1. Robert Downey Jr. – From Ally McBeal to Iron Man
Robert Downey Jr.’s career was a rollercoaster ride in the ’80s and ’90s. After early successes like Less Than Zero and The Pickup Artist, he seemed primed for stardom. However, his struggles with substance abuse led to a rocky few years, and by the mid-2000s, it seemed like his time in the spotlight was over. Downey had hit rock bottom, with a string of legal troubles that left many questioning his future in Hollywood.
Then came his game-changing role in Iron Man (2008), which brought him back into the spotlight in a big way. His portrayal of Tony Stark not only revived his career but turned him into one of the biggest stars in the world. Downey’s stunning comeback reminded fans that sometimes, the best success stories come after the hardest falls. Over the years, his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has cemented him as one of the most iconic actors of his generation, proving that a second act in Hollywood is always possible.
2. Kirstie Alley – Cheers to Dancing with the Stars
In the ’80s, Kirstie Alley became a household name with her unforgettable role as Rebecca Howe on Cheers. Her portrayal of the sharp-tongued, yet lovable, bar manager made her a fan favorite. But after the ’90s, her career slowed down, and she struggled with weight fluctuations and typecasting. Though she remained in the public eye, it wasn’t until 2011 that she had a true career resurgence.
Appearing on Dancing with the Stars, Alley showed the world that she still had the moves and charm that made her famous. At the age of 60, she wowed both judges and audiences with her graceful and energetic performances, eventually finishing as a runner-up. This new chapter in her career earned her a fresh wave of fans and proved that she still had plenty of star power left. Alley’s comeback journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself in Hollywood, no matter where life has taken you.
3. Rick Moranis – From Ghostbusters to the Quiet Life and Back
Rick Moranis was a beloved comedic actor throughout the ’80s, known for his roles in Ghostbusters, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, and Spaceballs. His ability to play the quirky, good-natured everyman made him a favorite of audiences. However, after the tragic death of his wife in 1991, Moranis made the difficult decision to step away from acting to focus on raising his children. It was a heartbreaking yet admirable choice that kept him out of the limelight for decades.
Despite his absence from Hollywood, Moranis was never forgotten. In 2020, he made a long-awaited return to acting with a cameo in Shrunk, the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids sequel. His comeback was met with overwhelming excitement from fans who had missed his unique comedic touch. Moranis’ return proves that sometimes the most heartfelt comebacks happen when you least expect them, and that family can take precedence over fame without it being the end of your career.
4. Christina Applegate – From Married with Children to Dead to Me
Christina Applegate’s breakout role came in the late ’80s when she starred as Kelly Bundy on the hit sitcom Married with Children. Her portrayal of the ditsy, fun-loving daughter made her a pop culture icon. After Married with Children ended in the early ’90s, Applegate struggled to find her footing in Hollywood, though she landed several TV and movie roles. For a while, she was overshadowed by her earlier fame.
But in 2019, Applegate made an impressive return to television with the dark comedy Dead to Me. Playing Jen Harding, a woman struggling with grief and loss, Applegate showcased her impressive range as an actress. Her performance earned critical acclaim, and her role marked a significant departure from her Married with Children days. Applegate’s resurgence in Dead to Me serves as a reminder that talent and hard work can lead to a well-deserved second act, no matter how much time has passed.
5. John Stamos – From Full House to Grandfathered
John Stamos was the heartthrob of the ’80s thanks to his role as Uncle Jesse on Full House. His good looks and charm made him a fan favorite, but after Full House wrapped up, he struggled to land another big hit. While he worked on various projects, including theater and film, none seemed to match the massive success of his earlier TV role.
In 2015, Stamos returned to television with Grandfathered, a sitcom where he played a bachelor who discovers he has a grown son and a granddaughter. The show earned positive reviews, and Stamos’ performance reminded audiences of his undeniable charm and comedic timing. Though the show only lasted one season, it marked a memorable moment in Stamos’ career and proved that an actor could successfully reinvent themselves even after being typecast in a role as iconic as Uncle Jesse.
6. Mark-Paul Gosselaar – From Saved by the Bell to Mixed-ish
Mark-Paul Gosselaar found fame in the late ’80s as Zack Morris on Saved by the Bell. The show made him a teen idol and left an indelible mark on pop culture. However, after Saved by the Bell ended, Gosselaar’s career struggled to find a steady rhythm. He appeared in several shows that didn’t quite capture the same magic, leaving fans wondering if he would ever return to the spotlight.
In 2019, Gosselaar made a major comeback with a starring role in Mixed-ish, a prequel to the popular series Black-ish. His portrayal of Paul Johnson earned praise for his comedic chops and ability to adapt to a completely new genre. Though Mixed-ish was short-lived, Gosselaar’s role showcased his enduring talent and ability to reinvent himself. His successful pivot from a beloved teen heartthrob to a respected adult actor proves that reinvention is possible at any stage of life.
