The Hottest Female Stars of the 70s, 80s & 90s — Then and Now

Published on 02/24/2026

Cassandra Peterson – Now 67 years old

Television audiences in the 1980s easily recognized actress Cassandra Peterson—especially when she appeared in full costume as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Before landing that iconic horror-host role with KHJ-TV, she reportedly auditioned for the part of Ginger Grant on Gilligan’s Island. Although she lost that well-known role to Tina Louise, Peterson ultimately found even greater fame portraying Elvira, starring in the TV series Elvira’s Movie Macabre as well as the films Elvira, Mistress of the Dark and Elvira’s Haunted Hills.

Cassandra Peterson – Now 67 Years Old

Cassandra Peterson – Now 67 Years Old

Carmen Electra – Now 46 years old

For many people, the stunning Carmen Electra is best remembered as a television personality and actress associated with shows like Baywatch and the MTV reality series ’Til Death Do Us Part: Carmen and Dave. However, she actually began her career as a singer before shifting her focus to acting, having been discovered in the ’90s by music legend Prince, who also produced her debut album, Carmen Electra. Beyond singing, dancing, and acting, she rose to prominence as a glamour model and appeared in risqué magazines. Now 46, Electra hasn’t appeared on television since 2016, but she remains active through charitable work with nonprofit organizations such as Head to Hollywood, the HollyRod Foundation, and Elevate Hope.

Carmen Electra – Now 46 Years Old

Carmen Electra – Now 46 Years Old

Heather Locklear – Now 56 years old

Heather Locklear was not only known for her striking beauty but also for her enviable figure, which helped make her a high-profile star from the 1980s through the 1990s. She gained widespread recognition for roles in hit series like Melrose Place and attracted media attention for her marriages to famous rock musicians Tommy Lee and Richie Sambora, both of which ultimately ended in divorce. Despite her success and talent, her personal life has at times been overshadowed by struggles with substance abuse, for which she has sought treatment over the years.

Heather Locklear – Now 56 Years Old

Heather Locklear – Now 56 Years Old

Jeanine Pirro – Now 67 years old

Jeanine Pirro is another television judge who once starred in Judge Jeanine Pirro, though she is now best known for her controversial Fox News program, Justice with Judge Jeanine. Before her television career, she served as a real judge and, prior to that, worked as a lawyer—specifically as an Assistant District Attorney. Rather than joining a high-profile law firm with a large salary, she took a less conventional route into media and political commentary, a path that has made her one of the more polarizing personalities on television today.

Jeanine Pirro – Now 67 Years Old

Jeanine Pirro – Now 67 Years Old

Brooke Shields – Now 53 years old

Many people remember Brooke Shields as the teenage star of The Blue Lagoon and several other coming-of-age films from the late 1970s through the 1980s. At the height of her fame, she stepped away from show business to pursue a university degree at Princeton. She later returned to the spotlight in the 1990s to headline her own sitcom, Suddenly Susan, and today, at 53, she focuses much of her time on family life and motherhood.

Brooke Shields – Now 53 Years Old

Brooke Shields – Now 53 Years Old

Sally Field – Now 71 years old

Sally Field rose to fame in the 1960s with her breakout role in Gidget and later solidified her status as a major talent by winning an Academy Award for her powerful performance in Norma Rae. Today, she remains one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses, with a distinguished career and substantial net worth. In her personal life, she has been single since the 1990s following several high-profile relationships and separations, including her well-known romance with the late Burt Reynolds.

Sally Field – Now 71 Years Old

Sally Field – Now 71 Years Old

Dolly Parton – Now 72 years old

Few names in country music are as iconic as Dolly Parton. With an estimated net worth of $500 million, her success as both a musician and a businesswoman speaks for itself. By the age of 72, she had already earned countless awards and released numerous hit songs and albums, solidifying her legendary status. Not only that, but she also owns Dollywood, her highly successful theme park in Tennessee, further showcasing her wide-ranging achievements.

