12 famous actors from the '80s that disappeared from Hollywood — how many can you name?

Michael Winslow brings the world of Police Academy to life as Larvell Jones, aka the sound effects guy. Throwing his voice and imitating gunfire gives an extra splash of the ridiculous to the comedy franchise.

He might have mostly disappeared from our screens but is still working in entertainment with musical stage performances and live comedy appearances. The actor also appeared in Spaceballs as a radar technician, and the comedy classic is getting a highly anticipated sequel in 2027.

Rick Moranis starred in several unmissable '80s hits like Spaceballs, Little Shop of Horrors and Ghostbusters. He worked on Honey I Shrunk The Kids in the late '80s but stepped away from acting to raise his two children following the death of his wife Anne.

Mia Sara starred with Matthew Broderick and Alan Ruck in '86 classic Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Her other noteworthy roles include projects like Legend (1985) and, into the '90s, Timecop (1994).

Her last major role was in 2003, alongside Robert Vaughn and Ron Perlman, but the actress has had something of a comeback in recent years. Following a decade-long break, Mia joined the cast of 2024 Tom Hiddleston drama The Life of Chuck. 

Bobcat Goldthwait was a standout name in '80s comedy, working with Bill Murray in Charles Dickens adaptation Scrooged (1988) and starring in comedy classic Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment. 

In recent years, he's transitioned primarily into voice acting and work behind the scenes as a director. In 2026, he lent his acting skill to Mewgenics, a video game that focuses on selective breeding to grow the "ultimate cat army".

One of Joe Pesci's best known roles cast the actor opposite Robert De Niro in Raging Bull (1980). He continued to find success into the '90s with roles in Goodfellas and My Cousin Vinny. 

Following a 1998 role in Lethal Weapon 4, Joe moved into smaller roles until a comeback with old co-star De Niro in The Irishman. He's since had a couple of roles in comedy and film so a Hollywood comeback is certainly on the cards.

Lou Ferrigno found fame as Marvel's favourite bulky hero The Hulk from the late '70s to '80s. He starred in films like Hercules, The Seven Magnificent Gladiators and Sinbad of the Seven Seas. 

While a household name in the '80s, Lou Ferrigno has largely shifted into much-loved cameo roles on new adaptations of The Hulk and smaller projects, often appearing as himself.

Phoebe Cates starred in '80s classics like Gremlins, Paradise and Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The now-retired actress stepped back from acting in 1994 to raise her two children.

She married husband Kevin Kline in 1989 and the pair share children Greta, known professionally as Frankie Cosmos, and Owen Kline.

Best known as Sam Emerson in The Lost Boys (1987), Corey Haim had several cult classics to his name. He and Corey Feldman, dubbed 'The Two Coreys', signed on for several projects together. The pair would go on to star in License to Drive (1988) and Dream a Little Dream (1989).

The pair would go on to star in License to Drive (1988) and Dream a Little Dream (1989), as well as several direct-to-video films, including a 2008 Lost Boys sequel.

He and Corey Feldman, dubbed 'The Two Coreys' signed on for several projects together, culminating in a reality show which focussed on their battle with drug addiction in the mid-2000s. Corey Haim sadly passed in 2010 from pneumonia.

One of the '80s most well-known leading ladies, Kelly McGillis starred in hits like Top Gun, Witness and The Accused. By the end of the following decade, she chose to step back from the spotlight, focussing on her family and building a grounded life away from the camera. 

Now, she's working full-time at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in South Jersey, supporting women on their own journey to sobriety. "I work a five-day, 40-hour week… It's just an amazing gift to see people come in hopeless and to be given some hope," she told The Oklahoman. 

Beloved heartthrob of Sixteen Candles, Michael Schoeffling starred opposite Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall in the John Hughes classic. With credits in Mermaids and Vision Quest, the actor certainly had an impressive catalogue of roles but opted for a more private life, away from the spotlight.

Michael is currently running a woodworking business in Pennsylvania which reportedly offers hand-crafted furniture. He met wife Valerie while modelling and the pair tied the knot in 1987. They share two children, daughter Scarlett and son Zane. 

Bridget Fonda's career in the '80s, '90s and '00s included projects like Scandal, The Godfather Part III, Single White Female and A Simple Plan. Her last role was in 2002's Snow Queen, the following year Bridget was involved in a serious car crash and soon after left showbiz.

She and husband, composer Danny Elfman, welcomed son Oliver in 2005. Her own family has some impressive star power, with father Peter Fonda, aunt Jane Fonda and grandfather Henry Fonda.

Half of the '80s famous Two Coreys, Corey Feldman worked with Haim on The Lost Boys, License to Drive and Dream a Little Dream. He started acting at just three years old and has been open about the detrimental effect constant work had on his wellbeing.

Feldman appeared with Haim on reality show The Two Coreys in the late 2000s and continues to act today, though his career hasn't reached the same heights as his '80s fame. Corey has been an outspoken activist against the abuse of child stars, speaking bravely of his own experiences in Hollywood.