she worked with big-time names including Michael Jackson. She has had a successful recording career as a solo artist, with hits like “Rush Rush”, “Cold Hearted,” and “Opposites Attract.” Her debut album, “Forever Your Girl,” set the record at the time for a debut album with the most number-one singles charting on the Billboard Hot 100.
Billy Idol
Billy Idol is one of the most influential musicians of the 80s and 90s. He was known mostly as a part of the pop punk movement in the late 70s, though his popularity continued to the 80s and 90s. He started his career as a guitarist for Chelsea. Later on, Billy formed a band called Generation X, which were moderately popular during this time.
In 1981, however, he set out for a career as a solo artist. He has one of the most highly produced albums of the 80s and produced hits like “Rebel Yell” and “White Wedding.” The Rebel Yell album, in particular, has been certified double platinum by the RIAA.
Tina Turner
Tina Turner is most famous for her contribution to the disco era of the 1970s, and is considered one of the most enigmatic performers and general figures of the decade. Her signature song, “What’s Love Got to Do with It”, which was part of her 1984 multi-platinum album “Private Dancer”, snagged her a Grammy Award for Record of the Year. It has become one of the most successful albums in music history.
As half of the Ike & Tina Turner duo, she released many other hits such as “Proud Mary”, “River Deep, Mountain High”, and “Nutbush City Limits.”
