Remember in the 1980s where everyone couldn't get enough of celebrity workout tapes and legwarmers? If you weren't a part of a spin or aerobics class, you were spending your free time wrong. Remember icons like John Travolta, Jane Fonda, and Richard Simmons? Here's what they've been up to lately...
Lou Ferrigno - Then
Lou Ferrigno, the famous actor and professional bodybuilder, was best known for his critically acclaimed documentary, Pumping Iron. He also has an IFBB Mr. America title under his belt. However, his career took a while to pick up. Initially, he worked as a sheet metal worker, booking jobs for $10 an hour.
Lou Ferrigno - Now
Following his time as a bodybuilder, he tried his hand at football with the Toronto Argonauts. However, when he broke both of the legs of another player during practice, he decided he was too strong for the game and had to pursue another hobby. He became a skilled actor, and landed a recurring role on "King of Queens" and played the lead role in "The Incredible Hulk."
John Travolta - Then
Following his rise to fame from the 1970's hit film, "Grease," John Travolta picked up a slew of films, one of them being the cheesy romance, "Perfect." The infamous workout routine scene with Jamie Lee Curtis has gone down in infamy as one of the most cringey sequences of all time - even his dreamy smile and slick hair can't distract the audience from all that embarrassment.
John Travolta - Now
Though he's not as into fitness as he once was, he's still a timeless actor. His incredible performances in later films like "Pulp Fiction," "Hairspray," and "Swordfish" got him Academy Award nominations and even won him a Golden Globe. He's also hosted various award shows in recent years - who could forget that infamous mispronunciation of Idina Menzel's name?
Raquel Welch - Then
Welch's career was launched into fame when she published her debut book, "Raquel: The Raquel Welch Total Beauty and Fitness Program." It combined aerobics, yoga, and lifestyle tips. She also starred in the 1960s film "Fantastic Voyage," which earned her a contract with 20th Century Fox. She had an enviable body that made the front of all the movie's posters.
Raquel Welch - Now
Raquel Welch was a pioneer in strong leading female film roles. She wanted to break the "damsel in distress" mold, and she did. Her appearance in "The Three Musketeers" was so profound that she won a Golden Globe. Playboy ranked her as the third of 100 "Hottest Stars of the Twentieth Century."
Arnold Schwarzenegger - Then
Arnold is considered one of the most influential people in the bodybuilding world. His first competition was the Junior Mr. Europe contest, which he won. His most remarkable win, however, was the Mr. Europe Competition at the age of 19. He wrote a monthly column for the bodybuilding mags, "Muscle & Fitness" and "Flex."
Arnold Schwarzenegger - Now
When Schwarzenegger put down the free weights and picked up a movie script, he quickly became one of Hollywood's biggest stars. "The Terminator" franchise wouldn't have been the same led by any other actor. As if that wasn't enough, he also ran for governor of California in 2003 and won. His athletic legacy is celebrated every year in the Arnold Classic bodybuilding competition.
Tonya Harding - Then
Harding was born into a blue-collar family that struggled to put her through the athletic training she desperately wanted. Still, they pushed her to be her best, and she eventually became an Olympic figure skater. However, a scandal in the 1990s has left a stain on her reputation ever since.
Tonya Harding - Now
A month before the 1994 Winter Olympics, skater Nancy Kerrigan was beaten in the knee, and the assault forced her to withdraw from the competition. Rumors quickly surfaced that Harding was the one who'd injured Kerrigan, and she was convicted. Though she denied the claims, she fell in a downward spiral thanks to the unwanted fame. She lives a relatively quiet life now.
Nancy Kerrigan - Then
The Kerrigan family dealt with financial struggles for most of Nancy's life, but her father did anything he could to see to it that she could live out her passion for figure skating. He worked three jobs to fund all her expenses. In 1987, Nancy placed fourth at the junior levels at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
Nancy Kerrigan - Now
After the 1994 scandal with Tonya Harding, Kerrigan went to compete in the Norwegian Olympic Games. She also made an appearance on "Dancing With The Stars" for the Season 24 lineup. The film "I, Tonya," details the issues she and Harding faced as competitors in the 90s.
Chris Evert Lloyd - Then
Evert picked up a racket at age five and hasn't looked back since. Her father was a professional coach and winner of the singles Canadian Championship in 1947. She made her debut in the 1971 grand slam circuit at the age of 16. She was instantly the WTA's prodigy, and her record of seven French Open Single wins was unbroken for 27 years.
Chris Evert-Lloyd - Now
She'd reached her professional peak in the 1980s, and retired in 1989. She had 154 singles titles, 18 Grand Slam singles, and 32 doubles titles under her belt, so she was ready to hang up her racket, to say the least. She was married three times in her life, all to fellow athletes. She now speaks on panels and live commentary boards for Grand Slam tournaments.
