Blondes, apparently, do it better – and if this list is anything to go by, there might be a little truth to the well-used phrase. These Hollywood bombshells broke the 'dumb blonde' stereotype several times over, finding success on screen in the '80s and building fruitful careers that are still going today.
Read on to find out what happened to your favourite golden-haired bombshell of the decade and take a look back at their '80s glamour shoots (warning: excessive hairspray contained within).
© Getty ImagesHeather Locklear is still sporting her signature blonde do
Heather Locklear
Not many '80s blondes could boast the bouffant Heather Locklear was famous for, achieving volume most of us dream of. Through the decade, her hair was full of secrets as Sammy Jo Carrington on Dynasty.
The T.J. Hooker actress is still working today, most recently appearing in 2024's Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story and 2021's Don't Sweat the Small Stuff: The Kristine Carlson Story.
© Sygma via Getty Images,Getty ImagesKim Basinger is now more often working as a voice actor than an onscreen star
Kim Basinger
Lead of 9 1/2 Weeks (1986) and Batman (1989), Kim Basinger ruled the '80s, crowned with her signature blonde tresses. We're still taking inspiration photos to the hairdresser's today!
The Oscar-winning actress has recently been lending her skills from the recording booth, voicing a character in the video game Crime Boss: Rockay City (2023) and animated short Back Home Again (2021). According to IMDb, she's currently working on another animated feature, Getting Lost.
© Corbis via Getty Images,WireImage via Getty ImagesMichelle Pfeiffer found fame in the '80s and is still a favourite today
Michelle Pfeiffer
Are there any celeb cheekbones as iconic as Michelle Pfeiffer's? We don't think so. The actress found fame with a series of star features in Scarface (1983), Ladyhawke (1985) and The Witches of Eastwick (1987).
Now, the actress is still easily found on screen. Recent credits include series-long appearances in Margo's Got Money Troubles and The Madison, as well as Christmas comedy Oh. What. Fun. (2025).
© ABC via Getty Images,Variety via Getty ImagesGoldie Hawn was a beloved '80s comic actress onscreen and has since returned to the genre
Goldie Hawn
Goldie Hawn's comedy power was second to none, which she proved time and again with lead roles in Private Benjamin (1980), Protocol (1984) and Overboard (1987).
The Oscar-winning star of The First Wives Club has since opted for a holiday shift as Mrs Claus in The Christmas Chronicles and its sequel. Before that, she returned to her comedy roots in Amy Schumer road-trip romp Snatched (2017).
© Getty Images,WireImage via Getty ImagesKelly stole the show in the Tom Cruise classic Top Gun
Kelly McGillis
Kelly McGillis defined cool in Top Gun and still has us hankering after the perfect, laid back jacket in every thrift store. The BAFTA nominee had a run of hits in the '80s, including Witness (1985), Made in Heaven (1987) and The Accused (1988).
She most recently appeared on screen in an episode of Dirty John. Before that, Kelly appeared in several movies throughout the 2010s, including Maternal Secrets (2018) and An Uncommon Grace (2017), though she has now largely disappeared from the big screen.
© Getty Images,Mondadori Portfolio via Getty ImagesBrigitte Nielsen's short blonde cut has lasted the test of time
Brigitte Nielsen
Brigitte Nielsen defines timeless style, as her signature short cut can attest to. Swapping a golden hue for platinum blonde, the actress proves that some '80s styles never go out of fashion.
The Red Sonja and Beverly Hills Cop II star is still keeping busy on screen, with recent credits including roles on The Guardians of Justice (2022), The Experience (2019) and Creed II (2018).
