From sitcom stars to comedy's leading ladies, the '80s was filled with some serious laughs. While the likes of Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy are still on our radar, several comedy stars have since flown under the radar. Read on to catch up with the lesser known celebs of '80s comedy fame – how many do you remember?
© Getty ImagesShelley Long's comedy fame spans sitcom success and silver screen stardom
Shelley Long
Shelley Long proved her comedy chops on Cheers, co-starred in Ron Howard comedy Night Shift (1982) and joined Tom Hanks for a chaotic home renovation in The Money Pit (1986).
Her comedic on-screen skills were recognised with a 1983 Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, and she's since had a recurring role on beloved sitcom Modern Family as well as a more high-stakes casting in 2021 thriller The Cleaner.
© Getty ImagesSteve Guttenberg is still acting today, and even sinking his teeth into some serious crime acting
Steve Guttenberg
Police Academy star Steve Guttenberg was something of a comedy heartthrob, co-starring with Tom Selleck and Ted Danson in Three Men and a Baby. Not to mention starring alongside the Brat Pack's own Ally Sheedy in Short Circuit.
Since then, he's appeared on Veronica Mars, The Goldbergs and his most recent feature film Broad Trip. He's also starred in heavier financial drama Paper Empire, proving he's up for more than a laugh.
© NBC via Getty Images,Getty Images for Hallmark MediaMarilu Henner is now a regular star of Hallmark mysteries
Marilu Henner
Marilu Henner was a fixture on '70s and '80s sitcom Taxi as taxi driver Elaine Nardo, a single mother who works as a receptionist at an art gallery during her time away from the Sunshine Cab Company.
Since her days of sitcom stardom, she's appeared on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Two and a Half Men and worked on Hallmark's series of Aurora Teagarden Mysteries. She's even found a movie-worthy love story of her own with husband Michael Brown.
© Getty Images,FilmMagic via Getty ImagesBronson Pinchot is a staple of the 'Beverly Hills Cop' franchise
Bronson Pinchot
Bronson Pinchot joined '80s comedy legend Eddie Murphy in action-comedy hit Beverly Hills Cop (1984) as Serge. He also had a co-starring role on mostly forgotten sitcom Perfect Strangers and regularly appeared as Dennis Kemper on Sara.
The actor returned for Beverly Hills Cop III in 1994 and again in 2024 for Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. Bronson has also appeared on Our Flag Means Death, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and The Residence.
© Getty Images,Getty Images for SAG-AFTRA FoundationMarla Gibbs was nominated for an Emmy five times, thanks to her comedy skills
Marla Gibbs
Marla Gibbs went straight from a decade-long run on hit sitcom The Jeffersons, receiving five Emmy nominations for her efforts on the show between 1981 and 1985, to co-starring on 227.
The '80s might have welcomed her most iconic roles, but she's still acting today with shorter appearances on shows like Grey's Anatomy, Chicago Med and The Upshaws.
© Getty Images,AFP via Getty ImagesRick Moranis is making a comeback after time spent away from the screen
Rick Moranis
Rick Moranis packed a lot into his '80s comedy career, from Ghostbusters to Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Little Shop of Horrors and The Flintstones. In the late '90s, he left the world of fame behind to concentrate on raising his young family after the death of his wife.
Fortunately for his fans, Rick is due to make a return to the big screen in 2027 with the sequel to 1987 comedy Spaceballs, aptly titled Spaceballs: The New One, reprising his role as Dark Helmet.
© Walt Disney Television via Getty Images,Getty Images for Halloween HotnessDiane Franklin is still active on screen today
Diane Franklin
Diane Franklin was a regular star of '80s coming-of-age comedies like The Last American Virgin and Better Off Dead, as well as Keanu Reeves sci-fi comedy Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure.
She's still acting today, with recent projects including dark comedy Bampire, TV series Bad Advice and 2023 thriller The Dark Room.
