The 1980s were a golden era for male Hollywood heartthrobs, a time when the silver screen was awash with brooding, rebellious stars. These actors, with their leather jackets and headline-worthy romances, defined an era of dangerous charm. But what happened to these iconic bad boys as the years rolled by? How did they shed their reckless reputations and settle down? Let's take a look at five of the most notorious 80s heartthrobs and see what they're up to now.
Mickey Rourke: The Cult Figure
Mickey Rourke was one of Hollywood's most unpredictable leading men in the 80s, thanks to films like '9½ Weeks' and 'Rumble Fish'. His brooding image and rebellious lifestyle earned him a reputation for clashing with directors, and he ultimately stepped away from acting at the height of his fame to pursue professional boxing. Today, Rourke remains a cult figure, with a dramatically transformed appearance following years of boxing and botched reconstructive cosmetic surgeries. His new look is a far cry from the rugged, leather-jacketed heartthrob of the 80s, but his legacy as a bad boy endures.
Charlie Sheen: The Partying Heartthrob
Charlie Sheen quickly became one of the decade's biggest young stars with starring roles in 'Platoon' and 'Wall Street'. However, his turbulent personal life often overshadowed his on-screen success. Sheen made headlines for his partying lifestyle and public controversies, including substance abuse and legal troubles. After three marriages, one of which was to actress Denise Richards, he chose to live a far more private life while occasionally returning to television and film projects. His image as a wild, rebellious heartthrob has been somewhat softened, but his legacy as a party animal remains.
Tommy Lee: The Rock-and-Roll Rebel
As the drummer for Mötley Crüe, Tommy Lee embodied the rebelliousness and chaos of 80s rock stardom. His outrageous stage antics, wild relationships, and heavy-metal image earned him the title of one of music's ultimate bad boys. His whirlwind romance with Baywatch star and model Pamela Anderson skyrocketed him to mainstream notoriety. Decades later, Lee still performs and continues embracing his larger-than-life rock-and-roll persona. He is a dad to two sons he shares with his ex-wife Pamela: Brandon Thomas Lee and Dylan Jagger Lee. His image as a wild, rebellious rock star has evolved, but his legacy as a bad boy remains intact.
Rob Lowe: The Brat Pack Star
Rob Lowe was one of the Brat Pack's most talked-about stars, with his youthful charm and movie-star looks making him an 80s favorite. However, scandals temporarily threatened his career, including his involvement in an adult content film in 1988 and his party-fueled personal life. In the 2000s, Lowe successfully rebuilt his image and remains one of Hollywood's most enduring actors, starring in the likes of 'The West Wing' and 'Brothers & Sisters'. His image as a wild, rebellious heartthrob has been replaced by a more mature, respected actor, but his legacy as a Brat Pack star remains.
Axl Rose: The Unpredictable Rockstar
Axl Rose, as the frontman of rock band Guns N' Roses, became synonymous with the rebellious spirit of the late-80s rock music scene. His explosive performances, unpredictable behavior, and chart-dominating success made him both admired and infamous. At the height of his fame, he was just as known for his headline-making feuds and dramatic concert walkouts as he was for his music. Despite stepping away from the spotlight for periods throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, he eventually reunited with key Guns N' Roses members for a hugely successful comeback tour. Now in his 60s, Rose still performs to sold-out stadium crowds around the world, though his look has evolved considerably from his hard-partying 80s heyday. His image as a wild, unpredictable rock star remains, but his legacy as a musical icon is secure.
Sean Penn: The Compromising Star
Sean Penn earned a reputation in the 1980s for both his intense acting performances and fiery off-screen image. After breaking out in films like 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High', he quickly became known for playing rebellious, emotionally charged characters that mirrored his real-life image. His high-profile marriage to singer Madonna kept him constantly in the tabloids during the decade as they experienced their real-life ups and downs. In later years, Penn transformed into an acclaimed filmmaker and activist while maintaining his reputation as one of Hollywood's most uncompromising stars. His image as a fiery, rebellious heartthrob has evolved, but his legacy as a complex, multi-talented star remains.
