13 Forgotten Child Stars from the ’70s and Where They Are Now

1. Susan Olsen (The Brady Bunch)

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Best known as the adorable Cindy Brady, Susan Olsen charmed audiences with her lisp and pigtails. After the show, she dabbled in art and voice acting, eventually becoming a radio host and advocate for animal welfare.

2. Danny Bonaduce (The Partridge Family)

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Danny played wisecracking Danny Partridge and became one of TV’s most recognizable kids. After struggles with addiction, he reinvented himself as a radio personality and reality TV star, maintaining a loyal fan base.

3. Erin Murphy (Bewitched)

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Erin stole hearts as little Tabitha Stephens, Samantha’s magical daughter. After the show, she explored various careers, from acting to fashion design, and now works as a motivational speaker.

4. Mason Reese (Underwood Deviled Ham Commercials)

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Known for his precocious charm in commercials, Mason transitioned into a life of privacy after his child star days. He now owns and manages restaurants in New York City.

5. Kim Richards (Escape to Witch Mountain)

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Kim starred in Disney classics before moving on to TV roles. Later, she gained fame on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills while also dealing with personal struggles in the public eye.

6. Ike Eisenmann (Escape to Witch Mountain)

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As Tony in Escape to Witch Mountain, Ike captured imaginations. He transitioned into voice work and behind-the-scenes roles in animation, living a quieter life while still connected to Hollywood.

7. Lance Kerwin (James at 15)

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Lance became a teen heartthrob as James Hunter. After stepping away from acting, he dedicated himself to ministry work and helping others, a far cry from his Hollywood beginnings.

8. Robbie Rist (The Brady Bunch)

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Robbie played Cousin Oliver, often blamed for the show’s decline. He later embraced music, becoming a successful voice actor and musician, contributing to numerous film soundtracks.

9. Quinn Cummings (The Goodbye Girl)

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Quinn earned an Oscar nomination as a child star but left acting in her teens. She’s now an author and inventor, known for creating the “HipHugger” baby carrier and writing witty, insightful books.

10. Brandon Cruz (The Courtship of Eddie’s Father)

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As Eddie Corbett, Brandon melted hearts with his innocence. He later pursued music, playing in punk rock bands, and now works in drug and alcohol rehabilitation services.

11. Melissa Sue Anderson (Little House on the Prairie)

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As Mary Ingalls, Melissa became a beloved household name. She later moved to Canada, enjoying a quieter life while occasionally stepping back into the spotlight for special projects.

12. Kristy McNichol (Family)

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Kristy won awards and admiration for her work on Family. After leaving acting, she became a teacher and advocate for mental health awareness, sharing her journey openly.

13. Leif Garrett (The Odd Couple)

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A heartthrob and teen idol, Leif appeared on TV before a successful music career. After battling personal issues, he now writes and speaks about his experiences in Hollywood and beyond.

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