There is nothing better than an '80s sitcom mom. They made the shows for millions cozy, calm, and hilarious.
But, while some Hollywood moms stuck around for more shows to come, a few completely turned their backs on Hollywood. How many do you remember? Keep reading to find out!
© Getty ImagesNeil Patrick Harris in character on set in the early 1990s, pictured alongside a co-star in a pink blazer, next to a recent portrait.
Belinda Montgomery – Doogie Howser M.D.
Doogie Howser M.D. launched the career of Neil Patrick Harris. The medical sitcom premiered in September 1989, and followed the genius child after he became the youngest licensed physician in America. Doogie's mom was played by Belinda Montgomery.
While Belinda, 76, continued to act after Doogie Howser M.D. wrapped in 1993 in films like Tron: Legacy, these days she is now a full-time visual artist, painter and sculpturist.
© Getty ImagesA then-and-now comparison: a studio portrait in a red blouse alongside a later candid street photograph.
Anne Schedeen – ALF
On ALF, Anne Schedeen plays a mother who adopts an alien. The actress starred alongside Max Wright, and Andrea Elson in the science fiction sitcom. After ALF wrapped in 1990, Anne went on to appear in shows like Perry Mason: The Case of the Maligned Mobster, and Heaven's Prisoners alongside Alec Baldwin.
Anne's last role was in 2001's Judging Amy. After acting, Anne pivoted to philanthropy. In 2015 she became an ambassador for Holiday Heroes, a Bulgarian non-profit organization assisting disadvantaged families. This June, Anne passed away at the age of 77.
© Getty ImagesSusan Saint James then and now, from her 1980s sitcom days to a recent red carpet appearance.
Susan Saint James – Kate & Allie
In 1984, after 20 years of acting, Susan Saint James joined the sitcom Kate & Allie alongside Jane Curtain, which followed two divorced friends who moved into a townhouse in New York City to raise their three kids together.
After the show wrapped in 1989, Susan retired from acting to focus on motherhood and her volunteer work. Susan, 80, has five children and lives in Connecticut.
© Getty ImagesMeredith Baxter then and now, from her early TV years to a recent red carpet appearance.
Meredith Baxter – Family Ties
Sitcom star Meredith Baxter joined the cast of Family Ties after her popular turn on Bridget Loves Bernie (1972–73), playing the liberal matriarch of the Keaton family. Best known for her loving on-screen romance with Michael Gross, the pair were just as close in real life.
The Emmy-nominee came out in 2009 before starring in an episode of the medical drama Code Black (2016), and is also known for her staunch advocacy, including breast cancer awareness following her own battle with the disease.
© Getty ImagesJoanna Kerns pictured in her Growing Pains days alongside a recent red carpet appearance.
Joanna Kerns – Growing Pains
Maggie Seaver, played by Joanna Kerns, was the wife of Jason and a working-mother of four who balanced parenting with her career as a journalist on Growing Pains. The sitcom came to an end in 1992 and since then, Joanna has pursued a career behind the camera as a director, contributing to major drama shows like Dawson's Creek, Pretty Little Liars, and Grey's Anatomy.
"When I was acting, I was always fascinated by the difference in the quality of work by what director I had. With certain directors, I felt safe — I knew it was going to look fabulous," Joanna told Variety.
