The 1970s was an era of political scandal, “cutting edge” video games, and fashions like bell-bottom pants. It was also a time for young men to crush on many beautiful and talented women in the Hollywood spotlight, starring in iconic TV shows, the music scene, and movies that are still watched today. Where are these 1970’s starlets today?
'70s Sirens
The ’70s brought forth many fashion fads, new musical styles, new TV shows, and beautiful pinups, models and actresses.
It’s been almost forty years since the ’70s, and many of these beauties are still as stunning as they were at the peak of their careers. We’re going to give you a flashback to these women and see what they are doing now.
See which stars look like they found the fountain of youth:
Linda Ronstadt
Once dubbed the “First Lady of Rock” and the “Queen of Rock,” Linda Ronstadt got her start playing at the famous Hollywood nightclub, Troubadour.
She gained national attention after tweaking her music to the style that would remain uniquely hers throughout musical history and would go on to earn 10 Grammys and produce more than 30 platinum and gold records during her career.
In 2013, Linda was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, leading to her retirement from the music scene. Her book, “Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir” was released that same year.
Goldie Hawn
The eternally adorable Goldie Hawn first began getting attention when she was a regular on the TV series, Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In. Her bubbly personality helped her win larger roles in comedic offerings such as “Butterflies are Free” and “There’s a Girl in my Soup.”
Goldie Hawn was just getting started in her comedic film career, though. She would move on to The First Wives Club, Death Becomes Her, and The Banger Sisters.
In 2002, she disappeared for quite some time, only to reappear in 2017’s hilarious film, Snatched, where she starred alongside Amy Schumer. She has recently signed on with ICM Partners and is expected to continue her successful acting career.
Pam Grier
Pam Grier was the ever-sassy, sexy, assertive powerhouse star of several 1970’s blaxploitation films like “Foxy Brown,” “Coffy,” and “Sheba, Baby.”
Her career propelled her beyond the ’70s, with movie roles in “Mars Attacks,” and “Man with the Iron Fists.” Pam is continuing to follow her acting path, with three movies currently in post-production.
Linda Gray
You probably saw Linda Gray in the earliest stage of her career without even recognizing her as the star she would become. Linda’s first role was in “The Graduate,” where she played Mrs. Robinson’s body double.
Her most famous role would be Sue Ellen on the nighttime drama, “Dallas,” which ran from 1978-1991. She also played the character in the “Dallas” reboot, from 2012-2014. In 2017, Linda was featured in two episodes of the series, “Hand of God.”
Charlene Tilton
Another “Dallas” veteran, Charlene Tilton played Lucy Ewing, the wild one. Her short stature, at 4 feet 11 inches gave her the nickname, “the poisonous dwarf.” Charlene followed “Dallas” with a musical experiment, dabbling in the world of pop singing.
Today finds her with a few film or TV roles here and there, but she is most interested in her charity work with organizations helping foster children.
Paula Prentiss
This comedic actress from the ’60s showed her serious side in the 1975 cult horror classic, “The Stepford Wives.” Paula stayed active in films but hasn’t had any lead roles for quite some time.
Her most recent performance was in 2016 when she portrayed Iris in the horror movie, “I Am the Pretty Thing that Lives in the House.”
Loretta Swit
Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan of the TV series “M*A*S*H” will always be the role that landed, Loretta Swit, a place in our memories and hearts.
Loretta was one of only four cast members that remained consistently in the series during its 11 episode run and would win two Emmy awards for the performance. 1998 saw Loretta’s last on-screen appearance, with some voiceover roles in 2015.
She will be making a reappearance, however, in a film to be released later this year.
Debbie Harry
Debbie Harry made hearts beat faster than her stylized drums in 1976 when she released her first album with the band Blondie. Debbie Harry, whose real name is Angela Tremble, released her 11th album with Blondie, “Pollinator,” in May of 2017.
Debbie was inspired to get involved with charity projects by Elton John in 2011. Her charities include Amnesty International Human Rights and the Endometriosis Foundation of America.
Jane Seymour
The sexy Bond girl, Solitaire, became an international darling after her role in “Live and Let Die.” Jane found it easy to find work in projects like “The Four Feathers” and “Battlestar Galactica” after playing the James Bond beauty.
While her acting career still carries on today, she is also busy in several other fields such as jewelry design and writing inspirational and self-help books.
Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton, who’s first big role was “The Godfather’s” Kay Adams-Corleone, found her mark when she joined forces with Woody Allen. The duo would go on to produce and star in films like “Sleeper,” “Play it Again Sam,” and “Love and Death.”
Perhaps her best-loved role was “Annie Hall,” which would win her the best actress Oscar. In 2017, Diane starred in the romantic comedy, “Hampstead.”
