The 1970s was a golden era for entertainment, giving us stars who lit up our TV screens and dominated magazine covers. Many celebrities from this colorful decade were household names, adorning bedroom walls and appearing on lunchboxes nationwide. Yet surprisingly, some of the biggest stars from that era have faded from public memory, despite their once-massive fame.
1. Farrah Fawcett
The ultimate ’70s bombshell with that iconic feathered hairstyle that launched a million salon appointments. Farrah’s red swimsuit poster sold an astounding 12 million copies, becoming the best-selling poster of all time. Despite her massive fame from “Charlie’s Angels,” younger generations might not recognize her name today. She left the hit show after just one season, which began her gradual fade from the spotlight. Later in life, she earned critical acclaim for serious acting roles and documented her battle with cancer, but her ’70s superstardom remains unmatched by her later work.
2. David Cassidy
Teen idol extraordinaire who caused mass hysteria wherever he went. As Keith Partridge on “The Partridge Family,” David’s face adorned countless teen magazines while his music topped charts worldwide. The phenomenon even had a name – “Cassidymania” – with his concerts causing such fan frenzy that injuries were common. His poster sales rivaled those of Farrah Fawcett, with millions of teenage bedrooms showcasing his boyish good looks. After the ’70s, his career never reached those dizzying heights again. He struggled with alcoholism and financial problems before passing away in 2017, largely forgotten by newer generations.
3. Karen Carpenter
Velvet-voiced songstress whose haunting vocals defined soft rock in the ’70s. Karen and her brother Richard, known as The Carpenters, sold over 90 million records worldwide with hits like “Close to You” and “We’ve Only Just Begun.” Her warm, controlled alto voice was instantly recognizable and influenced countless singers. Behind the wholesome image and perfect harmonies, Karen battled anorexia nervosa when the condition was barely understood. Her tragic death at 32 from heart failure related to her eating disorder cut short a brilliant career. Today, despite their massive success, The Carpenters are often overlooked in music histories.
4. Donny Osmond
Purple-loving heartthrob who transitioned from child star to teen idol with remarkable success. Donny first gained fame with his brothers in The Osmonds before his solo career exploded with hits like “Puppy Love.” Girls worldwide joined his fan club, collected his merchandise, and dreamed of marrying the squeaky-clean Mormon boy with the perfect smile. His variety show with sister Marie was must-see TV for millions of families. Unlike many on this list, Donny has maintained a career in entertainment, though younger generations might not realize just how massive his fame was. His 1970s popularity rivaled that of Elvis and The Beatles in its intensity.
5. Tatum O’Neal
Child prodigy who remains the youngest-ever Oscar winner at just 10 years old. Tatum’s performance alongside her father Ryan in “Paper Moon” (1973) catapulted her to instant stardom and critical acclaim. Her follow-up films like “The Bad News Bears” and “Little Darlings” made her one of the highest-paid child actors of the decade. The media obsessed over her relationship with tennis bad boy John McEnroe and her famous father. Personal struggles with addiction and a difficult family life eventually overshadowed her early success. Despite her groundbreaking achievements, her name rarely comes up when discussing ’70s stars or child actors today.
6. Kristy McNichol
America’s favorite tomboy who dominated both television and film throughout the decade. Kristy won two Emmy Awards for her role as Buddy in the groundbreaking drama “Family,” establishing herself as one of the most talented young actresses of her generation. Her films “Little Darlings” and “The End” showcased her ability to handle both comedy and serious dramatic roles. Teen magazines couldn’t get enough of her, featuring her authentic, non-glamorous image that resonated with regular kids. Mental health challenges led to her early retirement from acting in the 1990s. She’s since lived a private life, causing her once-enormous fame to fade from public consciousness.
7. Lynda Carter
Statuesque beauty who spun into America’s hearts as the original Wonder Woman. Former Miss World USA Lynda became a feminist icon while wearing those star-spangled shorts, proving women could be both gorgeous and powerful. The show ran from 1975-1979, with Carter performing her own stunts and even singing the theme song in later seasons. Her image appeared on everything from lunchboxes to Halloween costumes, cementing her status as a cultural phenomenon. Despite Gal Gadot’s recent portrayal, many younger people don’t recognize Carter or realize she defined the role for generations. Her post-Wonder Woman career never reached the same heights despite her multifaceted talents.
8. Ron Palillo
Gangly character actor who became a cultural touchstone as the lovable nerd Arnold Horshack on “Welcome Back, Kotter.” His distinctive high-pitched laugh and catchphrase “Ooh, ooh, Mr. Kotter!” were imitated by kids across America. While John Travolta emerged as the breakout star from the show, Palillo was equally beloved during its run. His character represented the underdog that audiences couldn’t help but root for, with his quirky mannerisms and exaggerated facial expressions. Typecasting plagued his post-Kotter career, making it difficult to land significant roles. He later became a teacher and playwright before his death in 2012, his massive ’70s fame largely forgotten.
