In the 80s and 90s, action movies were in high demand. The main actors had to have good physical fitness and even master martial arts. We have gathered for you the most legendary stars of that time. Take a look at how the action movie icons looked and find out what happened to them now. 

1. Jackie Chan Then

The acting career of the young Hong Kong actor began in the 70s. Jackie Chan starred in Chinese films alongside Bruce Lee in the lead role. However, his greatest fame came after the release of films like Rumble in the Bronx and the Hollywood hit Rush Hour. Jackie Chan always performs his stunts on his own. In 1985 he suffered his most serious injury and got to the hospital. Although he kept his injuries a secret from his mother, rumors still reached her. Jackie tried to convince her that all the talk about the hospital was a publicity stunt, but his mother wasn't fooled and asked to see the scar. And Jackie tricked her: he showed the scar from another, less serious injury.

@Jackie Chan | Transformation From 1 To 66 Years Old/CoolUpload/YouTube.com

2. Jackie Chan Now

In 1999, Jackie Chan did not acknowledge their extramarital daughter, named Etta Ng Chok Lam. Eventually, he confessed to infidelity with the winner of the Miss Asia beauty pageant Elaine. Jackie promised to provide financial assistance to his daughter after she reached adulthood, but he did not fulfill his promise. The coming-out of Etta in 2017, reported by People, was the final blow to their already complicated relationship. Currently, they do not communicate, and Jackie Chan does not comment on their relationship. According to Global News, Etta lives with her partner in Canada in poverty.

3. Sylvester Stallone Then

Sylvester Stallone has Ukrainian roots. His grandmother was originally from Odesa. At some point, she moved to America, where she later gave birth to the future actor's mother.
Stallone began his film career with adult films in 1970, but he did not see himself in this genre. He decided not to wait for offers from famous directors and to change his fate on his own. In 1976, he wrote the screenplay for the film "Rocky," in which he also played the lead role. The film was nominated for an Oscar, and the actor gained worldwide popularity.

@Sylvester Stallone | From 7 To 70 Years Old/THE MASTER/YouTube.com

4. Sylvester Stallone Now

Sylvester Stallone actively pays attention not only to his physical fitness but also to his appearance. According to The Sun, he receives beauty injections and has undergone plastic surgery multiple times, including nose correction and facial tightening.

Stallone has been married three times. In 2022, he and his current wife Jennifer Flavin spoke about divorce after 25 years of marriage. Yet, a month later, they changed their minds, and according to Page Six, the couple is once again feeling happy together.

5. Arnold Schwarzenegger Then

The peak of the Austrian bodybuilder's acting fame came in the 1990s with the release of films such as Last Action Hero, End of Days, and especially Terminator 2: Judgment Day. An interesting fact is that Schwarzenegger was not supposed to become the Terminator. According to the director James Cameron's plan for the film, the actor was supposed to play Kyle Reese – the adversary of the killer robot. However, the future star insisted on auditioning for the role of the T-800 and ultimately convinced the director. In the early 2000s, Schwarzenegger delved headfirst into politics, assuming the position of the Governor of California, but did not completely abandon acting.

@Arnold Schwarzenegger | From 17 To 70 Years Old/THE MASTER/YouTube.com

6. Arnold Schwarzenegger Now

For a long time, the star was known not only as a charismatic and successful actor but also as a devoted family man. Arnold married Maria Shriver, the niece of the legendary American president John F. Kennedy, in 1986. During their marriage, they had four children. In 2011, according to Daily Mail, Schwarzenegger confessed to his wife about having an extramarital son with their household worker. Shriver immediately filed for divorce.

7. Bruce Willis Then

Bruce Willis became famous for his role in Die Hard. Popular actors like Sylvester Stallone, Richard Gere, and Arnold Schwarzenegger found the script too tough and turned it down. So, the producers offered the role to Willis, who gladly accepted. At that time, he received an incredible fee of 5 million dollars. The filming took place only at night since during the day Bruce was working on the TV series Moonlighting.