Marianna Komlos - Then
Marianna Komlos got her start as a middleweight bodybuilder in 1993. She took first place in the British Columbian Championships, gaining the attention of "Flex" editor in chief Jerry Kindela, who called her "one of the most beautiful bodybuilders [he'd] ever seen."
Marianna Komlos - Now
Sadly, despite her fame, Komlos passed away from a long battle with cancer at the age of only 35. She married former MMA fighter and stunt double Paul Lazenby. Despite her short career, she is remembered as one of the most beautiful women to grace the stage of professional wrestling and bodybuilding.
Richard Simmons - Then
Simmons was best known as the caricature of an exercise coach back in the 80s. He wore extravagant outfits and detailed his own personal weight loss journey for fans to watch. He's become a recognizable icon even today.
Richard Simmons - Now
Simmons hasn't been seen in the spotlight lately. His Slimmons Studio in Beverly Hills is thriving, and so is his acting career. He's been featured in several Geico commercials and other TV endoresements in recent years. He's just not a fan of being in the public eye during his daily life.
Jamie Lee Curtis - Then
Curtis starred alongside John Travolta in the '85 film "Perfect," based on the hype about LA health clubs. That iconically cringe-worthy workout scene that seems to go on for twenty minutes has gone down in infamy. Though she'd starred in John Carpenter's "Halloween" before this, she landed other important roles following her time with "Perfect."
Jamie Lee Curtis - Now
Curtis has stayed primarily to horror roles, and has become Hollywood's most well-known "scream queen." She's featured in nearly every film in the "Halloween" franchise, and has also made appearances in "The Fog," "Prom Night," "Terror Train," and "Roadgames." Lately, she's been behind the scenes, writing children's books and doing charity work for children's hospitals.
Heather Locklear - Then
Locklear was a talented actress and fitness icon back in the day, and she put out her own line of workout videos titled "Personal Training Sessions." Women everywhere hoped that by following her routine, they could rock a leotard just like her.
Heather Locklear - Now
Locklear has earned the reputation of one of the nicest women in Hollywood. Fellow fitness mogul Garrett Warren of the Woodland Hills Athletic Club said she was "always on-time, incredibly committed and very driven when it came to her workouts.” That would explain why she's still in peak physical shape at 56 years old.
Tracy Austin - Then
Though the rest of the Austin family were pros, Tracy never saw herself as potentially part of the big leagues. She won three Grand Slam titles, including the 1979 and 1981 Us Opens and a mixed doubles title at the 1980 Wimbledon games. She was the youngest US Open female singles champ in history since 1979.
Tracy Austin - Now
After retiring in 1994 following a serious car accident, she took up commentating for NBC and USA Network for the French and US Opens. In 2010, she joined the US Open team on the Tennis Channel and has been working to cover the Rogers Cup since 2004.
Jane Fonda - Then
Jane Fonda's infamous workout tape was the highest-selling home video in the 1980s. More than 17 million copies were sold worldwide, and people even bought new VCRs to play "The Jane Fonda Workout." She ended up continuing the series to a whopping 23 videos.
Jane Fonda - Now
Fonda took 15 years off from the film industry to focus on other aspects of her life. Then, she released two more workout videos in 2010, this time geared toward an older audience. She is now acting in the Netflix series "Grace and Frankie" and is an outspoken political activist fighting climate change.
Kathy Smith - Then
Smith sold 16 million workout videos since her career launched in the 80s. She started her own nutrition and exercise program, called "Project: You! Type 2." It was meant to help people who suffered from diabetes cope with a new way of life. She partnered with the American Diabetes Association to launch the program.
Kathy Smith - Now
She's been called "the titan of the workout industry," with a net worth sitting at a whopping $500 million thanks to her fitness apparel, books, equipment, and videos. Her latest book, "Moving Through Menopause," landed her a role of being the International Council on Active Aging's spokesperson.
Judi Sheppard Missett - Then
Remember Jazzercise? Judi Sheppard Missett does. She combined dance, mainstream music, strength training, and resistance to make something completely unique to the workout scene. Judi swore by it, and her body was foolproof evidence that Jazzercise was guaranteed to work.
Judi Sheppard Missett - Now
In 2016, Missett wrote a Huffington Post article titled "Don't Act Your Age." She noted that her long-standing relationship with fitness was only successful because she doesn't necessarily act her age. "How old do you feel?" she wrote. "I feel about 30. Then I look in the mirror, and I don’t see a 30-year-old. What I do see is someone who looks pretty good, is active and healthy, and has a serious spark to her.”
