Read on and remember all the iconic films and TV shows of that colorful decade, the amazing pioneers, and extremely talented women who concord the leading roles in our culture.
Linda Ronstadt
Linda’s career began in folk-rock and country-rock music, where she used to play at the Troubadour. Afterward, she discovered her true talent and was quickly named the “Queen of Rock” and “First Lady of Rock,” by the media. She has produced an impressive 31 good platinum records and won a whopping 10 Grammys.
Since her singing days, Linda has sadly been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and was forced to put down the mic. Despite the diagnosis, she still managed to release her memoir that same year, which she titled “Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir.”
Goldie Hawn
Goldie had her breakthrough role on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In where she played a regular. Since then, her career took off. She has acted in multiple comedies like There’s a Girl in My Soup and Butterflies are Free and has shown her talent in satirical dramas like The Sugarland Express and Shampoo.
In 2013, Goldie recorded the voice of Peggy McGee in the animated series Phineas and Ferb. Apparently, Goldie still hasn’t tired of acting as she is returning to the big screen for the first film since 2002 and will star alongside comedian Amy Schumer in the mother-daughter comedy, “Snatched.”
Pam Grier
Pam was very present in the 1970’s blaxploitation movie scene, where she played strong and dominant women. She acted in Jack Hill’s Coffy in 1973 and other movies like Foxy Brown and Sheba, Baby. Since then, she has acted in Jackie Brown and The Man with the Iron Fists and in the series L World.
In 2017, she starred in Bad Grandmas, a dark comedy feature film following four grandmothers who mistakenly kill a con man. At the moment she is starring in the T.V. series This is Us, alongside Mandy Moore, and just finished production for the upcoming comedy movie Poms with Diane Keaton.
Linda Gray
Linda Gray started her career as Mrs. Robinson’s body double in “The Graduate.” Her breakthrough role followed when she starred as Sue Ellen in the “Dallas” remake.
She played the role from 2012-to 2014. She has also starred in the movie “The Entertainers,” “Expecting Mary,” and “Hidden Moon.” From 2016-to 2017, she acted in the T.V series “Hollyoaks,” as Tabby Maxwell-Brown and since then has had parts in the series “Hand of God” and “Hilton Head Island.” It looks like her career is still going strong.
Kim Basinger
Kim started off as a model and got her feet wet while debuting as an actor in the TV series “Gemini Man.” It was here that the world discovered her talent. Throughout the ’70s, she played in different T.V. series and movies like the remake of “From Here to Eternity.”
In the 1980’s she started to land bigger roles. Her most celebrated role and one that she won an Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role was as Lynn Bracken in “L.A. Confidential.” In 2016, she starred in “The Nice Guys,” and in 2017’s “Fifty Shades Darker.”
Loni Anderson
Popular during the 1970s and 80s, this actress started her career in mini-movies and as a regular in soap operas. Her signature platinum blonde hair bore a strong resemblance to Marilyn Monroe.
The blonde bombshell continues to act today and recently starred in the T.V series “My Sister is So Gay,” from 2016-to 2018. She played the role of Frances.
Bo Derek
Bo Derek had her first major role in 1977 when she played Annie in the adventure movie Orca. Her breakthrough role shortly followed in the 1979 film 10.
The actress dedicates her time to philanthropy initiatives like Richard Branson’s Wild Aid and other disabled veterans organizations. On top of this, she has her own line of organic shampoo and conditioner for dogs called “Bless the Beasts.”
Kate Jackson
Jackson is most recognized for her role as Sabrina Duncan in the popular 1970s TV series Charlie’s Angels. She left the series in 1979 after three seasons. After playing a crime-fighting angel, she moved on to TV series like Scarecrow and Mrs. King and Baby Boom.
Nowadays, she spends her time working on her memoir, called The Smart One, which she is hoping to have out by 2020. The star is a three-time Emmy Award nominee and a four-time Golden Globe Award nominee.