Dolly Parton – Now 72 Years Old

Dolly Parton – Now 72 Years Old

Barbara Mandrell – Now 69 years old

Barbara Mandrell is another country music legend whose impressive net worth allowed her to turn her former Tennessee mansion into a popular tourist attraction. Her success as an artist speaks for itself, and she also showcased her talents on television, starring in several shows throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Although she has been retired for years, she still makes occasional public appearances, much to the delight of longtime fans.

Barbara Mandrell – Now 69 Years Old

Barbara Mandrell – Now 69 Years Old

Rachel Ward – Now 60 years old

Actress Rachel Ward is best known for starring opposite Richard Chamberlain in The Thorn Birds, a role that earned her a Golden Globe nomination and brought her widespread recognition. In the years since, she has largely shifted her focus behind the camera, building a career as a director and screenwriter. She has also enjoyed a long-lasting marriage to Australian actor Bryan Brown since 1983—an impressive milestone in an industry often marked by short-lived relationships.

Rachel Ward – Now 60 Years Old

Rachel Ward – Now 60 Years Old

Judy Sheindlin – Now 75 years old

You might not recognize Judy Sheindlin at first glance, but her self-titled show, Judge Judy, is instantly familiar. Now in its 23rd season, the show has remained popular since it first aired in 1996. Judy began her career as a modest family lawyer, but her no-nonsense approach caught the attention of 60 Minutes in 1993, paving the way for the show we know today. Even at 75, she continues to embody the same sharp, uncompromising attitude that made her a household name.

Judy Sheindlin – Now 75 Years Old

Judy Sheindlin – Now 75 Years Old

Jane Sibbett – Now 56 years old

For those who grew up in the ’90s, actress Jane Sibbett’s face is instantly recognizable, even if she never reached the same level of fame as Julia Roberts or her Friends co-star Jennifer Aniston. Fans immediately remember her as Carol Willick, Ross Geller’s ex-wife and the mother of his son, Ben, played by twins Cole and Dylan Sprouse. Now 56, Sibbett has recently directed theater productions in Hawaii, but she primarily dedicates her time to running the 1736 Family Crisis Center and advocating for survivors of domestic violence.

Jane Sibbett – Now 56 Years Old

Jane Sibbett – Now 56 Years Old

Candace Cameron – Now 47 years old

Candace Cameron rose to fame in the 1980s as D.J. Tanner on Full House, a role that made her a beloved household name. She later reprised the character in Fuller House, the show’s recent reboot, and has also become one of the hosts of The View. Beyond television, Cameron has found success as an author, publishing several self-help and health books, keeping her busy and relevant throughout the years.

Candace Cameron – Now 47 Years Old

Candace Cameron – Now 47 Years Old

Lynda Carter – Now 66 years old

Since the 1970s, Lynda Carter became synonymous with Wonder Woman, earning acclaim as one of the most beautiful women in the world while immortalizing Diana Prince for an entire generation. Although the role has since passed to Gal Gadot, Carter’s portrayal remains iconic. Her career was later interrupted by struggles with substance abuse, requiring multiple stints in inpatient rehab, but she has since achieved recovery and even returned to support the new Wonder Woman movie.

Lynda Carter – Now 66 Years Old

Lynda Carter – Now 66 Years Old

Faye Dunaway – Now 77 years old

Veteran actress Faye Dunaway is widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s most respected performers, with unforgettable roles in films like *The Thomas Crown Affair* and *Bonnie and Clyde*. Interestingly, her path could have been very different—she once received a college scholarship and was on track to become a teacher. Today, Dunaway lives a quiet retirement, reportedly venturing out only for church.

Faye Dunaway – Now 77 Years Old

Faye Dunaway – Now 77 Years Old

Nadia Comăneci – Now 56 years old

Nadia Comăneci rose to international fame in the 1970s and 1980s for her dominance in Olympic gymnastics, becoming a household name and an enduring icon. Her story took a dramatic turn when she defected from communist Romania to the United States, and she now holds dual citizenship in both countries. Today, Comăneci dedicates much of her time to charitable work, supporting children in her native Romania.