Sissy Spacek
Before starring as the embattled “Carrie” in 1976, Sissy Spacek had gained critical acclaim for her role in “Badlands” in 1973.
Carrie earned a best actress Academy Award for her role in Carrie, and would have the privilege of being the first person to have starred in a film nominated for an Academy Award in the last four decades concurrently: 1980’s “Coal Minor’s Daughter,” 1982’s “Missing,” 1991’s “JFK,” 2001’s “In the Bedroom,” and 2011’s “The Help.”
Faye Dunaway
Faye Dunaway had her start on the Broadway stage, breaking into film in 1967 with her role in “The Happening.”
Later that year, she would win an Oscar for her portrayal of Bonnie Parker in “Bonnie and Clyde.” She just keeps going, with her latest role in “Inconceivable,” the 2017 thriller.
Julie Andrews
No one can think of Julie Andrews and not recall her lead roles in the film musicals, “Marry Poppins” and, of course, “The Sound of Music.”
The amazingly talented actress with the voice of an angel would star on the small screen in five ABC variety specials from 1973-1975. She lent her voice to “Despicable Me 3” as Gru’s mother.
Beverly Johnson
In August of 1974, Beverly Johnson was the first African American model to ever appear on a cover of American Vogue, following this accomplishment by also becoming the first African American model to do the same on the French edition of Elle the next year.
Beverly would go on to write an article in a 2014 edition of Vanity Fair; this would be the article that would give the first hint of allegations of Bill Cosby’s alleged drugging scandal in the 1980s. She repeats her assertions in her memoirs, released in 2015.
Ellen Burstyn
The 1970s were the decade of Ellen Burstyn. Her string of hit films would cross the 70’s beginning with her 1971 film, “The Last Picture Show” which earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
1973’s cult horror film, “The Exorcist,” earned her another nomination, but it wasn’t until 1975 that she finally won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role of Alice Hyatt in the horror/suspense movie, “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.”
She most recently starred in 2017 alongside Sharon Stone in “A Little Something for your Birthday.”
Meryl Streep
In the early 1970s, Meryl Streep began her acting career on the Broadway stage, like others on this list. 1977 brought her to the attention of the nation in the TV movie, “Deadliest Season.”
She would go on to end the 70’s with the 1979 film, “Kramer v Kramer,” a role that would earn her both a Golden Globe as well as the best-supporting actress Oscar.
As one of the most popular actresses in the film industry, Meryl Streep has received more nominations for Oscars than any other Hollywood names to date.
Marilu Henner
Being only 1 of 12 people with a Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory, Marilu Henner was uniquely qualified to learn her lines for her role as Elaine Nardo in the much-beloved TV sitcom, “Taxi.”
Prior to her “Taxi” role, Marilu had started the 70’s by being a part of the traveling tour company for “Grease,” the Broadway musical. In 1977, she got her first movie role in “Between the Lines.”
Carol Kane
Carol Kane is another starlet who would achieve success after working with Woody Allen. Prior to working with Woody, though, Carol had landed a major role-playing Gitl in the film, “Hester Street” in 1975 for which she earned a Golden Globe nomination.
Woody spotted her, giving her a role in the Oscar-winning “Annie Hall.” She has played in many loved movies such as “The Princess Bride,” as well as “Addams Family Values,” and alongside Bill Murray in “Scrooged.”
She most recently played the role of Lillian Kaushtupper on a series featured on Nextflix, “The Unbreakable Jimmy Schmidt” from 2015-2017.
Talia Shire
Talia Shire has earned two Academy Award nominations in her career: Best Supporting Actress for her roles as Connie Corleone in the “The Godfather” movies and Best Actress for her role as Adrian Pennino in “Rocky.”
She is still acting today, most recently in the 2017 TV series, “Kingdom.”
Diana Ross
The lead singer of the 1960’s singing sensation, “The Supremes,” Diana Ross quickly climbed the ladder to musical fame. The Supremes is considered one of the most influential and successful groups of all times in the US.
The Supremes’ number one hits include irresistible songs such as “Keep Me Hangin’ On” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.” In the 1970s, Diana Ross left the Supremes to pursue her own solo career.
Her initial self-titled album had hits such as the number one “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Amazingly, Diana Ross still tours today. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 by President Obama.
Mindy Cohn
Mindy’s career took off for her portrayal of Natalie Green in the hit TV show, “The Facts of Life” which ran from 1979-1988. She followed this success with other TV series roles in shows like “The Kids from Room 402,” “The Second Half,” and “The Secret Life of an American Teenager.”
You may not have realized that Mindy Cohn voiced Scooby-Doo’s Velma Dinkley in the spooky cartoon series. In 2017, Mindy landed a role in the drama, “Hollywood Dirt.”