9. Cheryl Ladd
Blonde bombshell who had the unenviable task of replacing Farrah Fawcett on “Charlie’s Angels” – and succeeded spectacularly. Cheryl joined the show as Kris Munroe, supposedly Jill Munroe’s little sister, and quickly won over skeptical fans with her charm and athletic ability. She appeared in every season after the first, becoming the longest-serving Angel after Jaclyn Smith. Beyond acting, she released three albums and scored a Top 40 hit with “Think It Over.” Despite maintaining a steady career in television movies and guest appearances, her enormous ’70s fame has diminished over time, with Kate Jackson and Farrah Fawcett generally remembered more from the original cast.
10. Bobby Sherman
Teen heartthrob with boyish good looks who sold millions of records and starred in hit TV shows. Bobby’s face graced the covers of countless teen magazines, while hits like “Julie, Do Ya Love Me” and “Easy Come, Easy Go” dominated the charts. His roles on “Here Come the Brides” and “Getting Together” showcased both his acting and musical talents. At the peak of his fame, he received 8,000 fan letters weekly and had his own Saturday morning cartoon show. In a surprising career pivot, Sherman retired from entertainment in the mid-70s to become an EMT and police officer. This early exit from showbiz contributed to his fading from public memory despite his massive popularity.
11. Marlo Thomas
Groundbreaking actress who changed television forever as the independent “That Girl” before producing the influential children’s special “Free to Be… You and Me.” Marlo blazed trails as one of the first single, career-focused women portrayed positively on television. Her production company developed projects that challenged gender stereotypes when such concepts were revolutionary. Her marriage to talk show host Phil Donahue created one of Hollywood’s most admired power couples. Despite her pioneering work and continued activism, younger generations might not recognize her name or understand her cultural impact. Her feminist legacy lives on in shows like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” that followed her path.
12. Susan Dey
Model-turned-actress who captured hearts as the serious, keyboard-playing Laurie Partridge. Susan was the crush of countless teenage boys who tuned in to “The Partridge Family” each week to see her alongside David Cassidy. Unlike many teen stars, she successfully transitioned to adult roles, most notably as Grace Van Owen on the legal drama “L.A. Law,” winning a Golden Globe. Her classic beauty and serious demeanor set her apart from other teen idols of the era. She’s famously private, rarely giving interviews or appearing at Partridge Family reunions. This reclusiveness has contributed to her fading from public consciousness despite her significant contributions to ’70s pop culture.
13. John Ritter
Physical comedy genius who became a superstar as the lovable goofball Jack Tripper on “Three’s Company.” John’s impeccable timing and willingness to take pratfalls made him one of television’s most beloved comedic actors. The show’s premise – a man pretending to be gay to live with two female roommates – was considered risqué for its time. His chemistry with co-stars Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers created television magic that kept audiences laughing for eight seasons. Though he continued working steadily until his sudden death in 2003, younger generations might not appreciate how enormous his ’70s fame was. His comedic talents influenced a generation of actors who followed.
14. Valerie Bertinelli
America’s sweetheart who grew up before our eyes as the innocent Barbara Cooper on “One Day at a Time.” Valerie began the role at just 15 and evolved from cute kid to beautiful young woman during the show’s nine-season run. Her wholesome image contrasted dramatically with her real life after marrying rock star Eddie Van Halen at age 20. Teen magazines couldn’t get enough of the good-girl-meets-bad-boy romance, following their relationship obsessively. Though she’s maintained visibility through cooking shows and weight loss campaigns, many forget just how massive her fame was in the ’70s. Her character represented the challenges of teenage girls during a time of changing family dynamics.
15. Lindsay Wagner
Pioneering action heroine who made television history as “The Bionic Woman” with superhuman strength and hearing. Lindsay brought depth and humanity to what could have been a one-dimensional character, earning an Emmy Award for her performance. The show’s merchandising was everywhere – from action figures to lunchboxes – making her one of the decade’s most recognizable faces. Her character Jaime Sommers provided a rare female superhero for girls to admire when such representations were scarce. After the series ended, she primarily appeared in television movies rather than maintaining mainstream visibility. Despite being a cultural phenomenon, her groundbreaking role is often overlooked in discussions of female action heroes.
16. Glen Campbell
Country-pop crossover star with movie-star good looks and guitar skills that impressed even Jimmy Page. Glen’s variety show and hits like “Rhinestone Cowboy” and “Southern Nights” made him a household name throughout the ’70s. Few performers straddled the worlds of country, pop, and television as successfully. His clean-cut image and genuine talent appealed to audiences across generational and geographic divides. Despite selling over 45 million records and hosting a successful TV show, his contributions are sometimes overlooked in music histories. His battle with Alzheimer’s disease before his 2017 death brought renewed attention to his legacy, but many younger people remain unfamiliar with his tremendous cultural impact.
