The Rising Stars Of ’80s: Celebrities Who Changed Hollywood And Made History

Phoebe Cates – Gremlins

You might remember the beautiful Phoebe Cates from “Gremlins.” Although she withdrew from showbiz in the early 2000s, she was so passionate about being a star earlier in life that she left her modeling career to pursue acting. It’s safe to say she was quite successful, as “Gremlins” is widely regarded as one of the most popular comedy horror classics.

Since leaving the industry, Cates has devoted her time to her family and a boutique she owns on Madison Avenue in New York. She reappeared on the radar in 2015 when she voiced a “Gremlins” character for the video game “Lego Dimensions.”

Rebecca De Mornay – Risky Business

Rebecca De Mornay starred alongside Tom Cruise in “Risky Business.” Many consider that movie to be Tom Cruise’s breakout role, and the same can be said for De Mornay. While the younger generation might recognize her as Dorothy Walker in “Jessica Jones,” ’80s fans will fondly remember her as the call girl Lana in “Risky Business.”

De Mornay found further success as her career progressed, contributing to her continued presence in the industry. In 2021, she reprised her guest role as Penelope Decker in “Lucifer.”