The 1970s were a golden era for Hollywood, bringing us some of the most stunning stars to ever grace the big and small screens. With their effortless glamour, natural beauty, and undeniable charisma, these actors and actresses captivated audiences and became icons of their time. Some had a classic, timeless appeal, while others embodied the free-spirited, adventurous vibe of the decade. Whether they starred in sweeping dramas, action-packed thrillers, or heartwarming comedies, these twelve stars were unforgettable in both talent and looks.
1. Farrah Fawcett
Few faces are more synonymous with ’70s beauty than Farrah Fawcett’s. With her sun-kissed golden locks, megawatt smile, and natural California-girl charm, she became an instant sensation. Her famous red swimsuit poster was everywhere, turning her into one of the most recognizable figures of the decade. According to People, tragedy and turmoil also haunted her final days.
Best known for Charlie’s Angels, Farrah’s appeal wasn’t just about looks—she had an effortless charisma that made audiences adore her. She defined an era of beauty that was fresh, athletic, and glowing with confidence. Even as trends changed, her influence on style and pop culture remained timeless.
2. Robert Redford
Robert Redford had that rare combination of rugged masculinity and classic good looks. Whether he was playing a suave con artist in The Sting or a Western outlaw in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, he exuded effortless charm. His windswept blonde hair and piercing blue eyes made him one of the most sought-after leading men of the era. Interestingly, at least one Robert Redford role might have been filled by Jack Nicholson if things went differently, according to Far Out Magazine.
But Redford wasn’t just a pretty face—he had serious acting chops and an undeniable screen presence. He brought depth and intelligence to his roles, proving that good looks could go hand in hand with great performances. Even today, his legacy as one of the most handsome and talented actors of his time remains intact.
3. Raquel Welch
Raquel Welch was the very definition of glamorous beauty in the 1970s. With her sultry features, striking figure, and undeniable star power, she was one of the most photographed women of the decade. She first rose to fame in the 1960s, but her popularity only grew as she headlined films like Kansas City Bomber and The Three Musketeers. Closer Weekly writes that all this fame did, however, put a huge strain on her family life, to her despair.
Her beauty had a rare, almost sculptural quality—every photo of her looked like it belonged in an art gallery. But she wasn’t just a screen siren; she had an undeniable confidence and strength that made her even more captivating. Raquel Welch set the gold standard for glamour in the ’70s, and no one could quite match her presence.
4. Paul Newman
Paul Newman was more than just a leading man—he was a legend. His striking blue eyes became his trademark, making him one of the most recognizable and handsome actors of all time. Whether he was playing a fast-talking hustler in The Hustler or a rebellious antihero in Cool Hand Luke, he had a magnetic presence that made him unforgettable. Thankfully, by the late ’80s, he could also boast of being an Oscar winner, TV Insider reminds us.
His beauty wasn’t just about his features—it was about his attitude. Newman had an effortless coolness that set him apart, blending ruggedness with a quiet charm. Even off-screen, he carried himself with dignity and grace, making him as admired for his character as he was for his looks.
5. Jacqueline Bisset
Jacqueline Bisset had the kind of beauty that was both delicate and striking. With her high cheekbones, expressive eyes, and undeniable elegance, she became one of the most enchanting actresses of the decade. Whether she was starring in The Deep or Murder on the Orient Express, she had a mysterious allure that made her unforgettable.
Her beauty was never just about looks—she had a graceful presence that made every performance mesmerizing. Unlike many of her contemporaries, she carried a quiet sophistication that made her stand out. Even today, she remains one of the most stunning actresses to ever grace the screen.
6. Burt Reynolds
Burt Reynolds had a charm that was impossible to resist. With his mustache, mischievous smile, and rugged good looks, he was the ultimate heartthrob of the 1970s. Whether he was racing cars in Smokey and the Bandit or baring it all in Cosmopolitan, he exuded confidence and charisma.
Reynolds had a playful, roguish energy that made him stand out from more conventional leading men. He never took himself too seriously, which only made him more attractive. His appeal wasn’t just about looks—it was about his effortless swagger and undeniable charm.
7. Ali MacGraw
Ali MacGraw had a beauty that felt both effortless and timeless. With her dark, flowing hair, delicate features, and natural elegance, she became an instant star after Love Story. Her look was understated yet captivating, proving that you didn’t need heavy makeup or flashy outfits to make an impact.
She brought an earthy, bohemian quality to her roles that made her even more magnetic. Whether on-screen or off, she always had an air of quiet confidence and sophistication. Her beauty felt real, making her one of the most enchanting actresses of her time.
8. John Travolta
John Travolta was the ultimate heartthrob of the late ’70s. With his piercing gaze, dimpled chin, and perfect dance moves, he stole hearts in Saturday Night Fever and Grease. His combination of boyish charm and smoldering intensity made him impossible to ignore.
Travolta had a natural charisma that made every role he played unforgettable. Whether he was strutting down the street in a white suit or leading a dance floor revolution, he commanded attention. His youthful energy and striking good looks made him one of the most iconic stars of the decade.
9. Cheryl Ladd
When Cheryl Ladd joined Charlie’s Angels, she immediately became one of the most beloved actresses of the era. With her bright blue eyes, golden hair, and warm smile, she was the perfect combination of girl-next-door charm and Hollywood glamour. She had a natural radiance that made her stand out, even among a cast full of stunning women.
Ladd’s beauty was always accompanied by a sense of fun and confidence. She wasn’t just a pretty face—she had real talent and an effortless way of lighting up the screen. Whether solving crimes on TV or posing for magazine covers, she was one of the most stunning actresses of the ’70s.
10. Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford wasn’t your typical pretty-boy actor, but he had an undeniable rugged handsomeness that made him irresistible. With his tousled hair, strong features, and mischievous smirk, he became the ultimate leading man. Whether as Han Solo or Indiana Jones, he played characters that were both heroic and a little bit rebellious.
His appeal came from more than just good looks—he had an effortless coolness that made him stand out. Ford was the kind of actor who could make scruff and a leather jacket look better than any tuxedo. His unique blend of charm, humor, and rugged beauty made him one of the biggest heartthrobs of the decade.
11. Bo Derek
Bo Derek became a cultural phenomenon in the late 1970s, thanks to her unforgettable role in 10. With her beach-blonde hair, sun-kissed skin, and effortless beauty, she embodied the ultimate California dream girl. That slow-motion run down the beach made her an instant icon, and her striking looks set a new standard for Hollywood glamour.
Her appeal was in her natural, relaxed beauty—she wasn’t overdone or overly polished. She had a fresh, almost effortless glow that made her stand out from the more traditional Hollywood starlets. Even today, her look from 10 remains one of the most iconic images in film history.
12. Jane Seymour
Jane Seymour had a beauty that felt almost otherworldly. With her striking green eyes, delicate features, and regal elegance, she looked like she had stepped out of a classic painting. Whether she was starring in Live and Let Die or Somewhere in Time, she had a mesmerizing presence that made her unforgettable.
Her look was soft yet commanding, making her stand out in every role she played. Unlike some of the flashier stars of the decade, she carried herself with an effortless grace that made her seem timeless. Even today, she remains one of the most beautiful and elegant actresses to emerge from the 1970s.
The 1970s gave us some of the most stunning and charismatic stars to ever grace Hollywood. Whether they had classic beauty, rugged charm, or a bohemian allure, each of these actors and actresses left a lasting impression. Their looks, talent, and star power made them icons of their time. Even decades later, their timeless appeal continues to captivate new generations of fans.
