Forgotten ’70s Stars Who Were Cooler Than You Remember

The 1970s were more than bell-bottoms, disco balls, and vinyl. They shaped generations with celebrities who defined what pop culture would mean for years to come. These 20 stars deserve attention again, not just for nostalgia’s sake, but for the sheer talent they brought to screens, studios, and stages.

Robby Benson

Robby Benson rose to fame with ’70s sports dramas like One on One and Ice Castles, capturing hearts as a teen idol. Before voicing the Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Benson had built a respected career as a director, writer, and teacher, demonstrating that his influence extended far beyond acting.

Cheryl Ladd

Replacing Farrah Fawcett on Charlie’s Angels in the ’70s, Cheryl Ladd quickly became a fan favorite, bringing a fresh dynamic to the show. After her television success, Ladd impressed audiences again with her charm and grace by competing on Dancing with the Stars in 2022 at age 71.

Lauren Hutton

Lauren Hutton broke barriers with her gap-toothed smile, becoming a fashion and film icon. Beyond starring in films like The Gambler, she continued her modeling career well into her 70s, landing luxury contracts and proving that timeless beauty never needed to conform to traditional standards.

John Cazale

Although John Cazale’s career was brief, his impact was immense. Every film he acted in, including The Godfather and Dog Day Afternoon, was nominated for an Academy Award. Cazale’s portrayal of Fredo remains iconic. He was also engaged to Meryl Streep before his death in 1978.

Robert Loggia

Robert Loggia’s tough-guy persona came through in films like Revenge of the Pink Panther and Prizzi’s Honor. He moved easily between hard-edged and complex roles, working steadily until Alzheimer’s disease slowed him down later in life. Loggia’s gravelly voice and commanding presence left a lasting impression.

Liv Ullmann

Liv Ullmann, often called Ingmar Bergman’s muse, gained global recognition for emotionally layered performances in films like Scenes from a Marriage. After a celebrated acting career, Ullmann transitioned into directing, adding a thoughtful, introspective voice to the creative side of cinema well into the 2000s.

Marisa Berenson

Marisa Berenson dazzled audiences with roles in Cabaret and Barry Lyndon, but her influence went far beyond acting. As a fashion icon who graced the covers of Vogue and Time, Berenson continued her legacy by returning to the screen decades later, notably in the 2009 film I Am Love.

Anita Pallenberg

Anita Pallenberg’s cultural influence extended far beyond her relationship with Keith Richards. While often associated with the Rolling Stones’ inner circle, she carved her own path in fashion and appeared in films like Barbarella. She remained a fearless style icon and muse across multiple creative scenes.

Charles Grodin

Charles Grodin’s deadpan humor lit up films like The Heartbreak Kid and Heaven Can Wait. Later, family films like Beethoven brought him to a new generation. Grodin’s wit also shone on political talk shows, where he offered sharp, comedic commentary in parallel to his steady acting career.

Ingrid Pitt

A legend in horror cinema, Ingrid Pitt starred in Countess Dracula and The Vampire Lovers, becoming a symbol of sophisticated Gothic horror. Offscreen, she was an accomplished writer, authoring books and essays on the genre she helped define. Her legacy remains strong among cult film fans.

Madeline Kahn

Madeline Kahn had a rare ability to dominate a scene with effortless humor. In Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, and Paper Moon, she showed off a comedic mastery few could match. Her dramatic skills were equally strong, earning her a Tony Award for The Sisters Rosensweig in 1993.

George Kennedy

George Kennedy’s career transitioned seamlessly from Westerns to ’70s disaster films like Airport. He later found a new audience in comedies such as The Naked Gun series. Winning an Oscar for Cool Hand Luke earlier in his career, Kennedy proved he could handle any genre Hollywood threw at him.

Ali MacGraw

Ali MacGraw became a cultural phenomenon with Love Story in 1970, earning an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe win. As her Hollywood career slowed, she shifted focus to animal rights and spiritual wellness, embracing a quieter but deeply fulfilling life away from the spotlight.

Barbara Bach

Barbara Bach stunned audiences as Bond girl Anya Amasova in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977). While her acting career was relatively brief, her cultural impact was lasting. Later, she co-founded a support group for addiction recovery with her husband, Beatles legend Ringo Starr.

Ann-Margret

Ann-Margret dominated the ’70s with performances in Tommy, Carnal Knowledge, and Magic. Her two Oscar nominations showed the depth of her talent beyond her early ’60s image. She refused to fade away and continued working into her 80s, earning new fans across generations.

John Astin

Best known as Gomez in The Addams Family, John Astin stayed relevant with ’70s roles like Freaky Friday. Later, he nurtured the next generation of actors through his long teaching career at Johns Hopkins University. His legacy spans from cult television to education and mentorship.

Cheryl Tiegs

Cheryl Tiegs changed the face of modeling in the ’70s with her all-American beauty and iconic pink bikini on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1978. She built a second act as a successful businesswoman and health advocate, influencing both fashion and public discussions around wellness and aging.

Teri Garr

Teri Garr’s blend of comedic brilliance and emotional depth made her unforgettable in Young Frankenstein and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, she used her platform to raise awareness while continuing to work in film and television for decades.

Slim Pickens

Slim Pickens, a former rodeo cowboy, turned his colorful nickname and Western background into a Hollywood career. After starring in Blazing Saddles in the ’70s, he stayed busy and continued working until his death in 1983. His unforgettable ride in Dr. Strangelove remains a piece of cinema history.

Tippi Hedren

Tippi Hedren rose to fame in the ’60s through her work with Alfred Hitchcock, but by the ’70s, her focus had shifted to animal conservation. While still appearing in films like The Harrad Experiment, she founded California’s Shambala Preserve and dedicated her life to protecting big cats and exotic animals.