These days, it seems like our favorite heartthrobs from the '80s -- those cute guys who were sweet and lovable -- are popping up everywhere -- reality shows, comic book conventions, waiting on us at Applebee's. (Our waiter last night totally looked like the guy who played Mallory's boyfriend Nick on "Family Ties.") Yes, "Dancing With the Stars" and every other VH1 show helps us keep tabs on the hunks of the New Coke era. But where are favorites like Corey Feldman and Ralph Macchio? Pull out your El DeBarge album and hoop earrings and check out our gallery of some of our favorite '80s stars from movies, TV and pop music. They just don't make them like Stamos anymore.
80s Crushes -- Then and Now
THEN: Ralph Macchio Though he first came to stardom as one of "The Outsiders," Macchio will eternally be "Daniel-san" in the original "Karate Kid" trilogy. Who doesn't get a little misty-eyed whenever "Glory of Love" comes on the radio? (Or super-pumped when "You're The Best" is on the bar jukebox?)
Everett Collection
NOW: Ralph Macchio Macchio's been on the comeback trail of late, poking fun at his "Wax on, wax off" past in a Vitamin Water commercial, and popping up on "Ugly Betty" and the indie film "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead." (Now that's a title!) If only he'd use his "Crane Kick" on whoever thought it was a good idea to cast Will Smith's son in the upcoming "Karate Kid" remake.
THEN: Andrew McCarthy Whether falling for Molly Ringwald in "Pretty in Pink" or for an inanimate Kim Cattrall in "Mannequin," McCarthy was the romantic soul of the '80s. And, as it turns out, the sparks in "Pretty in Pink" were real: Ringwald later confessed to having a serious crush on Andrew during filming.
Zuma Press
NOW: Andrew McCarthy After recent stints on "Law & Order Criminal Intent" and "Lipstick Jungle," McCarthy is returning to his roots: playing Lily's father in an episode of "Gossip Girl" set during the '80s. We hear the episode is actually a backdoor pilot for a potential series called "Valley Girls." A TV series set during the '80s and starring Andrew McCarthy? Where do we sign?
THEN: Cary Elwes As "The Princess Bride"'s dashing Westley, Elwes melted hearts merely by uttering the words, "Inconceivable." We kid, that was Wallace Shawn. "As you wish" is what Westley said to melt Princess Buttercup's slightly prickly heart. (He was also able to yell it while tumbling down a hillside.)
Everett Collection
NOW: Cary Elwes Post-"Bride," Elwes made a career out of basically playing Westley over and over in movies like "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" and "Georgia Rule." In 2005, Elwes filed a lawsuit against the makers of "Saw" for not allowing him to share in the colossal profits from that torture-fest. You can soon see him scanned as a 3-D character in "A Christmas Carol" and "The Adventures of Tintin." Even awkward motion-capture Elwes is still pretty darn smooth.
THEN: Chad Allen Allen first came to fame for his role as the young autistic boy Tommy Westphall on "St. Elsewhere." (Turned out the whole series took place in his mind. Which explains all the Howie Mandel antics.) But it was his role opposite crotchety old Wilford Brimley, and a young Shannon Doherty, in "Our House" that scored him a place in Bop and Teen Beat.
Getty Images
NOW: Chad Allen Allen spent a good part of the '90s on the swoony "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," and met with controversy when tabloids outed him in 1996. Since then, he's been a steadfast activist for gay rights, produced and starred in socially relevant projects like 2007's "Save Me" (co-starring Angela from 'Who's the Boss" as a crazy Christian!) He recently turned up on the "General Hospital" spin-off "Night Shift," and also auctioned off his underwear for charity. Ladies? Guys? Crazy "Our House" fans?
THEN: C. Thomas Howell Howell first demonstrated his tough guy persona as Ponyboy in "The Outsiders," and then proceeded to milk it for decades in action roles ranging from the sublime ("Red Dawn," "The Hitcher") to the highly forgettable (pretty much everything after "Red Dawn" and "The Hitcher").
Everett Collection
NOW: C. Thomas Howell C. Thomas continues to be the king of direct-to-DVD action fare, recently starring in his own version of "War of the Worlds" (and directing the sequel, co-starring Christopher "Kid" Reid of Kid 'n Play). If you're up late watching a B-action movie, chances are C. Thomas Howell is the star. He's also on the new show "Southland."












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Monday 13 July
By Beth
When I realized that after you scrolled through the 80's crushes you got the 90's crushes, I was freakin' THRILLED! What a blast from the past - I totally had big ol' crushes on all those boys, and their pictures torn out of Teen Bop magazine & pasted on my walls. So awesome...
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Tuesday 14 July
By Aimee
Andrew McCarthy fans, watch one of the best films ever, Andrew looks aaaammmaaazing in it, The New Waterford Girl.
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Monday 13 July
By Amanda
Please get you facts straight.... Jonathon Brandis died in 2003.
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Wednesday 15 July
By Bill
Note: Jonthan Brandis committed suicide. Hanging, I believe
Monday 13 July
By marina
i
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Monday 13 July
By Cindy
OMG HE STILL LOOKS FINNE.... MUAHZ SWEETY
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Monday 13 July
By kimberly t.
mark whalberg,leonardo dicaprio,nd ralph macchio were my faves.there were some more but i didnt kno their namesz.
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Monday 13 July
By sav
PONYBOY AND JOHNNYCAKE
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Monday 13 July
By xnothinggold
sav was me. my comment got cut off. BUT YEAH PONYBOY AND JOHHNYCAAAKEEE!!! i love ralph and tommy. klsdjflsjfsdf. lovelovelovelovellveooeovelvevleo !!! haha wow, swoon over.
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Monday 13 July
By Diamond
I loved the Coreys and Kirk. I had to buy Bop to pinup these guys on my wall. Those were the good old days!
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Monday 13 July
By Sarah
Oh my god, Kadeem has GROWN UP. I'm so used to him playing the awkward role of Steve Urkel (spell check?) I haven't seen him since that stopped airing. This is amazing.
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Monday 13 July
By Rachel
Cary Elwes does NOT say "Inconceivable" in the Princess Bride. Maybe watch the movie before posting stuff. Vizzini says it, not Westley.
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Monday 13 July
By Nick
Indeed, we do know that Vizzini (played by Wallace Shawn) utters "Inconceivable" Rachel. (Who could forget?) We were making a joke about Elwes saying it. Check the entry in the gallery again (or see below) and you'll see what we mean. And thanks for reading!
As "The Princess Bride"'s dashing Westley, Elwes melted hearts merely by uttering the words, "Inconceivable." We kid, that was Wallace Shawn. "As you wish" is what Westley said to melt Princess Buttercup's slightly prickly heart. (He was also able to yell it while tumbling down a hillside.)
Tuesday 14 July
By S
Jonathon Brandis died in 2003 not 2008!!!
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Tuesday 14 July
By James
He was in Eight is Enough first.
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Tuesday 14 July
By Katie
yes its a shame jonathan brandis did die he was the only reason WHY i watched Seaquest and omg he was even hotter in lady bugs! gosh idk why he hated himself and life if he was that good looking to hang himself :(
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Wednesday 15 July
By Vanessa
I'm wonder why Will Smith did not show up in the 90's....if anyone should be on there it is him.
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Wednesday 15 July
By river-rider
You are missing a few people from your list what happen to Al B. Sure, Prince, El Debarge, and i can mention a few more. I would like 2 see some more crushes.
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