I’m sure that the names on this list will sound familiar to you. After all, these actresses have made a name for themselves in Hollywood, which is quite a feat in itself already! Some might have been the subject of controversy but that doesn’t negate the fact that these women are extraordinary, both on-screen and off-screen. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the familiar faces who have shaped the TV and film industry.
Blast Roles Collage
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Lea Thompson
Let’s start the list with Lea Thompson from Back to the Future. You probably remember her as Lorraine Baines, Marty McFly’s mother! She began her career by acting in commercials at the age of 20. Now at 56 years old, she has since starred in Switched at Birth and finished in the 6th spot during the 19th season of Dancing With The Stars.
Lea Thompson
Bo Derek
First of all, her real name is actually Mary Cathleen Collins. As if that’s not unbelievable enough, she is actually 60 years old now! She’s still as gorgeous as the time she starred in 10, Bolero, Ghosts Can’t Do It, and Tarzan, the Ape Man. She is semi-retired and only occasionally appears in documentary, film, and TV.
Bo Derek
Jane Fonda
Surely, we’re all familiar with Jane Fonda? We don’t think anyone can ever forget the 80-year-old actress. She won two Academy Awards and the same number of BAFTAs. If that doesn’t impress you, wait until you hear that she is also a fitness guru, fashion model, political activist, and writer! She is the epitome of an accomplished woman, but she also claims that no one will recognize her when she’s barefaced in public!
Jane Fonda
Sophia Loren
This Italian beauty might have made her Hollywood debut in the 50’s, but she is still slaying to date. The so-called Italian Marilyn Monroe is also a foodie! According to her, “Everything you see I owe to spaghetti.” We support anyone who knows the value of good food!
Sophia Loren
Raquel Welch
Wow, it’s hard to believe that Raquel Welch is now 77 years old! The actress became well-known as a sex symbol and the whole world was in awe of her. After starring in Fantastic Voyage and One Million Years B.C., she reached greater heights. Welch currently runs a health and fitness business.
Raquel Welch
Sarah Michelle Gellar
For many of us, the character of Buffy Summers was a formative influence. It wasn’t often that we saw girls kicking a$$ on television back then! Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played our beloved vampire slayer, was first discovered at the age of four. Aside from a successful acting career, she also went on to become a businesswoman. She co-founded Foodstirs, a cooking company that produces kid-friendly baking kits and mixes.
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Nancy McKeon
If the name doesn’t sound familiar to you, perhaps the name Jo Polniaczek rings bells. Nancy McKeon is indeed the star of the 80’s sitcom The Facts of Life. Her last acting credit was for Love Begins back in 2011.
Nancy McKeon
Angie Harmon
Did you know that David Hasselhoff discovered Angie Harmon while the two were on the same flight? Yup! Before he helped her get into the acting scene, she was working as a model. She graced the covers of ELLE, Esquire, and Cosmopolitan. Hasselhoff offered her a role in Baywatch Nights and she has since appeared in shows like Law & Order and Rizzoli & Isles.
Angie Harmon
Pamela Anderson
Wow, time sure flies fast — how is it possible that Pamela Anderson is now 50 years old? You probably already know that she has appeared in Baywatch, Home Improvement, and V.I.P. Let’s not forget her stormy relationships with Kid Rock and Tommy Lee, either!
Pamela Anderson
Kim Richards
The child actress from Nanny and the Professor also gets a spot on the list. The 53-year-old actress has since become a TV personality thanks The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. She took a hiatus from acting in order to raise her four children. She only came back to the industry in 2002 after over a decade!
Kim Richards
Nancy Kerrigan
I’m sure that you know former figure skater Nancy Kerrigan. She made a name for herself after winning bronze during the 1992 Winter Olympics and landing silver at the World Championships in the same year. She went on to win the 1993 US National Championship. It wasn’t a smooth ride to the top, however — she made headlines when rival Tonya Harding’s ex-husband orchestrated an attack against her. Kerrigan was able to recover and even placed silver during the 1994 Winter Olympics. Aside from excelling at winter sports, she was also on Dancing With The Stars during the 24th season.
