As we step back into the vibrant world of 1980s television, nostalgia takes center stage, celebrating the handsome male actors who became household names during this iconic decade. From heartthrobs to action heroes, these stars captivated audiences and left a lasting impact on the small screen.
Philip Michael Thomas, known for his role as Rico Tubbs in the crime drama “Miami Vice,” was a leading figure in the ’80s. Now at 74, he made his last screen appearance in the 2003 thriller “Fate.” Similarly, Richard Dean Anderson, who played Angus MacGyver, is 73 and last appeared in a 2013 episode of “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23.”
Tom Selleck, the beloved Thomas Magnum from “Magnum P.I.,” is now 79 and continues to shine as NYPD Commissioner Frank Reagan in “Blue Bloods.” Meanwhile, Tony Danza, who charmed audiences in “Who’s the Boss,” is 72 and currently stars in “Power Book III: Raising Kanan.”
Ted Danson, famous for his role as Sam Malone in “Cheers,” is now 76 and has taken on a fictionalized version of himself in HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Sadly, Robert Urich, who played Spencer in “Spencer for Hire,” passed away in 2002, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.
John Schneider, now 63, continues to work in film, with a recent role in the drama “The Good Fight.” Conversely, the late Larry Hagman, who gained fame from “Dallas,” is remembered for his iconic portrayal of J.R. Ewing until his death in 2012.
Others like David Hasselhoff, 71, and Bruce Willis, 68, remain active, with Hasselhoff appearing in the 2022 series “Z Network,” while Willis’s most recent role was in the 2023 sci-fi film “Assassin.” As we reflect on the careers of these stars, we celebrate their contributions to television history and look forward to what future installments will reveal about the legends of the small screen.