Love in the 80s: 20 Famous Couples Who Redefined Romance (2024)

The vibrant 1980s were a decade marked by cultural dynamism and seismic shifts.In the midst of all this change and so much more, love took center stage.

As the world navigated transformative events, from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the rise of technology, a parallel drama of passion, intrigue, and celebrity unfolded.

The realm of Hollywood and beyond saw a constellation of famous couples whose every move was scrutinized, adored, and imitated. From silver screen icons and music maestros to athletes and politicians, these dynamic duos captivated hearts and headlines.

They redefined romance in the decade, mostly in a positive way, and those that were negative provided entertainment for the ever-curious public.

These famous couples etched their names into the annals of time, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate across generations, shaping our perceptions of love, commitment, and stardom itself. This article will therefore highlight some infamous celebrity relationships in the 80s as well as how they played out.

1. Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson are two of the most beloved actors in Hollywood and also perhaps the best-loved couple birthed in Hollywood. Hanks and Wilson met in 1981 on the set of the television show “Bosom Buddies“.

However, they were both married to other people at the time and would only begin dating in 1985. This is after their respective marriages ended and they reconnected on the set of the 1985 comedy film “Volunteers”.

Hanks ended his marriage which he reveals was unhappy while Rita broke up her engagement to her then fiancé claiming, I didn’t know what being in love was until I met Tom.”

They were married in 1988 in a private ceremony in Italy. They have been married for over 30 years, and they are considered to be one of the most successful and stable couples in the industry.

Hanks and Wilson have two sons together, Chet and Truman. They have also worked together on several films, includingThe Bonfire of the Vanities(1990) andLarry Crowne(2011).

Their relationship has been praised by many for its longevity and stability. They are often cited as an example of a Hollywood couple who have managed to stay together despite the pressures of fame and fortune.

2. Ronald And Nancy Reagan

Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan were one of the most famous couples in the world during the 1980s. Ronald was the 40th president of the United States, serving from 1981 to 1989. Nancy was a former actress and the first lady of the United States while Ronald was in office.

The Reagans met in 1950 when they were both working in Hollywood. They were married in 1952 and had two children together, Ronald Prescott Reagan and Patti Davis.

The Reagans’ relationship was often seen as a model of old-fashioned romance. They were always very affectionate with each other in public, and they were known for their strong commitment to each other.

In the 1980s, the Reagans were often seen as the embodiment of the American dream. They were successful, glamorous, and seemingly happy. Their relationship was seen as a source of strength and stability during a time of great social and political change.

The Reagans’ relationship was not without its challenges. Ronald Reagan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 1994, and Nancy Reagan was his primary caregiver until his death in 2004. However, the Reagans never gave up on their love for each other, and they remained a strong couple until the end.

The Reagans redefined romance by showing that it is possible to have a loving and lasting relationship even in the face of great challenges. They were a source of inspiration for many people, and their love story will continue to be remembered for generations to come.

Here’s our list of the 10 most famous US Presidents!

3. Julia Louis-Dreyfus & Brad Hall

Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Brad Hall are two of the most successful comedians of their generation. Louis-Dreyfus is best known for her roles on Seinfeld and Veep, while Hall is known for his work on Saturday Night Live and The Single Guy.

The couple met in college while they were both students at Northwestern University. They were members of a troupe known as the Practical Theater Company.

In 1982, the troupe caught the attention of SNL, and all 4 members including our happy couple were hired right out of college. They have been married since 1987 and as Julia has remarked publicly, “Brad was the right guy, and he’s remained the right guy.”

They were and still are seen as a model couple, often seen together at public events. Their relationship was often cited as an example of how two successful people could maintain a strong relationship while also pursuing their individual careers.

Louis-Dreyfus and Hall have two sons together, Henry and Charlie. They are still together today, and they continue to be one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples.

Here are some facts about billionaire Margarita Louis-Dreyfus (Julia’s sister-in-law)!

4. Ozzy & Sharon Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne are one of the most famous couples in rock and roll history. Ozzy is the lead singer of Black Sabbath, one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time.

Sharon is a television personality and businesswoman. The couple met in the early 1970s when Sharon’s father, Don Arden, was managing Ozzy’s band, Black Sabbath.