Cybill Shepherd
We first met Cybill Shepherd after her film debut in 1971’s “The Last Picture Show.” She would continue on to many roles in multiple hit movies and TV appearances, such as “Taxi Driver” and “The Heartbreak Kid.”
She moved her talents to the Broadway scene, starring in “The Best Man” along with James Earl Jones. In 2015, Cybill played a role in the movie, “Do You Believe?”
Betty White
Betty White was initially a very successful host of a TV talk show. In the 1940s, Betty moved onto small screen acting. Betty’s first recurring role was in the 1950s on “Life with Elizabeth.” From there, Betty’s career was on the rise.
The 1970s found her in hit shows like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and her self-titled “The Betty White Show.” Of course, she is most beloved as the hilariously clueless Rose on “The Golden Girls.” Betty White is showing no signs of slowing down; she is currently in her 90’s and as feisty as ever.
Sigourney Weaver
Another “Annie Hall” alumni, Sigourney Weaver had her first movie debut in the 1977 film. Although her role wasn’t very large, others spotted her talent and she would go on to land her own starring roles by the end of the decade.
She is most known for her role as Ripley in the “Alien” franchise, but has also had roles in “Ghostbusters,” “Avatar,” and “Holes.” Sigourney’s talents don’t stay on the screen though; she has won a Tony award for her work on Broadway.
Catherine Bach
Making teen’s hearts rev faster than the General Lee’s engine, Catherine Bach played Daisy Duke on the 1979-1985 “The Dukes of Hazard.”
She would follow this fame with other roles in various films, series and TV movies such as her 2012 recurring role on “The Young and the Restless” as Anita Lawson. In 2016, Catherine landed a role in a made for TV movie, “My Best Friend.”
Lynda Carter
In 1975, Lynda Carter dazzled the small screen with her piercing eyes as she lassoed the truth out of villains in her Wonder Woman role. Lynda played the heroine until the series ending in 1979.
She was not only conquering the bad guy during the series, but she was also conquering the pop scene with the release of an album called “Portrait.” The music from her album was played on the show as well.
Lynda revisited her superhero ways when she appeared in “Super Girl,” the CW series. Her most recent role was in 2018’s “Super Trooper’s 2.”
Chris Evert
Synonymous with 1970’s female tennis, Chris Evert began playing the game at just five years old. During her teens, she would begin to claim her place in tennis, going on to become the world champ seven years in a row: 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, and 1981.
Sport’s Illustrated honored her in 1976 by granting her the first Sportswoman of the Year Award. Chris is currently running a Florida tennis academy and designing her own line of tennis wear for women.
Shelley Duvall
Shelley Duvall first gained Hollywood’s affections with her roles in Robert Altman movies such as McCabe & Mrs. Miller, Nashville, Brewster McCloud, 3 Women, and Thieves like Us.
Her star would go on to shine even more brightly in the ’80s with her breakaway role in “The Shining,” and would land the lead role of Olive Oyl in “Popeye.” Shelley began to produce children’s series in the late ’80s and the early ’90s.
Shelley Duvall’s last appearance was in 2002; she would go on to capture the headlines on a 2016 episode of Dr. Phil when she announced she was mentally ill.
Cloris Leachman
While Cloris Leachman had already enjoyed some success before the 1970s, this decade would see her explode onto the Hollywood scene.
The ’70s saw her win a Best Supporting Actress for her role in “The Last Picture Show,” and would go on to win one Daytime Emmy Award and eight Primetime Awards for her portrayal of Phyllis on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”
She currently has over 270 credits to date, and at 91 years of age, she is still filming; she has three movies set for release this year.
Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster was first seen in commercials in the mid-1960s. From there, she was discovered and cast in several minor roles on TV. The mid-’70s, however, saw her meteoric rise to fame with the lead part in the series, “Paper Moons.”
Her first grown-up role was in “Taxi Driver,” the 1976 classic starring her as Iris. These were just the beginning for this icon; she has far too many movies and hits to list and has won two of the four Oscars for which she was nominated.
Rene Russo
Rene Russo broke into entertainment in the ’70s by modeling, appearing on high fashion magazine covers like “Cosmopolitan” and “Vogue.” Her first acting role wasn’t until the late 1980s when she starred in a TV series called “Sable.”
From there, Renee would star in several hit movies like “Major League.” Her career is still going strong with roles in more recent films such as “Tin Cup,” “Nightcrawler,” and “Thor.”
Helen Mirren
Helen Mirren started her career on stage, beginning with the Royal Shakespeare Company. This foundation helped her make her transition to the big screen, landing roles in films that were adaptations of Shakespearean plays.