Susan Dey
Dey found fame as Laurie Partridge on the sitcom “The Partridge Family” which she held from 1970-to 1974. In 1977, she returned to television as the co-star of the short-lived situation comedy “Loves Me, Loves Me Not.”
From 1986-to 1992, she played D.D.A Grace Van Owen on “L.A. Law,” and won a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series. In 2002, she acted as D.D.A Grace Van Owen in the television movie “L.A. Law: The Movie.” She also starred in two episodes of the hit T.V show “Third Watch.”
Adrienne Barbeau
Adrienne’s career started before she was the “scream queen” of the ’80s. She formerly gained critical acclaim for her work on Broadway in Grease, for which she also was a Tony Award nominee. She gained recognition after starring in Maude with Bea Arthur.
She also recorded the voice for Catwoman in the animated Batman series in the 90s. Nowadays, the actress is still doing what she does best; acting. She continues to appear in tons of movies and television series. Besides the time she spends on screen, she likes to spend her time with her husband Billy Van Zandt and their two twin boys as well as with her son from Adrienne’s previous marriage.
Linda Lusardi
In the late 1970s, this brunette bombshell got overnight fame as one of England’s notorious Page Three models. Sun Readers called her “The Best Page Three Girl Ever.”
She still models today and has also given her talent to the acting world, playing in roles on The Bill, Emmerdale, and Brookside.
Barbra Streisand
Barbra is another admirable woman from the 1970s and one of the most successful personalities in show business. She has made a whopping $400 million over the span of her career. She started off with a successful music career in the 1960s which later turned into acting. In 1968, she starred in and won major awards for her debut role in “Funny Girl.” She took home both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.
She continues to release platinum albums and gift the world with stellar performances in various T.V. series and movies
Ann-Margret
Ann-Margret garnered major attention after she starred in the movie adaption of the musical “Bye, Bye Birdie,” where she gave a talented performance in her role of Kim Mcafee. She has seen a very successful career following the film during the 70s. She received numerous Academy Award nominations for her acting in “Carnal Knowledge” and “Tommy.”
Since then, she’s acted in other movies and TV shows. In 2014 she acted in the Showtime series “Ray Donovan” and in 2017 in the comedy movie “Going in Style,” which was directed by Zach Braff and also starred Morgan Freeman.
Mandrell Sisters
This blonde beauty’s 1978 single “Sleeping Single in a Double Bed,” debuted at number one on the Billboard Chart. Shortly after, she came out with her second hit “if loving you is wrong I don’t want to be right.” The singer’s popularity amongst the public attracted producers’ attention. They wanted Barbara to have her own show. The show came out, called “Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters.” The series followed the country singer and her sisters, Louise and Irene. The show wasn’t so successful and ran for only two series.
The sisters aren’t seen together much anymore but did join forces to host the Unleashed fundraiser for the Nashville Humane Association.
Lynda Carter
Lynda was brought to fame by her superhero part in the TV series “Wonder Woman,” which she held from 1975-to 1979. During the same time, in 1978, she released her pop album “Portrait.” Two of her songs were also included in episodes of “Wonder Women.”
Following her role as a superhero with superhuman strength and flight power, she played more “normal” roles in film and on TV. Recently, she played the role of President Olivia Marsdin in the CW series “Supergirl” and starred in the movie “Super Troopers 2.” Not surprisingly, considering Lynda’s stunning appearance, she was also a model and was crowned Miss World America in 1972. She proceeded to finish as a semifinalist in the Miss World 1972 pageant.
Barbara Eden
Barbara’s career started when Hollywood was still young. While she didn’t star in A-list films with James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor, she nonetheless had some pretty famous roles. Her breakthrough came when she starred in I Dream of Jeannie.
Now, the star is past her 90th birthday and happily retired.
Susan Anton
Despite being in her 70s, Susan Anton doesn’t look a day over 40. She’s had a long acting career, which has spanned over 35 years. She sings, she acts, it seems there’s nothing she doesn’t do.
