Every older sister with a pesky younger brother definitely sympathized with Jennifer Grey’s portrayal of Jeanie in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off!” But it was her role in “Dirty Dancing” which elevated her to icon status; frequently the dance scene with Swayze tops lists for one of the most romantic in film history! The role even earned Grey a Golden Globe Award nomination.
Her 2011 appearance on “Dancing with the Stars” saw her win the competition, which was extraordinary, on the back of the removal of a cancerous node on her spine! In 2017, Grey, like many other celebrated women, participated in the Los Angeles 2017 Women’s March. #GIRLPOWER.
Winona Ryder
This next star begs no introduction, as one of the IT girls of the 90s. With film credits including "Beetlejuice," "Mermaids," "Edward Scissorhands," "The Age of Innocence," "Reality Bites," and "Girl, Interrupted," it’s no wonder Winona Ryder (born Winona Laura Horowitz!) is such an icon. With her large doe eyes and expressive face, Winona certainly epitomizes the look of the 1990s.
The generational icon, however, fell from grace in 2001 after being caught shoplifting, taking a self-imposed ‘break’ from the acting world. It seems Winona has plenty left in the tank. Since her comeback in 2006, Ryder starred in "Star Trek," "When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story" and "Black Swan." Recently, she has enjoyed enormous success on the smash Netflix series "Stranger Things" as Joyce.
Christina Applegate
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but in Applegate’s case, it seems maybe her mother is, quoted as saying; “I wasn’t one to go out and buy a new car and stereo system and expensive clothes. My mom helped keep me grounded.” Seems that Christina had a parent who cared for her well-being, and instilled good values which she still carries with her! Well remembered for her role as Kelly Bundy on "Married…with Children," Christina established herself in both film and TV, winning an Emmy Award, and earning Tony and Golden Globe nominations.
Smart, beautiful, and funny, the star seemed to have it all; however, she too was struck with tragedy, being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. Luckily, the actress caught cancer before it could develop into something more malignant, even if it meant having a double mastectomy. A real-life Wonder Woman.
Phoebe Cates
At age 10, Phoebe Cates wished to pursue dancing, which then turned to model. This was short-lived however, remarking the industry was not to her liking: “it was just the same thing, over and over...I did it solely for the money.” Rolling Stone described her role in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" as having “the most memorable bikini-drop in cinema history,” and it seems Cates enjoyed filming the flick as well!
She then starred in the 80s cult film "Gremlins" as well as its sequel; but not to worry, if you pour water on her, she won’t multiply and turn into an impish creature! In such demand, Cates graced the covers of Seventeen, Tiger Beat and Teen Beat. Cates, in 2005 decided to expand her horizons further, opening her own boutique, Blue Tree on the very fashionable Madison Avenue, New York.
Jami Gertz
What do "Crossroads," "The Lost Boys," "Less Than Zero," "Quicksilver," "Square Pegs" and "Twister" have in common? Jami Gertz of course! Best known for these roles, Gertz was discovered in a nationwide talent search by Norman Lear! As a child, she starred in "Diff’rent Stroke"s and "The Facts of Life," before moving onto film, making her debut in the 1981 romance flick "Endless Love."
As she matured, she gained more attention, as well as appearing alongside Robert Downey Jr. and Kiefer Sutherland! Further roles in "Still Standing," "Ally McBeal," and "The Neighbours" make Gertz still very much a household name! But it doesn’t stop there; Gertz serves as a board director for the Melanoma Research Alliance – so she’s putting her hard-earned dollars to bettering the lives of others. Way to go, girl!