Hollywood discovered her quickly and began featuring her in mainstream roles such as “Hitchcock” and “The Queen.” She won the prestigious Triple Crown of Acting, one of a very select few actresses to achieve this accomplishment.
Annette Bening
Anette Bening studied theatre at University, beginning her acting career in 1980 with the Colorado Shakespeare Festival company. Anette had starring roles in Shakespeare productions like “Pygmalion” and “Macbeth.”
The 1986 TV film “Manhunt for Claude Dallas” was her screen debut, and it was exactly the boost she needed for her acting career.
She had several nominations for illustrious awards, such as the Best Actress in a Supporting Role Oscar and Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Drama) Academy Award. Anette Bening continues her career to this day.
Jami Gertz
In the 1970s, while attending NYU and studying theatre, Jami Gertz was discovered by a talent agent. She would make her debut into film with the 1981 film, “On the Right Track.”
The role, while small, was enough to get her noticed; she got her big acting break in 1982 and portrayed Muffy Tepperman on “Square Pegs.” Throughout her career, Jami Gertz would play various roles in TV series like “The Facts of Life,” “Entourage,” “ER,” and “Ally McBeal.”
Mia Sara
As the daughter of photographers, it’s only natural that Mia Sara would have artistry and creativity running through her veins. In 1985, Mia landed the lead role in Ridley Scott’s breathtaking masterpiece, “Legend.”
Her real claim to fame came from her role as Sloane Peterson in the insanely popular teen flick, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Her career ran through the early 2000s, and she is currently married to the son of the Muppet’s creator Jim Henson, Brian.
Karen Allen
With her film debut in 1978’s cult classic, National Lampoon’s “Animal House,” Karen Allen was destined for success. She would go on to star as “Raiders of the Lost Ark’s” Marion, the vehicle that launched her to stardom.
She has been seen in many hit movies like “The Sandlot,” “The Glass Menagerie,” and “The Perfect Storm.”
Mia Farrow
While Mia is probably most remembered for her role in the cult horror classic “Rosemary’s Baby” in the ’60s, she had her start before that with several smaller roles.
Her big break was in 1964 when she landed the recurring role of Allison MacKenzie on “Peyton Place,” and she continued to have a very successful career up to and beyond “Rosemary’s Baby.” She has had roles in sixty films and series; many of these were lead roles in movies.
Jennifer Connelly
Jennifer Connelly started her career as a child model, appearing in advertisements and magazines. In 1984, she got her first role as a professional actor in a crime film called “Once Upon a Time in America.”
She would go on to earn her first leading role in the 1985 movie, “Phenomena.” Since then, she has won Oscars and starred in movies like “Requiem for a Dream,” A Beautiful Mind,” and “Blood Diamond.”
Michelle Pfeiffer
Michelle Pfeiffer is one of the most beautiful actresses in Hollywood. She got her start on the TV series, “Delta House,” where she played the Bombshell. She was soon able to move on and in 1982, landed a leading role in “Grease 2.”
She would follow up the next year with her remarkable role of Elvira Hancock in the captivating mob movie, “Scarface.” She has had roles in many movies since then, like “What Lies Beneath,” “Dangerous Minds,” and “Batman Returns.”
Diane Lane
Being raised by a mother who was a model and a father who was a drama coach, it’s not surprising that Diane Lane would be drawn to entertainment. Her childhood was less than normal, and she found reprieve and happiness through acting for the theatre.
In 1979, she strayed form stage and landed a role in “A Little Romance.” She would go on to star in 80’s films like “Rumble Fish” and “The Outsiders,” and continues to remain popular even today.
Jennifer Jason Leigh
The 1970s found Jennifer Jason Leigh a teenager with only small roles in movies and TV series, but that would all change in 1982 when she was cast as Stacy Hamilton for the cult classic, “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.”
From there, Jennifer transitioned to more grown-up roles in features such as “Last Exit to Brooklyn” and “Miami Blues,” for which she received critical acclaim. Her recent roles include appearances in TV series like “Twin Peaks” and “Atypical.”
Nastassja Kinski
Nastassja Kinski launched her career by playing Francesca in the 1978 film, “Stay as You Are.” The German actress would go on to play “Tess,” a decision that earned her two Golden Globe nominations.
She is currently active in the acting industry in both Germany and America.
Dolly Parton
America’s country music darling, Dolly Parton, released many hit singles in 1974 including “Love is Like a Butterfly,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You.” Dolly’s music is familiar to fans of all genres, and she continues to enjoy her success.
From 1976-1977, she hosted a variety show called “Dolly!” In 2016, she embarked on her biggest tour across the US with stops in sixty cities. Most recently, the wildly popular a cappella Pentatonix worked with her to remake her hit single, “Jolene.”
