The Coolest Throwback Photos of Madonna from the '80s and '90s, in Honor of Her Birthday

Mar. 15, 2025

Madonna in March 1984.Photo:Fryderyk Gabowicz/picture alliance/Getty

Fryderyk Gabowicz/picture alliance/Getty

An icon turns 66 today!

Born Madonna Louise Ciccone, in Bay City, Michigan,Madonnachanged the pop culture landscape as soon as she came out with her eponymous debut album back in 1983. Since then, the singer has churned out plenty of hits, broken barriers and set trends, all while staying true to herself and never folding in the face of adversity.

As we commemorate Madge’s 66th birthday on August 16, 2024, take a look at some of her cool throwback photos below.

01of 13

Creating Moments

Madonna in 1984.Sonia Moskowitz/Getty

Sonia Moskowitz/Getty

02of 13Back in the DayMadonna in 1985.Koh Hasebe/Shinko Music/GettyAlways confident, Madonna looks directly at the camera in this sultry picture taken while she was in Tokyo in 1985.

02of 13

Back in the Day

Madonna in 1985.Koh Hasebe/Shinko Music/Getty

Koh Hasebe/Shinko Music/Getty

Always confident, Madonna looks directly at the camera in this sultry picture taken while she was in Tokyo in 1985.

03of 13

Madonna circa 1985.Robin Platzer/Images/Getty

Robin Platzer/Images/Getty

The look may have been casual, but it certainly wasn’t basic. The singer elevated her black tee and jeans with some layered necklaces, an intense red lip and statement earrings while out on the town in N.Y.C. circa 1985.

04of 13Woman at WorkMadonna in 1986.Vinnie Zuffante/GettyMadonna was pictured having a laugh in between scenes as she filmed scenes the video for her song “Papa Don’t Preach” in New York City in 1986.

04of 13

Woman at Work

Madonna in 1986.Vinnie Zuffante/Getty

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty

Madonna was pictured having a laugh in between scenes as she filmed scenes the video for her song “Papa Don’t Preach” in New York City in 1986.

05of 13The ‘Blond Ambition’ EraMadonnna in 1990.Frank Micelotta/GettyMadonna created waves once again when she embarked on herBlond AmbitionTour back in 1990. People couldn’t stop talking about her, once again, now-iconic Jean-Paul Gaultier cone bra, which she debuted on the tour.

05of 13

The ‘Blond Ambition’ Era

Madonnna in 1990.Frank Micelotta/Getty

Frank Micelotta/Getty

Madonna created waves once again when she embarked on herBlond AmbitionTour back in 1990. People couldn’t stop talking about her, once again, now-iconic Jean-Paul Gaultier cone bra, which she debuted on the tour.

06of 13Still GoingMadonna in 1990.Pete Still/RedfernsWith rich, golden blonde curls, dark brows and red lipstick Madge, rocked the stage while on theBlond AmbitionTour in London in 1990.

06of 13

Still Going

Madonna in 1990.Pete Still/Redferns

Pete Still/Redferns

With rich, golden blonde curls, dark brows and red lipstick Madge, rocked the stage while on theBlond AmbitionTour in London in 1990.

07of 13

Just Winning

Madonna in 1995.Kevin Mazur Archive/WireImage

Kevin Mazur Archive/WireImage

08of 13Classic BeautyMadonna in 1986.David Levenson/GettyThe “Las Isla Bonita” singer was a radiant beauty while attending the press conference for 1986’sShanghai Surprisein which she starred alongside Sean Penn and George Harrison.

08of 13

Classic Beauty

Madonna in 1986.David Levenson/Getty

David Levenson/Getty

The “Las Isla Bonita” singer was a radiant beauty while attending the press conference for 1986’sShanghai Surprisein which she starred alongside Sean Penn and George Harrison.

09of 13Curly Hair, Don’t CareMadonna in 1987.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection/GettyMadonna posed with her American Music Award trophy at the 1987 show.

09of 13

Curly Hair, Don’t Care

Madonna in 1987.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection/Getty

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection/Getty

Madonna posed with her American Music Award trophy at the 1987 show.

10of 13

Dressed for the Occasion

Madonna in 1995.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collectio/Getty

Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collectio/Getty

11of 13Timeless FashionMadonna in 1991.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection/GettyMadonna stunned fans at the 1991 Academy Awards as she attended the show in a showing-stopping ensemble that paid homage to Marilyn Monroe.

11of 13

Timeless Fashion

Madonna in 1991.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection/Getty

Madonna stunned fans at the 1991 Academy Awards as she attended the show in a showing-stopping ensemble that paid homage to Marilyn Monroe.

12of 13Smile and WaveMadonna in 1996.Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection/GettyThe star happily waved to fans as she arrived at the 1996EvitaLos Angeles premiere in a red wine-colored ensemble.

12of 13

Smile and Wave

Madonna in 1996.Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection/Getty

Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection/Getty

The star happily waved to fans as she arrived at the 1996EvitaLos Angeles premiere in a red wine-colored ensemble.

13of 13A Grammy WinnerMadonna in 1990.KMazur/WireImageIn 1999, the “Vogue” singer walked away with four Grammys for her albumRay of Light.

13of 13

A Grammy Winner

Madonna in 1990.KMazur/WireImage

KMazur/WireImage

In 1999, the “Vogue” singer walked away with four Grammys for her albumRay of Light.

source: people.com