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Then: Nicolas Cage -

Nicolas Cage's career began in the '80s with 'Valley Girl' (1983), followed by 'Birdy' (1984), and 'The Cotton Club' (1984). He starred in several hit movies including the Coen brothers' movie 'Raising Arizona' (1987), in which he played the lead role of H.I. McDunnough. In 'Peggy Sue Got married' (1986), Cage portrayed Charlie, husband of the lead character. 

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Now: Nicolas Cage -

Nicolas Cage hasn't lost his charm or success many decades into his acting career. In 2024 alone, he starred in three films. His recent works include 'Arcadian' (2024), which premiered on April 12, 'The Surfer' (2024), released on May 18, and 'Longlegs' (2024), released on July 12. 

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Then: Demi Moore -

Demi Gene Moore rose to fame as a leading actress in the late 1980s. She was best known for her roles in films like 'St. Elmo's Fire' (1985) and 'One Crazy Summer' (1986). By 1995, Demi was one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood.

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Now: Demi Moore -

Moore still looks youthful and remains successful in her career. Her recent work includes 'The Substance' (2024), in which she co-stars as Elisabeth Sparkle.

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Then: Emilio Estevez -

Emilio Estevez debuted in a drama called 'Tex' (1982). He later gained fame in movies such as 'The Breakfast Club' (1985), 'The Outsider' (1983), and 'St. Elmo's Fire' (1985).

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Now: Emilio Estevez -

Estevez is a successful actor and filmmaker. His latest appearance was in a documentary called 'Brats' that explores the experiences of the young '80s stars known as the Brat Pack. His most recent feature film was 'The Public' (2018). 

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Then: Judd Nelson -

Judd Asher Nelson is known for playing roles such as John Bender in 'The Breakfast Club' (1985) and Alec Newbury in 'St. Elmo's Fire' (1985). He also voiced Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime in 'The Transformers: The Movie' in 1986.

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Now: Judd Nelson -

Nelson starred as Josef Fritzl in 'Girl in the Basement' (2021), a film based on a horrifying true story. He also makes an appearance in the documentary 'Brats' (2024). Nelson's most recent release is 'South of Hope Street' (2024).

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Then: Molly Ringwald -

Molly Kathleen Ringwald is best known for starring in films like 'The Breakfast Club' (1985) and 'Sixteen Candles' (1984). Her other works in the '80s include 'Tempest' (1982), 'Pretty in Pink' (1986), 'The Pick-up Artist' (1987).

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Now: Molly Ringwald -

Ringwald is still a successful actress, writer, and translator. She was also a part of the Brat Pack and appears in the documentary 'Brats' (2024).

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Then: Rob Lowe -

Robert Hepler Lowe is an actor, filmmaker, and podcast host. He started his career at the age of 15 with the short-lived sitcom 'A New Kind of Family´(1979-1980) on ABC. Lowe quickly gained fame with roles in 'The Outsider' (1983), 'St. Elmo's Fire' (1985), and 'About Last Night' (1986).

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Now: Rob Lowe -

Lowe is currently working on three shows in different genres. First, he is set to star as 'Captain Owen Strand' on '9-1-1: Lone Star.' Second, he's got a gig as a game show host for a series called 'The Floor.' Lastly, he's working on season two of his Netflix comedy show 'Unstable' alongside his son John Owen.

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Then: Bill Murray -

William James Murray is known for his role in the 'Ghostbusters' franchise. He also starred in countless other hit movies from the '80s, like 'Caddyshack' (1980), 'The Razor's Edge' (1984), 'Scrooged' (1988), and 'Little Shop of Horrors' (1986).

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Now: Bill Murray -

Murray is a successful actor, comedian, and writer. He reprised the role of Peter Venkman in 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife' (2021) and 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' (2024). He has recently starred in other movies such as 'The Friend' (2024), 'Riff Raff' (2024), and 'Ant-man and the Wasp: Quantumania' (2023).

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Then: Ernie Hudson -

Ernest Lee Hudson is known for his role as Winston Zeddemore in the 'Ghostbusters' franchise. Hudson also starred in 'Leviathan' (1989) and 'Spacehunter' (1983).

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Now: Ernie Hudson -

More recently, Hudson has played the lead role of Orlando Duncan in the crime drama 'The Family Business.' He is set to star in an upcoming horror film called 'Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole.'

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Then: Robert De Niro -

Robert Anthony De Niro is an actor and film producer. His movies in the '80s include, 'Once Upon a Time in America' (1984), 'Midnight Run' (1988), and 'The Untouchables' (1987).

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Now: Robert De Niro -

Robert is considered one of the most influential actors of his generation. His more recent films include  'About my Father' (2023), 'Ezra' (2023), and 'Killers of the Flower Moon' (2023).