@TexOliver93/reddit.com

8. Bruce Willis Now

Bruce Willis has recently had to end his acting career due to a progressive central nervous system disorder - frontotemporal dementia. The former star now spends most of his time with his close family, who take care of him. According to Closer magazine, Bruce is increasingly facing memory problems and recently couldn't recognize his ex-wife, Demi Moore.

9. Chuck Norris Then

Chuck Norris was one of those action movie stars who successfully honed martial arts skills. However, in his childhood, he was not a sporty child and was often bullied by other boys. Chuck learned from these experiences and eventually became a six-time world karate champion in the middleweight division. Over time, he went even further and developed his own style, Chun Kuk Do, which means "Universal Way." Later, he started giving karate lessons to the renowned director Steve McQueen, and found his way into the world of cinema. The role of Texas Ranger Cordell Walker made him a worldwide sensation. 

@Chuck Norris | Transformation From 4 To 80 Years Old/CoolUpload/YouTube.com

10. Chuck Norris Now

In 2021, there was a scandal involving Chuck Norris. Twitter user, which was later deleted, posted a photo and claimed that the Hollywood actor was present during the turmoil of the D.C. Capitol riot in 2021. However, Norris later refuted this information, stating that the person in the photo merely looked like him but was not him.

11. Dolph Lundgren Then

Dolph Lundgren was a very unathletic and weak child. His father constantly bullied and humiliated him for this. So Dolph began to actively engage in sports and promised himself that he would not only become muscular and fit, but also famous. Dolph got into the movies thanks to his lover Grace Jones, for whom he worked as a bodyguard. The filming impressed the future star and he himself began to look for castings. So, later he got the role of the boxer Ivan Drago in the film Rocky 4, which brought him worldwide fame.

@Dolph Lundgren Transformation 2019 | From 1 to 60 Years Old/Gym4u/YouTube.com

12. Dolph Lundgren Now

Recently, Dolph Lundgren revealed in an interview on In Depth With Graham Bensinger that he has been battling cancer for many years. The actor quietly underwent several surgeries, including one in 2015 when a tumor was removed from his kidney, according to CNN. However, in 2020, an MRI revealed six new tumors. At that time, he was preparing for the filming of Aquaman and the sequel to Expendables. Doctors advised him to give up filming, but he decided to fight cancer and continue acting. In 2022, he began treatment, resulting in a 90% reduction in the tumors. He is currently confident that he will ultimately defeat cancer.

13. Jean-Claude Van Damme Then

Van Damme is a prominent example of a martial arts expert who achieved success not only on the screen but also in sports. The Belgian actor was a European champion in kickboxing and karate, gaining international recognition after the iconic film Bloodsport. However, off-screen, the actor faced significant challenges. In 1988, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder with a tendency towards self-destruction. According to CBS News, Van Damme began actively using drugs and came close to harming himself. Eventually, he managed to regain control by engaging in intense training.

@Jean Claude Van Damme | From 21 To 56 Years Old/THE MASTER/YouTube.com

14. Jean-Claude Van Damme Now

Currently, Van Damme is rarely seen on screen. One of his recent works was the comedic action movie The Last Mercenary. However, his personal life is very active. The movie star has been married five times and has three children. He refers to his current partner, former bodybuilding champion Gladys Portugues, as the perfect wife, who has forgiven his faults and remarried him. Van Damme states that drugs are a thing of the past in his life.

15. Vin Diesel Then

Vin Diesel gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Dominic Toretto in the Fast and Furious franchise, a role that established him as a leading figure in the action genre. However, he became an actor by coincidence. Once, the future star with his friends broke into a local theater to have some fun, and were caught. The director gave the boys two options: either he would report them to the police, or they would participate in his theatrical production. That's how Vin Diesel's acting career began.

@Vin Diesel | From 3 to 49 years old/THE MASTER/YouTube.com

16. Vin Diesel Now

Fame significantly affected actor’s character. According to NY Daily News, Vin Diesel often arrived late to the Fast and Furious shoots, did not learn his lines, and disrupted his colleagues. It created complex relationships between him and Dwayne Johnson. That was the main reason Johnson refused to participate in the 10th season.