Lauren Hutton
Lauren Hutton has been featured on a record-setting 27 Vogue magazine covers, proving that beautiful can take all forms. Lauren’s signature gap-toothed smile set new standards of beauty in the modeling universe.
Lauren has had some acting roles as well, such as “The Joneses” and “The Gambler,” as well as the 2018 film, “I Feel Pretty.”
Jacqueline Bisset
Jacqueline Bisset’s career took off after she starred opposite Frank Sinatra in the 1968 classic “The Detective.” She would sail through the ’70s like a star, appearing in seventeen films through the decade.
In 2017, Jacqueline made two film appearances in “The Double Lover” and “9/11.” She is currently featured in several projects slated to be released in the future.
Dawn Wells
Before there was “Team Edward” and “Team Jacob,” there was “Team Mary Ann” and “Team Ginger.”
Dawn Wells, known as the down-home girl next door beauty on Gilligan’s Island, played her role from 1964-1967, reappearing for “Rescue from Gilligan’s Island” in 1978 and again in 1979 for “The Castaways on Gilligan’s Island.”
Dawn made the leap from the small screen to the stage, touring with several musical productions. In 2014, she released a book called “What Would Mary Ann Do? A Guide to Life.” Dawn was named a MeTV Network Marketing Ambassador in 2016.
Olivia Newton-John
While Olivia Newton-John is best remembered for her role opposite John Travolta in the 1978 hit musical movie “Grease,” she has had multiple film roles beyond that and, of course, many studio albums.
Perhaps her biggest project was the 1980 film, “Xanadu,” for which she played the lead role and wrote most of the soundtrack.
“Friends for Christmas” is her latest album, released in 2016, while her latest onscreen appearance was “Sharknado 5: Global Swarming” in 2017. Olivia still tours regularly.
Kirstie Alley
A few years after Kirstie Alley broke into Hollywood in 1978, she landed her big role in the 1982 classic “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” as Saavik.
In 2016, Kirstie appeared on “Scream Queens,” a satirical thriller series, as “Ingrid Hoeffel.” Through it all, though, Kirstie will always be best loved as Rebecca Howe on “Cheers.” She won a Golden Globe in 1991 for her work on the sitcom.
Sophia Loren
Sophia Loren is arguably one of the most beautiful women to ever grace the big screen, and one of the most influential actresses of her time. She had her start at a young age, making her Hollywood debut at the age of 15.
Her Oscar-winning performance as Cesira in the film, “Two Women,” is what cemented her fame and international recognition. She has been in many films through the course of her career, like “A Special Day,” “Brass Target,” and “A Special Day.”
Although Sophia’s influence is still felt in Hollywood, her last on-screen performance was in 2014.
Samantha Fox
Signing on for her first record deal at 16, Samantha skated along in the music scene quietly until she released “Touch Me” at age 20. “Touch Me” was well worth the wait for Samantha; it was the number one song in 17 countries.
She has gone on to create six more albums since that single. She was featured on “Celebrity Big Brother” in 2016 but was eliminated just prior to the finale.
Erin Murphy
Erin Murphy and her twin sister played Tabitha, the daughter on Bewitched from 1964-1972. While she and her sister shared the role equally, any close-up scene featured Erin.
Erin has been flying under the radar with a few appearances here and there; her most recent appearance was on the TV movie “Life Interrupted” in 2017.
Susan Anton
The beauty once named Time’s “Most Promising Face in 1979,” Susan Anton climbed the ladder of fame, one cigar at a time, as the face of Muriel Cigars. Susan starred alongside Mel Tillis in a variety series that only made it through four weeks before cancellation.
Throughout the ’70s, Susan appeared on a few Merv Griffin shows. She is currently still acting, though, and was featured on the TV Movie “Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens” in 2016.
Traci Lords
While Traci Lords got her start in adult films, she made the transition to mainstream projects and has since had roles in “Married with Children,” “MacGyver,” and “Cry Baby.”
In addition, she can be seen on “Nash Bridges” and “Melrose Place” and has had a turn on the musical scene with some of her songs being used for movie soundtracks.
Jane Fonda
For several years after Jane’s Best Actress Oscar Award in 1971 for her work in “Klute,” her career seemed stalled. After starting her own production company, called IPC Films, her career began to pick up again.
“Fun with Dick and Jane” was a hit movie that Jane both produced and took the leading role. In the 1990s, Jane took a break from acting after a few more films but reemerged for the filming of “Monster-in-Law” in 2005. Her recent work includes “Grace and Frankie,” a series on Netflix.
Joanna Cameron
From September 6, 1975, through September 3, 1977, Joanna Cameron played Isis in a children’s TV show, “The Secrets of Isis.” This seems to have been the highpoint of her career; by the ’80s, it was apparent that Joanna was through with acting.
