Remember when you couldn’t turn on the TV without seeing the same familiar faces? The 1970s were a golden age of television and cinema, where certain actors seemed to appear in every other show or movie. These weren’t necessarily the biggest stars, but they were the reliable character actors and leading players who became part of our weekly routine. Then, almost as quickly as they’d arrived, they seemed to vanish from our screens, leaving us wondering whatever happened to those faces we’d grown so accustomed to seeing.
1. Robert Urich
Robert Urich was the definition of a television heartthrob in the ’70s, bouncing between detective shows and action series with remarkable ease. He starred in “S.W.A.T.” as Officer Jim Street, then moved on to play Dan Tanna in “Vega$,” making him a household name across America. His rugged good looks and natural charisma made him perfect for the era’s masculine TV heroes. A write-up on IMDb explores the full, unique scope of Urich’s life as an actor and beyond.
By the early ’80s, Urich continued with “Spenser: For Hire,” but his career began to slow down as tastes changed and newer faces emerged. Personal struggles and health issues, including his battle with cancer, affected his later career choices. Though he continued acting until his death in 2002, he never again reached the ubiquity he enjoyed during his ’70s heyday.
2. Susan Saint James
Susan Saint James was everywhere in the ’70s, charming audiences as Sally McMillan in “McMillan & Wife” alongside Rock Hudson. Her girl-next-door appeal and comedic timing made her a perfect fit for the era’s sophisticated crime comedies. She seemed to effortlessly balance being both beautiful and approachable, qualities that made her a favorite among viewers. Hollywood Walk of Fame explores her impact on television, a legacy that spans decades on the small screen.
After “McMillan & Wife” ended in 1977, Saint James struggled to find another role that captured the same magic. She appeared in various TV movies and series, but nothing quite matched her earlier success. Personal tragedies, including the loss of her son in a plane crash, led her to step back from acting and focus on her family and charitable work.
3. James Brolin
James Brolin dominated ’70s television with his starring role in “Marcus Welby, M.D.,” where he played the young Dr. Steven Kiley opposite Robert Young. His performances earned him Emmy nominations and made him one of the most recognizable faces on television. Brolin’s earnest portrayal of the dedicated young doctor resonated with audiences who were drawn to medical dramas. As noted by TV Insider, his work extends far beyond in front of the camera.
While Brolin continued acting well into the following decades, he never quite recaptured the widespread appeal he had during his “Marcus Welby” years. He shifted toward more film work and later became known for his marriage to Barbra Streisand, which sometimes overshadowed his acting achievements. Though he remained active in Hollywood, his prominence as a leading man gradually faded as newer actors took center stage.
4. Angie Dickinson
Angie Dickinson was the epitome of cool in the ’70s, starring as Sergeant Suzanne “Pepper” Anderson in “Police Woman.” Her portrayal of a tough, capable female police officer was groundbreaking for its time and made her a feminist icon. Dickinson brought a perfect blend of strength and femininity to the role that captured the changing attitudes of the decade.
After “Police Woman” ended in 1978, Dickinson found it challenging to find roles that matched the impact of her signature character. Hollywood’s ageism toward women became more apparent as she entered her 40s, limiting her opportunities for leading roles. Though she continued to work in television movies and guest appearances, she never again achieved the cultural significance she held during her “Police Woman” era.
5. Lee Majors
Lee Majors was the king of action television in the ’70s, first as Heath Barkley in “The Big Valley” and then as the iconic Steve Austin in “The Six Million Dollar Man.” His portrayal of the bionic man made him a pop culture phenomenon and one of the most recognizable actors of the decade. Children everywhere mimicked his slow-motion running and distinctive bionic sound effects.
When “The Six Million Dollar Man” ended in 1978, Majors struggled to escape the shadow of his most famous role. Despite attempts at other series like “The Fall Guy” in the ’80s, he was often typecast as the action hero from a bygone era. As television evolved and special effects became more sophisticated, his brand of straightforward heroics seemed increasingly dated.
6. Lynda Carter
Lynda Carter became a cultural icon almost overnight when she donned the golden lasso as Wonder Woman in 1975. Her portrayal of the Amazonian princess was both powerful and graceful, making her the definitive version of the character for an entire generation. Carter’s natural beauty and athletic ability made her perfect for the role that launched her to international fame.
