Where Are They Now? Forgotten '70s Icons

By Maria W. • Jul 01, 2024

TV and film boasted a slew of vibrant personalities during the 1970s, but some have slipped our memories in the decades since. Take a look back at the icons who graced our small and large screens half a century ago.

1. Charo

A fixture of 1970s TV, this Spanish-born entertainer appeared on an array of television mainstays, including "Chico and the Man," "The Love Boat," "Donny and Marie," and "The Hollywood Squares." Audiences delighted in Charo's vivacious personality and her flamboyant sense of humor. The prolific performer continues her TV appearances today — most recently on "Ru Paul's Drag Race," "Generation Gap," and "Dancing With the Stars."

2. Chuck Barris

Fifty years ago, Chuck Barris was the face of "The Gong Show," a TV show that showcased amateur talent. Barris hosted and created the show, along with "The Dating Game." Barris made $100 million by selling his production company at the end of the decade and spent the rest of his life writing books. He died in 2017 at the age of 87.

3. Benji

Kids of the '70s adored this loveable mutt. The canine film character was played by several dogs, but the role originated with Higgins, a cocker spaniel/poodle/schnauzer mix adopted from the Burbank Animal Shelter in 1960. Higgins starred as the title character in "Benji" in 1974, and his descendants played the role in subsequent features such as "For the Love of Benji" in 1977. 8 '70s Icons You Forgot About-1

4. Gavin MacLeod

Gavin MacLeod first became popular on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," and then "The Love Boat," where '70s viewers knew him as the dashing Captain Stubing. Critics initially panned the series, but the show soared to popularity as audiences tuned in to the high seas romance every Saturday evening. MacLeod continued his television career beyond "The Love Boat," but audiences would always remember him as Captain Stubing. MacLeod passed away in 2021 at the age of 90.

5. Fred Berry

Fred Berry brought Rerun in "What's Happening!!" to life. Freddie "Rerun" Stubbs is likely the most memorable character from the sitcom that ran from 1976-79. With his red beret and colorful suspenders, Rerun was loved for his bumbling personality and fresh humor. In the years after the show, Berry clung to his "Rerun" identity by wearing the character's trademark style at public appearances. Berry died at 52 in 2003. 8 '70s Icons You Forgot About-2

6. Judy Pace

The first African American woman to receive a major motion picture studio contract, Judy Pace pioneered TV and film roles for black women in the '60s and '70s. She appeared in the classic film "Brian's Song" in 1972, as well as television series such as "Shaft," "Sanford and Son" and "Good Times" later in the decade. The NAACP awarded its Image Award to Pace twice, and she founded the Kwanzaa Foundation, which recognizes women of color who work in film.

7. Morris the Cat

On commercial breaks between their favorite TV shows, '70s viewers fell in love with Morris, the 9Lives^® cat food mascot. Voiced by John Erwin, three different cats played Morris, who starred in 58 TV commercials. The finicky feline's popularity required a secretary to manage his fan mail. The original Morris died in 1978 at age 17.

8. Lynda Carter

As the feminist movement gained ground in the 1970s, Lynda Carter personified an iconic female superhero on the hit series "Wonder Woman." Carter's combination of strength and beauty gave her character a fierce spirit who fought for justice. A former beauty pageant competitor, Carter won the Miss World USA title in 1972, but she will always be known to American audiences as Wonder Woman. 8 '70s Icons You Forgot About-3