She received critical acclaim for her role in Flashdance in 1983 winning NAACP Image Award for Actress and received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress-Motion Picture Comedy or Musical. In the film, she played a welder at a steel mill who aspires to become a professional dancer, has no formal dance training and works as an exotic dancer by night. It turned her into one of the defining figures of the 80s.
She appeared in several other noteworthy films. She brought popularity to the off the shoulder shirt and leg warmer look and made dancing your way into physical perfection all the rage.
Gilad Janklowicz - Then
The Israeli native fitness icon made history when his “Bodies in Motion” workout program aired on ESPN.
Nobody could forget Gilad’s toned Arms against the Hawaiian backdrop. And for just half an hour a day you could up you fitness game from the comfort of your home.
Gilad Janklowicz - Now
Gilad’s show is the longest running fitness show in the US running from 1985 to 1996. He produced more than 30 workout videos and worked with high-profile clients.
For his contribution to the fitness world, he was inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame in March 2007.
Jennifer Beals - Now
As stunning as ever, Jennifer Beals looks like she can still perform the iconic “Maniac” routine. She hasn’t stopped starring in films and TVs shows since her breakthrough in the 80s.
We imagine that having a daughter now does make things a little different. She is set to star in an upcoming adult romance film called After.
Suzanne Somers – Then
Complex.com described Somers quite appropriately “As the spokeswoman for the Thighmaster, she [Suzanne Somers] is largely responsible for the invention of the infomercial … we would never have had the joys of ShamWow, Shake Weight, and Miss Cleo’s Psychic Friend’s Network if she hadn’t blazed that trail.”
However, advertising exercise equipment wasn’t her highest aspiration so Somers went on to pursue other endeavors.