Famous People of the 1980s

Famous Personalities of 1980s

Madonna

Madonna made her debut in the year 1982. This original Queen of Pop soon tasted success withmany chartbusters to her credit. Madonna is also cited to be the 'World's most successful femalemusician' as per the Guinness Book of World Records. This Material Girl soon became an idol for poplovers all over the world. Although Madonna's videos were dogged in controversy, there was nolooking back for this star. This stunning and beautiful singer has won the Grammy Award, AmericanSinger-Songwriter, 9 times so far.

Michael Jackson

If Madonna was the Queen of Pop, Michael Jackson was referred to as the King of Pop. MichaelJackson made his debut at the tender age of eleven. He began his career with the Jackson Five andlater, went on with a solo career. Michael soon became a pop icon with his chartbusting tracks. Hisrevolutionary videos that showcased his breakdancing skills inspired youngsters worldwide to followsuit. He is the sole singer to have received 8 Grammy Awards in a single night. Billie Jean, Beat It,The Way You Make Me Feel, Black or White are only the tip of the iceberg. This talented personalityhas many more hit albums and songs to his name. As is the case with most famous people, MichaelJackson also found himself dogged by controversies. This did not, however, affect the record-breaking sales of all his albums.

George Michael

George Michael tasted success when he became a part of the very popular band Wham. GeorgeMichael won hearts all over the world with his rendition of Careless Whispers and Last Christmas.When George Michael gained success with his solo career in the 80s, there was no looking back forthis talented singer. Such was his magic that George won a Grammy Award in 1988 for the Best RBperformance with vocals. Faith brought more fame and fortune for George in the year 1987. Thiswas also his first solo album. Decked in shiny black boots with a guitar in hand, George Michaelsoared through the music charts and went on to carve a niche for himself in the music industry.

Tom Cruise

Known for his drop dead gorgeous looks, Tom Cruise is the recipient of three Golden Globe Awardsand was also nominated thrice for the Academy Awards. He began his career in the year 1981 with amodest role in Endless Love. It was in the year 1983 which saw the release of Risky Business, whichfinally saw Tom Cruise rising to fame. With Tom Cruise signing on Top Gun, which was released in1986, he was catapulted to fame. This movie soon became the highest grossing film of the year. In1988, with the release of Cocktail followed by Rain Man, Tom Cruise proved that he was definitelyhere to stay.

Martina Navratilova

This determined tennis player sure rocked the world with her brilliant performances. With manytrophies to her credit, Martina was almost like the perfect icon for many. She won her French Openin 1984 and this left-handed tennis star won four Grand Slam Women's Doubles title the same year.The 1980s also witnessed Martina being ranked as the World no. 1 doubles player. Martina mayhave suffered a little setback owing to the emergence of Steffi Graf on the tennis scenario but shebounced back in the year 1987 by beating Steffi in the Wimbledon and U.S. Open finals.

Diana, Princess of Wales

Princess Diana was born in 1961, as the third daughter of Edward John Spencer and Frances RuthBurke Roche. She became the first wife of Charles, the Prince of Wales and the mother of PrinceWilliam, Duke of Cambridge

and Prince Harry of Wales. After marriage, the Princess looked after the royal duties successfully.She was always in spotlight and was known for her loving nature. She was among the mostsuccessful princesses in history and earned unrivaled respect. She died on 31st August 1997 in anunfortunate car crash.

Vivian Richards

Vivian Richards, also known as the Master Blaster, was known for his dynamic batting skills and wasalso a very handy bowler. This strong and forceful personality rose to fame in the 80s. Vivian becamethe captain of over 50 test matches in the 80s. He also saw success when his team won the NatWesttrophy in the year 1983. Vivian Richards also holds the reputation of being the only West Indiescaptain to have never lost any test series.

Richard Gere

This famous actor tasted success in the 1980s. He is best known for his romantic lead roles. RichardGere got his first break in the year 1971. He was seen in Hollywood movies only in the mid 1970s.He became a rage with the release of American Gigolo in the year 1980. This hunky dreamboat of anactor also has the reputation of being the first male ever to be featured on the cover of theglamorous Vogue magazine. Richard Gere had more hits in the subsequent years and is stillconsidered to be hot property!

Apart from these, there are many other celebrities who truly carved a niche for themselves andbecame icons in their representative fields. Some of them are listed below:

Boris Becker

(Tennis)

Linda Lusardi

(Model)

David Bowie

(Musician)

Samantha Fox

(Model and Musician)

Nigel Mansell

(F1 Racer)

Tina Turner

(Pop Star)

Holly Johnson

(Musician)

Christopher Reeve

(Superman, anyone?)

Prince

(Musician)

Clint Eastwood

(of the Good, The Bad and The Ugly fame)

Whitney Houston

(Musician)

Steffi Graf

(Tennis)

Imran Khan

(Cricket)

Ronald Reagan

(Former US President)

Janet Ellis

(TV Presenter)

Wendy James

(Transvision Vamp)

Phillipa Forrester

(Blue Peter Presenter )

Michael Jordan

(Basketball)

Steven Spielberg

(Filmmaker)

Ridley Scott

(Filmmaker)

Ron Howard

(Filmmaker)

Boy George

(Singer-songwriter)

Sylvester Stallone

(Hollywood actor of Rocky and Rambo fame)

Cyndi Lauper

(Musician)

Eddie Murphy

(Stand-up Comedian)

Mike Tyson

(Boxer)

Bill Murray

(Actor, Comedian)

Larry Bird

(Basketball)

Christopher Lloyd

(Actor)

Jon Bon Jovi

(Musician, Singer)

Carl Lewis

(Athlete)

Walter Hill

(Director)

Tom Bailey

(Musician)

Margaret Thatcher

(Former UK Prime Minister)

Steve Martin

(Actor)

Demi Moore

(Actress)

That, more or less, concludes the list of the most prominent celebrities of the 80s, some of whom arestill active on the entertainment and media scene after all these years. After all, real stars neverreally fade away, do they?

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