Sharon was working as a receptionist for his father. They began dating in 1979, after Ozzy was fired from Black Sabbath and became a solo act.

Sharon then became Ozzy’s manager, and they were married in 1982. The rest is a bat-biting story, drug-and-alcohol-fueled that is rife with reality show content.

Ozzy and Sharon’s relationship was often volatile. Ozzy struggled with addiction and substance abuse, and he was involved in several controversies.

Sharon was known for her outspoken personality and her willingness to defend her husband. Despite their ups and downs, Ozzy and Sharon have remained together for over 40 years.

They have three children together: Aimee, Kelly, and Jack. They are also grandparents to several grandchildren.

5. Meryl Streep & Don Gummer

Meryl Streep and Don Gummer are one of Hollywood’s most respected couples. Streep is one of the most acclaimed actresses of all time, while Gummer is a successful sculptor.

They have been married for over 40 years and have four children together. The couple met in 1978 when Streep was still grieving the death of her longtime boyfriend, John Cazale.

Gummer was there for her during a difficult time, and they quickly fell in love. By September of that same year, they were married in a private ceremony in Connecticut.

While they were married before the 80s, they are a famous couple from the 80s. Streep and Gummer redefined romance in the 80s by showing that it was possible to have a successful relationship in the public eye.

They were a couple who truly loved and respected each other, and they were committed to making their marriage work.

Meryl Streep and Gummer’s relationship has been praised by many for its longevity and authenticity. They are seen as a couple who truly loves and respects each other, and they have set a high standard for what it means to be in a successful relationship despite public scrutiny.

6. Jamie Lee Curtis & Christopher Guest

Jamie Lee Curtis is an iconic actress, known for her roles in films like “Halloween” and “True Lies,” while Christopher Guest is a successful actor, writer, director, and producer.

They have been married for over 30 years and have raised two children together, Annie and Thomas. The couple met in 1984 and their meeting is interesting, to say the least.

Curtis allegedly first saw a picture of Guest in Rolling Stone as he was promoting his upcoming movie This Is Spinal Tap (1984). On seeing the picture, Curtis is said to have told a friend, “I’m going to marry that man.” Talk about love at first sight!

She called him but he never called back. Note at this time Guest had no idea who she was. Months later, the two would officially meet months later at a Hollywood restaurant called Hugo’s, and months later they walked down the aisle in a matrimonial ceremony.

The couple married in 1988 in a private ceremony in Colorado. They are a couple who have shown that it is possible to find true love and happiness, even in the midst of a world that is often superficial and judgmental.

7. Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham

We’ll go out on a limb here and guess you’re already familiar with Oprah Winfrey. You know, the “You get a car, you get a car, everybody gets a car!” lady?

Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham are one of the most famous couples in the world. Winfrey is a talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist, while Graham is a businessman and motivational speaker.

The couple have been together since 1986, having met that same year at a Charity event in Chicago. The couple have been together since and while they were engaged and set to be married in 1992, the wedding never took place.

Although they never married, Oprah Winfrey and Graham’s relationship has been praised by many for its longevity and authenticity. From the beginning of their relationship in the 80s to date, their partnership has been seen as one that is truly based on love and respect for one another.

The two have truly set a standard for what it means to be in a successful relationship.

8. Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan

Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan were one of the most popular couples of the 1980s. Fox was a rising star thanks to his role on the sitcom “Family Ties,” where his love interest on the show was coincidentally his real-life wife-to-be Tracy Pollan.

They met in 1985 on the set of the film “Back to the Future,” and they began dating shortly after. Fox and Pollan’s relationship was often seen as a fairy tale romance.

They were both young, attractive, and successful, and they seemed to be very much in love. They were married in 1988 in a private ceremony, and they went on to have four children together.

Fox and Pollan’s relationship was perceived by the public in a very positive light. They were seen as a couple who were deeply in love and committed to each other.

Fox and Pollan are still together today, and they are one of the longest-lasting couples in Hollywood. They have faced many challenges over the years, including Fox’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, but they have always managed to come out stronger.

Here are some other famous people with Parkinson’s disease!

They have four children together, Sam Micheal, a son, twin daughters Aquinnah Kathleen, and Schuyler Frances, and another daughter Esmé Annabelle.