17. Steven Seagal Then

Seagal rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s with a string of successful action films, including Above the Law, Under Siege, and Hard to Kill. In his childhood, he was a troublemaker, often engaging in street fights. He later became interested in Aikido and even traveled to Japan to study it. Thanks to his love for martial arts, he entered the world of cinema. However, his Aikido encounters were not without incidents. Once, Steven Seagal accidentally broke the wrist of the famous actor Sean Connery while giving him an Aikido lesson.

@Steven Seagal From 1 to 66 Years Old/Celebrity Life/YouTube.com

18. Steven Seagal Now

Currently, Steven Seagal doesn't have notable roles in cinema. However, it seems he still seeks publicity and resorts to controversial actions that spark discussions about his persona. In 2016, Seagal obtained Russian citizenship, but desired roles did not materialize for him. In 2017, Seagal became involved in a sex scandal. Two journalists, Lisa Guerrero and Jenny McCarthy, along with actress Rae Dawn Chong, accused the actor of sexual harassment. As they said The Daily Mail, the actor invited them to a hotel room for an interview. There, Steven greeted the journalists wearing only a robe, and, seemingly unintentionally, exposed his genitals from underneath it. Later, Seagal refuted these accusations, calling the women liars and provocateurs.

19. Mel Gibson Then

Mel Gibson rose to fame as an action star with iconic roles in films like the Mad Max series and Lethal Weapon. However, his talent was overshadowed by his passion for alcohol, which he abused. As early as 1984, the actor had his driver's license revoked for driving under the influence, as reported by People. He admitted that this destructive addiction almost led him to suicide. Gibson later faced scandal due to aggressive remarks about Jews and people of non-traditional orientation. Such behavior turned the once-prominent actor into an outcast in the film world. It took him a considerable amount of time to restore his reputation.

@Mel Gibson From 8 to 61 years old/Celebrity Life/YouTube.com

20. Mel Gibson Now

Mel Gibson shared with Australia’s Sunday Night that he had been battling alcohol addiction for 12 years and is now leading a sober lifestyle. He underwent treatment through the Alcoholics Anonymous program. In 2023, Gibson began filming a sequel to his 2004 blockbuster The Passion of the Christ.

21. Harrison Ford Then

Making a breakthrough for young Harrison Ford was not easy, but luck smiled upon him one day. While working as a carpenter, he was crafting furniture for the renowned director George Lucas, who was at that time casting for Star Wars. Without much hesitation, Lucas invited the carpenter for auditions and approved him for the film. This is how Ford became one of the most famous actors in the world.

@Harrison Ford - From 1 to 75 years old/Celebrity Life/YouTube.com

22. Harrison Ford Now

Harrison Ford's films have grossed over $4.9 billion at the domestic box office and over $8.9 billion worldwide. In terms of domestic box office revenue, he is second only to Samuel L. Jackson in the all-time rankings. At the age of 81, he shows no signs of slowing down and has no intentions of retiring from his acting career. Currently, the actor is involved in two television series – the western 1923 and The Staircase, where Ford will portray a grizzled therapist.

23. Pierce Brosnan Then

Pierce Brosnan, renowned for his suave and sophisticated portrayal of James Bond in the 1990s, has had a versatile career in the action genre. However, Brosnan is not only a hero on screen but also in real life. While filming Percy Jackson, a microbus rolled down a hill at high speed towards his co-star Uma Thurman. Brosnan's bravery and quick reaction saved the actress. He managed to grab his co-star in time and pull her out of the microbus's path. 

@How Pierce Brosnan Saved (And Then Killed) The Bond Franchise/Nerdstalgic/YouTube.com

24. Pierce Brosnan Now

Pierce Brosnan continues to act in movies, often playing handsome and charming characters. However, in his personal life, he is far from a womanizer. His first wife, Australian actress Cassandra Harris, passed away in 1991 from cancer. It was she who insisted that Pierce audition for the role of James Bond. Brosnan adopted her two children from a previous marriage, and they had a son together, Sean Brosnan. Currently, he is married to actress Keely Shaye Smith. Fans actively discuss their relationship and often comment that she might not match his level of attractiveness. Nevertheless, the couple is happy together and is raising five children.

