1. Linda Blair as Regan MacNeil in The Exorcist
Linda Blair gave an unforgettable performance as the possessed girl in The Exorcist, a film that left a generation both thrilled and terrified. Her portrayal was so powerful and unique that many of us can’t think of Blair without conjuring images of her in that infamous bed, uttering lines that had us looking over our shoulders at night. Blair had a long career, but Regan MacNeil is forever burned in our memories.
2. Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars
Mark Hamill became Luke Skywalker in the first Star Wars film in 1977, and the galaxy hasn’t looked back since. Though Hamill continued to work in the industry, especially as a prolific voice actor, Luke was the role that defined him. For fans, he was always the farm boy turned Jedi, wielding a lightsaber and fighting the Empire, a character that made an indelible mark on pop culture.
3. Carrie Henn as Newt in Aliens
Carrie Henn played Newt in Aliens, the little girl who survived in the eerie, alien-infested space station. Her haunting, innocent portrayal left an impact, but Henn decided not to pursue an acting career afterward. To this day, she’s known only as Newt, the brave child who shared a special bond with Ellen Ripley. Henn returned to a more normal life after the role, but for sci-fi fans, she’ll always be Newt.
4. Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates in Psycho
Though technically a ‘60s film, Psycho and its sequels kept Anthony Perkins’ portrayal of Norman Bates alive and terrifying throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s. Perkins became so identified with the character that audiences struggled to see him as anyone else, despite his incredible range. That chilling “mother” personality and the nervous smile have kept audiences captivated, and he remains iconic in horror lore.
5. Henry Winkler as Fonzie in Happy Days
Henry Winkler’s Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli was so cool he became a pop culture phenomenon, with his leather jacket, “Ayy” catchphrase, and effortless charm. Winkler had a long and successful career, but no role has stuck with fans quite like the Fonz. He was the ultimate cool guy, the one everyone wanted to be or hang out with. To this day, Winkler is still asked to give that famous thumbs-up!
6. Erin Moran as Joanie Cunningham in Happy Days
Erin Moran’s portrayal of Joanie Cunningham in Happy Days was so heartfelt that she became known as “America’s little sister.” Joanie was lovable, full of life, and funny, giving the show a down-to-earth vibe. Moran was great in her other roles, but for those of us who grew up in the ‘70s, she’ll always be Richie’s little sister Joanie, even when she moved on to Joanie Loves Chachi.
7. Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid
Ralph Macchio became a household name as Daniel LaRusso, the underdog who “waxed on, waxed off” his way to victory. Despite other roles, he’s always remembered as the kid from Reseda who took on the Cobra Kai and showed us that sometimes, the nicest guy wins. Even decades later, thanks to Cobra Kai, he’s still recognized as Daniel-san, cementing this character in pop culture for another generation.
8. Linda Gray as Sue Ellen Ewing in Dallas
Linda Gray defined the glamorous yet tragic Sue Ellen Ewing, JR’s long-suffering wife on Dallas. Though Gray had other roles, none matched the drama and flair of Sue Ellen. Her complicated, often turbulent character made us tune in week after week to see what she’d do next. Sue Ellen was more than just a role; she was a soap opera icon in an era that loved its primetime drama.
9. Gary Coleman as Arnold Jackson in Diff’rent Strokes
Gary Coleman captured America’s hearts as Arnold Jackson, the cheeky little brother with his iconic line, “What’chu talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” Coleman had trouble shaking the role, despite attempts to branch out. Arnold’s big personality and comedic timing made him unforgettable, and while his life had ups and downs, he’ll always be the little guy who stole the show.
10. Anthony Edwards as Gilbert Lowell in Revenge of the Nerds
Before his long-running role on ER, Anthony Edwards became the nerdy, lovable Gilbert in Revenge of the Nerds, an iconic ‘80s comedy that made underdogs cool. Despite a robust career, fans of the time still remember him as the sweet, brainy guy who led the Lambda Lambda Lambda fraternity. Gilbert made nerd culture mainstream before “geek chic” was a thing.
11. Richard Kiel as Jaws in James Bond Movies
Richard Kiel played Jaws, the towering henchman with the metal teeth in The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker. His role was unforgettable, mainly because of his massive stature and the glint of humor he brought to an otherwise menacing character. Kiel was a gentle giant in real life, but Jaws became so iconic that he struggled to shake the image of the metal-toothed villain.
12. Linda Kozlowski as Sue Charlton in Crocodile Dundee
Linda Kozlowski’s role as Sue Charlton, the New York reporter who follows the rough-and-tumble Mick Dundee back to Australia, was unforgettable. Kozlowski nailed the blend of city girl and adventurer, making her the perfect match for Dundee. Though she starred in other roles, she’ll forever be known as the woman who taught the world what a “real” knife looked like.
13. Heather O’Rourke as Carol Anne in Poltergeist
Heather O’Rourke became a chilling part of horror movie history as Carol Anne, the little girl who gets pulled into the television screen in Poltergeist. Her innocent, wide-eyed “They’re here…” still gives horror fans the chills. Though O’Rourke tragically passed young, she’ll always be remembered for her haunting role in a film that made all of us a little wary of our TV screens.
14. Jimmie Walker as J.J. Evans in Good Times
Jimmie Walker’s role as J.J. Evans made him a breakout star with his signature catchphrase, “Dy-no-mite!” As the wisecracking older brother, Walker brought joy and humor to Good Times, and his performance made him one of the most quoted TV characters of the time. While Walker continued acting, his comedic timing and catchphrase made him forever J.J. in fans’ minds.
15. Lisa Whelchel as Blair Warner in The Facts of Life
As Blair Warner, the rich, somewhat snobby teen on The Facts of Life, Lisa Whelchel became the epitome of an ‘80s “it girl.” Whelchel’s portrayal of Blair was spot-on, embodying the charm, insecurities, and lovable arrogance of a character we couldn’t help but root for. Though she later left acting, her role as Blair remains a favorite for those who tuned in weekly to watch.
16. Max Baer Jr. as Jethro Bodine in The Beverly Hillbillies
Max Baer Jr.’s portrayal of Jethro Bodine, the bumbling, muscle-bound nephew in The Beverly Hillbillies, was so iconic that he found it challenging to get cast as anything else. Jethro was the ultimate “big lug” with dreams of becoming everything from a brain surgeon to a spy, despite his limited talent. Baer’s career shifted as he tried to move away from Jethro, but for fans, he’ll always be the lovable goofball with oversized ambition.
17. Maureen McCormick as Marcia Brady in The Brady Bunch
Maureen McCormick embodied the quintessential popular girl as Marcia Brady, the role that defined her career. “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!” became a cultural phrase and solidified McCormick’s place as the ‘70s sweetheart. Though she tried her hand at other roles, Marcia is the character everyone remembers, from her perfect hair to her endearing family dramas.
The ‘70s and ‘80s gave us actors who created iconic roles that have stayed with us through the years. These one-role legends were a huge part of our pop culture landscape, each giving us characters we loved, laughed with, or rooted for. While some actors may have moved on from their characters, they’ll always have a place in our hearts as the unforgettable faces of our favorite shows and films.