9. Madonna and Sean Penn

Madonna and Sean Penn were one of the most iconic couples of the 1980s. In the 80s, Madonna was the Queen of Pop, an Idol around the globe while Penn was a rising star in Hollywood.

The two met in 1985 when Madonna was still married to her first husband, Sean Southwick. This was at the set of her iconic “Material Girl” music video. Penn was immediately smitten (I mean, can you blame him?), and they began dating shortly after her divorce was finalized.

The couple’s relationship was often tumultuous. They were both known for their strong personalities, and they often clashed. However, they were also deeply in love, and they were often seen as the perfect couple despite their very public outbursts and shortcomings.

Madonna and Penn were married in 1985, in a private ceremony in Malibu, California. They had no children together. Their marriage lasted for four years, and they divorced in 1989 although Madonna had filed for divorce earlier in 1987, which she withdrew shortly after.

Madonna and Penn’s relationship was often seen as a symbol of the 1980s. They were both glamorous and successful, and they seemed to have it all. However, their relationship also showed that even the most successful couples can struggle.

Madonna and Penn’s relationship was a rollercoaster ride, but it was also a love story for the ages. They showed that true love is possible, even when it is not easy.

10. Prince And Kim Bassinger

Prince is and always will be a music icon regarded as a great in his generation. Kim Basinger on the other hand, is a Hollywood A-lister hailed as a sex symbol in the 80s and 90s.

The couple met in 1989 when Basinger was filming Tim Burton’s 1989 movie “Batman”. Prince wrote the soundtrack for the movie, and they began dating shortly after.

Their relationship was passionate and intense, and they were often seen together at public events. However, their relationship was also controversial.

Prince was known for his eccentric behavior, and Basinger was often criticized for her relationship with him. Some people accused Prince of being controlling and possessive, while others said that Basinger was using him for his fame.

They eventually broke up in 1991, and their relationship remained bitter for many years. However, they eventually reconciled in 2016 and became friends before Prince’s death.

Prince and Basinger’s relationship was certainly unconventional, but it was also deeply passionate. They were two of the most talented and creative people of their generation, and their relationship captured the imagination of the public.

11. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman

Although their relationship began late into the 80s, Tom and Nicole’s relationship was particularly famous as they were two up-and-coming young Hollywood talents.

They met in 1989 while filming the movie “Days of Thunder,” and were married in 1990. The couple was incredibly popular, and their relationship was often seen as a fairy tale romance.

They were both incredibly successful in their careers, and they seemed to be very much in love. They adopted two children together, Isabella Jane and Connor Anthony.

However, their relationship came to an end in 2001. The exact reasons for their breakup are unknown, but it was rumored that Cruise’s involvement with Scientology played a role.

Despite their breakup, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman have remained friends. They have both spoken highly of each other in the years since their divorce, and they have even worked together on a few projects.

12. Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown

Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown were two of the biggest music stars of the 1980s. Houston was the reigning queen of pop, while Brown was a rising R&B star.

Their relationship was met with much fanfare and speculation, as many people wondered what it would be like for two such iconic figures to be together.

The couple met in 1989 when Brown was invited to a party at Houston’s house. They immediately hit it off, and they began dating shortly after.

Their relationship was passionate and intense, and they were often seen together at public events. However, their relationship was also controversial. Brown had a history of drug use and legal problems, and Houston’s family was concerned about their relationship.

Houston and Bobby, however, were determined to be together and they were married in 1992. Houston and Brown’s relationship was turbulent from the start as they struggled with addiction, infidelity, and violence.

They had a daughter together, Bobbi Kristina, in 1993. However, their marriage eventually fell apart, and they divorced in 2007.

Houston died in 2012 after accidentally drowning in her bathtub. Heart disease and cocaine use are often cited as causes of her drowning.

Brown has since remarried. However, their relationship is still remembered as one of the most tumultuous and tragic in pop culture history.

Despite the challenges they faced, Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown’s relationship redefined romance for a generation. They were two of the most famous and talented people in the world, and their love for each other was undeniable.

