1. Shaun Cassidy
Shaun Cassidy was the ultimate teen idol in the late ’70s, thanks to his feathered hair, dreamy smile, and hit songs like “Da Doo Ron Ron.” He starred on The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, which only added to his heartthrob status. Posters of Cassidy covered bedroom walls everywhere, and his bubblegum pop sound fit right into the craze for wholesome, good-looking teen singers. For a few years, he was right up there with David Cassidy—his older brother.
But as the teen idol craze faded, Shaun stepped away from the spotlight. He focused instead on writing and producing, finding a second career behind the camera. Cassidy went on to produce shows like American Gothic and Cold Case, proving he had just as much talent off-stage as he did on it. He left the teen idol image behind and built a life in television, completely reinventing himself in Hollywood.
2. Bobby Sherman
Bobby Sherman was everywhere at the start of the ’70s, with his music, TV appearances, and magazine covers making him one of the biggest names of the era. He starred in Here Come the Brides and sang chart-topping songs like “Little Woman.” He had the perfect mix of boy-next-door charm and charisma that made teens swoon.
Surprisingly, Sherman turned his back on fame in the mid-’70s. He left entertainment almost completely and became a paramedic and later a police officer, dedicating himself to saving lives rather than performing. Fans were stunned, but he found his true calling outside of Hollywood. He popped back up for nostalgia tours here and there, but his main life’s work became public service, not show business.
3. Susan Dey
Susan Dey became a star at just 17 when she joined The Partridge Family as Laurie Partridge. Her straight hair, girl-next-door appeal, and quiet wit made her the crush of countless teenage boys. She didn’t even have acting experience when she was cast, but her natural charm made her an instant favorite.
After the series ended, Dey stepped away from the spotlight for a while, later returning in a much more serious role on L.A. Law. But after that, she quietly faded from Hollywood altogether. Unlike many of her co-stars, she didn’t cling to the nostalgia circuit, preferring a private life. Fans still remember her fondly as the sensible sister who kept the Partridge kids grounded.
4. Leif Garrett
Leif Garrett had that wild blond hair and rebellious streak that made him the bad boy heartthrob of the late ’70s. With hits like “I Was Made for Dancin’” and appearances on countless teen magazine covers, Garrett was one of the biggest stars of the era. He also popped up on shows like CHiPs and Family, keeping him constantly in the public eye.
But fame came at a cost, and by the early ’80s, Garrett’s personal struggles started overshadowing his career. He largely stepped away from performing, appearing occasionally on reality TV or the nostalgia circuit. Though he never fully disappeared, he didn’t continue at the same level of fame. Fans still remember the electrifying young star who once ruled the teen idol world.
5. Kristy McNichol
Kristy McNichol stole hearts as Buddy Lawrence on Family, a role that made her one of the most beloved young actresses of the ’70s. She also starred in teen-friendly films like Little Darlings, cementing her reputation as relatable, likable, and cool. She was a rare teen star who appealed to both kids and parents.
But in 1992, McNichol surprised everyone when she retired from acting at just 30. She cited health reasons and a desire for a quieter life out of the spotlight. Since then, she’s lived privately, occasionally appearing at events but mostly staying far from Hollywood. Fans continue to admire her for knowing when to walk away on her own terms.
6. Robby Benson
Robby Benson had a sensitive charm that made him a teen idol in the ’70s, thanks to films like Ice Castles and Ode to Billy Joe. With his soulful eyes and soft voice, he became a favorite among teens who wanted something different from the wilder idols of the era. His roles often portrayed him as the thoughtful, emotional young man.
Benson later became the voice of the Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, but after that, he pulled back from acting. He focused on directing television and teaching film at universities. Though he didn’t completely disappear from entertainment, he stepped away from the teen idol spotlight and reinvented himself quietly behind the scenes.
7. Parker Stevenson
Parker Stevenson made his name as Frank Hardy on The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, where he and Shaun Cassidy became the dream team of teenage heartthrobs. His clean-cut looks and charming personality made him a favorite for young fans of the time. The show made him an overnight star.
When the series ended, Stevenson continued acting but never quite reached the same idol level again. He eventually left Hollywood behind for a career in photography, following a passion that had always been with him. Today, he’s remembered warmly for his Hardy Boys role, but he’s happier behind the camera than in front of it.
