Hollywood has always had a knack for discovering young talent, but not every child star sticks around for the long haul. Some of the biggest names of the 1970s chose to step away from the spotlight and carve out lives far removed from the entertainment industry. Whether they pursued different careers, sought privacy, or simply outgrew the business, these former child stars left behind a legacy of nostalgia for those who grew up watching them. Let’s take a look at 15 child actors from the ’70s who decided Hollywood wasn’t their forever home.
1. Lance Kerwin
Lance Kerwin was a familiar face in the 1970s, starring in the TV series James at 15 and the cult classic miniseries Salem’s Lot. With his boy-next-door charm and serious acting chops, he seemed destined for a long career in Hollywood. But as he grew older, roles became harder to find, and he eventually stepped away from acting. Later in life, he focused on his faith and worked in ministry, choosing a quieter path far from the cameras.
2. Mason Reese
Mason Reese was a staple of 1970s commercials, with his distinctive voice and lovable personality making him a favorite on TV. He became a regular on talk shows like The Mike Douglas Show, where his quick wit won over audiences. But instead of staying in Hollywood, he transitioned into the restaurant business, successfully opening and running multiple establishments. He embraced a more low-key life while still occasionally appearing in small media projects.
3. Erin Murphy
As little Tabitha Stephens on Bewitched, Erin Murphy spent much of her childhood casting adorable spells alongside Elizabeth Montgomery. When the series ended, she continued to work in the industry for a short time but eventually left acting behind. She later explored a variety of careers, including working as a makeup artist, stunt double, and entrepreneur. Though she still embraces her classic TV roots, she found fulfillment beyond Hollywood.
4. Johnny Whitaker
Johnny Whitaker melted hearts as Jody in Family Affair and later starred in Tom Sawyer and Sigmund and the Sea Monsters. But after struggling with personal difficulties in adulthood, he decided to leave the industry behind. He found new purpose as a drug and alcohol counselor, dedicating his life to helping others. Though he made a few brief returns to acting, his main focus has remained on his work outside of Hollywood.
5. Melissa Sue Anderson
Melissa Sue Anderson was beloved as Mary Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie, delivering some of the most emotional moments of the series. While she continued acting into adulthood, she eventually left the industry behind and moved to Canada for a quieter life. Choosing family and privacy over the spotlight, she largely disappeared from Hollywood circles. Though she made an impact on television history, she found happiness away from the cameras.
6. Josh Albee
Josh Albee was a promising young actor in the 1970s, appearing in films like Cry for Me, Billy and TV series such as The Waltons. Despite a steady stream of roles, he eventually decided that acting wasn’t the right fit for him. Instead, he pursued a private life away from Hollywood’s fast pace. Though not as widely remembered today, his early performances remain a nostalgic touchstone for those who watched him as kids.
7. Tatum O’Neal
Tatum O’Neal became the youngest Oscar winner in history for her role in Paper Moon, starring alongside her father, Ryan O’Neal. While she continued acting for years, the pressures of Hollywood and personal struggles led her to step back from the industry. Though she has made occasional returns, she has focused more on writing and personal endeavors. Her legacy as a child star remains one of the most iconic of the ’70s.
8. Ricky Segall
Ricky Segall was the adorable little singer added to The Partridge Family in its final season. Though his musical numbers were meant to add charm, they weren’t enough to save the show from cancellation. After a handful of guest spots on other TV series, he left Hollywood behind as he got older. He later pursued a career in theater and music but avoided the mainstream entertainment industry.
9. Michael Gray
Michael Gray was best known as Billy Batson in Shazam!, a Saturday morning superhero favorite of the ’70s. Despite the show’s popularity, he struggled to find steady work in Hollywood after it ended. Eventually, he moved on to a more private life, working outside of show business. Though he occasionally embraces his cult TV past, he left the industry behind for more stability.
10. Pamelyn Ferdin
Pamelyn Ferdin was one of the most recognizable child stars of the late ’60s and ’70s, appearing in The Odd Couple, The Paul Lynde Show, and countless commercials. But after growing up in front of the cameras, she chose a completely different path. She became an outspoken animal rights activist, dedicating her life to advocacy rather than acting. Her Hollywood days may be long gone, but her passion for her cause keeps her in the spotlight in a different way.
11. Lee Aaker
Lee Aaker was a child star from an earlier era, best known as Rusty on The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin. Though he continued to work into the early ’70s, he eventually left Hollywood behind. He spent much of his later life working with underprivileged children and veterans, focusing on service rather than fame. His time in Hollywood was only one chapter in a much larger life story.