Nadia Comăneci – Now 56 Years Old

Nadia Comăneci – Now 56 Years Old

Cathy Rigby – Now 65 years old

Cathy Rigby first gained fame as an American artistic gymnast, competing in the Olympics from the late 1960s through the 1970s. After retiring in 1978, she transitioned to a career in theater and became best known for her iconic portrayal of Peter Pan on Broadway. Impressively, at 65, she most recently reprised the role in the 2018 adaptation of the play, showcasing her enduring talent and stage presence.

Cathy Rigby – Now 65 Years Old

Cathy Rigby – Now 65 Years Old

Madonna – Now 60 years old

Madonna is undeniably the “Queen of Pop,” a title she first earned in the 1980s and continues to hold today. With an estimated net worth of around $800 million, her success is extraordinary, and she remains a true icon who has paved the way for younger generations of artists. At 60, retirement is clearly far from her plans.

Madonna – Now 60 Years Old

Madonna – Now 60 Years Old

Kristy McNichol – Now 56 years old

Actress Kristy McNichol was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars in the 1970s, earning a six-figure salary as a teenager for her role in The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia—a groundbreaking feat at the time. She gained widespread acclaim for her performance as Letitia “Buddy” Lawrence on the TV series Family, a role that won her an Emmy, and received further praise for her work in the films Little Darlings and Only When I Laugh. Her final screen appearance was in 1995 on the series Empty Nest, to which she returned just for the last episode. McNichol retired from show business to focus on portraying her best role yet—herself—coming out as gay and now making a living teaching acting lessons at a private school in Los Angeles.

Kristy McNichol – Now 56 Years Old

Kristy McNichol – Now 56 Years Old

Monica Lewinsky – Now 44 years old

It feels like only yesterday that Monica Lewinsky was a young, impressionable White House intern caught up in a highly publicized affair with President Bill Clinton. After keeping a low profile for several years, she reemerged as a spokeswoman for Jenny Craig, which helped her with weight loss and brought her back into the public eye. Today, Lewinsky is a passionate advocate against bullying, drawing from her own firsthand experiences.

Monica Lewinsky – Now 44 Years Old

Monica Lewinsky – Now 44 Years Old

Joyce DeWitt – Now 69 years old

Unlike many young actors who struggle to break into Hollywood, Joyce DeWitt found success early, landing one of her most memorable roles in the ABC sitcom Three’s Company. Playing the charming and plucky Janet Wood, she quickly became a TV star beloved for her smile and personality. With both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Theatre, DeWitt balanced her career between television and stage, though none of her later projects matched the fame of Three’s Company. In 2009, she faced legal trouble for a DUI, resulting in a fine and a court-mandated alcohol program, but she has since sobered up and taken on a few acting roles.

Joyce DeWitt – Now 69 Years Old

Joyce DeWitt – Now 69 Years Old

Suzanne Somers – Now 71 years old

Suzanne Somers is best remembered for her role on the 1970s sitcom Three’s Company and later appeared in other TV projects, including Step by Step in the 1990s. Today, she is a breast cancer survivor who advocates for alternative cancer treatments, which she credits for her recovery. While she believes these methods helped her, the aging actress has faced significant criticism from the scientific community for promoting approaches that lack mainstream medical support.

Suzanne Somers – Now 71 Years Old

Suzanne Somers – Now 71 Years Old

Vanna White – Now 61 years old

Vanna White is instantly recognizable as the longtime hostess of Wheel of Fortune. She first rose to fame in the late 1970s through beauty pageants and as a contestant on the popular game show The Price Is Right. Her contract with Wheel of Fortune continues for several more years, and her salary has grown significantly since she first joined the show.

Vanna White – Now 61 Years Old

Vanna White – Now 61 Years Old

Winona Ryder – Now 46 years old

Winona Ryder dominated the 1990s with cult classics like Reality Bites, Beetlejuice, and Edward Scissorhands, among many others. Her career faced a setback after a high-profile shoplifting arrest, despite her considerable wealth. After years of overcoming personal challenges, she successfully made a comeback, starring in Netflix’s Stranger Things and the 2018 film Destination Wedding alongside Keanu Reeves.

