The 1970s were a time of massive cultural shifts, and Hollywood saw its fair share of rising stars who defined the decade. Some actors, musicians, and TV personalities were household names, dominating the box office, airwaves, and magazine covers. But for one reason or another, these once-iconic celebrities faded from the spotlight, leaving only the most dedicated fans to remember their heyday. Let’s take a look at 12 celebrities who were huge in the ’70s but are strangely forgotten today.
1. Mac Davis
Mac Davis was everywhere in the ’70s—he was a country music superstar, a successful songwriter, and even had his own TV variety show. He penned hits for Elvis Presley, including In the Ghetto, and had his own chart-topping songs like Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me. He also dabbled in acting, starring in films like North Dallas Forty and even headlining his own sitcom. Despite his talent, Davis faded from mainstream recognition, though country music fans still hold his legacy in high regard.
2. Susan Anton
In the late ’70s, Susan Anton was considered one of the most glamorous women in Hollywood. She starred in films, appeared in TV commercials, and even had a brief music career, including a duet with country legend Fred Knoblock. She was a frequent guest on talk shows and variety specials, including The Merv Griffin Show and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. But as the ’80s arrived, her star power dimmed, and today, she’s mostly remembered by those who lived through her peak years.
3. Michael Sarrazin
Michael Sarrazin was a leading man in the late ’60s and ’70s, starring in critically acclaimed films like They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? and For Pete’s Sake. He had a unique screen presence, often playing charming yet troubled characters. While he continued working in Hollywood throughout the ’80s and beyond, he never recaptured the fame he had in the ’70s. Today, despite having starred alongside legends like Jane Fonda and Barbra Streisand, his name is rarely brought up in discussions of classic Hollywood actors.
4. Barbara Hershey
Barbara Hershey was one of the most respected actresses of the ’70s, starring in films like Boxcar Bertha and The Stunt Man. She was known for her offbeat performances and was even romantically linked to David Carradine, making her a staple of the Hollywood counterculture scene. While she continued acting into the ’90s, her name gradually faded from mainstream recognition. Despite her talent, she isn’t often mentioned alongside her more enduring contemporaries.
5. Jan-Michael Vincent
At one point, Jan-Michael Vincent was considered the next big action star, with roles in films like White Line Fever and Big Wednesday. He had rugged good looks and a charismatic presence, making him a favorite among both moviegoers and TV audiences. But after his hit show Airwolf ended in the ’80s, his career took a downward turn due to personal struggles and health issues. By the time of his passing in 2019, he had largely disappeared from public memory, despite once being one of Hollywood’s most promising leading men.
6. Bo Hopkins
Bo Hopkins was one of those actors who seemed to be in everything during the ’70s, from American Graffiti to The Wild Bunch and Midnight Express. He had a knack for playing tough guys, outlaws, and charming rogues, making him a familiar face even if you didn’t always remember his name. Though he kept acting for decades, he never quite broke through to permanent A-list status. Today, he’s mostly recognized by devoted fans of ’70s cinema rather than the general public.
7. Lola Falana
Lola Falana was the queen of Las Vegas in the ’70s, headlining major shows and becoming one of the highest-paid performers on the Strip. She was a multi-talented entertainer, singing, dancing, and acting in films and TV shows, making her one of the most glamorous stars of the decade. But after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the ’80s, she stepped away from show business. While she’s still fondly remembered by fans of vintage Vegas entertainment, she’s largely faded from mainstream recognition.
8. Andrew Stevens
Andrew Stevens was a heartthrob in the late ’70s, starring in movies like The Boys in Company C and The Fury. He frequently appeared on TV as well, with guest spots on hit shows like Dallas and The Love Boat. While he transitioned into producing later in his career, his time as a leading man was relatively short-lived. Today, he’s mostly remembered by those who followed ’70s cinema closely, rather than by modern audiences.
9. Connie Stevens
Connie Stevens was a major star in the ’60s and ’70s, with a successful singing career and countless TV appearances. She was a frequent guest on variety shows and talk shows, known for her bubbly personality and girl-next-door charm. Though she continued acting into the ’80s, her popularity gradually waned, and she faded from the public eye. These days, she’s mostly remembered for her early work and her connection to ’60s pop culture.
10. Tony Musante
Tony Musante was a respected character actor who starred in crime dramas and thrillers throughout the ’70s, including The Bird with the Crystal Plumage and The Pope of Greenwich Village. He was known for his intense performances and had a dedicated following among fans of gritty, realistic storytelling. But unlike some of his peers, he never quite became a household name, and his contributions to film history are often overlooked today.
11. Robert Hays
Robert Hays became an overnight sensation with his lead role in Airplane! (1980), but his career actually began in the late ’70s with roles in TV shows like Angie. While he continued acting throughout the ’80s and beyond, he never quite recaptured the magic of his early success. Despite starring in one of the most beloved comedies of all time, his name doesn’t often come up in conversations about enduring Hollywood stars.
12. Dack Rambo
Dack Rambo was a TV heartthrob in the ’70s, starring in soap operas and action series like Sword of Justice and Dallas. He had movie-star looks and plenty of talent, making him a favorite among daytime and primetime audiences alike. But after being diagnosed with HIV in the early ’90s, he retired from acting and largely disappeared from Hollywood. Today, he’s rarely mentioned, despite once being a major star in the television world.
These celebrities were once at the top of their game, but time, changing trends, and personal circumstances led them to slip from mainstream recognition. While some left the industry by choice and others faded due to shifting public interest, their contributions to ’70s pop culture shouldn’t be forgotten. Whether they were movie stars, TV icons, or chart-topping musicians, they each played a role in shaping the entertainment of their era—deserving to be remembered, even if their time in the spotlight was shorter than expected.