Nancy Kerrigan
Jaclyn Smith
Charlie’s Angels might have seen several reboots, but no one will ever be able to replace the original cast. Especially not when we’re talking about Kelly Garrett, played by Jaclyn Smith. Her character was actually the only female lead to have stayed in the series for the entire run. Aside from acting, Smith also launched her own clothing and perfume line.
Jaclyn Smith
Cheryl Ladd
Here’s another actress from Charlie’s Angels. She replaced Farrah Fawcett on the show and we’ll talk about the other actress later. Now 66 years old, Cheryl Ladd is a familiar face on the small screen. She has been in over 30 TV films! More recently, she guest starred on Chuck and NCIS.
Cheryl Ladd
Farrah Fawcett
A lot of Charlie’s Angels fans have complained that the show has not been the same ever since Farrah Fawcett left. The actress might be well-known for her legendary hairstyle and red bikini, but don’t forget that she received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations a handful of times! Aside from her film and TV work, she has also acted in Off-Broadway shows. The great actress passed away at the age of 62 from cancer-related complications.
Farrah Fawcett
Dawn Wells
We’re sure you remember Mary Ann Summers from the sitcom Gilligan’s Island. The actress was actually included in TV Guide’s “50 Sexiest Stars of All Time” in 2005! The 79-year-old actress recently made an appearance in a 2016 episode of The Bold and the Beautiful.
Dawn Wells
Marina Sirtis
Now 63 years old, British-American Marina Sirtis is also on the list. She will always be Counselor Deanna Troi to Star Trek: The Next Generation fans. After the TV show and the four films, Sirtis has appeared in films and shows like Crash, Grey’s Anatomy, and NCIS.
Marina Sirtis
Mary-Kate And Ashley Olsen
Let’s not forget about the most iconic twins in Hollywood. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen began acting when they were only six months old! The former child actresses have since quit acting and they are now known for their fashion empire. Now 32, the Olsen twins are some of the most successful women in the industry.
Mary Kate And Ashley Olsen
Maureen McCormick
61-year-old Maureen McCormick might be well-known for playing Marcia Brady on the sitcom The Brady Bunch. Aside from the iconic role, she has also performed on stage, released an autobiography, and recorded four albums. Impressive!
Maureen McCormick
Justine Bateman
Simply put, Justine Bateman is one talented woman. She acts, directs, writes, and produces! She has appeared in Californication, Desperate Housewives, Family Ties, and Satisfaction. As if that’s not impressive enough, she also got a degree in Computer Science and Digital Media Management from UCLA.
Justine Bateman
Melissa Rauch
Another sitcom star deserves a place in our list! Melissa Rauch plays Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz in The Big Bang Theory. She has seen a remarkable amount of success thanks to that role. She has also done voice-acting and recently lent her voice to Harley Quinn in Batman and Harley Quinn.
Melissa Rauch
Linda Kozlowski
Linda Kozlowski began acting in 1981, but it was only in 1986 when she would become a household name. That was the same year she starred in Crocodile Dundee, after all. For that role, she caused quite the commotion with her various outfits, or lack thereof. In any case, fans loved her! She took on several roles but ultimately decided to retire in 2001.
Linda Kozlowski
Lisa Whelchel
You might know her from The New Mickey Mouse Club and The Facts of Life. In 1984, she was also nominated for a Grammy Award thanks to All Because of You, a contemporary Christian album. In 2012, Whelchel appeared in Survivor: Philippines and won second place.
Lisa Whelchel
Erika Eleniak
Erika Eleniak was featured in Playboy at only 19 years old. The move launched her career and 1989 was especially busy for her. In that year, she appeared in Baywatch and Charles in Charge. After that, she was also in The Blob, The Beverly Hillbillies, and Under Siege. More recently, she starred in Marilyn Monroe Back?.