8. Willie Aames
Willie Aames was the mischievous teen star of shows like Eight Is Enough and later Charles in Charge. His boyish grin and playful energy made him a favorite among younger viewers, and he quickly became a recognizable face of the ’70s teen scene. He even pursued music for a time.
By the mid-’80s, though, Aames had faded from the teen idol spotlight. He later reinvented himself as a Christian video producer and even worked as a cruise director at one point. His career path was one of the most unexpected, but he found ways to stay creative without the fame. Fans still remember his early roles with affection.
9. Jan Smithers
Jan Smithers had one of the most iconic teen idol introductions ever—her photo on the cover of Newsweek as a teenager led to her role as Bailey Quarters on WKRP in Cincinnati. She wasn’t just the shy girl next door, she embodied it. Her grounded personality made her a quiet fan favorite.
But after a few years on WKRP, Smithers stepped away from Hollywood altogether. She decided she wanted a more private life, raising a family and focusing on personal passions. Unlike some of her co-stars, she never looked back on her TV fame. Fans still admire her for walking away while she was still on top.
10. Jimmy Baio
Jimmy Baio, the cousin of Scott Baio, had his own turn in the spotlight in the late ’70s as Billy Tate on Soap. His youthful charm and comedic timing made him a breakout presence, and teen magazines quickly latched onto him as the next big thing. For a few years, he seemed destined for lasting fame.
But after Soap ended, Baio’s career never quite hit the same heights. He appeared in a few projects but eventually stepped away from acting entirely. Unlike his cousin, he chose to live a life away from the cameras. Fans who remember him from his Soap days still recall how much promise he showed.
11. Quinn Cummings
Quinn Cummings was just a child when she became a star in The Goodbye Girl and later as Annie Cooper on Family. With her quick wit and precocious personality, she became a beloved figure on television. She was charming and relatable, and fans adored her.
Yet, Cummings left Hollywood by the time she was in her twenties. She moved on to writing and entrepreneurship, publishing books and creating her own business ventures. While she could have ridden the nostalgia wave, she chose instead to build a completely new career. Fans still fondly remember the bright young star she once was.
12. Andy Gibb
Andy Gibb’s smooth voice and good looks made him one of the hottest teen idols of the late ’70s. As the younger brother of the Bee Gees, he had instant connections to stardom, but his solo hits like “I Just Want to Be Your Everything” made him a star in his own right. He was young, charismatic, and adored by millions.
Sadly, his career was cut short due to personal struggles and health issues. Though he tried to make comebacks, Gibb never fully returned to the level of fame he enjoyed at his peak. His tragic early death in 1988 left fans heartbroken, remembering him as the sweet and talented teen idol who left far too soon.
13. Lance Kerwin
Lance Kerwin was the sensitive face of teen television in the ’70s, starring in shows like James at 15 and movies such as Salem’s Lot. He was known for taking on serious roles that captured the confusion and challenges of adolescence. His honest portrayals resonated deeply with young audiences.
But after a few years of steady work, Kerwin stepped away from acting. He later worked in ministry and lived a quieter life, only occasionally appearing in small projects. Fans who grew up watching him on James at 15 never forgot his talent, even though he walked away from Hollywood.
14. Susan Blakely
Susan Blakely became a sensation with her role in Rich Man, Poor Man, one of the first great TV miniseries. Her beauty and talent made her a fan favorite, and she quickly became a household name. She was glamorous and gifted, capturing the attention of audiences everywhere.
But by the early ’80s, Blakely pulled back from the spotlight. She focused more on personal life and occasionally took on smaller projects, but she never pursued stardom with the same intensity. Fans remember her as one of the bright stars of the ’70s who chose to step away rather than chase more fame.
15. Tatum O’Neal
Tatum O’Neal made history as the youngest person ever to win an Oscar, earning it at just 10 years old for Paper Moon. She instantly became a teen idol as she grew, starring in films like The Bad News Bears. Her talent and toughness made her stand out among her peers, and fans adored her.
But after early success, O’Neal struggled to find her footing as an adult star. She eventually walked away from the industry for long stretches, focusing on her family and personal life. Though she has made occasional returns, she never returned to the teen idol heights she once held. Fans still treasure her early roles and groundbreaking Oscar win.
