Ah, the 70’s, full of flower power, political turmoil, video games and how could we forget bell-bottom pants? Hey, it’s not just the cultural movement we’re constantly nostalgic for. Now, years later, we’re checking back in with some of the biggest stars from the 70’s! Whether they starred in every Hollywood movie or became famous models, these stars surely weren’t forgotten.
Linda Ronstadt
Musician Linda Ronstadt famously began performing at West Hollywood’s Toubadour nightclub. Yes, you probably know her by her nicknames, the “First Lady of Rock,” or “Queen of Rock.” Over the span of her career, she won 10 Grammy Awards and had over 30 gold and platinum records. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2012 and this led to her retirement since she was no longer able to sing. Ronstadt wrote a memoir in 2013 about her experience in the spotlight called Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir.
Goldie Hawn
Of course, everyone knows this movie star got her big star on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In. After that she easily landed roles in comedy movies like Butterflies Are Free and There’s a Girl in My Soup. Now, years later she’s truly made a name for herself in the movie industry with hits like Overboard, The First Wives Club and Death Becomes Her. Despite her hiatus from Hollywood in the early 2000’s, Goldie Hawn made a return to the screen in the movie, Snatched (2017) with Amy Schumer. Oh and yes, she approved of the Overboard remake, according to Anna Faris who stars in the remake.
Pam Grier
During the early 1970’s, the world got to know Pam Grier from her movie roles in blaxploitation films. You may remember her from Foxy Brown, Coffy or Sheba, Baby. Even after the 70’s, she continued to act in movies like Man with the Iron Fists, Mars Attacks! and Bad Grandmas. Recently, she announced a biopic based on her own book is coming and will be called Pam. Maybe you also saw her as the Grandma in This Is Us!
Linda Gray
Now, this story isn’t your usual breakout movie role tale. Actually, Linda Gray played the body double for Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate and from there became a star. Also, she said about her legs on the promotional poster, she got paid $25 for one leg! So, if you thought that was Anne Bancroft, think again. Anyway, then she got a star role as Sue Ellen on the show Dallas. She even later reprised the role on the remake show. Along with those roles, she’s continued to act in Hollywood in movies like Oscar with Sylvester Stallone, The Entertainers and Star of Jaipur. Recently, she got the lead role in the film Prescience.
Kim Basinger
From modeling to acting, Kim Basinger does it all. Her big on-screen debut came with the mini-series Gemini Man. Every since that 1976 role, her career took off from movie roles to more shows. Of course, we all remember her big role as Lynn Bracken in L.A. Confidential. However, her acting career is still going strong. She starred in The Nice Guys with Russell Crowe and also Fifty Shades Darker.
Barbara Streisand
Does Barbara Streisand really need an introduction? Her widespread success came with her musicals Hello, Dolly! and Funny Girl in the late 60’s. Then in the 70’s, her acting career really took off. However, she’s also a director, composer, writer and producer now. Apparently, Streisand and Gwyneth Paltrow will star in the upcoming Netflix comedy series called The Politician. Oh and no big deal, but she’s one of the best selling musical artists of all time.
Linda Evans
Linda Evans biggest role was that of Audra Barkley in The Big Valley during the 1960’s. After the show ended, she went on to star in some other smaller shows, like, The Rockford Files, Mannix, Harry O, Banacek, McCloud and McMillan & Wife. At the age of 75, she is still in great shape and attributes that good health to aerobics and a balanced diet.
Billie Jean King
Sports legend Billie Jean King became famous in 1973 after her tennis match win against Bobby Riggs. The match became known as the “Battle of the Sexes” and Emma Stone played her in the film depicting the event. In addition, she was the first prominent female athlete to publicly come out as gay when she announced this in 1981. Then six years later, Billie Jean King was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Her marriage to Larry King ended in 1987. She’s been with her former doubles partner, Ilana Kloss ever since. Together, Kloss and Billie Jean live in New York.
Ann-Margret
Perhaps, you remember Ann-Margret had her breakout role in the movie version of Bye Bye Birdie, in which she played Kim Mcafee. After playing Kim, things took off for her. She’s still very active in Hollywood today. From playing Annie in Going in Style (2017) with Morgan Freeman to playing Barbara in Papa (2018). In addition to her acting, she’s also been Grammy nominated for her music career.
