Before they were superstars on the global stage, these '80s icons were just like the rest of us. While there aren't any embarrassing holiday shots or festive photoshoots available to the public (that we know of), they were surely just as keen to race back for the latest episode of Knight Rider or tuck into some now-banned grub.
Read on to see the '80s stars who defined the decade when they were still growing into life as adults under the spotlight of Hollywood.
© Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty ImagesDemi Moore had her breakthrough role in her teens
Demi Moore
Star of St. Elmo's Fire and About Last Night..., Demi Moore got her breakthrough role in ABC's General Hospital as reporter Jackie Templeton at 19 years old.
Since then, she's reached stratospheric fame in Ghost, Indecent Proposal and body-horror hit The Substance. Demi has also found success on the small screen, starring in Sam Elliot and Billy Bob Thornton's Landman.
© Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesRob Lowe broke into mainstream fame with 'The Outsiders'
Rob Lowe
Rob Lowe is best known as the charming '80s heartthrob who joined the Brat Pack on screen in St. Elmo's Fire and starred opposite Demi Moore in About Last Night....
At just 19, The Outsiders brought Rob into the world of Hollywood fame. Since then, he's kept the spotlight firmly fixed at his feet with a star role in Unstable, hosting duties on game show The Floor and podcast Literally! With Rob Lowe.
© Getty ImagesCher's global stardom began as part of double act Sonny & Cher
Cher
We can't 'Believe' Cher wasn't always the global megastar she is now – and that's largely because she's been in the public eye since the age of 19.
As part of Sonny and Cher with then-partner Sonny Bono, their track 'I Got You Babe' topped charts in 1965. But it's Cher's solo career that is most beloved by fans, including hits like 'If I Could Turn Back Time' and 'Strong Enough'.
© WireImage via Getty ImagesGeorge and Andrew were friends through it all, from Wham!'s early days to global success
George Michael & Andrew Ridgley
At the heart of Wham! were childhood friends George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. The pair climbed up the pop charts together and made their first appearance on screen with a 1982 performance of 'Wham Rap' and 'Young Guns' on Saturday Superstore.
Wham! became a decade-defining pop group, releasing Christmas classic 'Last Christmas', energetic track 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go' and sun-soaked hit 'Club Tropicana'.
© Getty ImagesOlivia Newton-John started out as a successful musician, before silver screen stardom
Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John wasn't always Sandy Olsson. In fact, she had a successful music career established years before with debut album If Not For You. The title track and 'Banks of the Ohio' became international hits and we've been singing alongside Olivia ever since.
Her role in Grease showed the superstar's talent for the screen, as well as behind the microphone, and secured her a place in pop culture history.
© NBCUniversal via Getty ImagesEddie Murphy got his start in 1980 as a Saturday Night Live cast member
Eddie Murphy
Joining the cast of Saturday Night Live marked Eddie Murphy's comedy talents right from the get-go. He made his debut on the iconic skit show in 1980 and followed up his small screen fame with a 1982 movie credit in 48 Hrs.
Now, he's credited with '80s classics like Trading Places and Beverly Hills Cop, as well as Coming to America later in the decade. His comedy skills just don't stop as Norbit and Shrek brought his acting star-power into the 21st-century.
© American Broadcasting Companies via Getty ImagesMichael J. Fox competed several times on 'Battle of the Network Stars'
Michael J. Fox
Michael J. Fox is the definition of an '80s staple, so you might be surprised to hear he got his start at just 15 years old in 1976 series Leo and Me. In 1980, he transitioned to the big screen in Midnight Madness and reached global fame on Family Ties.
The second half of the '80s brought his most iconic role: the young time-travelling Marty McFly. From Back to the Future (1985) to the franchise finale Back to the Future Part III (1990), his adventures into the past had '80s fans hooked.
© Getty ImagesGoldie Hawn found success as a dancer but ruled the '80s from the big screen
Goldie Hawn
The Private Benjamin and Overboard actress started out as a dancer, taking ballet and tap lessons at just three years old. After dropping out of college in 1964, she began teaching at a ballet school in Washington D.C.
While Goldie Hawn brought glamour in the '60s, the '80s and '90s gave us some of her most iconic roles. Her most recent roles include The Christmas Chronicles, starring alongside real-life partner Kurt Russell.