13. Bruce Willis and Demi Moore

Bruce Willis and Demi Moore were one of the most iconic couples of the 1980s. Willis was an action star known for his roles in films like “Die Hard” and “Pulp Fiction,” while Moore was a rising star who had starred in films like “Ghost” and “A Few Good Men.”

They met in 1987 at a screening of the film “Stakeout,” and within months they were married in November 1987.

Willis and Moore’s relationship was often seen as a fairy tale romance. They were both successful in their careers, and they seemed to be very much in love. They had three daughters together: Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah. They divorced in 2000, but they remained friends.

According to Willis, the divorce was inevitable as “I felt I had failed as a father and a husband by not being able to make it work.”

Willis and Moore’s relationship redefined romance for a generation. They were a couple who was not afraid to show their affection in public, and they were always there to support each other.

Despite the divorce, they remained close with each attending the other’s subsequent weddings. During their marriage, the two had three daughters including actress Rumer Glenn Willis.

14. Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick

Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick are yet another couple from Hollywood. They are recognized as one of the longest-married famous couples in Hollywood

Bacon and Sedgwick met in 1987 on the set of the PBS film “Lemon Sky”. They were both relatively unknown at the time.

In interviews over the years, Sedgwick has revealed she wasn’t too fond of Bacon at first. “He wasn’t very friendly, he had an attitude,” she discloses.

Bacon, on the other hand, was immediately drawn to her, despite knowing how she perceived him. He says, “I was more into her than she was into me. I think she found me co*cky and pretentious.”

He finally wore her down and they began dating shortly after. Months later, they were married in 1988.

Their relationship was met with much fanfare and speculation, as many people wondered what it would be like for two such talented and rising stars to be together. They were incredibly supportive of each other’s careers, and they always seemed to be genuinely happy together.

Bacon and Sedgwick have two children together, Travis and Sosie. They have continued to work steadily throughout their careers, and they have starred in numerous films and television shows together and even more separately.

15. Tom Selleck and Jillie Mack

Tom Selleck and Jillie Mack were one of the most popular couples of the 1980s. Selleck was a major heartthrob in the 80s thanks to his role as Thomas Magnum in the hit TV series “Magnum, P.I..” Mack, on the other hand, was a rising star after appearing in the film “Arthur 2: On the Rocks.”

The couple met in 1983 while Selleck was filming the movie “Lassiter” in London. Mack was working as a dancer in the musical “Cats” at the time.

They were immediately attracted to each other, and they began dating shortly after. They were often seen together at public events, and they always seemed to be happy and in love.

The couple married in 1987 in a private ceremony in Hawaii. They have one daughter together, Hannah, who was born in 1988.

Selleck and Mack are still together today, and they are considered one of Hollywood’s most enduring couples.

Selleck and Mack were also a couple who were supportive of each other’s careers. Selleck was at the height of his fame when he met Mack, but he was always supportive of her career as well.

Mack went on to have a successful career as an actress, appearing in films such as “The Player” and “Independence Day.”

Selleck and Mack’s relationship is a reminder that true love is possible, even in the public eye. They are a couple who have defied the odds and built a lasting relationship based on love, respect, and support.

16. Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley

Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley were one of the most iconic couples of the 1980s. Joel was a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, while Brinkley was a supermodel and actress.

They were married from 1985 to 1994 and had a daughter, Alexa Ray Joel.

The couple met in 1983 when they were both at the peak of their careers. They were introduced by friends and quickly fell in love.

They were married in a lavish ceremony in Upstate New York in 1985. Their relationship was often seen as a fairytale romance.

They were both incredibly successful and beautiful, and they seemed to be perfect for each other. They were often seen together at public events, and they always seemed to be happy and in love.

However, their relationship was not without its challenges. Joel struggled with alcoholism, and Brinkley was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994. They divorced in 1994, but they have remained friends.

Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley redefined romance for a generation. They were a couple who were both successful and beautiful, but they were also real people who faced challenges in their relationship.

17. Harrison Ford and Melissa Mathison

In the 80s, Ford was a rising star in Hollywood, known for his roles in “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones,” while Mathison was an up-and-coming screenwriter, who had written the screenplay for “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.”

The soon-to-be couple met in 1983, on the set of the film “The Mosquito Coast.” They were immediately attracted to each other, and they began dating shortly after.