From her very first film in 1979, Goldengirl, she already became a nominee for a Golden Globe. After that, she starred in the popular T.V drama Cliffhangers. She has also starred in the beloved Broadway musical, Hairspray. Nowadays, the former actress is spending her time with family and practicing her swing at golf.
Billie Jean King
King found fame after she won the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match verse male tennis star, Bobby Riggs. In 1981, she came out as gay, making her the first athlete to do so. King was a very successful player throughout the years and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987
In 2009, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2014, she used her power and influence to launch the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative to deal with inclusion and diversity problems in places of work.
Allison Arngrim
Allison is recognized most for her role in “Little House on the Prairie” as Nellie Oleson. She played the part from 1974 to 1982. Since those days in the prairie, she has continued to act in different TV movies and films and write.
She released her book in 2010 titled “Confessions of A Prairie Bitch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated.” In the book, she talks about her experience as one of television’s most memorable characters. Today, she gives back to charity to raise awareness for aids and child abuse.
Maureen McCormick
Known most for playing the eldest daughter in the Brady Bunch clan, Marcia, Maureen continued to make other television appearances in Happy Days and Love Boat.
In 2015, she played in the Australian version of I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! She was on the show for 42 days before getting eliminated right before the season finale. In 2016, she tested her luck at dancing and placed 8th on Dancing with the Stars.
Teri Garr
Teri’s first big role was in the film The Conversation which was directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Her real breakthrough came when she played Igna in Young Frankenstein. She moved on to other roles in Close Encounters of the Third Kind and The Black Stallion.
In 2002, she came forward as having multiple sclerosis and shortly after, became a national ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and National Chair for the Society’s Women Against MS program.
Cicely Tyson
Cicely started as a model and later turned to acting which proved to be a wise choice. She demonstrated her capabilities while playing Rebecca Morgan in Sounder and received her first Academy Award nomination for the role in 1972. Two years later, she won two Emmy Awards for "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman".
She has continued acting in film, T.V, and broadway, and has had roles in award-winning shows like Roots and King. She acted in the Best Picture-nominated movie The Help and appeared in the popular series How to Get Away with Murder. She passed away in 2021.
Charlene Tilton
Most recognized for her role as Lucy Ewing on Dallas, she is a small girl with a big influence. Measuring in at only 4’11, Charlene received the nickname poisonous dwarf because of her character’s wild personality and short height. Following the role, she became a pop singer in the 1980s.
Nowadays, she uses her power for the better of the people, doing charity work for foster kids. She also played a small part in the movie “Road Less Traveled,” which was released in 2017.
Paula Prentiss
Paula started off her career as an actor in comedy films. In the 1960s, she played roles in Where the Boys are, The Honeymoon Machine, and Bachelor in Paradise. Following that, she acted in the cult horror film The Stepford Wives as Bobbie Markowe.
After a 30-year hiatus from acting, she proved that she still has what it takes and acted in 2016’s horror film I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House.
Connie Stevens
Connie was born in New York in 1938. Both of her parents were musicians, a fact that might explain her sense of creativity. She did it all, she was a singer, an actress, a writer, a producer, and a director. She became wildly known for her role in "Hawaiian Eye."
Connie has continued working in show business. Her most recent role was in 2019's "By the Rivers of Babylon." Today she lives in Studio City, Los Angeles.
Loretta Swit
Lorette became a known star after playing Major Frank Burn’s love interest, Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan in the TV series M*A*S*H. She was on the show for all 11 seasons, being 1 of only 4 cast members to do so. She received two Emmy Awards for her performance.
In 2015, she narrated the documentary Never the Same: The Prisoner of War Experience. The documentary depicts prisoners of war who use their creativity and humor to survive. Loretta took an almost 20-year acting hiatus, before returning to the big screen to fill the role of Mrs. Kincaid in the upcoming drama Play the Flute.
Barbi Benton
Barbi graced the cover of Playboy magazine four times; in July 1969, March 1970, May 1972, and December 1985. She dated Playboy founder Hugh Hefner for several years and resided with him from 1969 until 1976 in the Playboy mansion.
