The 1970s were a golden era for teen idols, a time when Tiger Beat magazine was practically a teen bible, and posters of fresh-faced heartthrobs adorned bedroom walls across the country. These young stars ruled television screens, concert stages, and radio airwaves, capturing the hearts of millions. But fame is fleeting, and many of these beloved figures who once dominated pop culture eventually faded into the background. Let’s take a walk down memory lane and remember 12 teen idols from the ’70s who were everywhere back then but later stepped out of the spotlight.
1. Leif Garrett
Leif Garrett was the quintessential ’70s teen idol with his golden locks, bright smile, and soulful eyes. He rose to fame as a singer and actor, releasing hits like “I Was Made for Dancin’” that had fans swooning. His appearances on TV shows like Wonder Woman and Family only added to his allure, making him a regular on teen magazine covers. Leif was everywhere—performing on stages, guest-starring on sitcoms, and igniting crowds of screaming girls wherever he went.
But as the ’80s rolled around, Leif’s popularity waned. Struggles with substance abuse and legal troubles overshadowed his earlier success, and he found himself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Despite attempts to revive his career, including reality TV appearances, he never quite regained his former glory. Still, for those who were teenagers in the ’70s, his golden-haired image remains a vivid reminder of the era.
2. Susan Dey
As Laurie Partridge on The Partridge Family, Susan Dey was the epitome of ’70s cool. With her sleek hair and shy smile, she quickly became a teen idol. Fans admired her talent and beauty, and she seemed destined for long-term stardom. Beyond the TV show, Susan’s wholesome yet glamorous image made her a favorite in teen magazines, where she often graced the covers alongside her co-stars.
However, after The Partridge Family ended, Susan struggled to break free from her Laurie Partridge persona. Though she found some success on L.A. Law in the late ’80s, she gradually retreated from the public eye. Her decision to step away from acting left fans wondering what could have been, but for those who grew up with Laurie Partridge, Susan Dey will always hold a special place in their hearts.
3. Shaun Cassidy
Shaun Cassidy was the ultimate heartthrob, combining pop stardom with acting chops. His hit songs like “Da Doo Ron Ron” and “Hey Deanie” topped the charts, while his role as Joe Hardy in The Hardy Boys Mysteries made him a household name. Shaun’s boyish charm and feathered hair made him an instant favorite among teens, and his concerts were packed with screaming fans.
By the early ’80s, however, Shaun’s star began to dim. His music career slowed, and he transitioned into behind-the-scenes roles as a writer and producer. While his days as a teen idol were brief, his impact was lasting, and his fans still remember him fondly as the golden boy of their teenage years.
4. Robby Benson
Robbie Benson captured hearts in films like Ice Castles and Ode to Billy Joe. His sensitive portrayals of love-struck young men resonated with audiences, and his good looks didn’t hurt either. Teen magazines couldn’t get enough of him, and his soulful blue eyes and tousled hair made him a poster favorite.
As the years went on, Robbie shifted his focus to voice acting and directing, with one of his most notable roles being the voice of the Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Though he moved away from the spotlight, his work behind the scenes has kept him involved in Hollywood. For fans who fell in love with him in the ’70s, Robbie Benson remains a cherished memory of tender on-screen moments.
5. Kristy McNichol
Kristy McNichol was the girl next door who everyone adored. As Buddy Lawrence on Family, she won two Emmy Awards and became a teen idol in the process. Kristy’s tomboyish charm and natural acting ability set her apart from other young stars, and she quickly became one of the most popular actresses of the decade.
However, the pressures of fame took a toll on Kristy, and she retired from acting in the late ’90s to focus on her personal life. Though she stepped out of the limelight, her legacy as one of the most talented and relatable stars of the ’70s endures. Fans still remember her fondly as a symbol of authenticity in a world of glitz and glamour.
6. David Cassidy
As Keith Partridge on The Partridge Family, David Cassidy became one of the biggest teen idols of all time. His velvety voice and dreamy looks made him a sensation, with hits like “I Think I Love You” becoming instant classics. David’s concerts were chaotic scenes of adoring fans, and he seemed to be on top of the world.
But fame came with a price, and David struggled to maintain his career in the years that followed. He continued performing and recording music but never recaptured the peak of his Partridge Family fame. Despite the ups and downs, David’s contributions to ’70s pop culture are undeniable, and his fans still hold him close in their hearts.