Alison Arngrim
Naturally, most know Alison Arngrim as Nellie from Little House on the Prairie. After that role, she continued to act in movies and shows. However, that seemed to be her most famous role, and she had trouble finding that level of success again. Well, many did praise her hilarious memoir called Confessions of a Prairie Bitch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated. Nowadays, she stays busy with philanthropic work.
Maureen McCormick
Next up, we have Maureen McCormick who played Marcia Brady on the beloved show, The Brady Bunch. After her run on the show, she reprised her famous role in spin-off movies and television films. In addition, she starred on reality TV like I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and even Dancing with the Stars. Maybe you saw her in The Neighborhood (2017) with Danny Aiello. Maureen McCormick continues acting to this day, so keep your eyes peeled for her upcoming films!
Teri Garr
Of course, we all know Teri Garr from her role as Igna in Young Frankenstein with Gene Wilder. Afterwards, she starred in Tootsie and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Unfortunately, she announced in 2002 that she got diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Now, she serves as the National Ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society! She’s also the National Chair for Women Against MS program run by the society. She’s been mostly retired from performing since 2007.
Cicely Tyson
This model turned actress is most famous for her work in productions like The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pitman, Sounder, Roots and King. At 93 years old, it’s incredible to know she’s still active in Hollywood! Recently, she’s had a role on the popular television show, How to Get Away with Murder.
Charlene Tilton
Back to Dallas, we have another star from the show, Charlene Tilton. She played Lucy Ewing and even earned the nickname “poisonous dwarf” from her role on the show and short stature. Once she finished with Dallas, she tried her hand at singing. However, after some years of that and acting, she decided to shift focus to charity work. Now, she is a big advocate for Autism awareness.
Paula Prentiss
When Paula Prentiss first started out acting, she was known as a comedic actress. However by 1975, she proved herself with her iconic role in the horror movie The Stepford Wives. Most fondly remember her work in What’s New Pussycat?, The Black Marble and the show He & She. She has not starred as the lead in a movie for many years, but did appear in the horror movie, I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016).
Loretta Swit
Known best for playing Major Margaret on M*A*S*H, Swit is an Emmy Award-winning actress. However, she’s been less active in Hollywood since the late 90’s. In 2015, she did a bit of voiceover work and then did have a part in the movie Play the Flute, due to come out in 2019. Did you know she wrote A Needlepoint Scrapbook back in 1985?
Barbara Mandrell
A famous American country artist and actress, Barbara Mandrell just celebrated her 70th birthday recently! How great does she look? Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, many of her songs became massive hits and she also had her very own prime-time variety TV show on NBC. She was nominated for plenty of music awards during her successful career, and she won a lot of them too. In 2009, she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Jane Seymour
After playing Solitaire in Live and Let Die, Jane Seymour became a star. After that, she got roles in things like The Four Feathers and Battlestar Galactica. She continues acting today and has written inspirational and self-help books. In addition, she’s very active helping children who have faced abuse or neglect. In early 2018 she became the oldest woman at age 67 to pose for Playboy. This was her third shoot for Playboy. In the interview, she described how a film producer in the 70’s had sexually harassed her.
Ali MacGraw
Ali MacGraw’s first work started with commercials. Then in 1970, she got the role of Jenny in the movie Love Story. Even though she achieved a lot of success, she only starred in three movies in that decade: Convoy, The Getaway and Players. Her most recent on-screen role was in Glam (1997). However, she did reunite with former Love Story costar Ryan O’Nela for the on stage production of the show Love Letters.
Loni Anderson
The 70’s started a bit slow for Loni Anderson, who only got some small roles on television shows. Then in 1978, she got the role of Jennifer for WKRP in Cincinnati. Anderson was shot to stardom after that role. Afterwards, she acted on Partners in Crime, Easy Street and in the television film, White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd. Recently, Anderson starred in Amazon’s movie, Love You More with comedian Bridget Everett.