After “Wonder Woman” ended in 1979, Carter found herself typecast and struggled to find roles that weren’t overshadowed by her superhero persona. The entertainment industry’s tendency to pigeonhole actors who became too associated with one character worked against her career aspirations. Though she pursued music and continued acting in smaller projects, she never escaped the cape and tiara that had made her famous.
7. David Soul
David Soul captured hearts as the blond half of the crime-fighting duo in “Starsky & Hutch,” playing Detective Ken “Hutch” Hutchinson. His sensitive portrayal of the intellectual cop provided a perfect counterbalance to Paul Michael Glaser’s more street-smart Starsky. Soul’s musical talents also led to recording success, with his soft rock ballads climbing the charts during the show’s run.
When “Starsky & Hutch” ended in 1981, Soul found himself struggling to break free from the buddy-cop format that had made him famous. His attempts at dramatic roles and his music career couldn’t sustain the momentum he’d built during his TV heyday. Age and changing tastes in both television and music gradually pushed him out of the spotlight he’d once commanded.
8. Kate Jackson
Kate Jackson was one of television’s most beloved leading ladies, first as Jill Danko in “The Rookies” and then as the smart, capable Sabrina Duncan in “Charlie’s Angels.” Her intelligence and relatability set her apart from typical TV beauties of the era. Jackson brought depth and credibility to roles that could have easily become one-dimensional.
After leaving “Charlie’s Angels” in 1979 to pursue other opportunities, Jackson’s career never quite reached the same heights. Personal health struggles, including her battle with breast cancer, affected her ability to maintain a consistent presence in Hollywood. While she continued working in television movies and series, she gradually faded from the public consciousness that had once made her a household name.
9. William Devane
William Devane was a master of intensity in the ’70s, appearing in everything from political thrillers like “Marathon Man” to the miniseries “Roots.” His distinctive voice and commanding presence made him a go-to character actor for serious dramatic roles. Devane had the ability to be both menacing and sympathetic, often within the same performance.
As the ’80s arrived, Devane found himself increasingly typecast in villain roles, which limited his range of opportunities. The changing landscape of television and film favored younger actors, and his particular brand of gravitas became less in demand. Though he continued working steadily, his prominence as a leading character actor gradually diminished from its ’70s peak.
10. Farrah Fawcett
Farrah Fawcett became the poster girl of the ’70s—literally—with her feathered hair and megawatt smile as Jill Munroe in “Charlie’s Angels.” Her iconic red swimsuit poster adorned countless bedroom walls and made her one of the most recognizable faces in America. Fawcett embodied the carefree, glamorous spirit of the decade like no other actress.
After leaving “Charlie’s Angels” after just one season to pursue film career, Fawcett struggled to be taken seriously as a dramatic actress. Despite some acclaimed performances in TV movies, she could never fully escape the shadow of her angel persona. Her personal life often overshadowed her professional achievements, and by the ’80s, her cultural relevance had significantly diminished from its ’70s zenith.
11. Peter Strauss
Peter Strauss was one of the most promising leading men of the ’70s, starring in acclaimed miniseries like “Rich Man, Poor Man” and “Jericho Mile.” His intense, method-acting approach brought gravity to every role he tackled. Strauss seemed destined for major stardom with his classical good looks and serious dramatic chops.
Despite his talent and early success, Strauss never quite broke through to become a major movie star as many predicted. The transition from television to film proved challenging, and his serious demeanor didn’t always translate to box office appeal. As the industry shifted toward more commercial entertainment in the ’80s, his particular style of earnest drama fell out of favor.
12. Robert Forster
Robert Forster was a ubiquitous presence in ’70s cinema and television, appearing in everything from “Banyon” to numerous TV movies. His everyman quality and reliable performances made him a favorite among casting directors. Forster had the rare ability to disappear into roles while still maintaining a distinctive screen presence.
As the ’80s progressed, Forster found fewer leading roles coming his way, despite his consistent quality as a performer. The industry’s focus on younger, more marketable faces pushed veteran actors like Forster into character and supporting roles. Though he experienced a career renaissance in the ’90s with “Jackie Brown,” his days as a ’70s leading man were definitively behind him.
Looking back, these actors remind us of a time when television and film felt more intimate, when the same familiar faces would welcome us into our living rooms week after week. They were part of our extended family, even if we never met them, and their sudden absence from our screens left a void that newer faces somehow never quite filled. Perhaps that’s the real magic of the ’70s—it was the last decade when we could truly have shared cultural experiences, where everyone knew the same shows and the same stars, creating a collective memory that still binds us together today.
