1. Tab Hunter
Tab Hunter was one of the heartthrobs of the 1950s and ’60s, thanks to his striking good looks and charming personality. With a career that spanned both TV and film, he appeared in numerous movies like Damn Yankees (1958) and Battle Cry (1955), where he was the epitome of the All-American boy. His popularity soared in an era that thrived on teen idols, making him a household name. Yet despite his success, he gradually faded from the spotlight as the ’70s rolled in, and newer stars took over the scene.
In his later years, Hunter’s life took a turn into the realm of activism, and he was openly gay at a time when the entertainment industry was not always so accepting. He never completely disappeared from the public eye, but the wave of stars that came after him overshadowed his earlier contributions. Today, his name doesn’t ring as loudly as it once did, but his legacy remains part of Hollywood’s history as one of the era’s most beloved stars.
2. Glenn Ford
Glenn Ford was a versatile actor known for his roles in everything from Westerns to comedies, with a career that spanned four decades. His breakthrough came in the late ’40s, but by the ’60s, he had firmly cemented his place as one of Hollywood’s leading men. Ford starred in a series of iconic films like The Big Heat (1953) and Midnight Lace (1960), captivating audiences with his charisma and knack for complex characters. Despite this, he’s often overlooked today, especially when compared to other stars from the same era.
In the 1960s, Ford’s career began to wind down, and as the years went by, younger actors like Clint Eastwood and Robert Redford gained more attention. Ford’s more serious, thoughtful roles also didn’t quite have the same box-office appeal in later years, leading to a quieter life away from the public’s gaze. He remains a respected figure in the annals of classic cinema, but his name doesn’t carry the same weight it once did.
3. Jean Seberg
Jean Seberg was an actress who captured the public’s attention with her role in Breathless (1960), one of the key films of the French New Wave. With her strikingly short blonde hair and ethereal presence, she quickly became a symbol of youthful rebellion. Her career in Hollywood took off with roles in films like The Mouse That Roared (1959) and Paint Your Wagon (1969), but her personal life often overshadowed her professional one. Seberg’s relationships and her involvement in political activism, particularly with the Black Panther Party, led to controversy, which negatively impacted her career.
Sadly, Seberg’s tragic end—she passed away at 40 under mysterious circumstances—left a void in the Hollywood landscape. While her impact was monumental in shaping the image of the 1960s “new wave” actress, she remains largely forgotten today, eclipsed by the ongoing legacy of stars like Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor. Still, Seberg’s films remain important in the world of cinema, a reminder of her brief yet impactful rise to fame.
4. Sandra Dee
Sandra Dee was the quintessential ’60s teen queen, best known for her roles in light-hearted romantic comedies like Gidget (1959) and Tammy Tell Me True (1961). With her wholesome, innocent image, she quickly became a favorite among young audiences looking for a relatable, sweet-faced heroine. Throughout the ’60s, Dee was everywhere, from magazine covers to the silver screen, cementing her place as one of the decade’s top stars.
However, by the end of the ’60s, Dee’s career began to unravel. Her once-iconic roles were replaced by an increasing disinterest in her wholesome image as the cultural tides shifted. By the 1970s, she had faded into obscurity, overshadowed by new, more daring stars. Despite the warmth and nostalgia many feel for her movies today, Dee’s name doesn’t resonate with the younger generation, leaving her a forgotten gem from an earlier era of Hollywood glamour.
5. Robert Wagner
Robert Wagner was one of the most charming actors of the ’60s, starring in numerous films and TV series. He gained fame with films like The Pink Panther (1963) and The Longest Day (1962), where his dashing good looks and suave demeanor made him a standout star. By the time the 1960s came to an end, Wagner was well established as one of Hollywood’s leading men and even found success on television in shows like It Takes a Thief (1968).
However, as the ’70s progressed, Wagner’s star faded somewhat, especially as new action stars like Clint Eastwood and Steve McQueen took the limelight. Wagner’s career became more sporadic, with fewer leading roles in major films. Though he did enjoy a resurgence in the ’80s with Hart to Hart, he never fully regained the widespread fame he once had. Today, many younger audiences may not even recognize his name, a stark contrast to his fame during the ’60s.
6. Shirley Jones
Shirley Jones was the wholesome, all-American girl-next-door who captured the hearts of audiences in the 1960s. Best known for her role as the beloved mother in the hit TV series The Partridge Family (1970-1974), Jones was also an accomplished movie star with roles in films like Elmer Gantry (1960) and Oklahoma! (1955). She won an Academy Award for her role in Elmer Gantry, proving her talent went beyond just a pretty face.
Despite her early success, Jones’ star began to fade in the ’70s as the era of free love and more gritty cinema took over. By the 1980s, her acting career had slowed significantly, and she was largely overshadowed by newer, edgier stars. While she is still beloved by fans of The Partridge Family, her name isn’t as well known today, especially compared to other leading ladies of her time. Yet, her influence remains, reminding us of the warmth and charm she brought to the screen during the ’60s.