She went on to work in-home healthcare for several years and then moved onto hotel marketing.
Daryl Hannah
Who doesn’t remember Daryl Hannah, the 1980’s bombshell who won our hearts in films such as “Steel Magnolias” and “Splash?” Darryl got her first movie role in 1979’s horror movie, “The Fury.”
She has remained active and successful in the following decades, with roles in movies like “The Little Rascals,” “A Walk to Remember,” “Grumpy Old Men,” and “My Favorite Martian.”
Her most recent role is in the Netflix series, “Sense8,” as Angelica. Darryl studied acting and ballet at the University of Southern California prior to her acting career.
Charlotte Rampling
With a career starting in Italian and French arthouse films like “The Night Porter” and “The Damned” in the ’70s, Charlotte Rampling would go on to play roles in Woody Allen movies like “Stardust Memories” and “Angel Heart.”
She has continued her acting career, most notably in “Dexter” as Evelyn Vogel. She received a 2012 Emmy Award for her part in “Restless.” Charlotte has even released a 2015 autobiography, proving she still has a lot to offer the world.
Honor Blackman
Honor Blackman may have gotten her start in “The Avengers,” but was quoted as saying, “No More Avengers! There’s nothing new to get out of it – I want to go forward, not backward.”
Honor went on to leave The Avengers in the past, playing a Bond girl for “Goldfinger” as well as Laura West in “Upper Hand.” While Honor isn’t as active on the scene as she once was, she still plays a few smaller roles like her appearance as Rose Walker in 2015’s “You, Me and Them.”
Barbi Benton
While Barbi Benton’s claim to fame may have been gracing a certain men’s magazine cover four times, she became a favorite of Hugh Heffner and became his long-time girlfriend. In 1976, Barbi and High split.
Barbi would move on to the acting scene, taking roles in several series such as “The Love Boat” and “Sugar Time.” In 1979, Barbi married George Gradow, a real estate developer.
In 2014 Barbi made her final public appearance, revealing that Bill Cosby visited a certain mansion owned by her ex-boyfriend many times.
Susan Dey
Susan Dey, the dreamy-eyed “girl-next-door” teen daughter of “The Partridge Family,” played Laurie Partridge until 1974. She would go on to have several movie roles but would enjoy the most success from her TV appearances on shows like “Love and War” and “L.A. Law.”
In 2004, Susan played a part in the drama “Third Watch” which would be her last performance to date; she prefers to stay out of the spotlight now.
Lola Falana
This Italian film star’s real name is Loletha Elayne Falana, and her talents in singing and acting caught the attention of Sammy Davis, Jr. Lola and Sammy would tour together for a time.
The 1970’s film “The Liberation of L.B. Jones” would be Lola’s first film role. Lola went to Las Vegas where she would come to be known as “The Queen of Las Vegas.” Her last on-camera appearance was 1989; sadly, in 1987, Lola was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
Jaclyn Smith
Jaclyn Smith was one of “Charlie’s Angels,” playing Kelly Garrett in the series. She would continue to fly high on the small and big screens, with appearances in “The District” and “Christina Cromwell.”
In 2015, she starred in a TV movie, “Bridal Wave.” Jaclyn is one of the first actresses to design and release her own clothing lines.
Uma Thurman
While Uma Thurman may have found a passion for acting in middle school, she started her career as a model. She appeared on a few magazine covers before catching the eye of some casting directors.
In 1988, Uma starred in three movies, one of which was “Dangerous Liaisons.” She carried her career through the 1980s, with many credits to her name, one Golden Globe award, and many award nominations.
Christie Brinkley
Supermodel Christie Brinkley started her career as a Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover girl. She was honored with 3 covers in the 1970s, which is a record for the magazine.
She held the Covergirl position for 25 years, moving forward to accept other campaigns as well. Her most recent appearance was one she remembers well, the cover of Sports Illustrated; this time, however, she was featured with her two daughters.
Victoria Principal
Before Victoria Principal, Pamela Barnes Ewing was on the runaway popular nighttime soap, “Dallas,” she was Maria Elena in 1972’s “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean.”
Her Dallas role lasted from 1978-1987, but she would follow that success with more TV and movie work. In 2001, she appeared in “Titans,” and since then, she has given her time to charity and philanthropic efforts, focusing on animal rights and protection.
Morgan Fairchild
The beautiful Patsy Ann McClenny, a.k.a. Morgan Fairchild, played Jennifer Pace of the TV soap, “Search for Tomorrow” from 1873 through 1977. This was the launchpad that would rocket her to fame and opportunities in TV series like “Kojak,” “Happy Days,” and “Dallas.”