Debbie Harry
Born as Angela Tremble, Debbie Harry is the lead singer of Blondie. Back in 1976, their first album was released. After 15 years, Blondie began making music again 1997. Now, they still perform and released an album in 2017. Harry has devoted herself to charity work after being inspired by Elton John. She said, “After witnessing Elton John and his tireless efforts against HIV/AIDS. These things are important to my life now. I have the privilege of being able to get involved, so I do. I applaud people like Elton John, who have used their position to do so much good.” Now, she works to fight cancer and endometriosis.
Diane Keaton
Technically, her breakout role came with playing Kay in The Godfather. However, most know her from all her Woody Allen collabs like in Annie Hall, Play It Again Sam, Love and Death and Sleeper. Also she won an Oscar for her role in Annie Hall. Even years later, she continues to land hit movie roles like in Father of the Bride, The First Wives Club and The Family Stone. Now, she’s a photographer, author, real estate developer and even occasional singer.
Sissy Spacek
Spacek first made a name for herself in the 70’s when she gained critical acclaim for the movie Badlands. Just after that, she was celebrated for her lead role in the horror movie Carrie. This performance got her nominated for an Academy Award. She’s continued to act in hit movies over the decades. Sissy Spacek has acted in films like Coal Miner’s Daughter, Missing, In the Bedroom and The Help.
Faye Dunaway
Dunaway’s career began on the stages of Broadway. Then in 1967, she got her on-screen debut in the movie The Happening. However, it’s her role as Bonnie in Bonnie and Clyde that really propelled her to fame. She even won an Oscar for her role. She’s continued to have a successful movie career. One recent film she acted in was the thriller Inconceivable, alongside Gina Gershon and Nicolas Cage. Faye Dunaway has stayed very private about her personal life, but we know she’s been married twice. She had a son with her second husband, Terry O’Neill, but separated from O’Neill in 1987.
Julie Andrews
Julie Andrews began her career on Broadway, starring in shows like Camelot and My Fair Lady. We all know that she’s incredibly talented musically and everyone loves her performances in the movies The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins. Besides movie success, she also has headlined ABC variety specials early in the 70’s. She continues acting and also voiced Gru’s mom in Despicable Me 3! Also, she wrote a memoir in 2008, and she’s an author for children’s books.
Beverly Johnson
This model made history as the very first African American to appear on the cover of American Vogue and the French edition of Elle. Over the years, she also had some acting roles in films. In 2014, she wrote a Vanity Fair article about Bill Cosby drugging her during the 80′. In addition, she wrote about this incident in her memoir, which came out in 2015.
Karen Lynn Gorney
You know her from playing Tara Martin on All My Children. However, you also definitely remember from her role as Stephanie in the movie Saturday Night Fever, opposite John Travolta. During the 80’s, she took a break from acting. However, Gorney did return a decade later with roles in everything from The Sopranos to Law & Order. One recent role she had was in the movie H.O.M.E. and she still has a few things in production.
Lorraine Gary
Lorraine Gary became famous for her lead role in the Spielberg classic, Jaws. After her role in the movie 1941, she decided on retirement. However, she ended up coming back out of retirement to reprise the part of Ellen Brody for Jaws: The Revenge (1987). Nowadays, she keeps busy with her charity work, such as working with the Human Rights Watch Women’s Rights Advisory Committee and the Human Rights Watch Africa Advisory Committee.
Ellen Burstyn
During the 1970’s, Ellen Burstyn was a true star. She got Oscar nominated for her performance in The Last Picture Show and then for her part in The Exorcist. Eventually, she won an Academy Award for playing Alice in Martin Scorsese’s Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. Other notable work she’s down includes her roles in Resurrection and Requiem for a Dream. She continues to act today and you can see her in the HBO movie The Tale (2018) with Laura Dern.
Meryl Streep
The famous Meryl Streep first started out on the stages of Broadway. Then in 1977 she landed a role in the television movie Deadliest Season. Shortly after, she acted in Kramer v Kramer, for which she won an Oscar and Golden Globe. Now, she’s one of Hollywood’s most decorated stars. Streep has more Oscar nominations than any other actor. Who else is pumped for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again? Also, Meryl Streep will be in the second season of HBO’s Big Little Lies.