Erika Eleniak
Jacqueline Bisset
Jacqueline Bisset might have made her Hollywood debut in 1965, but the 73-year-old actress is still going at it! In fact, three of her films just came out: 9/11, Backstabbing for Beginners, and L’Amant Double.
Jacqueline Bisset
Elizabeth Berkley
Does anyone remember Jessie Spano from Saved by the Bell? If you don’t, you probably didn’t grow up in the 90’s! The character was played by the talented Elizabeth Berkeley. The actress is not only an actress, she is also a dancer and an animal rights advocate. Don’t forget about Ask-Elizabeth, the self-help program she launched in order to help out young girls.
Elizabeth Berkley
Jennifer Connelly
Jennifer Connelly actually grew up in the limelight, having worked as a child model. Some of her first acting roles were for Dark City and Requiem for a Dream. Her career blossomed after these two films and she was also in the Oscar Award-winner Beautiful Mind. She is also an advocate for causes like children’s rights, clean water, and human rights.
Jennifer Connelly
Sasha Alexander
Sasha Alexander’s name is so pleasant to say that it almost seems unreal when you find out that her real name is Suzana Drobnjaković Ponti. The Serbian-American actress is best known for her roles in Dawson’s Creek, NCIS, and Rizzoli & Isles. At the moment, she plays the recurring role of Helene Runyon on Shameless.
Sasha Alexande
Ursula Andress
There may be multiple Bond girls, but Ursula Andress has the honor to be the first one. She was cast in the role of Honey Ryder in Dr. No, the film that launched the saga. The 81-year-old former actress has since retired from the limelight.
Ursula Andress
Elisabeth Shue
What do the films Cocktail, The Karate Kid, and the second and third Back to the Future have in common? Yup, Elisabeth Shue starred in every single one of them! Now the 54 year old is known as Julie Finlay on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, a role she played from the years 2012 to 2015.
Elisabeth Shue
Melissa Sue Anderson
Say hello to Mary Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie. Aside from that memorable role, she has also appeared in films like Happy Birthday to Me, Midnight Offerings, and Which Mother is Mine?. She’s still active in the industry and her recent film The Con is On was released earlier this year.
Melissa Sue Anderson
Winona Ryder
The 90’s It girl is back! Who can forget her performances in The Age of Innocence, Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and Girl, Interrupted? These are just a handful of movies in her extensive acting resume! After her 2006 comeback, she has since appeared in Black Swan, Star Trek, When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story, and Stranger Things.
Winona Ryder
Christina Applegate
You might know that Christina Applegate played Kelly Bundy on Married… with Children, but did you also know that she has appeared on both the stage and the big screen? She even won an Emmy Award and earned Golden Globe and Tony nominations. Wow! And let’s not forget that her wardrobe on Married… with Children was considered provocative back then, although it kept bringing viewership in so no one complained.
Christina Applegate
Jennifer Grey
The 80’s was a great time for coming-of-age tales like Dirty Dancing and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Let’s not forget how great Jennifer Grey was in both movies! Did you know that she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award thanks to her role in Dirty Dancing? She also won the 11th season of Dancing With The Stars and appeared in the comedy series Red Oaks.
Jennifer Grey
Phoebe Cates
Ah, how can we forget Phoebe Cates of Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins? Cates pursued acting after those two roles, but she would eventually retire in 1994 so that she can focus on raising her kids. She only appeared in The Anniversary Party (2001) in order to help a friend out.
Phoebe Cates
Jami Gertz
Jami Gertz has established herself after appearing in Crossroads, Less Than Zero, The Lost Boys, Quicksilver, Square Pegs, and Twister. Aside from these, she was also in Still Standing and The Neighbors. More recently, she worked on Difficult People and This is Us.
Jami Gertz
Catherine Bell
Now 49 years old, Catherine Bell is most recognizable for her roles in JAG, Army Wives, and The Good Witch. She still acts and she has even appeared in several Hallmark films. Everyone loved watching her on JAG, we can understand why.
