Evolution of Debbie Harry 1980s

???? 1980 – While still at the peak of Blondie's fame, Debbie Harry takes on her first leading film role in the neo-noir movie Union City. The role of a repressed and tormented housewife showcases her desire to branch out into serious acting, moving beyond her established punk-new wave musical persona.

???? 1981 – During a hiatus from Blondie, Harry releases her debut solo album, KooKoo. A bold artistic statement, the album is produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic and features a striking cover designed by H.R. Giger, the artist behind the creature in the film Alien. The lead single, "Backfired," blends funk and new wave, highlighting her experimental direction.

???? 1982 – Blondie releases the album The Hunter, which proves to be their last for 15 years. Facing internal tensions, declining commercial success, and guitarist Chris Stein's diagnosis with the rare autoimmune disease pemphigus, the band officially disbands in November, bringing an end to an era of pop dominance.

???? 1983 – Harry stars opposite James Woods in David Cronenberg’s now-classic body horror film Videodrome. Her portrayal of the enigmatic and seductive Nicki Brand becomes one of her most memorable acting roles, cementing her status as a cult film icon. For the next couple of years, she largely steps away from her career to care for the ailing Chris Stein.

???? 1986 – Returning to the music scene, Harry releases her second solo album, Rockbird. The album produces her most successful solo single in the US, "French Kissin' in the USA," which enjoys international success and re-establishes her as a formidable solo performer. Another single from the album, "In Love With Love," becomes a No. 1 hit on the U.S. dance charts.

???? 1987 – Continuing to balance music and film, Harry makes a guest appearance on the TV series Crime Story and contributes to the soundtrack of the film Hiding Out. This period is marked by various collaborations and smaller projects as she rebuilds her solo career momentum.

???? 1888 – Harry delivers a memorable and widely praised comedic performance as the villainous Velma Von Tussle in John Waters' beloved film Hairspray. Starring alongside Divine and Ricki Lake, the role demonstrates her versatility as an actress and introduces her to a new generation of film fans.

???? 1989 – She releases her third solo album, Def, Dumb & Blonde, a record that fully embraces a rock sound and is seen as a strong artistic comeback. The lead single, "I Want That Man," written by Tom Bailey and Alannah Currie of the Thompson Twins, becomes a major international hit, reaching #2 on the Australian charts and #13 in the United Kingdom.

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