Marilu Henner
Marilu Henner first found fame as part of the original Broadway musical cast of Grease. Her first movie role was in Between the Lines, and the next movie part came with Bloodbrothers opposite Richard Gere. However, it was her role as Elaine on Taxi that made her a household name. Now, she’s also a producer, author and radio host. In addition, she is a big advocate of non-dairy diets and leading a healthy lifestyle with exercise. Henner has spoken at length about her rare condition called Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory, which allows her to remember everything from her life in precise detail.
Carol Kane
Carol Kane first gained critical acclaim for playing Gitl in Hester Street (1975). For her role, she was nominated for a Golden Globe. After that, she starred in Annie Hall, Addams Family Values, The Princess Bride and Scrooged. Now, everyone is celebrating her role as Lillian on Tina Fey’s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
Talia Shire
Talia Shire is famous for playing Connie in The Godfather movies. Then, she also starred as Adrian in Rocky, opposite Sylvester Stallone. For those two roles, she was Academy nominated. She has continued acting and recently had roles in the television show Kingdom and movies like Palo Alto, Dreamland and Con Man.
Diana Ross
We all know the incredible Diana Ross from her days as the lead singer of The Supremes. To this day, The Supremes are still considered one of the best musical groups in America. Even after her time with The Supremes, Ross found success in her solo career with hits like, “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Since those days, she’s acted in movies, got inducted with The Supremes into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and still performs. Oh and no big deal but Beyonce played Deena Jones in Dreamgirls who was actually inspired by Diana Ross. In 2016, Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Mindy Cohn
We all remember Mindy Cohn as Natalie on The Facts of Life. After her hit role, she went on to play parts in shows like The Kids From Room 402, The Second Half and The Secret Life of an American Teenager. Nowadays, the younger generation knows her as the voice of Velma from the Scooby-Doo franchise. Recently, she was in the drama Hollywood Dirt.
Cybill Shepherd
Cybill Shepherd’s big movie debut came with The Last Picture Show (1971). After that she landed roles in movies like Taxi Driver and The Heartbreak Kid and became a huge star. She even had some time on the Broadway stage in 2012 with James Earl Jones in The Best Man. Recently, she had parts on Psycho, The L Word and Rose (2017) with James Brolin and Pam Grier.
Agnetha Faltskog
Agnetha Faltskog is famous for being part of Swedish pop group ABBA. Her name is what the “A” stands for actually! We all know and love their hits from “Take a Chance on Me” to “Dancing Queen.” Sadly, the group disbanded during the 80’s. To fans’ excitement and surprise, they reunited and released new music in 2018 for the first time in over 35 years! In addition, Faltskog had a short-lived solo career and wrote an autobiography in 2016.
Carly Simon
Back in 1971, musician Carly Simon released her very first album. On the album, we got the hit “That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be.” Her next album came out just a few months later. Yet, it was the 1972 hit song, “You’re So Vain” that really propelled her to stardom. She’s been performing for years and even performed with Taylor Swift on her Red tour. In 2015 she wrote a memoir about her life from childhood to her previous marriage to musician James Taylor.
Sigourney Weaver
Sigourney Weaver’s movie debut came with Woody Allen’s Annie Hall. Despite being a small role, it helped launch her career. Then she got the lead role in Alien and even reprised this role in further movie installments. Since then she’s starred in movies like Holes, Ghostbusters and Avatar. In addition, she’s performed on Broadway and won a Tony. She continues acting today and even has several Avatar films in the works.
Catherine Bach
Yes, Catherine Bach played the famous Daisy Duke on the show The Dukes of Hazzard. After that iconic role, she continued to get parts in movies. Also, she was cast as Anita Lawson for the soap opera, The Young and the Restless in 2012. Besides playing Anita, her most recent role was in the television movie My Best Friend.
Lynda Carter
Before Lynda Carter became the original Wonder Woman, she won Miss World America in 1972. Then, of course, she played Wonder Woman on the television until 1979. Afterwards, she’s continued acting and releasing music. She’s had parts recently in The Dukes of Hazzard (2005), Sky High, Super Girl and Super Troopers 2 (2018).
Chris Evert
Former tennis star, Chris Evert started playing the sport when she was only five years old. She was a world champion for many years starting in 1974 until 1981. Oh and in 1976, she was Sports Illustrated’s first female to win “Sportswoman of the Year Award.” Since retirement from tennis, she has a coach and became an ESPN analyst. In addition, she has an active apparel line. She is tied with Serena Williams for the record of six championship US Open wins.