Alyssa Milano - Then
Before she was cast on "Charmed," the 16-year-old was making workout tapes in her bedroom with her friends. Her video, titled "Teen Steam," debuted in 1988 and was marketed toward the "every girl" as a way to, aptly, let off some steam from the dramas of their high school lives.
Alyssa Milano - Now
Following roles on "Melrose Place" and "Charmed," she was cast in "Mistresses" in 2013, but unfortunately left early due to a family emergency. She was later cast in 2017's "Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later." She is married with two children and seems to have left her workout tape days behind her.
Linnea Quigley - Then
Linnea Quigley approached the fitness market from a new angle - horror. Her tape, titled "Linnea Quickley's Horror Workout," features the actress decked out in an outfit akin to David Bowie's character in "The Labyrinth." During her workout, she encounters zombies, who she then invites to take part in poolside aerobics. It was relatively successful simply because of its uniqueness.
Linnea Quigley - Now
Quigley is best known for her appearances in B-rated horror films, as well as for her short music career and handful of published children's books. She's also an animal rights activist and active member of PETA. Though she's a vegetarian, she's been criticized for appearing on the cover of "Vegetarian Times" while simultaneously accepting film roles that depict violence against women.
Cher - Then
Cher's 1991 book, "Forever Fit: The Lifetime Plan for Health, Fitness, and Beauty" promised a one-stop-shop for a life's worth of health tips. Cher was one of the most reputable beauty gurus in the game, and how well she's aged since the 80s is a testament to her foolproof routine.
Cher - Now
When Cher performed at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards, it was is if she'd been transported back to the 80s when her career was at its peak. The 71-year-old superstar clearly still has it - she can do a five-minute plank! She credits her active lifestyle to her physique and overall wellbeing.
Jake Steinfeld - Then
Steinfeld coined the brand "Body By Jake," and as one of the fitness industry's most influential icons, he's been held personally responsible for kicking off the concept of "personal trainers." He created FitTV, a 24-hour fitness lifestyle network. After he sold FitTV, he moved on to found the Major League Lacrosse.
Jake Steinfeld - Now
As Chairman and CEO of Body by Jake Global, he started developing new brands and products. With FitOrbit 2.0, an online personal training platform, Steinfeld hopes to make affordable fitness and nutrition advice accessible to people everywhere.
Paula Abdul - Then
After the Jackson family discovered Paul Abdul's talent for singing and dancing, she soon went on to choreograph intense workout videos. She also choreographed some of the most prominent pop stars' music videos. She worked closely with Janet Jackson, and produced "Paula Abdul's Get Up and Dance!"
Paula Abdul - Now
Paula Abdul was a main judge on "American Idol" from 2002 to 2009, and later went on to judge "The X Factor," "Live to Dance," and "So You Think You Can Dance Australia." She was given the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 for her works in the choreography world.
Cynthia Kereluk - Then
The Canadian exercise guru also won the title of Miss Canada in 1984, and later placed in the Miss Universe pageant that same year. The title helped spread her name to the U.S. and she was signed to produce her own fitness program, "Everyday Workout." Though she worked hard to keep her body toned, most of her looks are due to luck and genes, as she's said.
Cynthia Kereluk - Now
Her short-lived career as a workout coach took a backseat when she started acting in B-level movies. She starred in "Overnight," "The Pink Chiquitas," and "Mark of Cain." In 2007, she married English rocker Paul Rogers, who recently toured with Queen.
Olivia Newton-John - Then
The "Grease" star is also remembered for her breakout video "Let's Get Physical," which set the bar for workout videos everywhere. The was a double and triple threat, skilled at singing, acting, and dancing. Adding the workout lifestyle to the mix made her one of the 80s most unstoppable stars.
Olivia Newton-John - Now
The four-time Grammy winner has mastered five number-one Billboard Hot 100 singles. The "Grease" soundtrack hit, "You're The One That I Want" granted her with the unofficial title of singing on one of the most successful soundtracks in history. She still tours today, though mostly just in Australia and the U.S.
Suzanne Somers - Then
Suzanne Somers is credited with inventing the "infomercial" concept. If she hadn't kicked off the craze with the Thighmaster, we wouldn't have the Shae Weight, ShamWow, or Miss Cleo's Psychic Friends Network. However, she used the platform to launch her film career rather than get pigeonholed into the exercise niche.
Suzane Somers - Now
Now, Somers is most recognized for her role as Chrissy Snow on "Three's Company," and as Carol Foster Lambert on "Step by Step." She made a name for herself as an actress, singer, author, businesswoman, and health spokeswoman. Though she's made some controversial statements in the past, she's still held in high regard.