In the 1980’s she starred in a TV series, “Flamingo Road,” as Constance Weldon Carlyle. Morgan is still acting today, most recently making an appearance on the soap, “Days of our Lives.”
Charo
“Cuchi-cuchi” was the phrase of the ’70s, with singer and actress Charo making a nation smile with her high-spirited mannerisms.
She isn’t as active now as she was in the early 2000s, but she still makes appearances intermittently such as in 2017, with her part in the TV movie, “Sharknado 5: Global Swarming.”
Kate Jackson
Another one of “Charlie’s Angels,” Kate Jackson played the beautiful, tough Sabrina Duncan in the 1970’s hit series. At the end of season three, she left the series to appear in other TV shows like “Baby Boom” and “Scarecrow and Mrs. King.”
Kate has taken up writing recently and is expecting to release her memoirs in 2020.
Beth Chapman
Denver Colorado’s Beth Chapman was the youngest bail bondsman in the state’s history at age 29. Her step-daughter, Lyssa Chapman, later broke Beth’s record.
Beth is probably best known for her part on the TV series “Dog and Beth: On the Hunt” and “Dog the Bounty Hunter.” She is a cancer survivor, battling and winning the disease in 2017.
Danielle Colby
In a case of rebelling against a religious upbringing, former Jehovah’s Witness turned her back on religious practices and started a burlesque troupe and studio.
She loves to pick, and after Mike Wolfe met Danielle, he recruited her for the show “American Pickers.” The show is currently in its 18th season of filming, with Danielle still in the center of it.
Katharine Ross
In the ’60s, Katharine Ross had two critically acclaimed performances; the first was “The Graduate,” and the second “Bitch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” She would go on to greater fame in the ’70s with movies like “The Betsy” and “The Stepford Wives.”
In 1984, she married cowboy actor, the devastatingly handsome southern-drawled Sam Elliott. The couple are the parents of one daughter and remain together to this day.
Raquel Welch
Who can forget the fur bikini that Raquel Welch wore on the film, “One Million Years BC?” Raquel Welch will always be one of Hollywood’s favorite bombshells of all time. In 1973, Raquel would land a role in “The Three Musketeers” and earn a Golden Globe for her performance.
Raquel also dabbles in business and has released a book and video series titled “Total Beauty and Fitness Program.” She most recently played Celeste in the 2017 film, “How to Be a Latin Lover.”
Ali MacGraw
Ali McGraw started her acting career with commercial work before landing a role portraying Jenny in the 1970’s movie, “Love Story.” She would only appear in three movies after that, “Convoy,” “The Getaway” and “Players.”
While her last on-screen performance was in 1997 for “Glam,” she reconnected with her costar of “Love Story,” Ryan O’Neal, to star in a stage release of “Love Letters.”
Cheryl Ladd
Still another of “Charlie’s Angels,” Cheryl Ladd took on the role of Kris Munroe in 1977 for the TV series. She would go on to touch on the music scene, releasing “Think it Over” in 1978.
While she never made it to the top 10, she would continue to sing, releasing three additional albums. She played her most recent role for a TV mini-series released in 2016, “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.”
Mandrell Sisters
“Sleeping Single in a Double Bed” was Barbara Mandrell’s first hit in 1978. She would go on to release another hit shortly after, “If Loving You is Wrong, I Don’t Want to be Right.”
TV producers decided to cash in on Barbara’s success and offered her a show. “Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters” would run for two complete seasons. While the sisters currently keep themselves very private, they are active for many different charities.
Bo Derek
The 1977 film “Orca” brought Bo Derek onto the Hollywood circuit, but it is her iconic job along the beach in her cornrow braids in the 1979 film “10” is probably the first one to come to mind when thinking of the actress.
Bo has carried on her acting career, most recently starring in the 2013 film “Highland Park” with Billy Burke and Danny Glover. Bo Derek is a very committed activist for organizations like Richard Branson’s Wild Aid and is also very supportive for many disabled veterans’ organizations.
Maureen McCormick
Marcia, Marcia, Marcia! Maureen McCormick will always be known for her role as Marcia Brady on the TV series, “The Brady Bunch.” She has tried her hand in several spin-offs, sequels, and TV movies.
Maureen has had a few reality TV shows on her resume, like “Dancing with the Stars” and “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” The drama “The Neighborhood” was her latest appearance, in 2017.
Loni Anderson
The beautiful platinum blonde Loni Anderson had her start in the ’70s with several small parts on TV series. In 1978, that would all change when she was cast as Jennifer Marlow on “WKRP in Cincinnati.”
She would move on from this popular series to play in other series like “Easy Street,” and “Partners in Crime,” as well as a TV Movie, “White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd.” In 2017, Loni appeared in “Love You More,” and Amazon original film.