Shelley Duvall
First, her roles in some Robert Altman movies got her attention in Hollywood. Sure, you remember Shelley Duval from 70’s movies like, McCabe & Mrs. Miller, Brewster McCloud, Nashville, 3 Women and Thieves Like Us. A decade later, she became a household name with lead parts in both Popeye and The Shining. After her acting roles in the 80’s and 90’s, she moved on to become a producer for children’s shows. Her final role was in the early 2000’s. In 2016, she made headlines because USA Today and Dr. Phil called her mentally ill.
Cloris Leachman
In the 70’s, actress Cloris Leachman was already well known to the world. It marked the beginning of her sensational career in Hollywood. It’s when she won an Oscar for her role in The Last Picture Show. From there, she went on to win numerous awards for her performance as Phyllis on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Now, she’s got close to 300 credits to her name. Even though she’s over 90, she still acts in roles today! This woman cannot be stopped!
Jodi Foster
Back in the 1960’s, Jodie Foster started out in the entertainment industry by acting in commercials. Once people recognized her talent, she began landing small television roles. Once the mid 1970’s hit, she got her very first lead role in the short-lived show Paper Moon, based on the movie. Alas, her first adult role came with Taxi Driver, playing the part of Iris. Ever since then, she’s been a star! Not to mention, she’s won two Oscars and many other awards. Nowadays, she focuses less on acting and more on directing.
Rene Russo
Back in the 70’s, she came onto the scene as a model. Rene Russo made the covers of Vogue and Cosmopolitan, among others. However, it wasn’t until the 80’s that her career really took off. Then she was able to land a part on the show Sable. Russo went on to star in movies like Major League and many more recent films from Tin Cup and Thor to Nightcrawler and The Intern.
Helen Mirren
When Helen Mirren was starting out in the entertainment world, she began her career on stage. Mirren worked in the theater with the Royal Shakespeare Company. From her work with them, she was easily able to transition to Shakespearean plays adapted to film. Once she appeared in movies, people were quick to notice her. From there, she landed roles in hits like Hitchcock and The Queen. Remarkably, she is one of very few to win the “Triple Crown of Acting,” which means she won an Oscar, Tony and also Grammy!
Annette Bening
Like Mirren, she also began her career by studying theater. Bening studied theater in university and then in 1980, she joined the Colorado Shakespeare Festival Company. She starred in Macbeth and Pygmalion, to name a few. Her on-screen debut came with the television film, Manhunt for Claude Dallas. That small role helped launch her whole career. Once the 90’s hit, she picked up numerous nominations like an Oscar and Screen Actors Guild Award for her work in movies like American Beauty. She’s still acting to this day.
Jami Gertz
During her time studying theater at NYU, Jami Gerz got discovered by a talent agent. Her first on-screen film role came with a small part in On the Right Track (1981). Then her real break came with her role as Muffy in Square Pegs. Next, she continued to flourish with roles in television shows like, ER, The Facts of Life, Ally McBeal and HBO’s Entourage.
Mia Sara
Daughter of photographers, Mia Sara was destined to be a creative type. She became an instant hit after playing Lilly in Legend, the 1985 Ridley Scott movie. Soon after she became even more celebrated after playing Sloane in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, opposite Matthew Broderick. Since then she’s gone on to have an active film career into the 2000’s. She was previously married to Sean Connery’s son, Jason. Now, she’s married to Brian Henson, who is one of the Muppets‘ creator Jim Henson’s sons.
Karen Allen
Back in 1978, Karen Allen had her film debut in Animal House. Just a few years after this breakout role, she landed the part of Marion in Raiders of the Lost Ark, opposite Harrison Ford. That’s when her career truly took off. Since then, she’s acted in movies like, The Glass Menagerie, The Perfect Storm, Sandlot and A Year by the Sea. Allen lives in Massachusetts and also teaches yoga.
Mia Farrow
First, Mia Farrow began acting in the 60’s with some smaller roles. In 1964, she got the part of Allison MacKenzie on Peyton Place. This help her land bigger roles like playing Rosemary in the horror movie, Rosemary’s Baby. Now, she’s one of Hollywood’s most-known actresses. Her more recent roles include parts in Widows’ Peak, Be Kind Rewind and Dark Horse. Now, she’s also known for her humanitarian work across the globe.
