The 1970s gifted us with a plethora of unforgettable celebrities who dominated our screens and airwaves. Yet, some of these stars seemed to fade from the limelight as quickly as they entered it. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit 12 popular ’70s celebrities who appeared to vanish overnight.
1. Leif Garrett
Leif Garrett was the quintessential teen idol of the late ’70s, capturing hearts with hits like “I Was Made for Dancin’.” However, as the ’80s approached, his musical career waned, and he faced personal challenges, including legal issues and struggles with substance abuse. Garrett attempted comebacks in music and acting but never regained his former glory. Today, he occasionally appears in documentaries reflecting on his tumultuous journey.
2. Susan Dey
Best known for her role as Laurie Partridge on “The Partridge Family,” Susan Dey became a household name in the ’70s. After the show’s conclusion, she transitioned to more mature roles, notably in “L.A. Law,” earning a Golden Globe. Despite her success, Dey chose to step back from acting in the early 2000s. She now leads a private life, seldom making public appearances.
3. David Cassidy
As Keith Partridge, David Cassidy became an international sensation, with fans worldwide swooning over his performances. The intense fame led to burnout, and by the late ’70s, Cassidy sought to distance himself from his teen idol image. He continued to perform sporadically but never recaptured the same level of stardom. Cassidy passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of pop culture impact.
4. Linda Blair
Catapulted to fame with her chilling performance in “The Exorcist,” Linda Blair became a prominent figure in horror cinema. However, typecasting and a series of less successful films led to a decline in her mainstream popularity. Blair shifted her focus to animal rights activism, founding the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation. She occasionally returns to the screen but remains primarily dedicated to her charitable work.
5. Robbie Benson
A heartthrob of the ’70s, Robbie Benson starred in films like “Ice Castles” and “Ode to Billy Joe.” As the decade ended, he transitioned to voice acting, most notably as the Beast in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Benson also ventured into directing and teaching, becoming a film professor. He continues to work behind the scenes, away from the acting spotlight.
6. Karen Valentine
Winning an Emmy for her role in “Room 222,” Karen Valentine was a familiar face on television in the ’70s. Despite her early success, subsequent projects didn’t achieve the same acclaim, and by the late ’80s, her on-screen appearances dwindled. Valentine chose a quieter life, occasionally participating in reunions and retrospectives.
7. Gregory Sierra
Known for his roles in “Barney Miller” and “Sanford and Son,” Gregory Sierra was a staple on ’70s sitcoms. After leaving “Barney Miller,” he took on various character roles but never found a part that matched his earlier success. Sierra gradually stepped away from acting, leading a private life until his passing in 2021.
8. Mackenzie Phillips
Starring in “One Day at a Time,” Mackenzie Phillips became a young star in the ’70s. However, personal struggles, including substance abuse, led to her departure from the show and a decline in her career. Phillips later became an advocate for addiction recovery, sharing her experiences in a memoir. She now works as a counselor, helping others navigate the challenges she once faced.
9. Michael Ontkean
Gaining fame from “The Rookies” and the cult classic “Slap Shot,” Michael Ontkean was a rising star in the ’70s. He continued acting into the ’90s, with a notable role in “Twin Peaks.” By the early 2000s, Ontkean retired from acting, choosing a life away from Hollywood’s glare.
10. Jan-Michael Vincent
With roles in films like “Big Wednesday” and the TV series “Airwolf,” Jan-Michael Vincent was poised for lasting stardom. Unfortunately, personal issues, including legal troubles and health problems, overshadowed his career. By the late ’80s, he had largely disappeared from the public eye. Vincent passed away in 2019, his later years marked by seclusion.
11. Parker Stevenson
As part of “The Hardy Boys” duo, Parker Stevenson became a teen icon. Post-“Hardy Boys,” he took on various roles but struggled to find the same level of success. Stevenson eventually shifted his focus to photography, a passion he continues to pursue. He occasionally acts but remains primarily behind the camera.
12. Susan Anton
A singer and actress, Susan Anton gained attention with her role in the film “Goldengirl” and numerous television appearances. Despite her talents, she never achieved sustained mainstream success. Anton transitioned to theater and live performances, maintaining a presence in the entertainment world but away from the spotlight of her early career.
Reflecting on these celebrities reminds us of the fleeting nature of fame and the personal choices that lead individuals away from the public eye. While they may have stepped back from the limelight, their contributions to ’70s pop culture continue to hold a special place in our memories.
