So just what is that special something that makes a TV star a bona fide heartthrob, worthy of the ardent affection of thousands upon thousands of devoted young fans?
Well, I can't tell you. I have no clue myself. But I can give a run-down of my personal top-five teenage heartthrobs of 1980s sitcom history.
5) George Clooney: George Burnett / The Facts of Life. (I know, I know. How could George Clooney ever rank #5 on a list of 5?! Try not to be outraged. Since he only appeared on TFOL from 1985-86, I can't conscionably rank him higher. Sorry, but it's my list and that's the way it is.) Adorable George came onto the scene in 1985 and stole the hearts of many a viewer as he worked with the gals in their store. Attractive, nice body, good hair... what else could you ask for?
4) Scott Baio: Charles / Charles in Charge. In both incarnations of the show - the original that started in 1984 and ended the next season, and when it returned to television in 1987 - Charles was certainly in charge. His looks coupled with his smooth delivery of lines made him a favorite.
3) Michael J. Fox: Alex P. Keaton / Family Ties. No one who watched television in the 80s could possibly ever forget Alex P. Keaton, played by Michael J. Fox in perhaps the hallmark role of his career. Alex may have been obnoxiously over-confident and a perfectionist's perfectionist, but he still managed to be cute and charming when the situation called for it. And Michael played the character to perfection, puppy dog eyes and all.
2) Tony Danza: Tony Micelli / Who's the Boss. Okay, so he's not a teenage guy. But no list of 80s TV show heartthrobs is complete without his name. As housekeeper Tony, he, his muscled physique and his Brooklyn accent vacuumed, cooked and dusted his way into our lives. Who didn't love this Italian-American sweetheart?
1) Kirk Cameron: Mike Seaver / Growing Pains. As the eldest child in the Seaver clan, Mike wasn't exactly your stereotypically responsible older brother. Constantly in trouble and hatching plans to get out of said trouble, Mike was a sort of good-natured rebel-with-a-cause that throngs of female admirers found irresistable. Kirk's boyish good looks coupled with his popularity as Mike made him a surefire candidate for heartthrob #1 of the 80s.
So that's my list. Have someone you'd add? Remove from the list? Feel free to make your case!
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 14
*******************************
What's the deal with the 5.5 rating? Pretty brutal! If you're going to slam me in ratings, at least have the decency to post and say why!
Hmm, looks like Scott's official site is 'coming soon'.
And Mr. Headroom... LOL! Definitely better looking than some out there!
I vote for the M*A*S*H men. Hawkeye in particular. But then, I was a woman in the '80's and preferred men.
This comment and rating of your older gather content was an idea Steve the Legend had on how to give a Christmas gift to our Gather connections. He posted an article with the suggestion of visiting our connetions and checking out their content from before we were connected. You are the 18th connection I have done this with so far, Sherry. I know it's a busy time of year for families with kids and I don't see you around here much lately. Still, I wasn't you to know that I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!