The 1980s were a decade of big dreams, bold styles, and unforgettable icons—and no one embodied the spirit of the era more than the stunning women who defined it. From screen legends to music superstars, these trailblazing women captivated audiences with their talent, beauty, and charisma. Whether they were dominating the silver screen, topping the charts, or setting fashion trends, they became symbols of confidence and individuality. Their influence still resonates today, reminding us why the ’80s were such a magical time. Get ready to revisit the legendary women who made the decade unforgettable!
Jamie Lee Curtis
In 1980 Jamie Lee Curtis was only a couple of years removed from her breakout role in Halloween, and to hear her tell it that role came to her completely by accident. Had it not been for her getting fired from her first major television role she wouldn’t have been free to work with John Carpenter. She told the New York Times, “My mother was protecting me from being a child in the movie business. Later, I got a part on the ABC sitcom Operation Petticoat. I was fired, and I was devastated. Had I not been fired, I wouldn’t have been available for Halloween. As my Jewish family would say, it was bashert — meant to be. I didn’t give it a second thought that it was a horror movie, and my mom had been in a horror movie.”
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Christie Brinkley
Christie Brinkley is one of the most well known supermodels on the planet. She’s appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated eight times – including three consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit covers in 1979, 1980 and 1981. At that point in time no model had ever graced the cover of the swimsuit issue that many times. As one of the most in demand models of the era Brinkley toured the world and was photographed in some of the most exotic locations. She finally retired from the game in 2004 but we still love thinking about her timeless looks from the gnarliest decade.
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Jane Leeves
Before she was a fixture of our television screens in the ‘90s Jane Leeves was a mainstay on the Benny Hill Show as one of “Hill’s Angels,” his all woman all the time comedy and dance troupe that appeared in many of the British funnyman’s televised sketches. Not one to rest on her laurels, Leeves quickly moved to the stage before transitioning to regular television work. Even though she didn’t get a lot of lines on the Benny Hill Show it’s obvious that she was able to learn a thing or two about comedy from her saucy British boss.
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Heather Locklear
Tommy Lee and Heather Lockelear were one of the hottest couples of the 1980s. He was playing drums in Motley Crue and she was on TJ Hooker and Dynasty. Even though she was a goodie two shoes she couldn’t help fall for his boyish charms. According to Lee he almost blew his chance with Locklear because he confused her for another Heather. He explained, “I go ‘You’re on TV right now.’ And she’s quiet for a second and then she goes ‘Tommy, that’s Heather Thomas, that’s not me.’ … And I’m like, oh my God, I’m an idiot.”
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Sofia Vergara
Growing up in Barranquilla, Colombia Sofia Vergara never thought that she would be the highest paid actress on television. In the ‘80s acting wasn’t even on her radar, but after she was scouted for a Pepsi commercial at the age of 17 she realized that she was camera ready. Although, as she told Harper’s Bazaar she didn’t want to be an artist, just funny, “I never thought I could act, or acting was for me. I’ve never been artistic. I always knew I was funny; I was the class clown, but I never thought to make money out of it or to be professional.”
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