The ’80s might be forever connected with over-sized shoulder pads, hairspray and leg warmers, but they certainly knew their heartthrobs. We’re still waiting for a modern celeb to equal the powerful charm of David Hasselhoff or the pretty, good-looks of Jason Donovan.
But why wait when the ’80s did it best? Read on for a look back at the decade’s hottest heartthrobs at the height of their fame…
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Charlie Sheen found an adoring fanbase in cameo roles and star castings
Charlie Sheen
From a crush-worthy cameo in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off as the mysterious teen at the police station, flirting unabashedly with Jennifer Grey, to a star role in Wall Street, Charlie Sheen was an ’80s icon.
With castings in No Man’s Land, Young Guns and Red Dawn it’s clear that Charlie was winning a devoted audience whenever he appeared on screen.
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Eighties charmer David Hasselhoff starred in ‘Baywatch’ and ‘Knight Rider’
David Hasselhoff
As Knight Rider‘s Michael Knight and Mitch Buchannon in Baywatch, David Hasselhoff’s signature curls and intense, steel gaze had fans rushing home for a hit of ’80s charm.
The Hoff’s star power extended into a successful career in music, reaching its height with the chart-topping track ‘Looking for Freedom’ in 1989.
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Matt Dillon was one of the ’80s favourite teen heartthrobs
Matt Dillon
For teens around the world, Matt Dillon ruled the screen with credits in Rumble Fish, My Bodyguard and Little Darlings.
But it’s The Outsiders that has kept Matt in ’80s teen hearts until now. Followed up with rom-com stardom opposite Cameron Diaz in There’s Something About Mary, ’80s fans were surely sat in front row.
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Donnie Wahlberg was one of hit ’80s pop group New Kids On The Block
Donnie Wahlberg
With tracks like ‘You Got It (The Right Stuff)’, ‘Please Don’t Go Girl’ and ‘I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)’, New Kids On The Block were the perfect selection for a hairbrush karaoke performance in front of the bedroom mirror.
At its centre was Donnie Wahlberg, joined by brother Mark for several months, who had plenty of fans screaming along with the lyrics throughout the ’80s.
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Jason Donovan won Kylie Minogue’s heart on and off screen, as well as the affection of millions around the world
Jason Donovan
Jason Donovan starred on Australian soap series Neighbours and had a superstar music career, with tracks like ‘Especially for You’ and ‘Too Many Broken Hearts’.
An onscreen relationship with Kylie Minogue’s Charlene Mitchell, culminating in a 1987 wedding (which drew nearly 20 million viewers when it finally aired in the UK in 1988), became a real-world romance that was followed with eager eyes by fans around the world.
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Rob Lowe starred in ’80s hits like ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ and ‘The Outsiders’
Rob Lowe
Rob Lowe formed part of the ’80s Brat Pack, joining the likes of Molly Ringwald, Andrew McCarthy and Ally Sheedy. His delicate features and classic good looks made Rob a go-to pin up for teens around the world.
Credits in The Outsiders, About Last Night… and St. Elmo’s Fire mean Rob’s ’80s prime is a regular sight on screen, and doesn’t show any sign of going out of fashion.
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Simon Le Bon took to the stage as lead vocalist for Duran Duran
Simon Le Bon
The ’80s new wave changed music forever, and it’s thanks to bands like Duran Duran that we had hits like ‘Hungry Like the Wolf’ and ‘Rio’ to take us onto the dance floor.
Lead vocalist Simon Le Bon brought a heft of talent as the lead vocalist, and was easy on the eyes to boot. It’s no wonder he was one of the decade’s most swoon-worthy A-listers!
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Tony Danza shared a sporting past with his ‘Who’s The Boss?’ counterpart
Tony Danza
Actor and boxer Tony Danza became the baseball star-turned-live-in housekeeper Tony Micelli on Who’s The Boss? and surely had plenty more parents considering some additional help.
Lead roles in projects like Taxi and She’s Out of Control secured his heartthrob status, while a history in the boxing ring had hearts a-flutter.