25. Clint Eastwood Then

Clint Eastwood can be considered a legend of American westerns. Interestingly, in real life, the actor does not smoke; he simulated it exclusively for roles. Clint has a passion for jazz and golf. In 1986, he served as the mayor of Carmel, California for two years. Additionally, Clint Eastwood inspired the band Gorillaz to create the single Clint Eastwood, which is still considered the group's most successful single to date.

@jaykirsch/reddit.com

26. Clint Eastwood Now

Clint Eastwood today focuses more on directing than acting. Throughout his life, he has earned a reputation as a wise but formidable director. The Western star tries to shoot everything in the first take and believes that it's better not to conduct rehearsals. He believes in the authenticity of the initial emotions. Sometimes actors even hide from Eastwood to rehearse their scenes. Currently, he is actively working on his new project Juror N2. Despite being in his 93s, he continues to be a respected and influential figure in Hollywood.

27. Charles Bronson Then

Bronson's notable roles include Death Wish, where he portrayed the vigilante Paul Kersey, and Once Upon a Time in the West. In 1962, the actor met Jill Ireland, who was married at the time. Bronson fell in love with her at first sight and vowed to himself that he would win her over despite everything. Six years later, Jill became his wife, and the couple lived in marriage for 20 years, during which two children were born. However, later, the actor's beloved fell ill with cancer and passed away. She died at the age of 54, and the actor never fully came to terms with the loss of his beloved.

@Charles Bronson Held His Bitter Grudges Until the Very End/Facts Verse/YouTube.com

28. Charles Bronson Now

Charles Bronson continued to act in films for some time after the death of his wife, but his own health significantly deteriorated in the aftermath of the loss. Eventually, the actor left the film industry and distanced himself from public life. At the age of 81, in August 2003, he passed away. The cause was pneumonia.

@pushingtheboxes/reddit.com

29. Jean-Paul Belmondo Then

Jean-Paul Belmondo, a French actor, gained fame for his notable action roles including films like Breathless and That Man from Rio. However, he was in demand not only in acting but also among women. He had romances with actresses Ursula Andress, Sophia Loren, Catherine Deneuve, model Barbara Gandolfi, and other famous beauties of Hollywood. Although he was married only twice, Belmondo himself shamelessly said that there were "a few hundred short-term intrigues." He had four children. His elder daughter, Patricia, died in a fire in 1994. The younger daughter, Stella, was born when Belmondo was 70 years old.

@bil_sabab/reddit.com

30. Jean-Paul Belmondo Later

At the age of 62, Belmondo suffered a stroke, and six years later - a recurrence. After this, the actor could not work and was forced to leave the film industry. However, in 2008, the film A Man and His Dog was released, in which Belmondo played the lead role, pleasantly surprising his fans. At the age of 88, the legend of French cinema passed away. Belmondo left an indelible mark on the film industry, and his contributions continue to be celebrated.

31. Sean Connery Then

Sean Connery, a Scottish actor, rose to international fame for his iconic portrayal of James Bond in seven films. One day, the actor demonstrated heroism not only on the screen but also in real life. In the late 50s, he was involved in a romance with actress Lana Turner. A gangster also took an interest in the woman and once barged onto the film set, threatening to deal with the actor. However, Sean did not hesitate. He grabbed a weapon and threw the intruder out the door.

@Sean Connery | Transformation From 1 To 90 Years Old | Tribute 1930 - 2020/CoolUpload/YouTube.com

32. Sean Connery Now

In 2008, The Daily Mail reported that Sean Connery disinherited his only son, Jason, a well-known director. Connery's representative explained that the father simply wanted to give his son the opportunity to earn money independently and build his career honestly, without relying on the inheritance of a successful father. However, the actor's ex-wife claims that the strained relationship between father and son was the reason for Sean Connery's unfavorable decision. In 2020 at the age of 90, the legendary original James Bond bid farewell to life.

33. Denzel Washington Then

Denzel Washington did not dream of becoming an actor. He planned to become an outstanding doctor. He enrolled in acting classes for the sake of entertainment and considered it his hobby. Once, he entered his mother's beauty salon and met a woman named Ruth Green, considered to be a psychic. She looked at the future star and said that he would travel the world and speak to millions of people.

