12 Actresses Everyone Loved to Dislike in the ’80s

A performer with long, straight, pink-blond hair sings into a microphone while wearing a black, shiny, geometric-patterned outfit against a dark, moody background.

The 1980s gave us unforgettable icons, from glamorous stars to the villains we secretly adored. Some actresses made a career out of playing the roles we loved to hate, bringing drama, power, and irresistible charisma to every scene. These were the women who made being “unlikable” absolutely legendary. You’ve probably heard mention of at least one of the actresses mentioned on this list, and you might even find yourself shaking your head over how mind-bogglingly unlikable they are to this day.

1. Faye Dunaway

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Brilliant but notorious for her demanding on-set behavior and perfectionism.

2. Glenn Close

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Her obsessive performance in Fatal Attraction terrified audiences and cemented her status as a “villain.”

3. Meryl Streep

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Universally respected yet sometimes criticized for being “too serious” or overly meticulous.

4. Sean Young

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Talented but plagued by rumors of erratic behavior during major film productions.

5. Kim Basinger

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Her beauty and sensual screen presence drew both admiration and jealousy.

6. Daryl Hannah

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Her icy characters and offbeat style often divided audiences.

7. Madonna

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Though mainly a pop star, her film roles and rebellious persona made her a polarizing icon.

8. Mia Farrow

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Her relationship drama with Woody Allen overshadowed much of her career.

9. Heather Locklear

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From Dynasty to Melrose Place, she perfected the role of the woman everyone loved to hate.

10. Melanie Griffith

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Her provocative image and high-profile romances kept her constantly in the spotlight.

11. Sigourney Weaver

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Admired for her strength and intensity, but sometimes viewed as intimidating.

12. Demi Moore

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Her rapid rise to fame and sultry roles stirred both fascination and backlash.

Author
Tatiana Alalachvily

Tatiana is a graphic designer specialized in marketing, with over 15 years of experience in the digital marketing world. Throughout her career, she's worked with a variety of brands, developing strategies that blend creativity, identity, and results and loves to churn out refreshingly engaging content for audiences across many content realms at the same time. Find her on Behance at, tatianaalalach, as well.