'Top Gun,' Cosby, Mets: How 1986 compares to 2022
Credit: Paramount Pictures/Scott Garfield
Tom Cruise reprises his role as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in "Top Gun: Maverick," which comes to theaters on May 27 — nearly 36 years after the original movie first thrilled us (It would go on to be the year's highest-grossing movie). Here's a look at how life has changed (or perhaps hasn't) since 1986.
1986: TOM CRUISE'S AGE — 24
Credit: Paramount/Everett Collection
2022: TOM CRUISE'S AGE — 60 (on July 3)
Credit: Paramount Pictures/Scott Garfield
1986: THE METS — World Series winners
The New York Mets celebrate after winning the 1986 World Series at Shea Stadium.
Credit: Getty Images/T.G. Higgins
2022: THE METS — World Series winners?
New York Mets celebrate their first combined no-hitter in franchise history after their 3-1 win against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field on April 29, 2022. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
1986: BILL COSBY — America's Dad
THE COSBY SHOW, Bill Cosby, Keshia Knight Pulliam, (Season 3), 1984-1992. © Carsey-Werner Co. / Courtesy: Everett Collection Credit: Carsey-Werner Co/Everett Collection
2022: BILL COSBY — Accused of groping in civil lawsuit.
In this April 26, 2018 file photo, Bill Cosby, center, leaves the the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., after being convicted of drugging and molesting a woman. Credit: AP/Matt Slocum
1986: U.S. PRESIDENT'S AGE — Ronald Reagan was 75.
Ronald Reagan makes an announcement from his desk at the White House, Washington DC. Credit: Getty Images/Hulton Archive
2022: U.S. PRESIDENT'S AGE — Joe Biden is 79 (80 in November).
Joe Biden speaks at the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 16 on May 7, 2019 in Henderson, Nevada. Credit: Getty Images/Ethan Miller
1986: BILLY JOEL PLAYING MADISON SQUARE GARDEN? — Yes.
Billy Joel performing in 1986. Credit: Toronto Star via Getty Images/Mike Slaughter
2022: BILLY JOEL PLAYING MADISON SQUARE GARDEN? — Yes.
Billy Joel performing at Madison Square Garden in 2021. Credit: Bruce Gilbert
1986: HOTTEST POP STAR — Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston performing.
Credit: Toronto Star via Getty Images/Ron Bull
2022: HOTTEST POP STAR — Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo performs onstage during the 64th annual Grammy Awards on April 3, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Credit: Getty Images for The Recording A/Emma McIntyre
1986: TED DANSON NBC-TV SERIES — "Cheers"
Ted Danson as Sam Malone on "Cheers." Credit: Paramount Television/Everett Collection
2022: TED DANSON NBC-TV SERIES --"Mr. Mayor"
Ted Danson as Mayor Neil Bremer in NBC's "Mr. Mayor." Credit: NBC/Colleen Hayes
1986: RALPH MACCHIO IN 'KARATE KID' — ""Part II" in theaters
Ralph Macchio in "The Karate Kid." Credit: Columbia Pictures/Everett Collection
2022: RALPH MACCHIO IN 'KARATE KID' — "Cobra Kai" on Netflix
Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso in "Cobra Kai." Credit: NETFLIX/Curtis Bonds Baker
1986: MATTHEW BRODERICK STARRING IN — "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" in theaters
FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF, Matthew Broderick, 1986, (c) Paramount/courtesy Everett Collection Credit: Paramount/ Everett Collection
2022: MATTHEW BRODERICK STARRING IN — "Plaza Suite" on Broadway
Matthew Broderick in Neil Simon's "Plaza Suite." Credit: Joan Marcus
Andy Edelstein, Newsday's entertainment editor, supervises coverage of TV, celebrities, movies and pop music. He has written three books on popular culture, including "The Brady Bunch Book."
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