1. Shelley Duvall
Shelley Duvall made her mark in the ’70s with standout roles in films like The Shining and Popeye, captivating audiences with her quirky and unique presence. Her work alongside iconic directors such as Stanley Kubrick turned her into a household name. Despite her success in both film and television, Duvall’s career began to slow down dramatically in the ’80s. After her portrayal of Wendy Torrance in The Shining, which became an iconic horror role, she stepped away from the limelight almost entirely.
In the years that followed, Duvall withdrew from acting and focused on other ventures, including producing. While rumors swirled about her mental health and well-being, she remained largely out of public view. In recent years, she’s made a few rare appearances, but Shelley Duvall’s decision to step back remains one of Hollywood’s most fascinating mysteries.
2. Gene Hackman
Gene Hackman was one of the most prolific actors of the ’70s, starring in hits like The French Connection and The Conversation. His rugged charm and ability to play complex characters made him a beloved figure in American cinema. Yet, after an incredible run of success, Hackman surprisingly retired from acting in the early 2000s. It was a quiet exit—no major farewell, no dramatic Hollywood send-off.
In his post-acting life, Hackman focused on writing, penning novels under a pseudonym. While his fans were left longing for his return to the screen, Hackman seemed content to stay away from the public eye. His decision to leave Hollywood and settle into a quieter life has made him an enigma to fans who still remember his legendary performances.
3. Sly Stone
Sly Stone rose to superstardom in the ’70s as the frontman of the groundbreaking funk band Sly and the Family Stone. With hits like Everyday People and Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), he became an iconic figure in both the music and cultural scenes. But as quickly as he rose to fame, Stone’s presence in the music world seemed to fade away. By the late ’70s and early ’80s, personal struggles and a turbulent lifestyle led to his withdrawal from the public.
Though Stone was known for his eccentric behavior and creative genius, his later years have been filled with mystery. After a few scattered musical projects, Sly Stone has lived a very reclusive life, rarely making public appearances or speaking about his past. His once vibrant energy and revolutionary sound now seem like distant memories.
4. Farrah Fawcett
Farrah Fawcett was a ’70s icon, thanks to her role in Charlie’s Angels, which made her a household name almost overnight. With her stunning looks and undeniable charm, she was one of the biggest stars of the decade. Fawcett’s success as an actress, model, and pop culture figure seemed unstoppable, but by the ’80s, she was no longer the constant fixture in Hollywood that she once was.
While she had successful roles throughout her career, including in The Burning Bed and The Apostle, Fawcett’s personal life and health struggles often overshadowed her career. She became increasingly private in her later years, and her final years were spent largely out of the public eye as she battled cancer. Farrah Fawcett’s legacy endures, but her quiet retreat from the spotlight remains a reminder of the toll fame can take.
5. Richard Dreyfuss
Richard Dreyfuss was one of the most celebrated actors of the ’70s, starring in hits like Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. His talent and versatility earned him an Academy Award for The Goodbye Girl, making him one of the biggest stars of the era. Yet, by the ’90s, Dreyfuss’s career slowed considerably, and his public appearances became less frequent. His sudden dip from the Hollywood A-list was a surprise to many who had once considered him one of the brightest stars in cinema.
Dreyfuss has since focused on different aspects of his life, including political activism and writing. His retreat from the limelight has been partly attributed to his personal struggles and a desire to live a more private life. Despite the quiet years, his contributions to film continue to be remembered and appreciated by fans worldwide.
6. Linda Blair
Linda Blair became a superstar almost overnight when she starred as the possessed Regan in the iconic horror film The Exorcist. The film’s massive success cemented her as one of the biggest stars of the ’70s, and for a while, it seemed like she would be a fixture in Hollywood. However, after The Exorcist, Blair struggled to find roles that matched her early success. While she appeared in several films and TV shows in the ’70s and ’80s, she eventually faded from the public eye.
Blair’s retreat from fame has been largely due to her desire to step away from the horror genre, a typecasting that she struggled with throughout her career. Over the years, she has become more involved in animal rights activism, a cause that she is deeply passionate about. While her Hollywood days may be behind her, Linda Blair continues to make a difference in the world in her own quiet, impactful way.