12. Eric Shea
Eric Shea was a familiar face in the ’70s, appearing in films like The Poseidon Adventure and episodes of Gunsmoke and Little House on the Prairie. But rather than continuing in Hollywood as an adult, he chose to leave acting behind. He focused on a more traditional career path, moving away from the entertainment world. Though his on-screen moments are frozen in time, he found happiness outside of the industry.
13. Kim Richards
Kim Richards was everywhere in the 1970s, starring in Disney hits like Escape to Witch Mountain and TV shows like Nanny and the Professor. Though she continued acting into adulthood, she eventually shifted her focus away from the big screen. Later in life, she made a brief return to the public eye on reality TV, but acting was no longer her main career. Instead, she focused on family and personal growth.
14. Rodney Allen Rippy
Rodney Allen Rippy became a household name in the ’70s thanks to his famous fast-food commercials and appearances on talk shows. While he dabbled in acting, he eventually pursued other careers, including marketing and public relations. He also ventured into local politics, embracing a life far removed from Hollywood’s glitz. Though no longer a child star, his commercial catchphrases still bring smiles to those who remember them.
Hollywood can be a tough place for child stars, and not everyone chooses to stick around for the long run. Whether they sought privacy, pursued other passions, or simply outgrew the industry, these former young actors left an impression that still lingers. Their performances live on in reruns and classic films, sparking memories of simpler times for those who grew up watching them. Though they walked away from fame, they’ll always have a place in pop culture history.
15. Robby Benson
Robby Benson became a household name in the ’70s thanks to his role as the sensitive and brooding teenager in Ode to Billy Joe (1976), which led to a string of TV and movie roles. However, after reaching a level of fame, Benson slowly transitioned away from acting, focusing instead on directing and voice acting. He made a notable return to the spotlight as the voice of the Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (1991), but since then, his career has largely been behind the scenes.
Benson’s decision to leave acting behind in favor of directing was a personal one. He realized that the hectic lifestyle of being in front of the camera wasn’t sustainable for him long-term, especially as he started a family. Despite leaving Hollywood, he managed to maintain a successful career in the entertainment industry through directing, producing, and lending his voice to animated films.
16. Kristy McNichol
Kristy McNichol was one of the biggest child stars of the ’70s, best known for her role as Buddy Lawrence on the hit show Family (1976-1980). With her undeniable talent, McNichol quickly became a favorite on TV, winning two Emmys for her portrayal of the tough, yet vulnerable character. Despite the accolades, she made the surprising decision to leave acting in the early ’90s after a successful career.
McNichol cited her struggles with mental health as a major factor in stepping away from the spotlight. After taking a break to focus on her personal well-being, she returned to the public eye years later, but only in a limited capacity. Today, McNichol leads a quieter life and is focused on her personal growth, which she credits for allowing her to live authentically outside the public gaze.
17. Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster is perhaps one of the most well-known stars from the ’70s who successfully transitioned into adulthood. Starting her career at the tender age of six, she became famous for her role in Taxi Driver (1976) alongside Robert De Niro. While her career was consistently successful throughout the years, Foster eventually made a decision to move behind the camera.
Although Foster’s acting career never truly stopped, her desire to direct grew over time. After achieving critical success as a director with films like Little Man Tate (1991) and The Beaver (2011), she focused more on filmmaking, rarely appearing in front of the camera. This shift allowed her to continue influencing the industry in her own unique way, without the constraints of public attention.
18. Leif Garrett
Leif Garrett was one of the biggest teen idols of the ’70s, known for his heartthrob looks and his pop music career. He appeared on TV shows like The Odd Couple and starred in films such as Rollercoaster (1977), quickly becoming a household name. Despite his popularity, Garrett’s personal struggles with drugs and alcohol led him to step away from acting and music in the ’80s.
Garrett’s decision to leave Hollywood was a mix of wanting to escape the pressures of fame and his ongoing battles with addiction. While he tried to make a comeback in the ’90s, it wasn’t long before he retreated from the public eye again. Garrett now focuses on his personal life and recovery, embracing a quieter existence that doesn’t revolve around the limelight.
19. Maureen McCormick
Maureen McCormick, best known for her role as Marcia Brady on The Brady Bunch (1969-1974), was one of the most famous child stars of the ’70s. After the show ended, McCormick found herself caught up in the Hollywood lifestyle, struggling with personal issues such as substance abuse. Her struggles made her reconsider her career and public life, leading to her decision to step away from acting.
Over the years, McCormick has made occasional returns to the screen, but her focus has shifted to her family and mental health. Her candid memoir, Here’s the Story, detailed her struggles with fame and addiction, and she now uses her platform to speak about recovery. While she remains a beloved TV icon, McCormick’s life today is far removed from the Hollywood spotlight, focused on living authentically and helping others.