7. Jan-Michael Vincent
Jan-Michael Vincent was a ruggedly handsome actor who starred in films like Big Wednesday and The Mechanic. His smoldering good looks and laid-back persona made him a favorite among teens, and he quickly became one of Hollywood’s most in-demand young actors.
Unfortunately, personal struggles and health issues derailed his career. By the ’80s, his star had faded, and he retreated from the public eye. Though his time as a teen idol was relatively short, Jan-Michael Vincent remains an unforgettable part of ’70s Hollywood.
8. Mackenzie Phillips
Mackenzie Phillips shot to fame as Julie Cooper on One Day at a Time. Her relatable character and unique charm made her a teen idol, and fans connected with her on-screen struggles and triumphs. She was a fixture in the ’70s entertainment scene, appearing in films and television shows that cemented her status as a star.
However, Mackenzie’s personal life became tumultuous, with struggles that often overshadowed her career. While she continued acting, her time as a teen idol was firmly rooted in the ’70s. Her resilience and candor about her experiences have made her an enduring figure in Hollywood history.
9. Bobby Sherman
Bobby Sherman was one of the original teen idols of the ’70s, with his boyish good looks and a voice that made hearts flutter. Hits like “Julie, Do Ya Love Me” and “Easy Come, Easy Go” dominated the airwaves, and his wholesome, all-American image made him a favorite among both teens and their parents. Bobby was also a familiar face on TV, appearing in shows like Here Come the Brides, where his character, Jeremy Bolt, solidified his heartthrob status.
But as the music scene shifted in the mid-’70s, Bobby stepped away from the spotlight. He left showbiz to pursue a career as an EMT and later became a police officer, focusing on helping others rather than entertaining them. Though his fame as a teen idol faded, Bobby Sherman’s kind heart and unforgettable smile remain cherished memories for those who adored him in his prime.
10. Michael Gray
Michael Gray may not be a household name today, but in the ’70s, he was a star thanks to his role as Billy Batson on the TV series Shazam!. Every Saturday morning, kids tuned in to watch him transform into Captain Marvel, a superhero who stood for truth and justice. Michael’s wholesome good looks and charm made him an instant favorite among young viewers, and his character’s mix of vulnerability and heroism resonated deeply.
After Shazam! ended, Michael struggled to find roles that matched his earlier success. He made guest appearances on shows like The Brady Bunch Hour and Arrested Development, but his time as a teen idol was firmly tied to the superhero craze of the ’70s. For fans who grew up watching him, Michael Gray remains a nostalgic symbol of the era’s simpler TV adventures.
11. Christopher Knight
Christopher Knight became a household name as Peter Brady on The Brady Bunch, one of the most beloved sitcoms of the ’70s. His mischievous smile and relatable portrayal of the middle Brady brother made him a favorite among fans. Whether he was getting into trouble or learning life lessons, Christopher brought a charm to the role that kept audiences tuning in week after week.
However, like many child stars, Christopher found it challenging to escape the shadow of his iconic character. While he continued to work in television sporadically, his biggest impact remained tied to his Brady days. Decades later, his participation in The Surreal Life gave fans a glimpse of his life after stardom, but for those who grew up with The Brady Bunch, he’ll always be Peter Brady.
12. Andy Gibb
Andy Gibb burst onto the scene in the late ’70s, riding the wave of disco fever and his family’s musical legacy as the younger brother of the Bee Gees. Songs like “I Just Want to Be Your Everything” and “Shadow Dancing” turned him into an international sensation, and his charming good looks made him a staple in teen magazines. Andy’s mix of musical talent and undeniable charisma made him a favorite among young fans, and his concerts drew massive crowds of adoring followers.
Despite his immense talent, Andy’s career was tragically short-lived. Personal struggles and substance abuse issues took their toll, and he passed away in 1988 at just 30 years old. While his time in the spotlight was brief, Andy Gibb’s music and magnetic presence left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans who grew up dancing to his hits. For those who remember the golden age of disco, Andy remains a bittersweet symbol of the era’s highs and lows.
These ’70s teen idols captured hearts and defined an era, bringing joy and excitement to millions of fans. While their time in the spotlight may have been fleeting, their impact on pop culture remains. Looking back, it’s clear they weren’t just stars—they were icons of a time when being a teen idol meant more than just fame. Who was your favorite?