17. Florence Henderson
America’s most famous TV mom who brought warmth and wisdom to the role of Carol Brady. Florence’s portrayal on “The Brady Bunch” created the template for the ideal mother – patient, understanding, and always perfectly coiffed with that iconic blonde shag haircut. The show’s original run lasted only five seasons but lived forever in syndication. Her famous tag line “Don’t play ball in the house!” became part of pop culture vocabulary. Beyond acting, she was an accomplished Broadway performer and commercial spokesperson. Though she remained active until her death in 2016, younger generations might not appreciate how her ’70s fame transcended television to make her a cultural touchstone.
18. Michael Ontkean
Heartthrob hockey player-turned-actor who slid into viewers’ hearts on “The Rookies.” Michael’s athletic background (he played college hockey at the University of New Hampshire) added authenticity to his physical roles. His brooding good looks and natural acting style made him a fan favorite, particularly among female viewers. His most controversial role came in the groundbreaking film “Making Love” (1982), one of Hollywood’s first positive portrayals of gay characters. After appearing in cult favorite “Twin Peaks” in the early ’90s, he gradually withdrew from acting and now lives a private life in Hawaii. His deliberate step away from the spotlight contributed to his fading from public memory despite his significant ’70s popularity.
19. Meredith Baxter
Versatile actress who defined the modern TV mom as Elyse Keaton on “Family Ties.” Before that iconic ’80s role, Meredith rose to fame in the groundbreaking ’70s drama “Family” as Nancy Lawrence Maitland, earning two Emmy nominations. Her girl-next-door beauty and relatable screen presence made her a natural for television. She seamlessly transitioned between comedy and drama, a rare skill that kept her employed but sometimes prevented her from being typecast in signature roles. Though she later became known for television movies and her personal journey coming out as a lesbian in 2009, her significant ’70s work is often overshadowed by her ’80s fame on “Family Ties.”
20. Barry Williams
Teen idol who grew up before America’s eyes as the oldest Brady son, Greg. Barry’s portrayal of the sometimes conceited but good-hearted teenager resonated with viewers, especially when he adopted his alter ego “Johnny Bravo.” His autobiography “Growing Up Brady” revealed behind-the-scenes secrets, including his crush on TV mom Florence Henderson. The book’s revelations about cast relationships fascinated fans who had idealized the seemingly perfect Brady family. Unlike some Brady cast members, he’s embraced his association with the show through reunions and parodies. Nevertheless, his enormous ’70s fame has diminished over time, with younger generations unaware of how his Tiger Beat magazine appearances caused teenage hysteria.
21. Suzanne Somers
Blonde bombshell who became America’s favorite ditzy blonde as Chrissy Snow on “Three’s Company.” Suzanne’s comedic timing and physical comedy skills made her character lovable rather than just a stereotype. Her departure from the show over salary disputes became legendary in Hollywood. She was one of the first female television stars to demand equal pay to her male counterparts. After leaving the show, she reinvented herself multiple times – as a Las Vegas performer, ThighMaster spokesperson, and health guru. Despite maintaining public visibility, many younger people don’t realize how massive her fame was during her “Three’s Company” heyday when she was one of television’s biggest stars.
22. Pat Boone
Clean-cut crooner who successfully transitioned from ’50s teen idol to ’70s variety show host and film star. Pat’s wholesome image and conservative values made him the anti-Elvis, appealing to parents and religious audiences. His variety show with daughter Debby showcased his musical talents while reinforcing his family-friendly brand. He appeared in several successful films during the decade, including “The Cross and the Switchblade.” As musical tastes changed dramatically through the ’70s, his old-fashioned style became less mainstream. Though he sold over 45 million records in his career, his cultural significance has faded, with younger generations unfamiliar with his once-enormous influence on American entertainment.
23. John Travolta
Multitalented performer who defined ’70s cool with his roles in “Saturday Night Fever” and “Grease.” John’s disco moves and charismatic smile made him the decade’s ultimate sex symbol, transitioning seamlessly from TV’s “Welcome Back, Kotter” to movie superstardom. His white suit and dance sequences became cultural touchstones that still resonate today. Few actors have embodied an era as completely as Travolta embodied the disco generation. While he’s experienced career revivals (most notably with “Pulp Fiction”), many younger viewers don’t realize just how massive his ’70s cultural impact was. Unlike others on this list, he’s maintained fame, but his original phenomenon status has somewhat diminished with time.
24. Joyce DeWitt
Talented comedic actress who perfectly balanced the antics of her “Three’s Company” co-stars as the sensible Janet Wood. Joyce’s portrayal of the intelligent, sometimes uptight roommate provided the necessary grounding for the show’s physical comedy. Her chemistry with John Ritter created one of television’s most beloved platonic male-female friendships. Unlike her co-star Suzanne Somers, DeWitt stayed with the show for its entire run, becoming its emotional center. After the series ended, she largely stepped away from Hollywood, appearing only occasionally in stage productions and independent films. Her deliberate retreat from the spotlight has contributed to her fading from public memory despite being a central figure in one of the decade’s biggest sitcoms.
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