@sago-and-boba/reddit.com

34. Denzel Washington Now

Denzel loves his work and always performs all the stunts himself. But he is very selective about the love scenes. In particular, in the film The Pelican Brief, there was a kissing scene with actress Julia Roberts. He deleted this scene, fearing a negative reaction from women in the African American community. Additionally, he also deleted a kissing scene with Mimi Rogers. These claims were confirmed by Roberts herself in an interview.

35. Jean Reno Then

Jean Reno has been friends with Luc Besson since their youth, even when they were unknown. Their joint work on Subway in 1985 brought them popularity as a duo. Therefore, it's not surprising that among the contenders for the role of Léon in the 1994 film Léon: The Professional, Luc chose Jean. Although Keanu Reeves and Mel Gibson were among the candidates. Despite his love for cinema, Jean Reno never works overtime, even if he is offered exorbitant fees. He always chooses himself and time with his family.

@Jean Reno Evolution - From 1 to 74 Years Old!/Darcaressa/YouTube.com

36. Jean Reno Now

Jean Reno declined two good projects. The first time, he chose to shoot in a Godzilla project instead of The Matrix. The second time, he said "no" to Quentin Tarantino's project Inglourious Basterds. He justified his refusal by a difficult period in his personal life. Later, he added that he only chooses projects that he feels passionate about and that spark his interest. 

37. Bruce Lee Then

Bruce Lee grew up on the streets of Hong Kong in the 1950s and was a member of a gang called the Tigers of Junction Street as a child. Once, he even beat the son of a well-known Triad member. Eventually, his parents decided that it would be better for him to leave the country, so they sent him to the United States. Bruce started teaching martial arts in California, with many celebrities among his clients, including Steve McQueen, Joe Lewis, Chuck Norris, and James Coburn. He eventually found his way into the film industry. His iconic role in Enter the Dragon solidified his status as a cultural icon and martial arts legend.

@Bruce Lee - Transformation From 1 To 32 Years Old/Gym4u/YouTube.com

38. Bruce Lee Later

Lee did not live to see the worldwide success for which he had worked so hard. The actor passed away in Hong Kong on July 20, 1973 at the age of just 32. This happened during the filming of his movie. There are several versions of his death. According to one, he died of a heart attack. According to another, he took a painkiller that caused brain swelling. There was also a third version: Bruce Lee was taken care of by the Chinese mafia. Mysteriously, his son, actor Brandon Lee, faced a similar fate in 1994. During the filming, a colleague accidentally shot him with a live bullet found in the gun. Brandon died in the hospital.

@[deleted]/reddit.com

39. Liam Neeson Then

Liam Neeson took up boxing from a young age and dreamt of becoming a sportsman. However, he eventually realized that it was better to be an actor. In his interview with the BBC, the actor mentioned that it was the Irish Protestant priest Ian Paisley who influenced his decision to become an actor. Neeson attended a church service in his hometown of Ballymena and saw Paisley preaching. According to him, it was incredible. He didn't just see a priest; he saw a 6-foot-tall man wielding the Bible. At that moment, he understood that he wanted to become an actor.

@Liam Neeson Transformation | From 16 To 65 Years Old/herrero olva/YouTube.com

40. Liam Neeson Now

In 2009, the actor experienced a terrible personal tragedy. He and his family went to a ski resort in Canada. His wife Natasha went out on the slope without a helmet. During skiing, she hit her head and refused to see a doctor because she felt fine. But an hour later she fell into a coma. As it turned out later, a large vessel burst in her. The doctors persuaded Liam to disconnect the ventilator and she died. Many years have passed since her death, but the actor continues to remain a bachelor. He still plays in films and raises his children, but he does not plan to get married.