Gilad Janklowicz - Then
The Israeli fitness instructor earned rapid fame with the release of his 1983 aerobic workout tape called "Bodies in Motion." He became the first instructor to get a program aired on ESPN. The network had never aired a personal training segment, even though they focused so heavily on sports. It ran for a decade due to its success.
Gilad Janklowicz - Now
Though "Bodies in Motion" is no longer on ESPN, Janklowicz is still far from retirement. The Discovery Health Channel picked up the show, and now Gilad has been making aerobics videos for over thirty years. He lives on the shores of Hawaii, and spends his time surfing, exercising, and making new videos. He also takes on celebrity clients.
Billy Blanks - Then
Billy Blanks is credited with inventing Tae Bo, a martial arts practice that incorporates boxing moves. Before his innovative workout routine hit the mainstream, he also played leading roles in many martial arts films. He's best known for his role in "Kiss the GIrls."
Billy Blanks - Now
Aside from continuing to film Tae Bo videos, Blanks also teaches classes in California. Though most of his fame dates back to the 90s while he was still an actor, he's still relevant for his more recent work with "Billy's Bootcamp. It's a high-pressure workout routine aimed at the everyday person, though it doesn't involve any Tae Bo.
Cathy Lee Crosby - Then
This professional tennis player was also a skilled actress. While most women of the 80s stuck to aerobics or free weights, Crosby was gifted with a racket, and her one professional athletic goal was to compete in Wimbledon, which she did. After she played in the tournament, however, she decided to call it quits.
Cathy Lee Crosby - Now
Her personal life was turbulent, with an 11-year marriage that ended in a messy divorce. She sued her ex-husband for $4.5 million, claiming he broke his promise to support her financially. Many people were shocked at the revelation because she'd had such a promising acting career. Her latest film role is nearly a decade old, 2001's "Ablaze."
Denise Austin - Then
Austin was known as "America's Fitness Sweatheart" for a reason. Her smile and captivating blue eyes have been the picture of healthy living since the 80s. She has worked as a fitness instructor, columnist, author, and former member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. She began a gymnastics carer at age 12, and eventually married tennis player Jeff Austin.
Denise Austin - Now
Austin has no plans to slow down her fitness career. "I still have so much fun promoting fitness. It never goes 'out of style' or gets old!" In 2014, she released her 100th DVD, "Yoga Booty Lift," which was a huge seller in the industry as yoga has recently become one of the most popular forms of exercise.
Tony Little - Then
His infamous look precedes his title of "America's Personal Trainer." The fitness guru has sold more than $4 billion worth of fitness products through his infomercials. It probably helps that he's a pretty face because his signature sleeveless shirts were also a top-selling item. One of his most popular products is the Gazelle elliptical glider.
Tony Little - Now
Though he's incredibly successful, Little was often ridiculed and parodied throughout his career. Fabio, Richard Simmons, and Susan Powter all poked fun at him. Thankfully, he brushes it off, and still appears on TV and continues to promote his brand and products.
Tamilee Webb - Then
Webb's famous series, "Buns of Steel" and "Abs of Steel," earned her the status of a household name. She also promoted with infomercials, and she made more than $10 million off of video sales. She was featured on FitTV, owned by Discovery Communications and ESPN Fitness Pros.
Tamilee Webb - Now
Webb has moved on to more videos in her series, "Abs of Steel 1," "Buns of Steel 3," and "Arms & Abs of Steel." You can buy them all as a DVD bundle in stores. Webb also earned her master's degree in exercise science and is the acting CEO of her company, Webb International.
Debbie Dobbins - Then
Dobbins kicked off her aerobics career immediately after college, and it lasted for an impressive seven years. She moved to LA to further her fitness career but ended up picking up modeling for exercise magazines instead. She also became an NFL cheerleader. She placed third in 1993's Ms. Fitness USA competition.
Debbie Dobbins - Now
Dobbins was tragically killed in a fire in 1993 at the height of her career. In 1994, an episode of "Hard Copy" speculated that there may have been foul play involved in her death, though it was never confirmed. The fitness community remembers her for her immense potential and stunning looks.
Charlene Prickett - Then
Prickett's workout videos included simple choreography and basic workout moves, so it was marketed towards an older crowd and beginners who wanted to slowly integrate a daily exercise routine into their lives. Some claimed, however, that she was too chatty in her videos, and it wasn't very motivational.
Charlene Prickett - Now
For whatever reason, Charlene Prickett is nowhere to be found. Though she was named the writer and director of all of her own videos, which were released up until 2002, she hasn't put out any content since. She used to have an operating website under her own name, but it has since been shut down. Nobody has seen or heard from her in nearly two decades.