Winona Ryder – Now 46 Years Old

Winona Ryder – Now 46 Years Old

Lea Thompson – Now 57 years old

Lea Thompson originally dreamed of a career in ballet, but her hopes were dashed when she was told she needed to lose significant weight to succeed. She redirected her ambitions toward acting, achieving success with her role in the cult classic Back to the Future and later starring in her own 1990s sitcom, Caroline in the City. Though Thompson has since retired, her family’s acting legacy continues through her daughter Zoey Deutch, who has become one of today’s most popular emerging actresses.

Lea Thompson – Now 57 Years Old

Lea Thompson – Now 57 Years Old

Michelle Pfeiffer – Now 60 years old

Michelle Pfeiffer rose to stardom with her role in Scarface, and decades later, her name still commands admiration for both her striking beauty and immense talent. Even at 60, she remains stunning, fueling speculation about possible cosmetic enhancements. Fans had another chance to see her on screen in 2018’s Ant-Man and the Wasp.

Michelle Pfeiffer – Now 60 Years Old

Michelle Pfeiffer – Now 60 Years Old

Kelly Preston – Now 55 years old

Kelly Preston rose to fame as a teen star in the 1980s with films like Secret Admirer and Mischief, but she is perhaps best remembered for her role in Jerry Maguire. In the 1990s, she married John Travolta, and despite persistent rumors questioning their relationship and Travolta’s personal life, she remained steadfastly by his side and never filed for divorce.

Kelly Preston – Now 55 Years Old

Kelly Preston – Now 55 Years Old

Reese Witherspoon – Now 42 years old

Even at 42, Reese Witherspoon’s youthful face and sweet demeanor make it hard to picture her as a grown woman and mother. She has been a major star since the 1990s, with numerous blockbusters to her name, including Walk the Line, which earned her an Academy Award. Today, she remains one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses, with an impressively substantial net worth.

Reese Witherspoon – Now 42 Years Old

Reese Witherspoon – Now 42 Years Old

Olivia Newton-John – Now 69 years old

Olivia Newton-John is best remembered for her iconic role as Sandy in Grease and her standout performance in Xanadu. She also achieved musical success with chart-toppers like “I Honestly Love You” and “Physical,” solidifying her as one of the most talented all-around performers of the 1970s and 1980s. Now 69, she is battling breast cancer, though her ongoing treatment appears to be keeping the disease under control.

Olivia Newton John – Now 69 Years Old

Olivia Newton John – Now 69 Years Old

Fergie – Now 44 years old

Stacey Ann Ferguson, better known as Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas, emerged as one of the standout personalities of the early 2000s and also found success as a solo artist. While her public appearances have become less frequent since her divorce from actor Josh Duhamel, she continues to perform occasionally. In 2017, she released her second solo album, Double Duchess, and in 2018, she appeared as a host on the reality TV series The Four.

Fergie – Now 44 Years Old

Fergie – Now 44 Years Old

Kim Basinger – Now 64 years old

Kim Basinger’s rise to stardom started in the 70’s and she remained a much-admired and sought-after actress all the way into the 90’s. She did suffer a slight hiccup, however, and had to file for bankruptcy at some point, but has since thankfully recovered. She most recently starred in Fifty Shades Darker where she showed everyone that she was still hot stuff at 64 years old.

Kim Basinger – Now 64 Years Old

Kim Basinger – Now 64 Years Old

Jennifer Aniston – Now 49 years old

Jennifer Aniston needs no introduction, having skyrocketed to fame in the 1990s as one of the beloved stars of Friends. Her success on the show opened doors to major roles in both film and television, boosting her net worth to impressive levels. She is also known for her high-profile marriages, first to actor Brad Pitt and later to Justin Theroux, both of which ended in divorce.

Jennifer Aniston – Now 49 Years Old

Jennifer Aniston – Now 49 Years Old

Catherine Bach – Now 64 years old

Catherine Bach is best remembered for her iconic role as Daisy Duke on The Dukes of Hazzard, a part so famous that her legs were reportedly insured for $1 million at the time. After the show ended, she took on smaller acting roles before joining the cast of The Young and the Restless in 2012. Beyond acting, Bach has also launched her own line of diamonds in collaboration with Debenhams.