Kim Basinger
Kim Bassinger made her first debut on TV’s “The Gemini Man” after a successful modeling career. Throughout the 70’s she would continue to make appearances in TV shows and movies.
In the 1980s, Kim would break out onto the big screen with roles in films like “L.A. Confidential.” Her latest performances include 2016’s “The Nice Guys,” along with Russell Crowe, and the 2017 film adaptation of “50 Shades Darker.”
Barbara Eden
Barbara Eden rose from her bottle and right into the hearts of people everywhere in the 1960s for her role as Jeannie on the hit series, “I Dream of Jeannie.”
She had begun her career in the ’50s, however, in several movies with out of this world plot themes like UFOs.
Karen Lynn Gorney
“All My Children’s” Tara Martin was played by Karen Lynn Gorney from 1970-1974. While this may have started her career, she rose to official stardom in “Saturday Night Fever,” where she played Stephanie Mangano.
In the ’80s, Karen took an acting break only to return to the small screen in the ’90s. She made several TV appearances on series like “The Sopranos” and “Law and Order,” with her last role in “H.O.M.E.,” a 2016 drama.
Lorraine Gary
“Jaws” packed a box office bite, and Lorraine Gary was there to enjoy it. In 1979, after the release of her film “1941,” Lorraine Gary had said she would be retiring from her acting career.
She was, however, baited out of retirement when the shark swam again; she was once again on the big screen as Ellen Brody in the final installment of the series, “Jaws the Revenge” in 1987.
She is currently retired from acting but remains very active in charities like the Human Rights Watch Women’s Rights Advisory Committee and the Human Rights Watch Africa Advisory Committee.
Agnetha Faltskog
If any pop group defined the 1970’s, it would arguably be ABBA. In 1972, this Swedish pop group was formed and would go on to release hit after hit such as “Take a Chance on Me,” “Fernando,” and of course, “Dancing Queen.”
The band’s name was formed from the first letters of each member’s first name. Agnetha Faltskog, one of the A’s, was a member of ABBA until they disbanded in the 1980s. Agnetha began a solo career, but this was not very successful.
In 2016, she released a biography “Agnetha Faltskog: The Girl with the Golden Hair.”
Carly Simon
Carly Simon has many songs that immediately take listeners back to the 1970s. Her unique style will always personify the decade, starting with her first hit “That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard it Should Be” off her first album, released in 1971.
She released her next album a few months after, called “Anticipation” and featuring the hit song of the same name. In 1972, the song that would define her career, “You’re So Vain,” was released, and speculation continued for some time as to whom she was referring in the song.
Her 2015 memoir, titled “Boys in Trees: A Memoir,” covers Carly’s life from early childhood including her marriage to James Taylor.
Barbara Streisand
Barbara Streisand is a hugely popular singer, songwriter, composer, producer, writer, and actress. In the 1960s, Barbara appeared in “Funny Girl” and “Hello Dolly,” but the seventies were really the decade of Barbara.
She is currently still singing and acting, having concluded a tour recently. She announced in 2015 that she would be releasing a memoir.
Billie Jean King
In 1973 Billie Jean King won the tennis match, “The Battle of the Sexes,” against Bobby Riggs, the male champion. In 1981, Billie Jean came out as gay, the first female athlete to do so.
She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame” in 1987, and her story has been memorialized in “Battle of the Sexes,” a movie starring Emma Stone and Steve Carrell.
Ann-Margret
In 1963, Ann-Margret became a household name with her role in a movie adaptation of the play “Bye Bye Birdie,” where she played Kim Mcafee. Her career is still moving along to this date.
In 2017, she played Annie Santori alongside Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman in the comedic hit “Going in Style.” Ann-Margret is a singer as well, with 14 albums and several Grammy nominations.
Allison Arngrim
Nasty little Nellie Oleson on “The Little House on the Prairie” was played by Allison Arngrim, and while after this role she landed a few small parts in other movies and TV shows, she never again would enjoy the success she had in the role.
Allison released an amusing memoir in 2010 titled “Confessions of A Prairie Bitch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated.” Today, Allison is actively involved in working for various charities.
Teri Garr
1974’s “Young Frankenstein” was comedic gold for many reasons, one of which was Terri Garr’s performance as Inga. After this successful film, Teri starred in other hits like “Tootsie” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”
In 2002, Teri was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She is now the National Chair for the Women Against MS program and the National Ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Cicely Tyson
This model turned actress has had many critically acclaimed performances in TV Shows and movies like “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pitman,” “King,” “Roots,” and “Sounder.”
In 2017, Cicely made an appearance on the TV series, “How to Get Away with Murder.” She is now 92 years old but has no plans to retire from the acting world any time soon.