Many things bond us with the people of our particular generations. The fashion trends we fall for, the toys we freak out about, the movies we make blockbusters, and the celebrities we crush on. Especially those initial batches we can’t help but fall for. So let’s not waste any more time and take a look at the guys and gals that have been some of the most common first celebrity crushes when it comes to the past five generations from Boomers all the way through Gen Alpha.
Boomers: The Beatles & John Travolta
Beatlemania swept the US and for many Boomers, those four dudes from across the pond were too legit to quit. Their popularity also tied in nicely with the emerging teen culture at the time because with teens not having to head off to work anymore, they were allowed the luxury of actually having an adolescence. Then came the ‘70s, Boomers were a little older and guys like John Travolta were catching their eye on ‘Welcome Back Kotter’ and, of course, ‘Grease.’
Boomers: Marilyn Monroe & Farrah Fawcett
Marilyn Monroe was the epitome of beauty (and still is for many), and Boomers took notice but when it was time for those hormones to kick in – that Farrah Fawcett poster definitely worked overtime.
Gen X: The Outsiders & Kurt Cobain
Gen X had the privilege of the pop culture boom of the ‘80s and with that came a plethora of entertainment targeted towards teens, including the masterclass of casting in ‘The Outsiders.’ That cast had a guy that matched anyone’s type. Then by the ‘90s guys like Kurt Cobain and his disinterest in anything really took hold of hearts across the nation.
Gen X: Molly Ringwald & Pamela Anderson
The Brat Pack was everything to Gen X so that made girls like Molly Ringwald first celebrity crush royalty. Of course, there’s also Pamela Anderson who made a huge dent in the lives of those who definitely watched ‘Baywatch’ for the plot. And yes, I know Pam is mentioned in Crushes that Raised Us in regards to millennials, but that’s because we have a lot of crossover with our elders.
Millennials: The Pink Power Ranger & Topanga
We’ve talked at length about the Pink Power Ranger and Topanga from ‘Boy Meets World’ on this show.
Millennials: JTT & Boy Bands
We’ve also dived into JTT and boy bands and their impact on millennials.
Gen Z: Miley Cyrus & Zendaya
The Disney Channel had a renaissance in the ‘00s with ‘Hannah Montana’ and a little franchise we’ll get to in a minute but man – you really had to be there to fully understand the grasp Miley Cyrus had on the tween market back in the day. Of course, from her popularity came a plethora of other stars for Gen Z to crush on, Zendaya being one of them.
Gen Z: Justin Bieber & Zac Efron
Along with ‘Hannah Montana’ came ‘High School Musical’ and from there, Zac Efron. Oh…what a first celebrity crush to have. He caused quite a stir in the ‘Tiger Beat’ realm, as did the unforgettable Bieber Fever.
Gen Alpha: Millie Bobby Brown & Billie Eilish
‘Stranger Things’ could lean Gen Z but it also feels like because it has taken Netflix 30-some years to finish this show, it’s been able to take hold of our latest generation, Alpha. So Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven has caused some recent heart eyes, as has Grammy-winner Billie Eilish.
Gen Alpha: Bad Bunny & Timothée Chalamet
Gen Alpha also adores the likes of Bad Bunny and the movies of Timothée Chalamet.
Crushgasm 