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Then: Bruce Willis -

Walter Bruce Willis gained fame in the 1980s for his role as John McClane in the 'Die Hard' movies. Willis also gained recognition from the TV series 'Moonlight' (1985-1989), in which he portrays David Addison, a wisecracking detective.

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Now: Bruce Willis -

Bruce Willis acted in over 100 movies during his career, most often making a splash in the action genre. Willis retired in 2022 due to an aphasia diagnosis and has since been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. His last movie was 'Assassin' (2023). 

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Then: Sylvester Stallone -

Actor and filmmaker Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone is widely known for playing the role of Rocky in the hit film series. His other acclaimed films of the '80s include 'First Blood' (1982), 'Cobra' (1986), and the 'Rambo' movies.

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Now: Sylvester Stallone -

The star still looks great in his seventies! He has appeared in over 80 films, some of which include 'The Expendables' and 'Guardians of the Galaxy' franchises.

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Then: Kiefer Sutherland -

Kiefer Sutherland initially gained fame with roles in films such as 'Stand by Me' (1986), 'The Lost Boys' (1987), and 'Renegades' (1989).

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Now: Kiefer Sutherland -

Kiefer Sutherland is best known for his role in the Fox drama series '24.' His recent work includes the TV series 'Rabbit Hole' and the 2024 movie 'Juror.'

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Then: Tom Cruise -

Thomas Cruise Mapother IV is an actor and producer best known for his roles in 'The Outsiders' (1983), 'Top Gun' (1986), and 'Risky Business' (1983). Cruise debuted with a minor role in the romantic drama 'Endless Love' (1981).

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Now: Tom Cruise -

Does Tom Cruise even age? He continues his successful career in the film industry, starring in top-grossing movies such as 'Top Gun: Maverick' (2022) and the 'Mission Impossible' films. 

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Then: Diane Lane -

Lane made her debut in 'A Little Romance' in 1979. She later starred in 'The Outsiders' (1983) along with many other major stars of the '80s.

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Now: Diane Lane -

Lane is still incredibly youthful and continues to land major roles. She voices the mother in the 'Inside Out' films and stars in the 2024 thriller 'Anniversary.'

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Then: Matt Dillon -

Matthew Raymond Dillon debuted in the feature film 'Over the Edge' (1979). He's yet another star who appeared in 'The Outsiders' (1983), which established him as a teen idol.

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Now: Matt Dillon -

More than just a pretty face, Dillon has won multiple awards throughout his successful career. Some recent works include 'Asteroid City' (2023), 'Isla Perdida' (2024), and 'Being Maria' (2024).

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Then: Arnold Schwarzenegger -

Arnold became an international star with 'The Terminator' in 1984. He also starred in the 'Conan' movies, as well as 'Commando' (1985), 'Raw Deal' (1986), and 'Predator' (1987).

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Now: Arnold Schwarzenegger -

The former bodybuilder served as the governor of California from 2003 to 2011. He starred in the 2023 series 'FUBAR' and returns to the big screen with the movies 'Kung Fury 2' and 'Breakout.'

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Then: Geena Davis -

Virginia Elizabeth "Geena" Davis was known in the '80s for her roles in 'The Fly' (1986) and 'Beetlejuice' (1988).

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Now: Geena Davis -

Geen Davis is a widely respected actor, activist, and producer. Davis has her own institute that promotes inclusive representation in film, TV, and advertising. Davis also continues to act and produce. 

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Then: Anthony Michael Hall -

Anthony Michael Hall is best known for roles in the films of John Hughes, like 'Sixteen Candles' (1984), 'The Breakfast Club' (1985) and 'Weird Science' (1985).

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Now: Anthony Micheal Hall -

More recently, Hall has appeared in ABC's 'The Goldbergs.' His recent films include 'Halloween Kills' (2021), 'Trigger Warning' (2024), and 'Air Force: One Down' (2024).

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Then: Eddie Murphy -

Edward Regan Murphy started as a stand-up comedian before gaining stardom as an actor. In the '80s, Murphy starred in hit films like 'Coming to America' (1988), 'Harlem Nights' (1989), and the 'Beverly Hills' franchise.

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Now: Eddie Murphy -

Murphy is widely recognized as one of the most successful comedic actors of all time. He is best known for his roles in the 'Shrek' movies, the 'Dr. Dolittle' franchise, and 'Mulan'(1998).

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Then: Willem Dafoe -

William James Dafoe is widely known for his role as the Green Goblin in 'Spider-Man' (2002). Dafoe's role in 'Platoon' (1986) is what first earned him recognition in the acting world. He also played Jesus in 'The Last Temptation of Christ' (1988).

