The 1980s: a decade of big hair, bigger shoulder pads, and television leading men who defined an era. From suave detectives to rugged action heroes, these actors weren’t just stars—they were cultural icons. But time waits for no one, and the bright lights of Hollywood eventually dim for even the brightest stars. Now, decades later, we’re left to wonder: where are they now? Some have continued to grace our screens, others have sadly passed, but all have left an indelible mark on television history. In this video, we’re taking a nostalgic journey back to the 1980s to revisit some of the most memorable male TV stars and leading men of the decade. We’ll fast forward to the present to discover where these icons are now, looking at their most recent or final screen appearances. This is part one, so be sure to subscribe for future installments.

First up is Philip Michael Thomas, who played Rico Tubbs in the hit crime drama Miami Vice. In 1984, Thomas was 35 years old, born on May 26, 1949. Now 74, Thomas portrayed Rico Tubbs in 111 episodes between 1984 and 1989. His last screen appearance was in the 2003 thriller film Fate, where he played Detective Cyprian Reigns. Thomas’s role as Tubbs made him a household name and a symbol of 80s cool.

Next, we have Richard Dean Anderson, who brought Angus MacGyver to life in 1985. Anderson was also 35 at the time, born on January 23, 1950, and is now 73. He played MacGyver in 139 episodes of the action-adventure series between 1985 and 1992. His last screen role was in a 2013 episode of the comedy series Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, where he played himself in a cameo. Anderson’s resourceful character became a pop culture phenomenon, inspiring a reboot and a generation of problem-solvers.

Tom Selleck, the mustachioed heartthrob, played Thomas Magnum in 1980. Selleck was 35 years old, born on January 29, 1945, and is now 79. He starred in 158 episodes of Magnum, P.I. between 1980 and 1988. Currently, he stars in the crime drama Blue Bloods as NYPD Police Commissioner Frank Reagan. Selleck’s portrayal of the laid-back private investigator made him a sex symbol and earned him an Emmy Award.

Tony Danza, known for his role as Tony Micelli in Who’s the Boss?, was 33 in 1984. Born on April 21, 1951, he is now 72. Danza played Tony Micelli in 196 episodes between 1984 and 1992. Today, he stars in the crime drama series Power Book III: Raising Kanan as Stefano Marchetti. Danza’s charming portrayal of a live-in housekeeper endeared him to audiences and showcased his comedic timing.

Ted Danson, the man who made the barstool his throne, played Sam Malone in Cheers starting in 1982. Danson was 35 years old, born on December 29, 1947, and is now 76. He played Sam Malone in 269 episodes of the NBC sitcom between 1982 and 1993. His most recent role is as a fictionalized version of himself in the HBO sitcom Curb Your Enthusiasm. Danson’s portrayal of the womanizing ex-baseball player turned bar owner became the anchor of one of the most beloved sitcoms in television history.

Robert Urich brought hard-boiled charm to the small screen as Spencer in Spencer: For Hire in 1985. Urich was 39 years old, born on December 19, 1946. He tragically died from cancer on April 16, 2002, at just 55 years of age. Urich played Spencer in 65 episodes between 1985 and 1988. His final screen appearance was as Jack in the television drama movie Aftermath, which was posthumously released in 2003. Urich’s battle with cancer was fought with the same quiet dignity he brought to his roles, endearing him to fans forever.

John Schneider, the original Duke boy, played Bo Duke in 1979. Schneider was just 19 years old, born on April 8, 1960, and is now 63. He played Bo Duke in 128 episodes of The Dukes of Hazzard between 1979 and 1985. His most recent role is in the 2024 drama film The Good Fight, where he plays Michael Crawford. Schneider’s youthful energy and daredevil stunts made him a teen idol and a symbol of down-home American fun.

Larry Hagman, the man we all loved to hate, played J.R. Ewing in 1978. Hagman was 47 years old, born on September 21, 1931. He died from cancer on November 23, 2012, at 81 years of age. Hagman played J.R. Ewing in 356 episodes of Dallas between 1978 and 1991. His last television appearance was in an episode of the reality series I Get That a Lot, which was posthumously released in 2013. Hagman’s portrayal of the scheming oil baron created one of the most iconic villains in television history—a character audiences adored to despise.

Pierce Brosnan, the future James Bond, played Remington Steele in 1982. Brosnan was 29 years old, born on May 16, 1953, and is now 70. He played Remington Steele in 94 episodes of the action-adventure comedy series between 1982 and 1987. His most recent role was as Arty Crawford in the 2023 World War II drama film The Last Rifleman. Brosnan’s suave, mysterious charm in the series foreshadowed his eventual ascension to the role of 007.

David Hasselhoff, the man behind the wheel of KITT, played Michael Knight in 1982. Hasselhoff was 30 years old, born on July 17, 1952, and is now 71. He played Michael Knight in 86 episodes of Knight Rider between 1982 and 1986. His most recent role was in the 2022 comedy-thriller series Z Network, where he plays a fictionalized version of himself. Hasselhoff’s talking car and leather jacket became synonymous with 80s action cool, and his international fame—especially in Germany—remains legendary.

