Ever wondered what happened to the famous fellas that used to make you swoon?
Their posters used to hang on our bedroom walls; we would doodle their names endlessly on our school books; and daydream about one day meeting or even marrying one of them!
Well can I just tell ya – you know you’re getting old when the teen idols you remember are celebrating their 50th birthdays …Β *sigh*. I still don’t think I’ve recovered from the shock of hearing that Keanu Reeves turned 50!
However, just because they were cute when they were younger, doesn’t necessarily mean that they are now middle aged hunks. Like most ordinary humans, some of them just haven’t aged that well (maybe all that fast living – you know, sex, drugs and rock’n’roll – has caught up with them?!). Let me show you what I mean …
What They Look Like Now: Middle Aged Hunks or ?!
Back in the late 70’s, we idolised the stars of TV shows like “Eight is Enough” (Willie Aames) and “Happy Days” (Scott Baio).
With his blonde curly locks and cheeky grin, Willie Aames made many a feminine heart flutter. Sadly, I don’t think he has quite the same star quality now that he is 55. What do you think?
My personal favourite was probably Scott Baio, who is also 55. Oddly enough I ended up marrying a guy who could easily have been Scott Baio’s cousin … except I think my hubster wears his age better. Baio is also a Trump supporter … make of that what you will. At any rate, I’m glad I chose my hubster π !
God bless the 80’s, which gave us hunks of spunk like Michael J Fox (54), Johnny Depp (52), and Keanu Reeves (51).
And then there’s the baby of the bunch, Leonardo Di Caprio, 42. He never really rang my bells, maybe because I was 30 when Titanic was released – so well and truly past that teen adoration thing.Β I’ve seen some photos of him looking mighty scruffy, but I guess he scrubs up alright …
What About the Others?
You may have noticed that some middle aged hunks are conspicuous by their absence. Where are the likes of George Clooney, and Australia’s own Hugh Jackman?
Believe it or not, there *is* a method to my madness. You see, they weren’t famous when they were young; they have only come to our attention now that they are older. So it’s a given that of course they are “middle aged heart throbs” π .
Which one is your favourite of the middle aged hunks I’ve mentioned here – or have I left out somebody noteworthy?!
Ingrid @ Fabulous and Fun Life says
This post brings back so many teenage crush memories!
Janet Camilleri says
Hard to believe we are not teenagers anymore when it all comes flooding back π
Renee Wilson says
I remember in primary school I used to be dead keen on Scott Baio from Charles in Charge and I also liked Johhny Depp and Emilio Estevez lol. I also liked Leo from his Growing pains days and I reckon he’s still go it π Great post.
Janet Camilleri says
Johnny Depp is still hawt I reckon π .
HUgzilla says
OMG bahhahhahahhaha! This is great! (and thanks for making me feel ancient, by the way). Found out a couple of weeks ago that Scott Baio is a Trump supporter, which totally erases all the goodwill he built up in Happy Days and Charles in Charge. LOL.
Janet Camilleri says
Ewww that is just WRONG.
Nicole @ The Builder's Wife says
Brad, what about Brad? Oh my swoon!! The is most definitely the best thing I have read on the internet all week!
Janet Camilleri says
Naww thanks Nicole! Yes Brad is a bit of all right, though I don’t like it when he gets a bit scruffy π
Vanessa says
They’re all a bit old for me but they certainly have aged well!!
Janet Camilleri says
Yeah not too bad I guess. I think Willie Aames was the biggest shock for me but he definitely still has a winning smile.
Vicki @ Boiled Eggs & Soldiers says
I wouldn’t have recognise Willie Aimes and I think Scott Baio might be stuck in the 80’s but I used to love him as Chachi! This was a good trip down memory lane, thanks!
Min@WriteoftheMiddle says
I was crazy about Scott Baio and Leif Garratt. I sobbed in my room one time called out Leif’s name because he was in Brisbane and Mum and Dad wouldn’t let me go and see him. I’m sure he was devastated too! lol I also was a huge fan of Sean and David Cassidy π (and there were more haha)
Deborah says
I sometimes have to remind myself to admire age-appropriate men!
I loved the pretty boys when I was young… (Leif Garrett, Rick Springfield and the like) but now I like men a bit more rugged.
Richard Armitage is a big fave of mine now… I’m sure there are others… but more often than not they’re in their 30s and I’m reminded that I’m possibly a decade their senior!
Emily says
I think I’m the wrong demographic for this! Must say that Keanu had my heart when Speed came out. (My brother ‘borrowed’ a life-sized Keanu cut-out from the local video store as my thirteenth birthday present.) That eyebrow raise smirky smile. The way he runs. THOSE ARMS. Swoon. Okay, maybe I am the right demographic! #teamIBOT
JF Gibson says
Oh yes, huge crushes on Keanu and Johnny here. Oh and Christian Slater!
Jo says
They’re a bit young for me … helppppp! But Johnny Depp oh yes please at any age! Donny Osmond and David Cassidy … hmm, might be too old for you?
Kit@lifethroughthehaze says
Oh Janet you left out an entire group of heart throbs!
C. Thomas Howell
Matt Dillon
Ralph Macchio
Patrick Swayze
Rob Lowe
Emilio Estevez
Tom Cruise
Andrew McCarthy
Jon Cryer
Patrick Dempsey
Ahhhhhhhhhhh I grew up in the 80s in the time of some really great movies including all the John Hughes movies. Some of these have heart throbs have aged much better than others!
Janet Camilleri says
Definitely some very nice eye candy and truly worthy of a mention! As Patrick Swayze has passed away, sadly he couldn’t be on the list. Oh and Tom Cruise was a deliberate oversight – can’t stand him, especially since he dumped Our Nic!
Denise says
The guy that played Jake Ryan in Sixteen Candles! Dreamy and sweet <3
EssentiallyJess says
I loved Leo when younger but not so much now. In some pics he looks ok, but in others he’s so different from Romeo and Juliet where I first saw him.