Catherine Bell
Olivia Hussey
She is best known as Juliet in the 1968 version of Romeo and Juliet. The role granted her international fame — she would even win the David di Donatello Award and take home a Golden Globe trophy for it! She has since starred in multiple films and done voice acting. More recently, she starred in the thriller Social Suicide.
Olivia Hussey
Susan Olsen
The Brady Bunch actress, Susan Olsen has moved on from playing Cindy, the youngest Brady child. The former child actress is also an animal rights advocate, former radio host, and artist. Her last acting credit was for Mama Claus, Deck the Halls with Guts in 2015.
Susan Olsen
Eve Plumb
Let’s not forget the middle Brady daughter! While she is most famous for playing Jan Brady on The Brady Bunch, her greatest passion is not acting. It’s painting! Her work has been shown in various galleries all over the country. More recently, Plumb guest starred in an episode of Blue Bloods.
Eve Plumb
Julie Benz
You might remember Julie Benz for playing Darla on the shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. She also portrayed Rita Bennett on Dexter, a role for which she earned two Saturn Awards. She portrayed the recurring role of Abby Dunn on Hawaii Five-0 from the years 2015 to 2017. The actress has an extensive acting record, so don’t be surprised if her face looks so familiar!
Julie Benz
Kristin Kreuk
The Canadian actress was in the TV shows Smallville and Beauty and the Beast. When it comes to the big screen, she starred in Eurotrip, Irvine Welsh’s Ecstasy, Snow White: The Fairest of Them All, Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li. At the moment, she plays the lead character in Burden of Truth.
Kristin Kreuk
Erin Moran
Remember Joannie Cunningham from Happy Days and Joanie Loves Chachi? She would continue acting in various shows and movies before she retired in 2012. Moran sadly died of cancer in 2017.
Erin Moran
Erica Durance
Erica Durance is simply unforgettable for her portrayals of Lois Lane on Smallville and Dr. Alex Reid on Saving Hope. She has also appeared in The Butterfly Effect 2 and Island Heat: Stranded. She recently replaced Laura Benanti for the role of Alura Zor-El on Supergirl.
Erica Durance
Roz Kelly
What about Pinky Tuscadero from Happy Days? Fonzie’s girlfriend was played by actress Roz Kelly, who would eventually retire in 1983.
Roz Kelly
Michelle Trachtenberg
Here’s another familiar face! We’re sure you recognize her from Harriet the Spy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Gossip Girl. Her last acting credit was for the 2016 made-for-TV film Sister Cities.
Michelle Trachtenberg
Hayden Panettiere
Hayden Panettiere is one of the biggest stars in the early 2000s. She actually began her career at just 11 months old! As a child, she was in Disney’s Remember the Titans. She has also starred in the TV shows Heroes and Nashville. Aside from acting, Panettiere also has a passion for activism. When it comes to her personal life, the actress has revealed that she underwent post-partum depression after the birth of her daughter in 2014. She has been applauded for opening up about such a sensitive topic.
Hayden Panettiere
Marilyn Chambers
Marilyn Chambers is quite the character. She was an actress, dancer, model, porn star, and vice-presidential candidate! She might be best known for her work in the adult film industry, but she was able to transition to other projects. Unfortunately, she died of heart complications in 2009.
Marilyn Chambers
Yvonne De Carlo
Yvonne De Carol was an actress, singer, and dancer who was able to witness a lot of success during the 40’s and 50’s. The 1945 film Salome, Where She Danced gave the Canadian-American brunette her breakthrough role. From them on, she pursued a fruitful career. In 2007, De Carlo passed away from heart failure.
Yvonne De Carlo
Linda Gray
We’re sure you remember Linda Gray. After all, she was a successful film, television, and stage actress. Most people know her from the TV show Dallas. She was also a director, producer, and model. It’s fair to say to say that she is extremely talented. She’s still going strong at the age of 77!
