The 80s were a pivotal time for actresses. Equity feminism began to take hold and the foundations of what would become third-wave feminism in the 1990s slowly took root. Hollywood saw the return of studio-driven movies and blockbusters after the auteur-focused New Hollywood era of the 1970s. Teen movies peaked, both critically and commercially, and some of the most enduring and beloved franchises made their big-screen debut.
The decade gave audiences an embarrassment of riches in terms of film content, and several high-profile actresses were at the center of it all. These women ruled the '80s, creating screen characters that would stand the test of time and turning them into movie icons.
Sigourney Weaver
After her breakthrough role in 1979's Alien, Sigourney Weaver went on to dominate the '80s. The first half of the decade saw her play leading roles in critically acclaimed films, such as The Year of Living Dangerously, and blockbusters, such as Ghostbusters.
She would rise to the height of her success in the latter half of the decade, receiving Oscar nominations for three of her most successful films: 1986's Aliens and 1988's Gorillas in the Mist and Working Girl. Weaver would say goodbye to the decade by reprising her role as Dana Barrett in 1989's Ghostbusters II.
Jamie Lee Curtis
Curtis made her film debut as the Ultimate Ultimate Girl, Laurie Strode, in John Carpenter's seminal slasher. Hallowe'en. Establishing herself as a scream queen, Curtis played lead roles in several other slashers, including Prom Night, Terror Train, and Halloween II.
The 1983 comedy Trading Places garnered her a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress and provided some much-needed diversity to her resume. In 1988, she received further critical acclaim and a BAFTA nomination for her role in the beloved heist comedy, A Fish Called Wanda.
Carrie Fisher
Carrie Fisher became an instant star thanks to her role in George Lucas's 1977 space opera Star Wars. As Leia Organa, Fisher redefined the role of the female lead in action-adventure movies. She quickly became an icon of the '80s, thanks to her instantly memorable fashion and hairstyle, her active role in the story, and her influence on other female characters of the decade and cinema in general.
Fisher's post-Star Wars career consisted of supporting roles in numerous films, including Hannah and Her Sisters and When Harry Met Sally. She also became a successful author, screenwriter, and script doctor.
Whoopi Goldberg
In 1985, Whoopi Goldberg received her breakthrough thanks to her portrayal of Celie in Steven Spielberg's period drama. The Color Purple. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination, and to this day, many movie lovers believe she should have won.
Between 1985 and 1988, Goldberg made seven films, including her directorial debut for Penny Marshall, Jumping Jack Flash. A talented comedian, Goldberg has also hosted multiple HBO Comedy Relief specials alongside comedians Robin Williams and Billy Crystal.
Jessica Lange
One of the most lauded actresses of her generation, Jessica Lange had her breakthrough in the 1976 King Kong remake. However, her most successful year would be 1983, thanks to her roles in Tootsie and Frances. She received Oscar nominations for both and won Best Supporting Actress for the former.
Lange would go on to receive two other nominations during the '80s for Country and Sweet Dreams. And although her filmography during the second half of the decade included mostly low-budget films that underperformed at the box office, her performances were always highly praised.
