1. Leif Garrett
Leif Garrett was a teen idol who graced the covers of magazines and had millions of screaming fans following his every move. With his platinum blonde hair and dreamy smile, he became a teen heartthrob in the mid-’70s. His music career took off with hits like “I Was Made for Dancin’,” and he had a slew of TV appearances under his belt. But despite his fame, Garrett’s life took a different turn after the ’70s. His career, both in music and acting, seemed to lose steam in the ’80s, and he started battling personal struggles.
By the ’90s, Garrett had all but disappeared from the public eye, making only rare appearances on reality TV shows and interviews. His sudden absence left fans wondering what happened to the golden boy of the ’70s. While he still occasionally pops up for interviews, his once-bright career never quite regained its former shine, leaving his legacy mostly in the past.
2. Kristy McNichol
Kristy McNichol was the girl-next-door teen idol everyone loved in the ’70s. Known for her roles in Family and the movie The Pirate Movie, she was a major part of ’70s pop culture. Fans loved her wholesome image and easygoing nature. McNichol’s star shone brightly during her time, earning her multiple awards and widespread recognition. Yet, after a successful start in the ’70s, she chose to step back from acting.
In the ’80s, McNichol began to quietly disappear from the spotlight. She struggled with personal issues, including mental health challenges, and eventually left the industry entirely in the early ’90s. Fans were left wondering why such a bright star had walked away, especially since she had so much potential. Today, McNichol lives a much quieter life, far removed from the fame she once had.
3. Scott Baio
Scott Baio’s rise to fame in the ’70s was meteoric, thanks to his role as Chachi Arcola on Happy Days and later as the star of Charles in Charge. His clean-cut image and charm made him a teen idol for a generation of young fans. Baio became a household name and was featured in countless magazines and teenybopper fan clubs. His popularity seemed to last well into the ’80s, and it looked like he was set for long-term success.
However, by the ’90s, Baio’s career started to stall. His acting career fizzled out, and he shifted to behind-the-scenes work, even making some controversial headlines. Despite a brief revival of sorts with reality TV shows in the 2000s, Baio’s earlier stardom never quite returned to the heights of his teen idol days. His transition into a more private, less glamorous lifestyle was marked by less public fanfare, leaving many to wonder what might have been.
4. Susan Dey
Susan Dey was an integral part of the beloved The Partridge Family, where she played Laurie Partridge. With her soft voice and sweet demeanor, she became one of the ’70s most adored teen idols. Fans adored her both as a character on TV and as a rising starlet. After the show ended, she appeared in several TV dramas, cementing her status as a versatile actress. Dey seemed on the verge of even bigger success.
But as quickly as she rose to fame, Dey quietly disappeared from the limelight. By the early ’80s, she had reduced her public appearances, and fans were no longer seeing her on television. Dey transitioned into more serious roles in film but chose to live a much more private life away from the camera. Though she made a few notable appearances in the following decades, she never reclaimed her teen idol status, leaving a once-promising career largely unexplored.
5. Barry Williams
As Greg Brady on The Brady Bunch, Barry Williams captured the hearts of millions of fans. His portrayal of the oldest Brady son made him a staple in ’70s pop culture, earning him a massive fan following. Williams became one of the most recognizable faces of the decade, even after The Brady Bunch ended in 1974. His charm and popularity had him appearing on several shows and in music videos, and he seemed like a star destined for more.
But after the ’70s, Williams’ career hit a brick wall. The transition from child star to adult actor proved difficult, and his roles were few and far between. While he maintained some recognition in the ’80s with The Brady Bunch reunions, he largely faded from the public eye. Williams’ attempts to branch out into music and more mature roles never quite matched the level of fame he had as a teenager, leaving fans questioning where he went after his initial success.
6. Maureen McCormick
Maureen McCormick’s portrayal of Marcia Brady on The Brady Bunch made her one of the ’70s most famous teen idols. With her blonde hair, blue eyes, and iconic catchphrase “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!” McCormick became the quintessential ’70s teen star. Her popularity soared, and she seemed poised to be a major star in the years that followed. After The Brady Bunch ended, McCormick tried to make a name for herself in music and film.
Despite her efforts, McCormick struggled to maintain her fame. She faced personal challenges, including battles with addiction, which led to a hiatus from Hollywood. While she had some small parts in TV shows and movies, McCormick’s career never reached the peak it once had. Her return to the public eye in the 2000s with The Brady Bunch reunions was a welcomed moment, but the teen idol she once was never truly reappeared.