Jennifer Connelly
Way back when, Jennifer Connelly was actually a child model! Then, she appeared in advertisements and also many magazines. Her first acting job came when she landed a role in the crime thriller, Once Upon a Time in America. Soon, Connelly got her first lead in the horror movie, Phenomena. Ever since the 80’s, she’s continued to land roles and even won an Oscar for her performance in A Beautiful Mind. She’s also starred in Blood Diamond, Requiem for a Dream and American Pastoral.
Michelle Pfeiffer
Back in 1979, Michelle Pfeiffer’s career in acting started with her playing the bombshell on the show Delta House. Only a few years after she got a lead in the musical film, Grease 2. Then a year later, she got what has become her most famous role, playing Elvira Hancock in Scarface. In addition, she’s known for her performances in Batman Returns, What Lies Beneath and Dangerous Minds.
Diane Lane
Coming from a family involved in the industry with her father working as a drama coach and her mother modeling, it seems only natural that Diane Lane got into acting. Even with a rough childhood, she found comfort and happiness in the theater. Then her on-screen debut came with a role in A Little Romance (1979). During the 80’s she was an unstoppable force. Of course, you remember her roles in films like Rumble Fish and The Outsiders. Even today, she continues to act in numerous projects. Most recently, she plays Karen in Serenity, alongside Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway.
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Jennifer Jason Leigh
In the late 70’s Jennifer Jason Leigh was just a teenager but began getting small parts in shows and movies. Her big breakout role came with playing Stacy in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982). After that, she moved onto more mature roles in films like Last Exit to Brooklyn and Miami Blues. Although she continues acting today, with roles in Atypical and Twin Peaks.
Nastassja Kinski
After her incredible performance in Stay as You Are as Francesca, this German actress became a sensation. After that, Nastassja Kinski landed the lead in Tess, for which she got two Golden Globe nominations. Now, she still acts both in Germany and America. Her recent work includes roles in Inland Empire, a David Lynch film and Sugar (2013). She also competed as a dance on the German show, Let’s Dance.
Dolly Parton
Come on, Dolly Parton is such a legend, there’s no way we could make a list of 70’s stars without her! This country star released its like, “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” and “Love is Like a Butterfly” back in the 70s. Since then, she’s found continuous success. In addition, she had a variety show called Dolly! until 1977. In 2016, she had her largest American tour ever with shows in 60 cities! Oh and she released a remake of “Jolene” with the group Pentatonix. Did we mention she’s Miley Cyrus’ godmother?
Lauren Hutton
It may be crazy to think, but model Lauren Hutton redefined beauty standards in the 70’s because of her notable gap tooth. She made it okay to have imperfections even for famous models. Hutton set a record after appearing on 27 Vogue covers. In addition, she’s dabbled in acting, appearing in The Joneses and The Gambler. Oh and she appeared in Amy Schumer’s I Feel Pretty.
Jacqueline Bisset
It was Jacqueline Bisset’s role opposite Frank Sinatra in The Detective (1968) that rocketed her to fame. By the end of the 70’s, Bisset had acted in a total of 17 movies. That sure wasn’t the last of her acting days though! In 2017, she appeared in both The Double Lover and 9/11. She has multiple projects coming out soon!
Dawn Wells
You know her best as the castaway Mary Ann Summers from Gilligan’s Island. Wells also reprised this role numerous times for the films and other appearances. Afterwards, she continued acting and even toured with a musical theater group. In 2014, she released a memoir called What Would Mary Ann Do? A Guide to Life. Oh and she became a marketing ambassador for MeTV network in 2016.
Olivia Newton-John
Star of the hit musical film, Grease, Olivia Newton-John became a sensation after starring as Sandy in 1978. Most people remember her best for that role. Although, she’s also had a number of other prominent roles. In addition, she’s made music like her 2016 album called Friends for Christmas. Nowadays, she regularly tours for her music. One of her most recent roles on-screen was for Sharknado 5: Global Swarming.
