20 Iconic 1970s Stars Who Continue to Shine Bright

The 1970s produced some of the most unforgettable stars in entertainment history. Decades later, their brilliance hasn’t dimmed. These icons of film, music, and television continue to make headlines, shape pop culture, and deliver standout performances. Their legacies remain strong—proof that true stardom never fades with time.

Diane Keaton: From Timeless Roles to Social Media Star

In the ’70s, Diane Keaton’s portrayal in “Annie Hall” won her an Oscar and set fashion trends worldwide. These days, Keaton is still making us laugh with her latest role in the 2024 British comedy film “Arthur’s Whisky.” Meanwhile, her quirky Instagram posts keep fans entertained. Who knew she’d be a social media darling?

Harrison Ford: An Action Star for the Ages

At 82, Harrison Ford continues to take on iconic roles. In 2023, he reprised Indiana Jones in “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” His superstar journey began with “Star Wars” in 1977 as Han Solo, and his rugged charm and adventurous spirit have made him a beloved figure in cinema.

Jane Fonda: Still Fighting On and Off the Screen

Kicking off the 1970s with “Klute,” she became a two-time Oscar winner by the decade’s end. Fonda charmed audiences on “Grace and Frankie” and starred in the 2023 romantic comedy “Book Club: The Next Chapter.” She’s also making headlines for her climate change activism, proving that you can be fierce and funny at any age.

Dolly Parton: A Country Queen Who Never Slows Down

Songs like “Jolene” and “Here You Come Again” helped Dolly dominate the charts in the ’70s. Fast forward to today, and she remains a legend—releasing “Rockstar,” her forty-ninth solo studio album, in 2023 while running Dollywood and funding literacy programs for kids. Her larger-than-life personality and heart of gold have made her a national treasure.

John Travolta: From Disco Floors to the Big Screen

Once “Saturday Night Fever” debuted in 1977, John Travolta’s career caught fire, further boosted by “Grease” in 1978. While his roles in “Pulp Fiction” and “Get Shorty” reignited his fame in the ’90s, he’s balancing acting with his passion for aviation, taking flight literally and figuratively as a licensed pilot.

Bette Midler: Forever a Divine Diva

Bette Midler shines in 2024 with her role in “The Fabulous Four.” Her rise to fame began in the ’70s with her hit albums “The Divine Miss M” and the film “The Rose” (1979). Recognized for her dynamic stage presence, Midler’s ability to entertain across multiple mediums has made her a beloved star.

Robert De Niro: A Constant Force in Hollywood

In the ’70s, gritty performances in “Taxi Driver” and “The Deer Hunter” solidified De Niro as one of the greats. These days, he’s making headlines with films like “The Killers of the Flower Moon” in 2023 while championing causes such as LGBTQ+ rights and overseeing his successful Nobu restaurant empire.

Al Pacino: Master of the Big Screen

Al Pacino became a household name in the early ’70s with his iconic portrayal of Michael Corleone in “The Godfather” and a decisive turn in “Dog Day Afternoon.” Even after all these years, he still draws audiences with powerful portrayals in “The Irishman” and “Hunters.” His unwavering dedication keeps him at the top of his game.

Henry Winkler: Everybody’s Favorite Fonzie

Playing “The Fonz” on “Happy Days” made Winkler a cultural sensation. Years later, he showed off his comedic chops in “Barry,” which ended in 2023. In October 2023, he released his memoir, Being Henry: The Fonz…and Beyond, while continuing to write children’s books, in case you needed another reason to love him.

Bruce Springsteen: The Boss Reigns Supreme

When “Born to Run” launched in 1975, Springsteen became the voice of a generation. His concerts remain legendary for their energy and length. In 2020, he released “Letter to You,” followed by his 21st studio album, “Only the Strong Survive,” in 2022. He continues to inspire fans with his soulful lyrics.

Robert Duvall: Going Strong in His 90s

At 93 years old, Robert Duvall is still gracing the screen, appearing in the Netflix films Hustle and The Pale Blue Eye in 2022. Two decades into his career, the ’70s finally gave him the spotlight with his standout role as Tom Hagen in “The Godfather” (1972). Duvall’s career remains a masterclass in subtle, powerful performances.

Sigourney Weaver: Sci-Fi’s Ultimate Queen

Major films like “Avatar: The Way of Water” (2022) keep Sigourney Weaver firmly in the limelight. In 1979, she became a household name, Ellen Ripley, in “Alien,” breaking barriers and becoming one of the first female action heroes. Her versatility has kept her relevant every decade since then.

Elton John: Closing a Legendary Chapter

In 2023, Elton John finished his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour, mesmerizing audiences throughout the run. His path to stardom took off in the 1970s with timeless hits such as “Rocket Man” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” Elton’s legacy of dazzling performances and emotional ballads resonates with music lovers across generations.

Barbra Streisand: An Icon Across Generations

Celebrating her legacy, Barbra Streisand’s 2023 memoir, “My Name Is Barbra,” showcases her enduring influence as a cultural icon. She became a sensation in the 1970s, earning Oscars and Grammys while starring in films like “A Star Is Born” (1976). By the decade’s end, Streisand had become the top-selling female artist in the U.S.

Sally Field: From ‘Smokey’ to the Oscars

Though Sally Field had already made a name for herself, she truly won over mainstream audiences with her role in “Smokey and the Bandit” (1977). Two years later, she earned an Oscar for “Norma Rae” (1979). Over the years, she’s delivered memorable roles, and in 2023, she brought her comedic talent to the big screen in “80 for Brady”.

Michael Douglas: Thriving On and Off Screen

Still a Hollywood heavyweight, Michael Douglas starred in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” (2023) and played Benjamin Franklin in the 2024 Apple TV+ miniseries “Franklin.” He made his mark in the late ’70s with “Running” and “The China Syndrome.” His mix of charm and grit has kept him a leading man for decades.

Dustin Hoffman: A Legendary Career

Dustin Hoffman, a true star of the ’70s, continues shining brightly today. His success in films like “Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979) cemented his place in Hollywood, and he’s kept that momentum going. In 2024, Hoffman appeared alongside Jon Voight in Coppola’s “Megalopolis” and lent his voice to Master Shifu once again in “Kung Fu Panda 4.”

Goldie Hawn: Comedy Legend in the Spotlight

Known for her bubbly personality, Goldie Hawn was a breakout star in the 1970s with films such as “Butterflies Are Free” (1972) and “Shampoo” (1975). In 2020, she delighted audiences as Mrs. Claus in “The Christmas Chronicles 2,” sharing the screen with longtime partner Kurt Russell.

Sylvester Stallone: A Fighter On and Off-Screen

With roles in “The Expend4bles” and “Samaritan,” Sylvester Stallone remains a force in the action genre. His journey began with “Rocky” (1976), a role he starred in and wrote, launching him to superstardom. Stallone’s resilience and grit mirror the characters he’s played for years.

Meryl Streep: Reigning Queen of Hollywood

Always in demand, Meryl Streep starred in “Don’t Look Up” (2021), proving she’s as versatile as ever. Her breakthrough came with “Julia” and “Kramer vs. Kramer” in the late ’70s, where she became known for fully immersing herself in any role. Since 2023, Streep has been captivating audiences as Loretta Durkin in “Only Murders in the Building.”