Catherine Bach – Now 64 Years Old

Catherine Bach – Now 64 Years Old

Susan Dey – Now 65 years old

Even at 65, Susan Dey remains instantly recognizable as one of the stars of the popular 1970s sitcom The Partridge Family. Curiously, she has never participated in any of the show’s reunions, possibly due to a past heartbreak involving her former co-star David Cassidy. In the 1980s, she appeared in several TV movies and series, including L.A. Law, a role that earned her a Golden Globe. Though retired for some time, she still looks absolutely fantastic.

Susan Dey – Now 65 Years Old

Susan Dey – Now 65 Years Old

Debbie Harry – Now 73 years old

Debbie Harry is a legend who needs no introduction, best known as the frontwoman of Blondie and a true icon of the 1970s. After the band split in the 1980s, she enjoyed a successful solo career before Blondie reunited in the 1990s, and they continue to tour and perform today. Over the years, Harry has also dedicated herself to cancer treatment charities, inspired in part by Elton John’s tireless work in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Debbie Harry – Now 73 Years Old

Debbie Harry – Now 73 Years Old

Brigitte Bardot – Now 83 years old

French actress Brigitte Bardot is widely regarded as one of the most iconic actresses of all time, rising to fame in the 1960s and inspiring generations of performers with her sultry, unforgettable persona. Now well into her 80s, she remains a formidable presence. Though retired from acting, Bardot devotes much of her time to charitable work, passionately supporting animal welfare causes.

Brigitte Bardot – Now 83 Years Old

Brigitte Bardot – Now 83 Years Old

Erika Eleniak – Now 48 years old

Erika Eleniak is best known as one of the swimsuit-clad stars of the hit 1990s series Baywatch, but she actually began her career as a child actress, appearing in E.T. during the 1980s. She also gained attention for her risqué magazine images, though she has admitted she disliked that kind of fame. Eleniak has since been enjoying a quiet retirement.

Erika Eleniak – Now 48 Years Old

Erika Eleniak – Now 48 Years Old

Elisabeth Shue – Now 54 years old

Elisabeth Shue rose to stardom as the leading lady in the cult classic The Karate Kid, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after actresses of the 1980s and 1990s with roles in blockbusters like Hollow Man and The Saint. Now 54, she remains stunning and keeps fit by playing tennis, with several new movie projects currently in the works.

Elisabeth Shue – Now 54 Years Old

Elisabeth Shue – Now 54 Years Old

Raquel Welch – Now 77 years old

Raquel Welch was the ultimate dream girl of the 1960s and 1970s, rising to fame with films like One Million Years B.C., The Three Musketeers, and Bedazzled. She is also famously remembered for her provocative magazine spread, though she insists that her real-life personality is very different from her on-screen vixen image.

Raquel Welch – Now 77 Years Old

Raquel Welch – Now 77 Years Old

Charlene Tilton – Now 60 years old

Charlene Tilton first gained attention with Freaky Friday but became a true television star as Lucy Ewing on Dallas. Now 60, she dedicates much of her time to charities supporting autism, though she continues to take on occasional acting roles, including a brief return in the 2012 revival of Dallas. Her most recent project was the 2017 film Vengeance: A Love Story.

Charlene Tilton – Now 60 Years Old

Charlene Tilton – Now 60 Years Old

Teri Hatcher – Now 53 years old

Teri Hatcher’s career in show business has been impressive and varied. She began pursuing acting by enrolling in classes at the American Conservatory Theatre, later becoming an NFL cheerleader, and landing one of her first TV roles on MacGyver. Her recurring role there helped raise her profile, leading to her breakthrough as Lois Lane in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. In the 1990s, her screen appearances slowed, with roles in films like Spy Kids, Heaven’s Prisoner, and the James Bond movie Tomorrow Never Dies. Hatcher reinvented herself with her iconic role on Desperate Housewives in 2004, cementing her status as a household name. She is currently filming the movie Madness in the Method.

Teri Hatcher – Now 53 Years Old

Teri Hatcher – Now 53 Years Old