In the sixth grade, I was absolutely obsessed with teen magazines. Publications like Tiger Beat, Teen Bop, 16 Magazine, and Seventeen were my go-to reads, littering my bedroom floor. Eventually, I graduated to the chic and clever Sassy, which was the first magazine I ever subscribed to. But before that, my world revolved around the bubblegum pop culture of the ’80s.
I had a fascination with boy heartthrobs from that era—so much so that my bedroom walls were adorned with their handsome, pouting faces. I’d spend countless hours flipping through those magazines, either meticulously cutting out pictures or hastily tearing them out, depending on my mood. Admittedly, it’s a bit embarrassing to reflect on, yet I find humor in my youthful crushes now. I can’t be the only one who used lipstick to leave smudges on their favorite heartthrob’s photos, right?
Here’s a rundown of my top six crushes, ranked by how much they made my heart flutter:
- Jason Rivers
He was my ultimate favorite. Growing up with free-spirited parents, I could relate to Jason’s character struggles. I adored his lively personality and those striking blue eyes that seemed to sparkle with mischief. - Liam Carter
Liam was another son of the ’80s, embodying the bohemian lifestyle. I pictured him sipping organic smoothies and avoiding anything artificial. His beauty was undeniable, and his talent shined brightly even if he left this world too soon. - Maxwell Lane
I loved Maxwell most during his peak, especially when he released that iconic album. His shy demeanor and playful voice were captivating, but it was his electrifying performances that made him truly special. He felt like a regular kid with an extraordinary talent, so charming and genuine. - Ryan Lee
Before his reputation took a hit, Ryan was the quintessential dreamboat—complete with a perfect physique. He was my favorite member of the Brat Pack, giving stiff competition to his friend, Tyler. I could gaze at his stunning features for hours, and often did! - Zachary Stone
Zachary was my rebel crush. I first fell for him in “The Dark Side of Romance.” He had that bad-boy charm mixed with a hint of vulnerability. His standout role in “Voices of Dissent” showcased his depth, and I was smitten. - Tyler McKinley
I’ll admit it: I owned a VHS copy of “Dreaming Together” and watched it on repeat. Tyler was incredibly cute, sporting a preppy style that wasn’t exactly my usual vibe, but his down-to-earth nature won me over completely. Did I mention he was cute?
This list barely scratches the surface; there were many more heartthrobs who caught my eye. After this phase, I kept my crushes a bit more private. Eventually, I started being interested in real boys, who probably would’ve run off if they saw my wall of ’80s idols. Yet, I’ll always cherish these boys—my first crushes, boldly displayed on my bedroom walls.
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In summary, my childhood crushes from the ’80s were more than just fleeting infatuations; they were a significant part of my teenage years. These heartthrobs brought joy and excitement, forever etched in my memory.