What 16 “It Girls” of the ’80s and ’90s That Everyone Had a Crush on Look Like Today

Being an “it girl” isn’t anything new. In fact, this term first appeared in London around the twentieth century, used to describe highly popular women in society. But it wasn’t until the ’80s and ’90s, when modern TVs started appearing in everyone’s homes, that these “it girls” started to gain massive celebrity status. Everyone who grew up back then either wanted to be like them or wanted to date them.

So let’s take a trip down memory lane and let Bright Side lead us on a journey to find out how these women look today and what they’re up to.

1. Liv Tyler

The famous daughter of rockstar Steven Tyler, Liv Tyler became famous by starring alongside Alicia Silverstone in Aerosmith’s “Crazy” music video in 1993. She then became more mainstream after starring in The Lord of the Rings movie saga and in her latest work on a YouTube series, Reunited Apart.

2. Elizabeth Hurley

This English actress and model first became known as Hugh Grant’s girlfriend, but soon she was able to make her own name in the business. She was the face of Estée Lauder ads and starred as Austin Power’s girlfriend in the 1997 hit blockbuster. We can still see her on TV and on social media.

3. Denise Richards

Best known for her roles in Starship Troopers (1997), Wild Things (1998), and as a Bond girl in 1999, Denise Richards was an instant bombshell with her big blue eyes and blonde hair. She later starred in the reality show, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills until 2020.

4. Michelle Pfeiffer

Born in 1958, Michelle Pfeiffer became famous with her breakthrough role in Scarface in 1983, but her role as Catwoman in Batman Returns (1992) really cemented her success. We will soon be able to see her again in the upcoming Showtime TV series, The First Lady.

5. Heather Locklear

Heather Locklear was on everyone’s TV when she starred as Amanda Woodward on Melrose Place. Because of this role, she was nominated for 4 consecutive Golden Globes and was named one of People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People, twice. Her latest TV appearances were on the 2016 TV series, Too Close to Home, and in an appearance on Fresh Off the Boat in 2017.

6. Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate is an American actress that hit fame by starring as Kelly Bundy on the sitcom, Married... with Children. She continued acting and now has the lead role in the Netflix series, Dead to Me, which earned her 3 Emmy Award nominations and a Golden Globe Award nomination.

7. Brooke Shields

Initially a child model, Brooke Shields gained widespread notoriety for her role in The Blue Lagoon (1980). She recently had a recurring role in the TV series, Jane the Virgin, and made an appearance in the Mexican movie, My Boyfriend’s Meds.

8. Kim Basinger

A beauty symbol of the 1980s and 1990s, Kim Basinger became well known for her role as a Bond girl in the 1983 movie and as Vicki Vale in Tim Burton’s Batman (1989). Her latest appearances occurred in 2018 when she acted in the last 2 movies of the Fifty Shades trilogy.

9. Cindy Crawford

During the 1980s and 1990s, Cindy Crawford was world-famous as one of the very first supermodels. Her mole became a trademark, as she appeared in several magazine covers, music videos, and beauty campaigns. Although she quit full-time modeling in 2000, she still makes runway appearances for a few brands.

10. Meg Ryan

Forever “America’s sweetheart,” Meg Ryan hit the box office in the 1980s with her role in the movie, Top Gun. She also starred in the comedy, When Harry Met Sally, which earned the actress her very first Golden Globe nomination. She is now trying herself behind the scenes as a director.

11. Alicia Silverstone

At the age of 16, Alicia Silverstone already gained the title of “teen idol” after her appearance in the music video, “Cryin’,” by Aerosmith. But it wasn’t until she starred in Clueless (1995) that she became world-famous. Nowadays, she has a cookbook and stars in the Netflix series, The Baby-Sitters Club.

12. Molly Ringwald

Everyone wanted to be Molly Ringwald’s friend back in the ’80s. After starring in 3 big movies, like Sixteen Candles (1984), The Breakfast Club (1985), and Pretty in Pink (1986), she established herself as a teen idol. She now has a recurring role on The CW television series, Riverdale.

13. Pamela Anderson

Best known as a blonde bombshell model, Pamela Anderson found fame participating in the TV series, Baywatch, from 1992 to 1997. Her latest works were as a contestant on the ninth season of France’s Dancing with the Stars in 2018 and as a guest star in 2 episodes of the hit reality show, The Hills: New Beginnings.

14. Cyndi Lauper

Grammy-winner Cyndi Lauper was the first female artist with a debut album to achieve 4 top-5 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1983. She still rocks the colorful hair and eccentric clothing that made her famous, and we can see her on various TV shows now and then.

15. Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder became world-famous in Tim Burton’s movie, Beetlejuice, and continued to be in the public eye by also starring in Edward Scissorhands (1990) and Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992). Today, we can see her in the Netflix series, Stranger Things, and in the HBO limited series, The Plot Against America.

16. Demi Moore

Born in 1962, Demi Moore can be recognized anywhere in the world thanks to her role in Ghost, which also earned her a nomination for a Golden Globe. She can be seen today in the TV series, Brave New World, and Dirty Diana.

Who was your biggest idol when you were a teen?