1. Michael Ansara
Michael Ansara might not be a household name today, but in the ’60s, he was a rising star with the kind of talent that could’ve easily made him a Hollywood legend. Known for his role as the villain in Broken Arrow, he played a Native American character at a time when such roles were rare and powerful. His deep voice and commanding presence made him a sought-after actor in television and film, with appearances in shows like I Dream of Jeannie and The Outer Limits. Despite his early success, Ansara never quite achieved the superstardom he was destined for.
Behind the scenes, Ansara’s career was marked by struggles with typecasting, as his strong physical appearance often relegated him to tough-guy roles. His talents, however, reached far beyond just being the “tough guy” in every story. As time passed, he found a level of respect within the industry, but Hollywood never fully capitalized on his full range of abilities. If things had played out differently, Ansara could have easily become one of the greats of his time.
2. Sandra Dee
Sandra Dee was the picture-perfect blonde bombshell of the early ’60s, and she seemed poised for a long career at the top. Famous for her roles in Gidget and A Summer Place, Dee embodied the wholesome, girl-next-door image that captivated audiences. At the height of her popularity, she was married to teen heartthrob Bobby Darin, and together they were the golden couple of the era. But despite her early success, Dee never managed to transition into the more mature roles that would have solidified her place as a Hollywood legend.
Dee’s career faltered when the public’s interest began to shift toward more complex and dramatic roles. She spent much of the ’70s in relative obscurity, with only occasional forays into acting. Looking back, many wonder if Dee could have achieved the same level of long-lasting fame as contemporaries like Doris Day or Elizabeth Taylor if she’d been given the right opportunities at the right time.
3. Sal Mineo
Sal Mineo was a talented actor who seemed destined for stardom after his standout role in Rebel Without a Cause alongside James Dean. His portrayal of John “Plato” Crawford struck a chord with audiences, making him a symbol of youthful angst and alienation. However, despite being nominated for an Academy Award for Exodus in 1961, Mineo’s career never fully took off as expected. Hollywood’s reluctance to cast him in leading roles, compounded by his untimely death in 1976, meant that his potential was never fully realized.
Mineo’s talent extended beyond acting—he was also a skilled singer and songwriter—but it was his ability to portray complex, troubled characters that set him apart. Sadly, by the time Hollywood began to appreciate his full range, he was already a tragic figure. In another era, Mineo could have easily been one of the biggest stars of his generation.
4. Tab Hunter
Tab Hunter was a teenage heartthrob in the ’50s and early ’60s, with a stunning good looks that earned him a string of romantic roles. His popularity reached its peak with films like Damn Yankees and Battle Cry, where he captured the hearts of young girls everywhere. Despite being frequently compared to other heartthrobs like James Dean, Hunter never managed to break free from his pretty-boy image.
Behind the scenes, Hunter struggled with his identity in an industry that didn’t tolerate personal differences. His career faltered as Hollywood’s focus shifted, and Hunter’s attempts at reinventing himself were often met with failure. It wasn’t until much later in life, when he embraced his true identity, that Hunter gained a renewed sense of respect. Had his career taken a different direction, he could have very well achieved the legendary status that seemed so close in his youth.
5. Tuesday Weld
Tuesday Weld’s beauty and enigmatic presence made her one of the most intriguing actresses of the 1960s. With films like Pretty Poison and The Cincinnati Kid, she showcased her range, playing everything from the naïve girl-next-door to the sultry femme fatale. She was seen as the “next big thing,” but despite her promise, Weld’s career never fully blossomed in the way many had predicted. Instead of becoming a Hollywood legend, she spent much of her time in a series of roles that didn’t showcase her full potential.
Much of Weld’s career was derailed by personal struggles, including her tumultuous relationships and battles with Hollywood’s pressures. Despite her beauty and raw talent, she didn’t quite fit into the conventional mold that other actresses of her time did. Looking back, it’s clear that she had the potential to be a major star, but the industry just wasn’t ready for her to break out in the way she deserved.
6. Robert Fuller
Robert Fuller is best remembered for his role as Jess Harper on the hit TV series Laramie in the early ’60s. His rugged charm and natural charisma made him a beloved figure in the Western genre. Fuller had all the makings of a Hollywood legend—he was handsome, talented, and had a knack for leading roles. However, his career remained largely confined to TV, and despite his success, he was never able to cross over into major film stardom.
Fuller found steady work in Westerns and other television shows but never got the opportunities to expand his range in the way that other stars of the era did. His consistent work on TV earned him respect within the industry, but he never managed to break through to leading man status in Hollywood films. If circumstances had been different, Fuller might have become a more iconic figure, enjoying a legacy that stretched beyond television.
7. Barbara Eden
Barbara Eden’s role as Jeannie in I Dream of Jeannie made her a pop culture icon, but she never quite reached the legendary status of some of her contemporaries. While I Dream of Jeannie was immensely popular, Eden’s career never truly shifted toward the serious film roles that could have cemented her legacy. She had the charm, the talent, and the beauty to become a Hollywood legend, but for reasons that remain unclear, she was largely relegated to television and smaller roles.
Eden’s career suffered from typecasting, as her portrayal of a cute, magical genie in I Dream of Jeannie was so iconic that she struggled to break free from it. However, she maintained a long and successful career in television, even making appearances in the ’80s and beyond. In a different era, she might have been given the chance to break out of her typecast and achieve the same kind of legendary status as actresses like Lucille Ball or Mary Tyler Moore.
