Stars Who Lit Up the '70s — Where Are They Now?
Photo of the original cast of the television series "Charlie's Angels". From left: Jaclyn Smith (Kelly Garrett), Farrah Fawcett (Jill Munroe), Kate Jackson (Sabrina Duncan). Photo courtesy of ABC Television. Public domain.
They were the faces we couldn't get enough of: larger-than-life icons with unforgettable hair, megawatt smiles, and the kind of charisma that made every living room feel like Hollywood. But decades later, you might find yourself doing a double take.
From disco queens to teen heartthrobs, these '70s stars ruled the small screen, the silver screen, and our hearts. But what are they up to now? And more importantly — would you even recognize them?
Farrah Fawcett
She was the poster that launched a million teenage crushes. Farrah Fawcett's feathered blonde hair became the ultimate '70s beauty blueprint. Best known for "Charlie's Angels," she was more than just a pretty face — a pop culture force with serious acting chops. Farrah passed away in 2009 at the age of 62 from cancer, but her legacy remains forever iconic.
Photo of Farrah Fawcett from the television program "Charlie's Angels". Photo courtesy of ABC Television. Public domain.
Burt Reynolds
The mustachioed king of swagger, Burt Reynolds made driving a Trans Am look like a high art in "Smokey and the Bandit." He was sex appeal, sarcasm, and Southern charm all rolled into one. Reynolds passed away in 2018 at age 82, but his grin lives rent-free in every nostalgic '70s fan's memory.
Publicity photo of Burt Reynolds from the television program "Dan August". Photo courtesy of ABC Television. Public domain.
Donna Summer
The Queen of Disco didn't just give us hits — she gave us a whole era. From "Hot Stuff" to "Last Dance," Donna Summer ruled the dance floors with power vocals and sequined gowns. She died in 2012 at age 63 from lung cancer, but if you hear one of her songs, you're instantly transported to Studio 54.
American singer Donna Summer in a 1977 publicity photo promoting her album "Once Upon a Time". Photo by Francesco Scavullo, courtesy of Casablanca Records. Public domain.
Robert Redford
If rugged sophistication had a poster child, it was Robert Redford. From "The Way We Were" to "All the President's Men," he captured both hearts and headlines. These days, at 88, he's mostly behind the camera — and still effortlessly cool.
Still of Robert Redford for television airing of "Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here". Photo courtesy of NBC Television. Public domain.
Ali MacGraw
"Love Story" made Ali MacGraw a household name and a fashion icon. Her minimalist style and girl-next-door beauty had everyone copying her center part and natural makeup. Now in her 80s, she's a passionate animal activist living a quieter life.
Publicity photo of Ali MacGraw in "The Getaway," 1972. Photo courtesy of National General Pictures. Public domain.
Karen Carpenter
Her voice was butter, her songs eternal. As part of "The Carpenters," Karen Carpenter defined soft rock for a generation. Her life was tragically cut short in 1983 at the age of 32, but her music still plays on.
Karen Carpenter in the White House, August 1, 1972. White House photo by Knudsen, Robert L. Public domain.
Sherman Hemsley
Best known as George Jefferson, Sherman Hemsley redefined what a sitcom lead could look like: loud, proud, and unforgettably funny. Hemsley died in 2012 at the age of 74 years, but his impact on Black television representation remains monumental.
Photo of Sherman Hemsley in the Broadway musical "Purlie". Photo courtesy of Zodiac Photographers, New York. Public domain.
David Cassidy
The heartthrob of "The Partridge Family" had girls fainting with a single smile. Behind the scenes, David Cassidy struggled with fame, but his impact as a teen idol remains untouchable. He died of liver failure in 2017 at age 67.
Publicity photo of American actor, David Cassidy promoting his role on the ABC comedy series "The Partridge Family". Photo courtesy of ABC Television Network. Public domain.
Andy Gibb
The baby brother of the Bee Gees, Andy Gibb carved out his own pop career and romantic tabloid headlines. He battled addiction and died tragically young at 30, but remains a symbol of the disco era's beautiful chaos.
Publicity photo of Andy Gibb taken on "Solid Gold," which he co-hosted from 1981 to 1982. Photo courtesy of William Morris Agency. Public domain.
Alan Alda
Hawkeye Pierce from "MASH" wasn't just funny — he was brilliant. Alan Alda brought intelligence, warmth, and wit to one of the most influential shows of the decade. At 89, he's still acting, writing, and hosting his science podcast.
Photo of Alan Alda from the television program "MASH". Photo courtesy of CBS Television. Public domain.
Dick Cavett
The late-night intellectual. Cavett's talk show wasn't about gimmicks — it was about brainy banter with the biggest names in culture. These days, at age 88, he occasionally writes op-eds and remains a respected voice of his era.
1974 ABC-TV publicity photo of Dick Cavett. Photo courtesy of ABC Television. Public domain.
Tom Jones
From "It's Not Unusual" to "What's New Pussycat," Tom Jones was velvet-voiced dynamite with a side of hip-thrusting flair. Now in his 80s, he still tours — and yes, still makes women swoon.
Trade ad for Tom Jones' album Greatest Hits. Photo courtesy of London Records. Public domain.
Walter Cronkite
"The most trusted man in America" defined news for an entire generation. In an age of TikTok headlines, Cronkite's steady delivery feels almost mythical. He died in 2009 at age 92.
American broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite (b. 1916) on television during 1st presidential debate between Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on 23 September 1976. Photo courtesy of U.S. News & World Report photographer Thomas J. O'Halloran. Public domain.
Neil Diamond
Before Taylor Swift dominated arenas, Neil Diamond did it first. From "Sweet Caroline" to "America," his anthems brought people together. He retired from touring in 2018 but at 84, he continues to write and inspire.
Neil Diamond on stage at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. Photo courtesy of Larry Bessel, Los Angeles Times under CC BY 4.0.
Raquel Welch
A bombshell for the ages, Raquel Welch made jaws drop from the moment she donned that fur bikini in "One Million Years B.C." Even in her final years before her passing in 2023, she exuded undeniable glamour.
Publicity photo of Raquel Welch from Saturday Night Live rehearsal, April 24, 1976. Photo courtesy of NBC Television. Public domain.
John Ritter
America's favorite klutz. John Ritter brought slapstick back in style on "Three's Company." His sudden death in 2003 at age 54 was a shock, but his legacy as a comedic genius lives on.
Photo of John Ritter from "Three's Company" where he played the character Jack Tripper. Photo courtesy of ABC Television. Public domain.
Carol Burnett
The queen of sketch comedy. Carol Burnett gave us laughs, heart, and that iconic ear tug. At 92, she's still performing and has recently appeared on hit series like "Better Call Saul."
Publicity photo of Carol Burnett, 1974. Public domain.
Can You Still Spot Them?
They may have swapped bell bottoms for bifocals, and glitzy premieres for quiet lives, but these '70s stars are forever etched in our collective memory.
So go ahead. Dust off that mental Rolodex. These faces changed pop culture forever — and they still shine, no matter the decade.
References: These Are 30 Very Famous People From The 1970s | Stacker: Iconic Child Stars of the '70s | 28 Female Celebs From The '70s