Linda Gray
Anjelica Huston
Apparently, success and talent runs in the Huston family — can you believe that Anjelica is the third family member to win an Oscar? Among her film credits are her performances in The Addams Family, Enemies, A Love Story, The Grifters, and Prizzi’s Honor. She has published several books under her name.
Anjelica Huston
Victoria Principal
We also have Victoria Principal on the list. She portrayed Pamela Barnes Ewing in Dallas. She was able to build a great career before she chose to retire in 2001. She has also seen success as an entrepreneur. She owns a production company and a skincare line. Have we mentioned that she’s a best-selling author of several books?
Victoria Principal
Betty White
Here’s another legend — how can you possibly be unfamiliar with Betty White? After all, she has the longest career of any female entertainer! She has also challenged conventions when it comes to the entertainment industry. Did you know that she was among the first women to be both in front and behind the camera? Not to mention the fact that she was the first one to have produced a sitcom! The beloved actress is still acting and making people laugh.
Betty White
Beverley Owen
The Iowa native is probably most recognizable for portraying Marilyn Munster on The Munsters. She eventually left the show to get married to producer-writer Jon Stone. The couple has two children.
Beverley Owen
Priscilla Presley
Are you one of the people who only know her as Elvis Presley’s ex-wife? That’s a real disservice to this woman, so educate yourself quickly! She is well-known for her performances in Dallas and the Naked Gun series. She also did voice-acting for a 2017 episode of Family Guy.
Priscilla Presley
Hayley Mills
Hayley Mills will probably always be Susan and Sharon from The Parent Trap in our hearts. After her work as a child actress, she would later take on mature roles and take part in theatrical shows. She is still acting at the moment.
Hayley Mills
Sally Struthers
It’s rather hard to forget Sally Struthers as Gloria Stivic on All in the Family. Her performance was so good that she won two Emmy awards! For younger readers, you might recognize her as Babette on Gilmore Girls. She is also an activist, voice artist, and spokeswoman.
Sally Struthers
Joyce DeWitt
Joyce DeWitt may be most famous for her role in Three’s Company, but did you know that she is still acting today? Aside from her career, she is also an advocate for the homeless and the hungry. She combines both passions by narrating a documentary called Street Signs: Homeless But Not Hopeless.
Joyce DeWitt
Suzanne Somers
Since we already began talking about Three’s Company, let’s not forget to mention Suzanna Somers. On the show, she portrayed Chrissy Snow. She was also in Step by Step as Carol Foster Lambert. Now 71 years old, she is also an author, businesswoman, health spokesperson, and singer. Pretty impressive if you ask us!
Suzanne Somers
Margot Kidder
Here’s another actress famous for portraying Lois Lane. She starred alongside Christopher Reeve in the earlier Superman films. Aside from that, she is also an activist who is outspoken about anti-war, environmental, and political issues. She has also opened up about living with mental illness. She led an inspiring life, but she sadly died earlier this year at the age of 69.
Margot Kidder
Priscilla Barnes
Another Three’s Company alum, Priscilla Barnes will be remembered for the role of Terri Alden. She was introduced as the replacement for Somers. She also starred in The Devil’s Rejects, License to Kill, Mallrats, and A Vacation in Hell. More recently, she has also appeared on The CW show Jane the Virgin.
Priscilla Barnes
Mary Tyler Moore
The actress is best known for the sitcoms The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. It would probably be more accurate to call her a cultural icon. She was able to break the gender conventions at the time and her work left a huge impact on women at the time. It’s unfortunate that she passed away in 2017 at 80 years old.
Mary Tyler Moore
Loretta Swit
Even if you haven’t watched it, we’re sure you are familiar with the classic show M*A*S*H. One of the most memorable characters on the show is Major Hot Lips Houlihan, who is portrayed by Loretta Swit. The next time you walk by the Hollywood Walk of Fame, don’t forget to look for her star!
