Some TV stars from the ’60s and ’70s became lifelong Hollywood icons, while others took surprising turns in their careers. Whether they left the spotlight for business, politics, or an entirely different profession, these actors and personalities reinvented themselves in ways no one could have predicted. Some walked away from fame on their own terms, while others found success in unexpected places. Let’s take a look at 15 TV stars from the ’60s and ’70s who had completely unexpected career changes.
1. Ken Osmond (Leave It to Beaver – Police Officer)
Ken Osmond was best known as Eddie Haskell, the mischievous, two-faced best friend on Leave It to Beaver. But after his acting career stalled in the late ’60s, he made a shocking career move—he became a police officer for the Los Angeles Police Department. He worked in law enforcement for nearly 20 years, even surviving a shooting in the line of duty. While he later made occasional TV appearances, his real-life role as a cop was worlds away from his on-screen troublemaker persona.
2. Johnny Crawford (The Rifleman – Musician and Rodeo Performer)
Johnny Crawford became a household name as Mark McCain, the son of Chuck Connors’ character in The Rifleman. After the show ended, he launched a music career and even scored a few Top 40 hits in the early ’60s. Later, he spent time performing in rodeos and working as a bandleader for a vintage dance orchestra. His career took several twists and turns, proving he was far more than just a child star.
3. Michael Learned (The Waltons – Holistic Healer)
Michael Learned was the heart and soul of The Waltons as the loving mother, Olivia Walton. While she continued acting after the show ended, she also pursued an interest in holistic healing and alternative medicine. She spent time working in wellness circles, exploring meditation, herbal remedies, and self-care techniques. Though she’s still best remembered for her time on The Waltons, her journey into holistic health was an unexpected chapter.
4. Peter Ostrum (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory – Veterinarian)
Though Peter Ostrum was best known as Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, he never pursued a career in Hollywood. Instead, he walked away from acting entirely and became a veterinarian. After finishing school, he dedicated his life to caring for animals, particularly horses and livestock. While fans still recognize him as the boy who found the Golden Ticket, he’s spent most of his life far away from the cameras.
5. Dan Blocker (Bonanza – Restauranteur)
Dan Blocker was beloved as Hoss Cartwright on Bonanza, playing the gentle giant of the Cartwright family. But outside of acting, he had a passion for food and co-founded the Bonanza Steakhouse restaurant chain. The chain grew rapidly, with locations popping up across the country, and his business acumen helped make it a success. Though he sadly passed away in 1972, his unexpected transition from actor to restauranteur left a lasting mark.
6. Richard Dawson (Hogan’s Heroes – Game Show Host)
Richard Dawson was already a familiar face as Corporal Newkirk on Hogan’s Heroes, but his real career shift came when he left sitcoms behind to become the host of Family Feud. His charming personality and signature habit of kissing female contestants made him one of the most popular game show hosts of all time. Though he continued to act occasionally, his career as a TV host far outshined his earlier acting roles. By the 1980s, he was more famous for game shows than for any of his scripted performances.
7. Tom Lester (Green Acres – Minister and Farmer)
Tom Lester played the lovable farmhand Eb Dawson on Green Acres, but when Hollywood roles dried up, he decided to live out his on-screen persona in real life. He bought a farm in Mississippi and became a real farmer, embracing the country lifestyle. Later, he also became a traveling Christian minister, speaking at churches and faith-based events. His life mirrored his Green Acres character more than anyone could have expected.
8. Bobby Sherman (Here Come the Brides – Paramedic and Police Officer)
Bobby Sherman was a teen heartthrob, first as an actor on Here Come the Brides and later as a successful pop singer. But after his music career slowed down, he made a shocking transition into emergency medicine, becoming a paramedic and later a training officer for the LAPD. He spent decades working in law enforcement and medical response, saving lives rather than performing on stage. His decision to trade Hollywood for helping people was one of the most unexpected career shifts of any former TV star.
9. Anson Williams (Happy Days – Entrepreneur)
As Potsie Weber on Happy Days, Anson Williams was the likable best friend of Richie Cunningham. But after leaving acting, he found success in an entirely different field—business. He became an entrepreneur and developed a line of skincare and health products, including an energy drink endorsed by race car drivers. His business career made him more successful financially than his acting ever did.
10. Lyle Waggoner (The Carol Burnett Show – Businessman)
Lyle Waggoner was a mainstay on The Carol Burnett Show and later played Steve Trevor on Wonder Woman, but his post-Hollywood career was entirely unexpected. He founded Star Waggons, a company that provides luxury trailers for film and TV productions. His company became the industry standard for on-set trailers, and nearly every major production used them. He made a fortune in the business, proving that sometimes behind-the-scenes work is even more lucrative than being in front of the camera.
11. Fred Grandy (The Love Boat – U.S. Congressman)
As Gopher on The Love Boat, Fred Grandy played a lovable cruise ship purser, but his real-life career shift was shocking—he went into politics. He served four terms as a U.S. congressman from Iowa, bringing his Hollywood charisma to the political arena. Later, he continued working in politics as a radio host and political commentator. His transformation from sitcom star to congressman was one of the most dramatic career changes of any TV actor.
12. Mark Slade (The High Chaparral – Artist and Illustrator)
Mark Slade was best known for playing Billy Blue Cannon on The High Chaparral, a Western TV series from the late ’60s. After his acting career slowed down, he focused on his passion for art, becoming a respected painter and illustrator. His works have been featured in galleries, and he’s created illustrations for books and publications. While many fans remember him from TV, his artistic career has been just as fulfilling.
13. Julie Newmar (Batman – Inventor and Entrepreneur)
Best known for playing Catwoman on Batman, Julie Newmar had a fascinating career beyond Hollywood. She became an inventor and even held patents for a new type of pantyhose and a brassiere design. Later, she also invested in real estate and became a successful entrepreneur. While she’ll always be remembered for her iconic role, her off-screen accomplishments were just as impressive.
14. David Doyle (Charlie’s Angels – Voice Actor)
David Doyle played Bosley on Charlie’s Angels, but after the show ended, he transitioned into voice acting. He became best known as the voice of Grandpa Lou on Rugrats, a role that introduced him to an entirely new generation of fans. His warm, grandfatherly voice made him a perfect fit for animation, showing his versatility as a performer. Though many still associate him with Charlie’s Angels, younger audiences knew him from cartoons.
15. Herb Edelman (The Golden Girls – Voiceover Work and Real Estate)
Herb Edelman was best known for playing Dorothy’s ex-husband Stanley on The Golden Girls, but later in life, he moved into voiceover work and real estate. He narrated audiobooks, commercials, and even did promotional work for businesses. At the same time, he quietly built a successful real estate portfolio, investing in properties instead of chasing TV roles. His ability to pivot into new industries proved that actors don’t always have to stay in Hollywood to be successful.
Some actors embrace Hollywood for life, while others find new passions that take them in surprising directions. Whether it was politics, business, or emergency services, these stars proved there’s life beyond the small screen. While fans remember their classic TV roles, their unexpected second careers are just as fascinating.