Kirstie Alley
This amazing actress got her breakout role as Saavik in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Although, she had first appeared on-screen in 1978. Most know her as Rebecca from Cheers, for which she won a Golden Globe. More recently, she was Ingrid Hoffel on the show Scream Queens. She’s a prominent and outspoken Scientologist.
Sophia Loren
From a young age, others recognized Sophia Loren’s immense talent and beauty. At just 15 years old, this star began her acting career. It was her role as Cesira in Two Women that gained international fame and an Oscar for this Italian actress. Afterwards, she continued to star in famous films like Brass Target, A Special Day and Man of La Mancha. Her most recent acting role was in 2013, but she’s very influential in Hollywood.
Samantha Fox
At only 16 years old, this star got her very first record deal. Yet, Samantha Fox did not achieve much success until about four years later. It was her song “Touch Me,” which reached the number one spot in 17 countries that shot her to fame. Now, she has 6 other albums and in 2016 even appeared on the show Celebrity Big Brother. Sadly, her partner Myra Stratton passed away in 2015.
Erin Murphy
Back on the show Bewitched, Erin Murphy played the adorable Tabitha! At first, she shared this role with her fraternal twin sister, but then later took over the role. After the show, she only appeared on the show Lassie, some commercials and as a model for swimwear. Since then, she’s worked as an acting coach, motivational speaker, fashion stylist, makeup artist and casting director, among other jobs. She speaks out about autism awareness because one of her sons is affected by the disorder. One of her recent roles was in the television film Life Interrupted.
Susan Anton
Back in the 70’s, Susan Anton was known for modeling in the Muriel cigar commercials. Then she also had many appearances on different Merv Griffin shows. Alas, she got a variety series with Mel Tillis. Sadly, this show lasted just a month. Even so, she got named by TIME as one of the “Most Promising Faces in 1979.” She kept on acting and even had a role in Sharknado 4.
Traci Lords
Most know Traci Lords from her rise to fame in the adult film industry. After becoming such a huge sensation, she began working in mainstream media. Perhaps, you saw her in Married With Children, MacGyver or Cry-Baby with Johnny Depp. In addition, she’s appeared on shows like, Nash Bridges and Melrose Place. Let’s not forget her singing career and work on numerous film soundtracks. Lords published an autobiography in 2013 and currently, stars on the show Swedish Dicks with Keanu Reeves.
Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda’s big fame came with her first Oscar for her role in Klute. Although, she experienced a bit of a dip in her career, she has since redeemed herself. Also how could we not mention her workout videos? Her first VHS, Jane Fonda’s Workout was the highest-selling VHS in history. Also, you’ve probably seen her in plenty of roles after 9 To 5, Coming Home and of course, Fun with Dick and Jane. Fonda starred in later films like, in Monster-In-Law or Georgia Rule. Now, she’s in the Netflix show, Grace and Frankie with Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston.
Joanna Cameron
We all know Joanna Cameron from her role as the lead in the kids’ show, The Secrets of Isis. Cameron enjoyed success with the show while it ran from 1975 until late 1997. However, this star’s career simmered down by the next decade. Once she left Hollywood, she began working in home healthcare. Afterwards, Joanna Cameron worked in marketing for hotels.
Daryl Hannah
After Daryl Hannah finished studying acting and ballet at the University of South California, she got her first movie part in the horror movie The Fury (1979). Hannah hit it big in the 80’s with her roles in movies like Splash, alongside Tom Hanks, and Steel Magnolias. Next come films like, The Little Rascals, My Favorite Martian, A Walk To Remember and Crimes and Misdemeanors. Let’s not forget her role in Blade Runner. Many recognize her from Kill Bill. Now, she’s in the Netflix show Sense8. She’s been dating Neil Young since 2014.
Barbi Benton
Barbi Benton posed for Playboy numerous times and skyrocketed to fame while dating Hugh Hefner. They were dating from 1969 until 1976. After her modeling, she switched over to acting and appeared on shows like The Love Boat, Sugar Time! and Fantasy Island. In 1979, she married a real estate developer named George Gradow. They have two kids. Her final public appearance was back in 2014. During that appearance she claimed Bill Cosby frequently visited the Playboy mansion.