Tim Reid, who many remember as the smooth-talking Venus Flytrap, graced our screens in WKRP in Cincinnati starting in 1978. Reid was 34 years old, born on December 19, 1944, and is now 79. He played Venus Flytrap in 87 episodes of the sitcom between 1978 and 1982. His most recent film role was in the 2022 romantic comedy-drama A New Orleans Noel, where he played Marcel. Reid’s portrayal of the hip radio DJ brought a unique energy to the ensemble and remains a fan favorite.

George Peppard, the quintessential tough guy with a twinkle in his eye, played Colonel John “Hannibal” Smith in 1983. Peppard was 55 years old, born on October 1, 1928. He died from pneumonia in May 1994 at 65 years of age. He played Hannibal in 97 episodes of The A-Team between 1983 and 1987. His final screen appearance was in a 1994 episode of Matlock, where he played Max Morgan. Peppard’s love for it when a plan comes together made him an enduring icon of 80s action.

Jan-Michael Vincent, the brooding pilot of Airwolf, played Stringfellow Hawke in 1984. Vincent was 40 years old, born on July 15, 1944. He died of cardiac arrest on February 10, 2019, at 74. He played Hawke in 55 episodes between 1984 and 1986. His last screen role was in the 2002 drama film White Boy, where he played Ron Masters. Vincent’s intense performance and real-life struggles made him a poignant figure in Hollywood history.

Lorenzo Lamas, the dashing Lance Cumson of Falcon Crest, started in 1981 at just 23 years old. Born on January 20, 1958, he is now 66. Lamas played Lance in 228 episodes of the soap opera between 1981 and 1990. His most recent role was a voice part in a 2023 episode of Phineas and Ferb, where he voiced himself. Lamas’s charisma and motorcycle-riding bad-boy image made him a daytime and primetime favorite.

Robert Guillaume, the witty Benson DuBois, first appeared in Soap before headlining Benson in 1979. Guillaume was 52 years old, born on November 30, 1927. He died of prostate cancer on October 24, 2017, at 89. He played Benson in 159 episodes between 1979 and 1986. His final screen appearance was as an interviewee in a 2016 episode of Oprah: Where Are They Now? Guillaume’s sharp comedic timing and dignified presence broke barriers for African-American actors on television.

Gregory Harrison, known as Dr. George Alonzo “Gonzo” Gates on Trapper John, M.D., began in 1979 at 29 years old. Born on May 31, 1950, he is now 73. Harrison played Gonzo in 142 episodes between 1979 and 1986. He currently stars in the daytime soap opera General Hospital as Gregory Chase. Harrison’s transition from primetime drama to daytime television has kept him a beloved figure for over four decades.

Bruce Willis, the king of the smirk, played David Addison Jr. in Moonlighting starting in 1985. Willis was 30 years old, born on March 19, 1955, and is now 68. He played David Addison in 66 episodes between 1985 and 1989. His last screen role was in the 2023 sci-fi action film Assassin, where he played Valmora. Willis’s battle with aphasia has inspired an outpouring of love from fans worldwide, cementing his legacy as one of Hollywood’s most versatile stars.

Robert Wagner, the suave Jonathan Hart of Hart to Hart, began in 1979 at 49 years old. Born on February 10, 1930, he is now 94. Wagner played Jonathan Hart in 111 episodes between 1979 and 1984. His most recent screen appearance was in the 2020 documentary film J. Sebring: Cutting to the Truth. Wagner’s enduring charm and decades-spanning career have made him a true Hollywood legend.

Erik Estrada, the charismatic Officer Frank Poncherello of CHiPs, started in 1977 at 28 years old. Born on March 16, 1949, he is now 74. Estrada played Ponch in 138 episodes between 1977 and 1983. His most recent role was in the 2023 comedy film America: We Salute the Military with Preview of Beauties, where he played himself. Estrada’s portrayal of the motorcycle cop made him a sex symbol and a role model for Latino actors.

John Forsythe, the commanding Blake Carrington of Dynasty, began in 1981 at 63 years old. Forsythe was born on January 29, 1918, and died from pneumonia on April 1, 2010, at 92. He played Blake in 220 episodes between 1981 and 1989. His final screen appearance was in the 2006 documentary Dynasty Reunion: Catfights & Caviar. Forsythe’s authoritative presence and iconic voice—also known as the unseen Charlie in Charlie’s Angels—left an indelible mark on television.

As the montage of these familiar faces fades, we’re reminded that the 1980s were more than just a decade—they were a golden era of television. From the slick streets of Miami to the oil fields of Dallas, these leading men became part of our lives, week after week. Some are gone, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances. Others are still working, proving that talent endures long after the shoulder pads have been packed away.

Their stories—of triumph, tragedy, and reinvention—are as compelling as the characters they brought to life. They made us laugh, cry, and cheer, and for that, we’ll always be grateful. Now, we want to hear from you. Who was your favorite star from this list? And which TV shows from the 60s through the 90s would you like to see featured next?

Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more nostalgic journeys. Until next time, thanks for watching.