41. Burt Reynolds Then

Rising to fame in the 1970s, Burt Reynolds became a symbol of the American macho hero. But the 1980s brought challenges for him. While filming City Heat in 1984, Reynolds experienced a traumatic incident when a metal chair struck him in the face, causing his jaw to shatter. This injury led to the development of TMJ, resulting in a substantial 40-pound weight loss as he struggled to consume solid food. The dramatic change in his appearance triggered rumors of AIDS, which Reynolds vehemently denied for years. Coping with chronic pain from TMJ, he developed a severe dependence on drugs, taking up to 50 Halcion sleeping pills daily at one point.

@Flatrock/reddit.com

42. Burt Reynolds Later

In spite of his success at the box office, Reynolds grappled with various financial difficulties. He filed for bankruptcy in the mid-1990s and eventually had to sell his Valhalla mansion in Florida. In 2009, he underwent back surgery, followed by quintuple bypass surgery a year later. Burt Reynolds passed away in 2018 at the age of 82 due to a heart attack.

43. Wesley Snipes Then

Wesley Snipes told The Guide, that one of the most terrifying events in his life is connected with the 9/11 terrorist attack. Snipes' New York apartment was obliterated during the collapse of the Twin Towers. Fortunately, during the attack, he was in California with his wife and newborn daughter. They chose to care for her in Los Angeles, following the tradition of refraining from traveling with a newborn. Snipes acknowledges that it was his daughter who played a crucial role in saving both his and his wife's lives.

@Stonewalled89/reddit.com

44. Wesley Snipes Now

In 1998, Snipes received his well-deserved star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. However, the actor faced legal issues in the past. According to USA Today, in 2008, he was sentenced to prison on charges of tax evasion. After serving his sentence, in 2013, he made a comeback to the film industry and continues to act to this day.

45. John Travolta Then

John Travolta, known for his versatility as an actor, rose to fame  during the late 1970s. But at a very young age, Travolta experienced a serious tragedy. On the set of The Boy in the Plastic Bubble, 22-year-old John formed a romantic relationship with his co-star Diana Hyland, who, notably, was 18 years older than him at the time. Tragically, she passed away during their relationship. Filming for Saturday Night Fever had to be suspended while Travolta attended her funeral.

@John Travolta Transformation ⭐ Life of 'Pulp Fiction' Star/Top Famous Tube/YouTube.com

46. John Travolta Now

At the age of 69, John Travolta has experienced a few more personal tragedies, including the loss of two wives to breast cancer and the death of his 16-year-old son from a head injury during an epileptic seizure. The actor endured a prolonged period of depression, finding solace in his work. In 2023, Travolta starred in the film Mafia Land and plans to continue his film career.

47. Til Schweiger Then

Til Schweiger rose to international fame with his performance in the 1997 film Knockin' on Heaven's Door, which he also co-wrote and produced. But his path to fame was not easy. At the beginning of his career, he often had to refuse the roles that came his way. After moving to America he was frequently offered roles as a Nazi. However, he turned down Steven Spielberg's offer to play a Nazi in Saving Private Ryan. The actor justified his decision by expressing a strong dislike for Nazis, stating that he did not want to be associated with them in any manner.

@[deleted]/reddit.com

48. Til Schweiger Now

Til Schweiger is now working more as a director and is actively filming movies in Germany. However, according to the authoritative German publication Der Spiegel, he has recently been behaving aggressively on the set, creating a toxic atmosphere, and sometimes even allowing himself to come to the shoot drunk. Despite this, he continues to be an influential figure in the film industry.

49. Keanu Reeves Then

Reeves has faced numerous challenges in his youth. In 1993, his close friend River Phoenix tragically succumbed to a drug overdose. Subsequently, he and his girlfriend experienced the heartbreaking loss of a stillborn child, which ultimately led to the end of their relationship. Approximately a year later, his former girlfriend was involved in a fatal car accident. Since then, Keanu has steered clear of serious relationships and parenthood.

@pale_guy_/reddit.com

50. Keanu Reeves Now

Keanu remains among the highest-paid actors globally. Even with the salary cuts he took to improve the special effects in The Matrix, his total earnings for all three movies reached $156 millions. But despite his fame and success, he stays humble and uses his influence to make a positive impact. Renowned for his philanthropic efforts, he often opts for anonymous contributions to various charitable causes.