Hulk Hogan: Larger Than Life
By Michael Nazarewycz In 1982, when I was 13 years old, I saw Rocky III. The action in the film, a lesser entry in the Rocky franchise, is built around the fights that take place between Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) and Clubber Lang (Mr. T). But in an early scene, Rocky has a charity exhibition “fight” against a professional wrestler named Thunderlips. Seriously. Thunderlips. So, Thunderlips (because repeating it just never gets...
Patrick Nagel — Art in the 80s
It’s not often that a single person can take responsibility for defining a large part of a decade’s visual motif, but it would be hard to deny the impact that artist Patrick Nagel had on the 1980s. From his contributions to Playboy to his dabblings with music industry icons, Nagel would create a style so uniquely his own that is work is still easily recognized today. Yet, his style was more than just his own; it would become...
Rock Star / Model Couples of the 80s
By Julie Anderson A Tale as Old as Time… She’s a devastating beauty, paid big bucks to wear expensive clothes and be photographed. It’s fun being gorgeous and all, but she’s looking for some excitement and romance… He’s a successful rock star, whose face and music are known the world over. He’s had his share of groupies, but he’s ready for a steady girlfriend, the younger the better… They meet. Birds sing, shutters...
The Wonder Years’ Winnie Cooper Grows Up
If you thought Winnie Cooper was cool in The Wonder Years (1988-1993), just look at her now. Danica McKellar is a bona fide math whiz, and she’s written best-selling math books for girls. After her run as Kevin Arnold’s love-interest/buddy on the classic 80s sitcom The Wonder Years, McKellar went to UCLA. She explains on her website (www.danicamckellar.com) that she was afraid of math, but took some classes to challenge herself. It’s...
MTV’s Origins in the 80s
On August 1, 1981, something happened to cable television – something that would define pop culture, change generations, and shape an industry. That something had a name. The name was MTV. It launched at 12:01 in the morning, ushered in by John Lack (then the Executive Vice President of Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment) saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll.” And so it began. Prior to 1981, MTV didn’t...
Who’s That Actor?
Actors and Their 80s Beginnings Fortunately, the 80s were pre-internet and pre-digital, so little awkward proof remains (except for what gets dug up and posted on facebook). But if you were a budding celebrity, there’s plenty of celluloid documenting your rockin’ 80s look. In fact, some of today’s biggest names got their start in the 80s in some unlikely places: George Clooney: Before Dr. Ross, Clooney was learning The Facts of Life....
Top 5 Mega-Music Babes of the 80s
By Ryan Zimmerman Ryan here. Back again with this week’s top 5: Top 5 Mega-Music Babes of the 80s. Now, I know Madonna, Janet, etc. were all truly overflowing with babe-itude. But, as usual, I’ve tried to stick with those that peaked or had their most successful runs in the 80s. You disagree with their 80s stardom status? Well, this is my column, and I’m picking who I want. So enjoy! 5. Stacey Q “Stacey Who?,” you might...
Top 5 Most Annoying TV Characters From The 80s
By Ryan Zimmerman Hey Everyone — it’s Ryan, back with my weekly Top 5. This week’s list is “The most annoying TV characters from the 80s” — enjoy! 5. Dave Coulier as “Joey Gladstone” AND Andrea Barber as “Kimmy Gibbler” Full House: Too incredibly annoying to pick just one, Joey and Kimmy storm onto our countdown at #5. Joey was a comedian — although his jokes were as lame as Bob Saget’s . . . well . . . as lame as Bob Saget....
Top 5 Movie Babes of the 80s
By Ryan Zimmerman Hey, it’s Ryan — and I am back again with my weekly countdown. This week’s countdown is: Top 5 Movie Babes of the 80s. These bodacious babes sizzled on the big screen. 5. Amanda Peterson as Cindy Mancini Can’t Buy Me Love : Donned in her all white, fringe, suede jacket, Cindy made a “Man”-cini out of teen boys across the country. Captain of the cheerleaders, She Rah-Rah’d for Ronald Miller (after he paid her)...
Top 5 Movie Bad Guys (and Girls) from the 1980s
By Ryan Zimmerman Hi everyone—this is my first of many, I hope, Top 5 countdowns of various topics from the most beloved decade – the 1980s. 5. Dolph Lundgren as “Ivan Drago” in Rocky IV In 1985, Rocky IV brought us the man-beast known as Ivan Drago. Drago took to the ring and ended Apollo Creed’s career, and life, in an unparalleled beating. Rocky had enough of Drago’s “if he dies, he dies” mentality, and takes him on in a...
Corey Feldman Voted Favorite 80s Corey
In a yearlong online poll at liketotally80s.com, Corey Feldman is the runaway winner of the Favorite Corey poll. The poll asks site visitors to choose their favorite Corey among 80s greats Corey Haim, Corey Hart, and Corey Feldman. Over 4,800 80s fans voted, with Feldman garnering 56% of the total votes. He was followed by Corey Haim with 25% of the votes. Corey Hart brings up the rear with 20%. Feldman and Haim achieved early stardom...
Time Magazine’s Person of the Year: 1980 – 1989
We can tell a lot about a decade by the people (or things in this case) chosen by Time Magazine as their person of the year. It gives us a sense of the important events and societal changes that were going on during the 1980s. 1980 Ronald Reagan (b.1911–d.2004) 1981 Lech Wałęsa (b.1943) 1982 The Computer (first non-human “abstract” chosen) 1983 Ronald Reagan (b.1911–d.2004) (2nd time) & Yuri Andropov...
Then & Now: Soleil Moon Frye
Ever wonder what happened to the cute and spunky Soleil Moon Frye, star of the 80s feel good show Punky Brewster? Well, here’s the scoop (and pictures) that tell it all. Then: She began acting at age two after seeing both her father and brother in their TV roles. She went on to be the star of the 80s family show, Punky Brewster (1984-1988), Soleil Moon Frye captured hearts and taught valuable everyday lessons to viewers. Where...
Then & Now: Lee Horsley
Ever wonder what happened to the uber-hunky Lee Horsley, star of the 80s detective show, Matt Houston? Well, here’s the scoop (and pictures) that tell it all. Then: Star of the 80s detective show, Matt Houston, Lee Horsley hit his peak in fame in the mid 1980s. He starred in several other roles on big 80s shows like Dynasty and The Love Boat. Where is Lee now and what is he up to? Take a look below. Then… Now…...
World Leaders, Bombs, and Bombshells
Conjuring up images of the 80s often leads to visions of spandex and outrageously big hair, but with the decade change there also dawned a new era of conservatism that seemed to directly clash with the extreme pop culture of the time. The swaggering screen-gem Ronald Reagan, President of the United States for nearly the entire decade, ushered in Reaganomics. He also sent some not-so-friendly bombs to then-Libyan leader Muammar...
