The 1970s were packed with TV stars who ruled the airwaves, appearing in everything from hit sitcoms to crime dramas. Some of them stayed in Hollywood, continuing their acting careers, but others took surprising detours into completely different fields. Whether they reinvented themselves as musicians, business moguls, politicians, or even best-selling authors, these stars proved that fame in one era didn’t mean being stuck in one lane forever. Let’s take a look at 13 TV stars from the ’70s who became famous for something totally different later.
1. John Travolta – From Sitcom Star to Box Office Titan
Before Saturday Night Fever and Grease turned him into a movie icon, John Travolta was best known as the goofy but lovable Vinnie Barbarino on Welcome Back, Kotter. His role as the dim-witted but charming high schooler made him a teen heartthrob, but no one could have predicted he’d go on to dominate the big screen. By the late ’70s, he had transitioned into full-fledged movie stardom, becoming one of the decade’s most bankable actors. He later had another career resurgence in the ’90s with Pulp Fiction, proving that he wasn’t just a one-hit wonder.
2. Ron Howard – From Child Star to Legendary Director
Ron Howard spent the ’70s playing the wholesome Richie Cunningham on Happy Days, but behind the scenes, he had his sights set on a very different career. While many actors struggle to transition to directing, Howard became one of the most respected filmmakers in Hollywood. With hits like Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, and The Da Vinci Code, he proved his storytelling skills went far beyond the small screen. Today, he’s far more famous as an Oscar-winning director than for his time in front of the camera.
3. Mark Harmon – From ’70s Soap Star to TV’s Favorite Crime Fighter
Long before he became (very) Special Agent Gibbs on NCIS, Mark Harmon was known as a soap opera heartthrob in Flamingo Road and Emergency!. While he had steady acting work in the ’70s, it wasn’t until the 2000s that he found his true calling as one of TV’s most beloved crime-fighting leads. His cool, calm demeanor and no-nonsense approach made him a perfect fit for NCIS, where he led the show for nearly 20 years. Few actors have had a second act in television as long and successful as Harmon’s.
4. Peter Ostrum – From Willy Wonka to Veterinarian
Peter Ostrum played Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), becoming one of the most recognizable child stars of the decade. But instead of chasing more acting roles, he walked away from Hollywood completely. As he got older, Ostrum discovered a love for animals and went on to become a veterinarian, working with horses and cattle. Today, he’s better known in the world of veterinary medicine than in show business, making him one of the most unique cases of a child star completely changing careers.
5. Suzanne Somers – From Sitcom Star to Fitness Mogul
As Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company, Suzanne Somers was one of the most famous TV blondes of the ’70s. But when contract disputes led to her exit from the show, she reinvented herself as a business powerhouse. She became the face of the ThighMaster, turning it into one of the most famous home fitness products of all time. She also became a best-selling author and health advocate, proving that TV stardom was just one chapter in her long career.
6. Fred Grandy – From The Love Boat to Politics
Fred Grandy spent nearly a decade playing the lovable Gopher on The Love Boat, but when the show ended, he took a completely unexpected path. He ran for Congress in 1986, representing Iowa in the U.S. House of Representatives for four terms. His political career was serious business—he focused on education and trade policies, proving he was more than just a sitcom sidekick. Though he later returned to the entertainment world as a talk show host, his time in politics was a surprising second act.
7. Jeff Bridges – From ’70s TV to Oscar-Winning Film Star
While Jeff Bridges is now known as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, he actually started out as a TV star. In the early ’70s, he starred in The Loner and appeared on shows like The FBI and Gunsmoke. But as the decade went on, he transitioned to film, starring in The Last Picture Show and Tron, eventually winning an Oscar for Crazy Heart. While some TV actors struggle to break into movies, Bridges proved he had what it took to be a major film star.
8. David Cassidy – Teen Idol to Vegas Headliner
David Cassidy became a superstar in the ’70s thanks to The Partridge Family, where he played the ultimate teen heartthrob, Keith Partridge. His fame extended beyond television—his records sold millions, and he filled stadiums with screaming fans. But after the show ended, he distanced himself from his bubblegum image, taking on stage roles and even performing in Las Vegas. While his career had ups and downs, he remained a recognizable figure in the music world long after his TV days were over.
9. Anson Williams – From Happy Days to Entrepreneur
Anson Williams played the lovable Potsie Weber on Happy Days, but after the show ended, he found success in a very different way. He became a director, working on shows like Melrose Place, Beverly Hills, 90210, and Baywatch. But even more surprisingly, he became a successful businessman, inventing an energy-boosting product called Alert Drops. While fans still remember him as Potsie, his impact in both TV and business has been impressive.
10. Rick Springfield – From Soap Star to Rock Star
Before becoming a major music star, Rick Springfield was best known as Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital. But while he was charming audiences on daytime TV, he was also working on his music career. In 1981, his hit song Jessie’s Girl made him a rock star almost overnight, leading to a career that lasted far beyond his soap opera fame. Though he still acts occasionally, he’s best known today as a musician.
11. Desi Arnaz Jr. – From ’70s Heartthrob to Businessman
As the son of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Desi Arnaz Jr. had a built-in Hollywood career, starring in shows like Here’s Lucy. But as he got older, he moved away from acting and focused on running the historic Boulder Theatre in Nevada. He spent much of his later career managing and restoring the venue, turning it into a community hub. While he’ll always be remembered as a TV star, his work in preserving entertainment history is just as impressive.
12. Donny Osmond – From Variety Show Star to Broadway Performer
Donny Osmond was a household name in the ’70s thanks to The Donny & Marie Show, where he and his sister entertained audiences with music and comedy. But instead of fading into nostalgia, he reinvented himself as a major Broadway performer, starring in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He later found success in reality TV, even winning Dancing with the Stars. Decades after his ’70s fame, he’s still a major performer in multiple industries.
13. Lee Majors – From The Six Million Dollar Man to Country Singer
Lee Majors was the ultimate action star of the ’70s, playing the bionic Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man. But in the ’80s, he dabbled in country music, releasing albums and even performing on stage. While he never became a major country star, his transition to music was an unexpected twist. Though he’s still best known for his TV work, his foray into country music remains a fun piece of trivia.
These TV stars may have started their careers in the ’70s, but they proved that reinvention is the key to staying relevant. Whether they moved into film, politics, music, or business, they found new ways to make an impact beyond their original fame. It just goes to show—you never know where a Hollywood career might take you!