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Now: Willem Dafoe -

Dafoe's career has only gotten stronger. He recently starred in 'Poor Things' (2023), 'Asteroid City'(2023), 'Kinds of Kindness' (2024), and 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' (2024).

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Then: Paul Reiser -

Paul Reiser is an actor, comedian, and writer. The 'Beverly Hills' star played the role of Micheal Taylor in the sitcom 'My Two Dads'(1987-1990). He later starred in 'Aliens'(1986). 

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Now: Paul Reiser -

More recently, Reiser starred in Netfilx's hit show, 'Stranger Things.' He also plays The Legend in 'The Boys,' and starred in the 'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F' (2024).

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Then: Brooke shields -

Brooke Christa Shields started her career as a model at the age of 11 months. She first gained fame in her acting career with the movie 'Pretty Baby' in 1978. Shields was later known for her roles in 'The Blue Lagoon' (1980), 'Endless Love' (1981), and 'Sahara' (1983).

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Now: Brooke Shields -

In 2023, Shields released a documentary called 'Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields,' which showcases her life growing up as a child model and actress. She was recently seen in the Netflix movie 'Mother of the Bride' (2024).

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Then: Sean Astin -

Sean Patrick Astin is known for his role as Mikey Walsh in 'The Goonies' (1985), and Samwise Gamgee in 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy.

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Now: Sean Astin -

Besides being a successful actor, director, and producer, Astin is also a political activist. He is known for playing the role of Bob Newby in Netflix's 'Stranger Things.' Some recent works include 'The Shift' (2023) and 'Man and Witch' (2024).

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Then: Josh Brolin -

Josh James Brolin also got famous for his role in 'The Goonies' (1985). He starred in the TV series 'The Young Riders,' and the 1986 movie 'Thrashin'.'

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Now: Josh Brolin -

More recently, we see Brolin in 'Deadpool 2' (2018), 'Dune' (2021), 'Dune: Part Two' (2024), and the TV series 'Outer Range.'

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Then: Sigourney Weaver -

Susan Alexandra Weaver is best known for portrayals of action heroines in science fiction and horror films. She quickly gained fame through her lead role in the 'Alien' franchise. Weaver also starred in 'Ghostbusters' (1984).

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Now: Sigourney Weaver -

Weaver appeared in 'Avatar'(2009) as Dr. Grace, who died in part one. In 2022's part two, Weaver was cast to play Kiri, the daughter of Jake Sully. She will continue to star in future parts of the franchise and will also star in 'Mandalorian' (2026).

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Then: Ally Sheedy -

Alexandra Elizabeth Sheedy made her debut in the film 'Bad Boys' (1983). She soon became a member of the Brat Pack, landing roles in 'War Games' (1983), 'Oxford Blues' (1984), 'St. Elmo´s Fire' (1985), and 'The Breakfast Club' (1985).

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Now: Ally Sheedy -

Despite having a successful career in acting, Sheedy became a professor in the theater department at the City College of New York in 2021. She appeared in the drama series 'Single Drunk Female' until 2023.

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Then: Glen Close -

Glen Close rose to fame through her role in 'The World According to Garp' (1982). She established herself as one of the finest performers of her generation. Some of her biggest '80s movies include 'Maxie' (1985), 'Fatal Attraction' (1987), and 'Dangerous Liaisons' (1988).

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Now: Glen Close -

Close is known for her role as Cruella in '101 Dalmations' (1996). Her more recent works include 'Heart of Stone' (2023), and 'The Deliverance' (2024). 

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Then: Michelle Pfeiffer -

Michelle Marie Pfeiffer got her breakthrough with films such as 'Falling in Love Again' (1980), 'Grease' (1982), 'Scarface' (1983), 'Dangerous Liaisons' (1988), and 'Tequila Sunrise' (1988), to name a few.

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Now: Michelle Pfeiffer -

Pfieffer was one of the highest-paid actresses of the 1990s. She was also seen in 'The Prince of Egypt' (1998), 'Dark Shadows' (2012), 'Hairspray' (2007), and the 'Ant-man and the Wasp' movies.

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Then: Melanie Griffith -

Melanie Richards Griffith is the daughter of 1960s star Tippi Hedren. Some of her '80s work includes films such as 'Underground Aces' (1981), 'Body Double' (1984), 'Fear City' (1984), and 'Working Girl' (1988).

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Now: Melanie Griffith -

Griffith later quit acting, saying she couldn't find any worthwhile roles. She also revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that she was diagnosed with epilepsy several years ago. She continues to appear in small roles now and again. 

Sources: (Movieweb) (People) (US magazine) (Entertainment) (IMDb) (Slate)

See also: Then and now: How cinema's finest actors have aged

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