Vintage Star Tracks: This Time in 1981, See Dolly Parton, Elizabeth Taylor and More Big Stars

Find out what the biggest stars of the ’80s were up to with throwback photos from Hollywood’s bygone era

Dolly Parton in 1981. PHOTO: NANCY BARR BRANDON/MEDIAPUNCH/SHUTTERSTOCK

Hollywood’s biggest names were out and about at this time 43 years ago.

With both the Tony and Drama Desk Awards taking place during the first week of June 1981, all eyes were on New York City. Ian McKellen, Tim Curry and co. celebrated their Tony nominations, while Elizabeth Taylor was up for a Drama Desk Award. Elsewhere in the Big Apple, Mark Hamill took the stage in The Elephant Man, and Robert De Niro was busy filming with Martin Scorsese. Meanwhile, national treasure Dolly Parton was looking characteristically fabulous.

Travel back in time to see what the hottest stars of the decade were up to as summer 1981 kicked off.

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Drama Queen

Elizabeth Taylor in 1981.RON GALELLA, LTD./RON GALELLA COLLECTION VIA GETTY

Elizabeth Taylor, accompanied by producer Zev Buffman (left), attended the 1981 Drama Desk Awards, where she was nominated for outstanding actress in a play for her Broadway debut in The Little Foxes.

02of 17

Foxy Fella

Elton John in 1981.BRIAN COOKE/REDFERNS

Elton John took a break to show off an over-the-top headdress during the filming of the video for his song “The Fox” at his home.

Wedding Crashers

Lady Diana Spencer, the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret in 1981.JAMES GRAY/SHUTTERSTOCK

In the run-up to her own wedding to Prince Charles in July, Lady Diana Spencer joined the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret at the wedding of Nicholas Soames and Catherine Weatherall in Westminster on June 4, 1981.

04of 17

The British Are Coming

Zoe Wanamaker, Ian McKellen, Jane Lapotaire and Tim Curry in 1981.JOHN BRIGHT/WWD/PENSKE MEDIA VIA GETTY

Ahead of the 1981 Tony Awards, British actors Zoe Wanamaker, Ian McKellen, Jane Lapotaire and Tim Curry celebrated their nominations at a party in New York City.

05of 17

Wandavision

Wanda Richert and David Hasselhoff in 1981.RON GALELLA/RON GALELLA COLLECTION VIA GETTY

Up for best performance by a featured actress in a musical, Wanda Richert attended the 1981 Tony Awards in New York City with David Hasselhoff.

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Hostess with the Mostess

Ellen Burstyn in 1981.RON GALELLA, LTD./RON GALELLA COLLECTION VIA GETTY

Also looking divine at the 1981 Tonys: co-host Ellen Burstyn.

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Scene Stealer

Gina Lollobrigida in 1981.RON GALELLA, LTD./RON GALELLA COLLECTION VIA GETTY

The show wasn’t just onstage at the 1981 Tonys: Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida made sure photographers got a load of her!

08of 17

Party On

Lena Horne in 1981.OSCAR ABOLAFIA/TPLP/GETTY

Lena Horne dazzled onstage at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City during a party for the 1981 Tony Awards.

09of 17

Ladies’ Night

Tatum O’Neal and Joanna Moore in 1981.RON GALELLA, LTD./RON GALELLA COLLECTION VIA GETTY

Photographers snapped a pic of Tatum O’Neal and mom Joanna Moore out and about in New York City.

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Sunny Smile

Susan Sarandon in 1981.OSCAR ABOLAFIA/TPLP/GETTY

Susan Sarandon flashed a glowing smile during an event in New York City.

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Go Off, Kings!

Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro in 1981.OSCAR ABOLAFIA/TPLP/GETTY

Photographers caught a candid snap of director Martin Scorsese and star Robert De Niro on the set of The King of Comedy in New York City.

12of 17

Coming Around Again

Carly Simon in 1981.RON GALELLA, LTD./RON GALELLA COLLECTION VIA GETTY

Carly Simon stopped by Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger’s New York City home for a June 1981 party.

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Sitting Pretty

Lori Loughlin and Mark Arnold in 1981.VINNIE ZUFFANTE/GETTY

Lori Loughlin and her The Edge of Night costar Mark Arnold got cozy in the U.K.

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Guitar Hero

Carlos Santana in 1981.PAUL NATKIN/GETTY

Carlos Santana made his guitar wail onstage at the Poplar Creek Music Theater in Illinois.

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Hello Dolly

Dolly Parton in 1981.NANCY BARR BRANDON/MEDIAPUNCH/SHUTTERSTOCK

A gleeful Dolly Parton greeted photographers with her thousand-watt smile.

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Out on the Town

Louis Malle and Candice Bergen in 1981.JOHN BRIGHT/WWD/PENSKE MEDIA VIA GETTY

Candice Bergen attended an event at the New York State Theater in New York City arm-in-arm with her husband, French director Louis Malle, on June 5.

Opening Night

Mark Hamill and wife Marilou York in 1981.BETTY GALELLA/RON GALELLA COLLECTION VIA GETTY

Mark Hamill took over the title role in the Broadway production of The Elephant Man on June 9. Here he is with wife Marilou York backstage after his first performance.