1. Shaun Cassidy
Shaun Cassidy seemed destined for fame with his famous family connections, but he managed to carve out his own place in the spotlight. His boyish looks and catchy pop songs like “Da Doo Ron Ron” had teenagers swooning everywhere. On top of that, he starred in The Hardy Boys Mysteries, cementing his status as one of the hottest teen idols of the late ’70s. He had everything going for him—record sales, screaming fans, and magazine covers.
But like many teen sensations, Cassidy’s career cooled as quickly as it heated up. He turned his focus behind the camera, becoming a successful television writer and producer. He worked on shows such as American Gothic and Cold Case, staying in the industry but out of the limelight. While he may not have the same star power he once did, Cassidy found a lasting career in Hollywood on his own terms.
2. Bobby Sherman
Bobby Sherman was the quintessential clean-cut idol of the ’70s. With songs like “Julie, Do Ya Love Me” and appearances on shows like Here Come the Brides, he captured the hearts of countless young fans. He had the boy-next-door charm, the smile, and the musical talent to make girls faint at his concerts. He was everywhere, with fan clubs and merchandise keeping his name in circulation.
Eventually, Sherman stepped away from music and television to focus on something more meaningful to him. He became a paramedic and later a sheriff’s officer, dedicating his life to helping others. Fans who once adored his posters on their walls were surprised to see him take such a different path. Even though he disappeared from the entertainment industry, he left behind a legacy as one of the era’s most beloved teen idols.
3. Andy Gibb
Andy Gibb’s smooth voice and striking looks made him an instant heartthrob when he burst onto the scene. With hits like “I Just Want to Be Your Everything” and “Shadow Dancing,” he was a chart-topping success in the late ’70s. The youngest of the Gibb brothers, he had both the talent and the charisma to make it big on his own. For a few years, it seemed like nothing could stop his rise.
Unfortunately, Gibb’s personal struggles derailed his promising career. He battled addiction and financial troubles, which ultimately took a toll on both his health and his music. His untimely death in 1988 at just 30 years old shocked fans who had grown up with his songs. His time in the spotlight was short, but he remains one of the most memorable teen idols of the ’70s.
4. Donny Osmond
Donny Osmond was practically raised in front of cameras, becoming a household name alongside his siblings in The Osmonds. His sweet ballads like “Puppy Love” made him one of the most famous teen idols of the decade. With his wholesome image and endless talent, parents approved and teens adored him. He was everywhere, from concerts to television specials to lunch boxes.
After the frenzy of his teen idol days, Osmond went through a quieter period in his career. He reinvented himself, eventually making a big comeback in the ’80s and beyond. Stage productions, hit singles, and even a Las Vegas residency proved that he could adapt to changing times. While he faded from the airwaves as a “teen idol,” he never really disappeared from show business altogether.
5. Parker Stevenson
Parker Stevenson became a teen favorite through his role as Frank Hardy on The Hardy Boys Mysteries. His all-American looks and charm made him an instant crush for young viewers. With Shaun Cassidy as his co-star, the two were one of the hottest duos on television in the late ’70s. Stevenson’s face could be found on magazine covers right alongside the biggest teen stars of the era.
While he continued to act in television and film, Stevenson never reached the same dizzying level of fame he enjoyed during his Hardy Boys years. He worked steadily in Hollywood but often in supporting roles rather than leading ones. Fans who remembered him as their childhood crush were surprised to see his career fade into more modest success. Still, for a generation of viewers, he remains unforgettable as Frank Hardy.
6. Rick Springfield
Rick Springfield was another ’70s teen idol who had both looks and talent. His single “Speak to the Sky” gave him an early taste of pop success, and his appearances on television added to his fan appeal. His smoldering good looks and Australian accent didn’t hurt either, making him a regular in teen magazines. By the late ’70s, his image as a teen idol was firmly set.
But Springfield’s biggest fame didn’t come until the ’80s when he reinvented himself with “Jessie’s Girl.” Before that, many thought he had faded from the spotlight for good. He has had ups and downs with fame since then, including acting roles on General Hospital, but his career never fully disappeared. Still, his ’70s idol status was a crucial stepping stone to everything that came later.
7. David Cassidy
David Cassidy became a cultural phenomenon as Keith Partridge on The Partridge Family. With songs like “I Think I Love You,” he became the ultimate teen heartthrob of the early ’70s. His posters adorned countless bedroom walls, and his concerts often ended with frenzied fans in tears. Cassidy was one of the first true multimedia teen idols, balancing music, TV, and live performance.
Yet the overwhelming fame became difficult for him to manage. After The Partridge Family ended, Cassidy struggled to escape the shadow of his teen idol image. While he continued working in music and acting, he never reached the same heights again. In later years, he openly discussed the pressures and challenges of his early fame, leaving behind a bittersweet legacy.
8. Susan Dey
Susan Dey was another star who rose to fame through The Partridge Family. As Laurie Partridge, she was the girl-next-door beauty that many teens admired. She didn’t sing as much as David Cassidy, but her presence was a huge draw for the show’s young audience. She quickly became one of the most recognizable faces of the ’70s.
