1. Rob Morrow: The Northern Exposure Star Who Could Have Been Everywhere
Rob Morrow’s breakout role on Northern Exposure in the early ’90s made him a TV favorite, but his early ’80s appearances were a sign of what might have been. He had several guest spots on popular shows like Family Ties and The Bronx Zoo that showcased his comedic timing and dramatic chops. Morrow’s quirky, charming presence made him a perfect candidate for stardom. However, despite these promising roles, he never quite reached the level of fame that some of his peers did in the ’80s.
The issue seemed to be that, while he had the right talent and looks, his projects never managed to fully take off. The ’80s were a time when many young actors struggled to make a lasting impact, and Morrow’s career seemed to hover on the edge of superstardom without crossing over. But he found his footing later, and his success in Northern Exposure remains one of TV’s great “what could have been” stories from the era.
2. Teri Copley: The ’80s Beauty Who Almost Took Over TV
Teri Copley was everywhere in the ’80s, with starring roles in shows like We Got It Made and Raising Miranda. She had that perfect blend of beauty and charm that made her a prime candidate for TV stardom. Her sitcoms, while short-lived, showcased her comedic talent and earned her a dedicated following. However, despite this, she never quite became the household name that seemed inevitable.
Copley’s rise to fame was overshadowed by other stars of the era, and the industry often struggled to find her the right roles after her shows fizzled out. The ’80s were a time when actresses like Copley, with immense potential, found themselves in the shadow of the bigger names. Though she did find some roles in the ’90s, nothing could match the momentum her career had in the beginning of the decade.
3. LeVar Burton: The Star Who Wasn’t Just Reading Rainbow
Before becoming a beloved host of Reading Rainbow, LeVar Burton was poised for a much bigger career in the ’80s. His role in Roots solidified his acting talent, and he followed it up with an appearance in the cult classic Star Trek: The Next Generation. He had the charm and versatility to make a massive impact, but the star power that many expected never quite fully materialized.
While Reading Rainbow undoubtedly cemented his legacy, many were surprised that Burton didn’t experience more success as an actor in the mainstream. He had everything it took to be a household name—talent, likability, and the right timing—but in the end, his fame was more niche than broad. Still, his influence on children’s programming and his advocacy for literacy has made him an enduring figure from the ’80s.
4. Alan Ruck: The Ferris Bueller Star Who Could Have Been a Leading Man
Alan Ruck’s role as Cameron Frye in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off was a standout, yet his acting career never quite lived up to the hype of that iconic role. In the ’80s, he had the potential to be a major leading man, with a mix of boy-next-door charm and an ability to play the everyman. He appeared in several films and shows, but none of them achieved the same level of lasting popularity as Ferris Bueller.
Though Ruck remained a staple on TV and film in the following decades, including his role in Spin City, he never quite broke into the A-list category. His talent was undeniable, but the roles never came in the way they did for his contemporaries. In a decade that made stars out of many, Ruck remains one of the ones who slipped through the cracks despite his undeniable charisma.
5. Lori Loughlin: The ’80s Star Who Was Destined for a Much Bigger Career
Lori Loughlin’s early career in the ’80s was a string of promising roles, from The New Kids to Full House. She was instantly recognizable with her bright smile and relatable personality, making her a perfect fit for family-friendly roles. But despite these early successes, she struggled to get roles that would propel her into long-lasting stardom.
Her success on Full House helped her remain relevant, but it took years for her to fully break into the mainstream after the ’80s ended. While Loughlin would later find a resurgence in When Calls the Heart, her early career could have been much more extensive. It’s a classic case of a talented actress who was in the right place but, for reasons unknown, just didn’t get the right breaks.
6. Bruce Greenwood: The Actor Who Could Have Led a Revolution
Bruce Greenwood had the look and the acting chops to dominate in the ’80s. His early roles in films like Summer Rental and The Virginian proved that he could hold his own alongside some of the biggest stars of the time. However, despite his undeniable talent, Greenwood never achieved the kind of fame that was expected of him during that period.
What set him apart was his ability to move between both film and TV, giving him versatility that many actors lacked. Despite appearing in a variety of projects, including the TV series Nowhere Man, Greenwood found himself overshadowed by other actors who dominated the decade. His career trajectory would take off in the ’90s, but his early days in the ’80s remain a testament to what could have been.
7. Jennifer Love Hewitt: The ’90s Star Who Nearly Got There in the ’80s
Jennifer Love Hewitt’s breakout moment came in the ’90s with Party of Five, but her path to stardom actually began in the late ’80s. She first appeared on Kids Incorporated, a show that introduced her to TV audiences and showcased her musical talents. Though she was a known figure among young fans, she didn’t quite break into the mainstream until later on.
Had things gone slightly differently, Hewitt could have become one of the ’80s’ biggest stars. Her early work, including guest spots on The Torkelsons and The Byrds of Paradise, laid a strong foundation. But as she was just beginning to gain traction, the ’90s rolled in and opened up a different set of opportunities for her.