They were then married in 1986, in a private ceremony in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Ford and Mathison’s relationship were often seen as a model of romance in the 1980s. They were both successful in their own right, and they seemed to be very supportive of each other’s careers.

The couple had two children together, Malcolm and Georgia. They remained married until 2004 when they divorced.

Ford and Mathison’s relationship was not without its challenges. Ford had a history of infidelity, and there were rumors of problems in their marriage throughout the years.

However, they always seemed to be able to work through their problems, and they remained committed to each other. At least until when they called it quits on the marriage.

18. Robert Kardashian and Kris Kardashian

Robert and Kris Kardashian were one of the most famous couples in the 1980s. Robert was a wealthy and famous lawyer, who got unrivaled attention and fame for being OJ Simpson’s friend and attorney in his 1995 murder trial.

Kris, on the other hand, was a former flight attendant. They met in 1978 at a horse race in California and were married the following year. They had four children together: Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob.

However, their marriage was not without its problems. Kris had an affair in the late 1980s, which led to their divorce in 1991. She would then get married again merely a month after the divorce to retired Olympian Bruce Jenner, who publicly came out as a transgender woman in 2015, taking the name Caitlyn.

Despite their divorce, Robert and Kris remained close friends. They even worked together on the defense team for O.J. Simpson in his murder trial. Robert died of cancer in 2003, and Kris has said that he was the love of her life.

Robert and Kris redefined romance in the 1980s by not being afraid to show their affection in public, and they seemed to genuinely enjoy each other’s company. They were also a successful couple, both professionally and personally.

Together, Robert and Kris Kardashian were a power couple who epitomized the American dream in that they were rich, famous, and seemingly happy.

19. Mikhail Gorbachev and Raisa Gorbacheva

Mikhail Gorbachev and Raisa Gorbacheva were one of the most famous couples in the world in the 1980s. Gorbachev was the leader of the Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991, and Raisa was a historian and public figure.

The Gorbachevs met as students at Moscow State University in 1950. They were married in 1953 and had two children, a daughter and a son.

The Gorbachevs’ relationship was perceived by the public as being loving and supportive. Raisa was Gorbachev’s closest advisor and confidante, and she played a major role in his political career. She was also a popular figure in her own right, and she was known for her fashion sense and her commitment to social causes.

The Gorbachevs were married for 30 years, until Gorbachev’s death in 2018. They were still together in the 1980s when they were at the height of their fame.

The Gorbachevs redefined romance by showing that it was possible to have a loving and fulfilling relationship even in the midst of great political turmoil. They were a symbol of hope and change for the Soviet Union, and their relationship inspired people around the world.

In the 1980s, the Gorbachevs were known for their efforts to reform the Soviet Union. Gorbachev introduced a series of policies known as glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring), which led to the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union.

20. Janet Jackson and James DeBarge

Yet another sad love story from the 80s. Jackson was a rising star in the music industry, while DeBarge was a member of the popular R&B group DeBarge.

The couple met in 1984 at a party in Los Angeles, and they quickly fell in love. Jackson and DeBarge’s relationship was often seen as a mismatch.

Jackson was from a strict religious family, while DeBarge had a history of drug abuse. However, the couple seemed to be very much in love, and they were often seen together at public events.

The couple’s relationship was not without its challenges. DeBarge’s drug addiction caused problems in their relationship, and they broke up several times. However, they always seemed to find their way back to each other.

In 1984, Jackson and DeBarge eloped to Las Vegas and got married. Jackson was only 18 at the time. However, their marriage was annulled just 8 months later.

They continued to date on and off for several years, but they eventually broke up for good in 1989. Janet Jackson and DeBarge’s relationship was certainly unconventional, but it was also deeply passionate.

They were two of the biggest stars of their generation, and their relationship captured the imagination of the public. They redefined romance for a generation, and their story continues to be told and retold today.

By revisiting and scrutinizing the above couples, we are reminded of just how multifaceted love is. It is capable of radiating beauty, complexity, and at times, soul-crushing intensity.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that these twenty couples are just a snapshot of an era teeming with remarkable unions. Countless other romances, with their own unique narratives, have also woven themselves into the fabric of that decade.

Here’s our list of the 50 most famous people from the 80s!