After the show ended, Dey stepped away from the “teen idol” world and reinvented herself as a serious actress. She later starred on L.A. Law, where she won critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award. Her success in a different kind of role showed she had real range, even if she disappeared from the teen magazine covers. By the ’90s, she had left Hollywood behind almost entirely, living a much more private life.
9. Willie Aames
Willie Aames gained fame as Tommy on Eight Is Enough and later on Charles in Charge. His curly hair and mischievous grin made him a favorite among teen viewers. He was everywhere during the late ’70s, appearing in magazines and enjoying plenty of fan mail. He even dabbled in music, hoping to capitalize on his teen idol status.
But as the years went on, Aames faced struggles both personally and professionally. His career stalled, and he dealt with issues including addiction and financial hardship. Later, he found new direction in faith-based work and eventually behind the camera. While his teen idol days were fleeting, he left a lasting impression on those who grew up watching him.
10. Kristy McNichol
Kristy McNichol was one of the few female teen idols of the ’70s who broke through in a big way. Her role on Family earned her two Emmy Awards and plenty of fan devotion. She was relatable, charming, and had a natural talent that set her apart from many of her peers. Young fans looked up to her, not just as a star but as someone they could identify with.
By the late ’80s, however, McNichol began retreating from Hollywood. Health struggles led her to retire from acting in the ’90s, surprising fans who had grown up with her work. Today, she lives a quiet life away from the cameras, occasionally making public appearances but largely enjoying her privacy. Even though she disappeared from the airwaves, her impact during her teen idol years is still remembered.
11. Robby Benson
Robby Benson became a heartthrob through roles in films like Ice Castles and Ode to Billy Joe. With his soulful eyes and sensitive roles, he won over teen audiences who were looking for something deeper than bubblegum pop. He was one of the actors who managed to balance teen idol fame with serious acting opportunities. His career looked promising, with offers coming from both film and television.
Yet by the ’80s, his career had slowed significantly. He turned to voice work, most famously as the Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Benson also became a director and teacher, carving out a very different kind of career. While he disappeared as a teen idol, he found meaningful ways to stay connected to the entertainment world.
12. Bay City Rollers
The Bay City Rollers were a Scottish band that became a global teen idol sensation in the ’70s. Known as the “tartan teen sensations,” they had a huge hit with “Saturday Night” and inspired Beatles-like levels of fan hysteria. With their matching plaid outfits and catchy tunes, they became the ultimate pin-up group. For a few years, it seemed like they were unstoppable.
But the frenzy didn’t last. Internal conflicts, management issues, and changing music tastes led to their quick decline. By the early ’80s, they were more of a nostalgic memory than a current act. While they may have disappeared from the charts, fans who loved them during their peak years never forgot their impact.
13. Erik Estrada
Erik Estrada became a teen idol thanks to his role as Officer Frank Poncherello on CHiPs. His good looks, charm, and easygoing style made him incredibly popular with young audiences. Posters of Estrada in his police uniform became a staple in bedrooms across America. He had the charisma to turn a procedural cop show into a pop-culture phenomenon.
After CHiPs, Estrada’s career never hit the same heights again. He continued acting, often in telenovelas and smaller roles, but the mainstream spotlight dimmed. He later found new success as a voice actor and even worked in law enforcement-related projects. While his teen idol years were short, they were powerful enough to leave a lasting mark.
14. Valerie Bertinelli
Valerie Bertinelli stole hearts as Barbara Cooper on One Day at a Time. She was relatable, funny, and the kind of girl viewers felt like they could be friends with. Her natural charisma made her a favorite among young audiences, especially teens who identified with her character’s struggles. She quickly became one of television’s most beloved young stars.
Although she continued acting, Bertinelli eventually shifted her focus toward cooking shows and lifestyle projects. She became a Food Network personality, sharing recipes and personal stories with fans in a whole new way. While she disappeared from the “teen idol” scene, she reinvented herself for a different audience. Her charm and openness ensured she stayed in the public eye, even if her fame took a different form.
15. Jimmy Baio
Jimmy Baio, cousin of Scott Baio, had his own moment in the spotlight in the late ’70s. He starred as Billy Tate on the soap-opera parody Soap, where his boyish looks and charm made him a fan favorite. For a while, it seemed like he might become as big as some of his famous family members. His presence on teen magazine covers suggested he was on his way to teen idol superstardom.
But his career didn’t take off the way many expected. By the ’80s, his acting opportunities had slowed considerably, and he eventually stepped away from the business altogether. Fans who remembered him as a teenage crush were often surprised by how quickly he disappeared. Still, for a short time, Jimmy Baio was one of the faces of the teen idol craze.
16. Susan Anton
Susan Anton made her mark as a model, singer, and actress in the late ’70s. She appeared in ads, on variety shows, and even launched a music career. Her beauty and charisma made her a teen idol for both young men and women who admired her style. She seemed poised for long-term stardom, with opportunities coming in both television and film.
But like many others, Anton’s time in the spotlight was brief. While she continued performing in smaller projects and live shows, she never became the household name many expected. Her teen idol days are often remembered more fondly than her later career. Even so, she captured the imagination of a generation during her short-lived fame.