Loretta Swit
Melissa Gilbert
Melissa Gilbert’s character started when she portrayed Laura Ingalls Wilder on Little House on the Prairie. She would later star in Little House on the Prairie, the Musical, this time as Caroline “Ma” Ingalls. She also had a brief political career and even won the Democratic primary when she ran for Congress. Sadly, she had to opt out due to neck injuries.
Melissa Gilbert
Karen Grassle
The original Caroline Ingalls also made it to our list. How can we talk about Little House on the Prairie without talking about Karen Grassle? Now 76 years old, the actress’s last acting credit is for the 2017 film called Where’s Roman?
Karen Grassle
Marie Osmond
It must have been hard to set herself apart from her show business family, but Marie Osmond made it happen. She was able to have a successful career as a solo country musician. Let’s not forget that she also hosted Donny & Marie together with her older brother, Donny. The multitalented artist is still performing so keep an eye peeled for her shows.
Marie Osmond
Roxie Roker
Bahamian-American Roxie Roker made a name for herself when she portrayed Helen Willis on the sitcom The Jeffersons. Moreover, she was part of the first interracial pairing on primetime TV at the time! She is also the mother of musician Lenny Kravitz. The actress died of breast cancer in 1995.
Roxie Roker
Barbara Feldon
The former model mostly performed on stage, but she also did television work for some time. The most prominent role she had was for Get Smart. Aside from her work as an actor, she is also a published author. While it has been a while since she acted, she is still active in the industry.
Barbara Feldon
Lisa Bonet
You probably know Lisa Bonet as Denise Huxtable from The Cosby Show. She has mostly stayed away from the limelight and her last acting credit was in 2016 for Ray Donovan. She is presently married to Jason Momoa of Game of Thrones fame. The couple has two children together.
Lisa Bonet
Phylicia Rashad
Since we started discussing The Cosby Show, it shouldn’t surprise you that Clair Huxtable also made it to our list! Phylicia Rashad was even nominated for two Emmy nominations thanks to her portrayal of the Huxtable matriarch. She has even been called “The Mother” of the African-American community! Now 69 years old, she is also a singer and a stage director.
Phylicia Rashad
Valerie Harper
Was there any doubt that Valerie Harper will be on the list? She is well-known for her appearance in The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rhoda. She has also starred in Chapter Two, Freebie and the Bean, and Valerie. These days, she is busy with charity work.
Valerie Harper
Sandy Duncan
This actress is best known for her work on the Broadway production of Peter Pan and the sitcom The Hogan Family. The 72-year-old performer is incredibly talented and she has the awards and nominations to prove it. She still performs on stage.
Sandy Duncan
Christine Lakin
She was Al Lambert on Step by Step and Joan of Arc on Reefer Madness. You might even remember her as the sidekick on The Kilborn File and the voice behind Joyce Kinney from Family Guy. Presently, the 39-year-old actress is the lead actress on Hollywood Darlings.
Christine Lakin
Staci Keanan
Step by Step and My Two Dads launched Staci Keanan’s career. The actress was active from the years 1987 to 2012. She married actor-producer Guy Birtwhistle in February 2017.
Staci Keanan
Shelley Long
An Emmy nomination is already an impressive feat by itself, so just imagine how impressive Shelley Long was to have been nominated five times. All of these were for her portrayal of Diane Chambers on Cheers. She wasn’t just nominated — she won an Emmy and two Golden Globes! She has a recurring role on the sitcom Modern Family. Her last film credit was for Southern Christmas (2017).
Shelley Long
Terry Farrell
Do you know her from Becker or Star Trek: Deep Space Nine? Regardless, you must somehow be familiar with the talented actress! She retired in the year 2003, but she has decided to make a comeback in 2015. She recently starred in the sci-fi show Renegades.
Terry Farrell
Jane Leeves
We bet you will be able to recognize Jane Leeves as Daphne Moon on Frasier. She actually received both an Emmy and Golden Globe nomination for the role! More recently, she starred in Hot in Cleveland with other entertainment legends. She also appeared in the CBS sitcom The Great Indoors.
Jane Leeves