Susan Dey
Of course, we remember Susan Dey from her role as Laurie Patridge on the heartwarming show, The Partridge Family. In 1974, Susan Dey finished up with her role as Laurie. Then she moved to films, but the height of her success came with television. You probably know her from Love & War and L.A. Law. Actually, her most recent role was her two appearances on the show Third Watch. Since then, she’s been out of the spotlight.
Lola Falana
Lola Falana found fame acting, singing and dancing thanks to help from both Dinah Washington and Sammy Davis, Jr. Although born in New Jersey and raised in Philadelphia, she found fame in Italy. She became a huge star of Italian cinema. Her American film debut came with The Liberation of L.B. Jones in 1970. Then, she began performing as a dance in Vegas and earned the nickname, “Queen of Las Vegas.” Sadly, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1987 and hasn’t appeared on screens since 1989. She did appear on stage in 1997 for a local theater in Branson, Missouri. However, now she spends time working with the apostolate she founded and a group helping children in Africa called Save Sub-Saharan Orphans.
Jaclyn Smith
Everyone knows Jaclyn Smith from her performance as Kelly in the show Charlie’s Angels. Once she finished playing Kelly, Jacyln’s acting career continued. She was in numerous projects from shows to movies like, The District and Christina Cromwell. More recently, she was in the film Bridal Wave. In addition, she’s a clothing designer. Actually, she’s one of the first celebrities to release her own clothing line. She’s been married to Dr. Brad Allen, a Houston cardiothoracic surgeon, since 1997. She battled breast cancer in 2003 and appeared in a documentary about breast cancer years later.
Uma Thurman
When Uma Thurman was just in middle school, she knew acting was her passion. When she began her career, she started out modeling. That’s how she was first found by casting directors. In 1988 alone, she appeared in three movies, one of which was Dangerous Liaisons. Of course, her big role came with Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. Then she played the lead in Tarantino’s Kill Bill movies. Stay tuned for her latest movies, War with Grandpa and Down a Dark Hill.
Christie Brinkley
Christie Brinkley is known from her modeling for Sports Illustrated‘s swimsuit edition. She made history by getting three covers in the late 70’s for the special edition. Then, she became the face of CoverGirl, the famous makeup brand, as well as landing many more campaigns. Recently, she was on Sports Illustrated on the cover with her two daughters. Oh and yes, she played Gayle, Garry’s wife, on Parks and Recreation.
Kate Jackson
Kate Jackson played the beautiful crime-fighting Sabrina Duncan for three seasons of the show, Charlie’s Angels. Once she left that 70’s show, she moved on to shows like, Scarecrow and Mrs. King and Baby Boom. Then she began writing. Actually, she has a memoir set to come out in 2020.
Beth Chapman
Denver-born Beth Chapman was only 29 years old when she made history as the youngest licensed bail bondsman in her state’s history. However, her step-daughter would eventually break that Colorado record. Now, she’s famous for starring on Dog the Bounty Hunter. Oh and of course, Dog and Beth: On the Hunt is her other hit. She battled throat cancer in 2017 and came out victorious.
Victoria Principal
Do you remember Victoria Principal’s first role as Marie in The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean (1972)? This wasn’t her most memorable. However, you probably remember her role as Pamela from the soap opera Dallas from 1978 until 1987. After playing Pamela, she went on to star in many shows and movies. Her most recent role was in Titans (2001). Now, she focuses on philanthropic causes especially those helping animals.
Morgan Fairchild
Born Patsy Ann McClenny, this star soon became known to the world as Morgan Fairchild. She became famous for playing Jennifer Pace on the show, Search For Tomorrow. That role lasted from 1973 until 1977. Thanks to that role, she got parts on Dallas, Kojak and Happy Days. Yet, another huge role for her did not come until the 80’s. Yes, we’re talking about her role as Constance Weldon Semple Carlyle on Flamingo Road. She’s still acting today and even appeared on the soap opera Days of Our Lives.
Charo
Spanish-American actress Charo is famous for lots of things, including the catchphrase, ‘cuchi-cuchi.’ First, she started as a musician and singer in the 70’s in Hollywood. She’s also a comedian and known for her lack of fluency in English. Her acting career has been slower since the turn of the century, but she continues acting regardless. Maybe you saw her in Sharknado 5: Global Swarming.