ABC’sThe Goldbergshas been telling tales of 1980-something for almost a decade. With episodes centered aroundpopular ’80s filmsand TV shows thanks to the main character’s love of the arts, it’s only fitting the show features countless guest stars whose careers were solidified in the ’80s.
Related:An Incontestable List of the Best Cartoon Theme Songs from the ‘80sBe it rock’n’rollers, famous actors, or a razor-handed villain from Elm Street,The Goldbergshas become the number one spot on television for ’80s icons to appear, and even reprise some of their iconic roles.
Martin Kove as Sensei John
Though he is best known as Sensei Kreese inThe Karate Kidtrilogy,Martin Koveremains a well-known face of action-packed ’80s films. Before he reprised his role onNetflix’sspin-offCobra Kai,it was only fitting Kove made a cameo in the Season 4 episode ofThe Goldbergstitled “The Kara-Te Kid.”
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Centered around Adam F. Goldberg facing off the school’s other Adam Goldberg in a karate tournament, Kove makes a cameo at the end of the episode as Sensei John, a nod to his character John Kreese, where he teaches the characters a much lighter version of Cobra Kai.
Rick Springfield as Gary
Whether it was thanks to his portrayal of Dr. Noah Drake onGeneral Hospitalor his 1981 number one hit “Jessie’s Girl,“Rick Springfieldwas one of the most well-known faces and voices of the ’80s. It’s a wonder it took a whole six seasons for him to finally appear onThe Goldbergs.
In the Season 6 episode “RAD!,” Springfield guest stars as a karaoke bar owner who hires Erica to waitress. In a fun, full-circle moment, Springfield performs a duet of “Jessie’s Girl” on the karaoke stage alongsideWendi McLendon-Covey’sBeverly Goldberg.
Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger
1, 2, Freddy’s coming forThe Goldbergs…as one of the biggesthorror movie villains in history,Robert Englund’sFreddy Kruegernot only starred in several movies since the ’80s, but made a horrifying cameo on the Season 6 episode appropriately titled “Mr. Knifey-Hands.”
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When Adam watchesA Nightmare On Elm Streetagainst his mother’s wishes, the one and only Freddy Krueger visits Beverly in her dreams, where she faces off against the murderer. Englund, despite ultimately reprising the role for this stint, initially turned down the cameo because he couldn’t imagine his iconic villain on a sitcom.
Charlie Sheen as Garth Volbeck
Before starring in 80’s hitsYoung GunsandMajor League,among dozens of others,Charlie Sheenappeared in the 1986 classicFerris Bueller’s Day Off.In Season 2 ofThe Goldbergs,Sheen reprised his role of “Boy in Police Station” from the film, though he’s credited as Garth Volbeck.
When Barry sets out to recreate the film with his own day off and winds up getting Pops’ car stolen, Erica reports the missing car to the police station and is seated across from a familiar-looking figure. Now a “Man in Police Station,” Sheen obnoxiously cracks his knuckles, his hair and attire reminiscent of the film, while Erica tells him all about how she hates her brothers, much like Jeanie Bueller did in the movie.
TheCheersCast as Various Characters
The sitcomCheersstarred household namesKirstie Alley, John Ratzenberger,Rhea PerlmanandGeorge Wendt. In a special Season 7 cameo, the fourCheerscastmates had a reunion at the end of the episode.
Sat at the kitchen island at The Goldbergs' residence in front of a round of beers, mimicking what the group did best on the show, the four former co-stars partake in witty banter with Beverly Goldberg.
Anthony Michael Hall as Mr. Perott
What do ’80s classicsSixteen Candles,National Lampoon’s Vacation,Weird ScienceandThe Breakfast Cluball have in common? HeartthrobAnthony Michael Hall.So, it’s only fitting Hall secured not only a guest spot, but a recurring role on the sitcom.
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In the Season 7 premiere that pays tribute toNational Lampoon’s Vacation,Hall played the role of a security guard named Rusty, the same name as his character in the film. Since Season 8, Hall has appeared in five more episodes in the recurring role of Mr. Perott, a guidance counselor at William Penn Academy.
Dan Lauria as Mr. Wofsy
The Wonder Yearsdad himself Dan Lauria made a guest appearance in the Season 9 episode titled “The William Penn Years.” Lauria cameos as The Goldbergs' cranky neighbor Mr. Wofsy, who refuses to sell his house to the family next door after Murray Goldberg wronged him.
Lauria’s appearance was one of multiple guest spots from the original cast during ABC’s Wednesday primetime lineup, the network’s way of promoting the premiere of the2021 reboot ofThe Wonder Years.
R.D. Robb as Paul Sirochman
R.D. Robb rose to fame as the age of 11 when he starred in the 1983 holiday classicA Christmas Story.The Goldbergscreator Adam F. Goldberg cites the film as one of his inspirations behind the hit show, so it was only right Robb made a guest appearance — or three of them.
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In an episode all about Adam’s desire to be like his school friend R.D. Robb, who had just made his film debut inA Christmas Story,Robb appears as photographer Paul Sirochman, who shoots Adam’s headshots. Robb later appeared as Paul in Seasons 6 and 7.
Tommy Lee as Professor Lee
Heavy metal bandMotley Crüe’sownTommy Leemade his very first sitcom appearance in a Season 7 episode ofThe Goldbergs.In a role opposite of his real-life self, Lee portrays Professor Lee, a rock music-hating professor.
The episode ends with Mötley Crüe’s 1985 hit “Home Sweet Home” playing in the background as every character’s story wraps up.
Chuck Norris as Himself
Chuck Norrishas made several guest appearances since his ’80s starring roles, but a lesser-known cameo the actor made was in Season 3 ofThe Goldbergs.Norris lent his voice as himself, reading what seemed to be a response to Barry’s fanmail.
Although the letter turns out to be a prank pulled on Barry by Adam, the voice reading the letter out loud is the one of Chuck Norris. Hearing Chuck Norris say the phrase “douche nozzle” is something the world never knew it needed until this cameo.
