1. Sally Field
Sally Field was one of the most beloved stars of the ’70s, known for her roles in The Flying Nun and Gidget. She had a natural charm that made her a standout in both TV and film. However, after enjoying a successful run throughout the decade, Field surprised many by stepping away from the spotlight for a period in the ’80s. It wasn’t a matter of falling out of favor, but rather a personal choice to focus on family life and other interests.
Though she didn’t vanish entirely, her break from Hollywood was noticeable. When she returned to acting, it was with an air of mystery, making it clear that she was more selective with her roles. Field has since made a triumphant return with Oscar-winning performances, but her time out of the public eye still remains a point of curiosity for fans.
2. Alan Hale Jr.
Alan Hale Jr. was a familiar face to TV viewers in the ’70s, best known for his role as Skipper on the classic sitcom Gilligan’s Island. His lovable, comedic nature made him a favorite among fans. However, after the show ended, Hale found himself fading from the limelight. He briefly appeared in films and TV shows but slowly became less active in Hollywood.
Hale’s disappearance from Hollywood was largely due to his decision to focus on his personal life and his business ventures. Although he was well-liked and respected in the industry, he preferred a quieter life away from the cameras. Despite his retreat from public view, his iconic role as Skipper remains a lasting part of his legacy.
3. Robert Conrad
Robert Conrad made a name for himself in the ’70s with his charismatic roles in The Wild Wild West and later Black Sheep Squadron. His tough-guy image and heartthrob status won him legions of fans. But as the years passed, Conrad seemed to take a step back from Hollywood, eventually leaving acting to pursue other interests, including his passion for aviation.
Though he occasionally made appearances in films, Conrad largely left the acting scene behind. His retreat wasn’t because of scandal or bad press—rather, it seemed to be a desire for a more private, less public life. Despite not being in the spotlight, his role in The Wild Wild West continues to resonate with fans of classic television.
4. Karen Black
Karen Black was a strikingly talented actress who made a name for herself in the ’70s with films like Easy Rider, Five Easy Pieces, and Nashville. Known for her unique presence, Black seemed poised to become a major star in Hollywood. However, despite her early success, Black’s career took a different turn in the ’80s. She became more selective with her roles and, over time, faded from the mainstream media.
Her decision to leave the industry behind wasn’t because of a lack of talent; rather, she seemed to prioritize personal projects and family life. In the decades that followed, she made occasional appearances in indie films and TV shows, but her star faded as the years went on. Still, Black remains a cult favorite, remembered for her captivating performances in the ’70s.
5. Lee Marvin
Lee Marvin was one of the most iconic actors of the ’70s, famous for his roles in films like Cat Ballou and The Dirty Dozen. With his rugged demeanor and commanding presence, Marvin was a favorite among fans of action and drama. But as the ’70s ended, Marvin gradually distanced himself from Hollywood.
Though he occasionally worked in the industry, Marvin chose to spend much of his later years away from the public eye. His absence from the big screen left many wondering what had happened to the larger-than-life actor. In truth, he simply preferred to live a quieter life, enjoying the fruits of his successful career without the need for constant fame.
6. Tatum O’Neal
Tatum O’Neal was one of the youngest actresses to win an Academy Award, taking home the Oscar for Paper Moon at just 10 years old. In the ’70s, she was a rising star in Hollywood, her talent already undeniable. However, after a series of personal struggles and public challenges, O’Neal took a step back from her acting career.
While she appeared in a few projects throughout the ’80s and beyond, O’Neal largely disappeared from Hollywood’s A-list. She focused on raising her children and dealing with her personal battles. Though she remains a beloved figure, her decision to step away from Hollywood left fans speculating about what might have been.
7. Richard Dreyfuss
Richard Dreyfuss skyrocketed to fame in the ’70s with iconic roles in Jaws and American Graffiti. His unique blend of charm and vulnerability made him a standout actor of the decade. However, after the ’70s, Dreyfuss began to retreat from the limelight.
His decision wasn’t due to a lack of opportunities but rather a desire to maintain a level of privacy and distance from Hollywood. While Dreyfuss occasionally appeared in films and TV projects, he became more selective with his work, often opting for roles that aligned with his personal values. Despite his retreat from the spotlight, Dreyfuss remains a respected figure in Hollywood.
8. Angie Dickinson
Angie Dickinson was a stunning leading lady of the ’70s, known for her roles in Police Woman and Ocean’s 11. She had a commanding presence on screen and became one of the era’s most memorable actresses. However, after a series of successful years, Dickinson chose to step away from acting in the ’80s.
Her absence was not due to scandal, but rather a personal decision to focus on her family and other pursuits. Dickinson made a few appearances in the ’90s, but she never fully returned to the Hollywood spotlight. Despite this, she is still fondly remembered for her iconic roles and timeless beauty.
9. Tab Hunter
Tab Hunter was a heartthrob of the ’50s and ’60s but continued to make appearances into the ’70s. His movie star status was undeniable, and his clean-cut image made him a favorite among fans. However, by the late ’70s, Hunter chose to distance himself from the spotlight, preferring a quieter life away from Hollywood.
Hunter’s decision to leave Hollywood came as he sought to live a more private life. Although he was still offered roles, he chose to focus on other creative pursuits, including music. In the years that followed, Hunter maintained a low profile, leaving fans to remember him for his earlier work.
10. Roddy McDowall
Roddy McDowall was a fixture of Hollywood in the ’60s and ’70s, starring in films like Planet of the Apes and The Poseidon Adventure. He was an incredibly versatile actor, capable of tackling both serious and comedic roles. But after the ’70s, McDowall began to focus more on behind-the-scenes work, including directing and producing.
Though he still acted occasionally, McDowall’s focus shifted away from the public eye. He preferred to work in the background and maintain a more private existence. Despite his quieter years, McDowall’s contributions to the industry remain significant.
11. Pam Grier
Pam Grier became a ’70s icon with her roles in Foxy Brown and Coffy, making her a standout star in the blaxploitation genre. Her fierce and empowering on-screen presence made her one of the decade’s most notable actresses. However, as the ’80s arrived, Grier took a step back from her prolific career.
Her disappearance from the limelight wasn’t due to any negative circumstances but was instead a result of her choice to explore other areas of life. Grier eventually made a comeback in the ’90s with roles in Jackie Brown and Mars Attacks!, but she remains a symbol of ’70s empowerment. Her decision to step away from Hollywood remains part of her mystique.
12. Burt Reynolds
Burt Reynolds was one of the biggest stars of the ’70s, thanks to films like Smokey and the Bandit and Deliverance. His rugged charm and playful demeanor made him a heartthrob and a box office draw. However, by the late ’70s and early ’80s, Reynolds began stepping back from Hollywood.
While his personal life, including high-profile relationships, kept him in the tabloids, his career took a quieter turn. Reynolds moved into producing and focusing on more low-key roles, distancing himself from the public eye. Despite his reduced visibility, Reynolds remains an icon of the ’70s, known for his contributions to both film and pop culture.