She is known for discovering the Playboy Mansion West, where Hefner lived until his death in 2017. From 1972-1983, she acted in “Hee Haw” performing short comic sketches. Following that, she starred in several recurring roles on “Sugar Time.” and “The Love Boat.” She also had a country singing career. After her relationship with Hugh, she married George Gradow, a real-estate developer. The two have 2 daughters. In 2006, her husband was convicted of tax fraud and pleaded guilty.
Debbie Harry
Born as Angela Tremble, Debbie found fame in being the lead singer of the rock band “Blondie.” After Blondie’s album, titled Blondie, was released in 1976, the group became a hit sensation. They received a feature on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine in 1979.
In 2011, Debbie told Britain's The Sun that Elton John was her inspiration to do charity work. She has since given back to organizations like the Endometriosis Foundation of America and Amnesty International Human Rights. In 2014, the band produced its tenth studio album, Ghosts of Download, a double album released in celebration of the band’s fortieth anniversary. And in 2017, the band produced their 11th album, called Pollinator.
Jane Seymour
Jane is most recognized for her role as Bond Girl, Solitaire in the film Live and Let die. She continued to star in roles in the 70s, such as Battlestar Galactica and The Four Feathers.
She began to write self-help books in the 80s, including Jane Seymour's Guide to Romantic Living (1986), Two at a Time: Having Twins (2002), Remarkable Changes (2003), and Among Angels (2010). In 2008, she partnered with Kay Jewelers to create the “Open Heart Collection.” She continues to make appearances in TV series and film.
Sissy Spacek
Sissy started her acting career in the early 70s. She started to make her mark in the film industry with her performance in Badlands. Her fame continued to grow in 1976, after playing the iconic title role of the horror movie Carrie, for which she received a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Actress.
In 2012, her memoir, My Extraordinary Ordinary Life was published. Spacek became the first person to act in an Academy Award-nominated film in each of the 4 most recent decades: Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980), Missing (1982), JFK (1991), In the Bedroom (2001), and The Help (2011). Over the years, she has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award, three Golden Globe Awards, two Critics' Choice Movie Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and has been nominated for four BAFTA Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Grammy Award.
Ali Macgraw
Ali began her career acting in T.V commercials, including a commercial for the Polaroid Swinger camera. She gained stardom in 1970 after she played Jenny in “Love Story,” opposite Ryan O’Neal. The film is one of the highest-grossing films in the U.S. ever. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress and was featured on the cover of Time magazine. She appeared in another three films in the 70s: “The Getaway,” “Convoy,” and “Players.” In the 80s, she acted in the TV series “The Winds of War” and “Dynasty.”
In 2008, she made GQ magazine’s list of “Sexiest 25 Women in Film Ever.” In 2016, she acted in the stage production of Love Letters, and once more acted with her former co-star Ryan O’Neal.
Diane Keaton
Keaton’s first big role came as Kay Adams-Corleone in “The Godfather.” However, her major breakthrough was in Woody Allen’s films: “Play it Again Sam,” “Sleeper,” “Love and Death,” and “Annie Hall.” She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the title role in Annie Hall.
To this day, Diane continues to star in major movies such as “Something’s Gotta Give” and “First Wives Club.” In 2016, she was in a few episodes of the TV series “The Young Pope” as Sister Mary. Recently, she starred in the romantic comedy, Book Club, alongside Jane Fonda which is about four best friends whose lives change after they read "50 Shades of Grey" in their monthly book club.
Faye Dunaway
Faye started her career in the ’60s as an actress on Broadway and later appeared in her first film in 1967, “The Happening” playing Sandy. Her major role was in the film Bonnie and Clyde, where she played Bonnie Parker and later received an academy award. In the 60’s she acted in “The Thomas Crown Affair” and “The Arrangement.”
Faye’s career continues to thrive. She is still acting today and starred in a number of movies in 2017, including Inconceivable, opposite Nicolas Cage.
Julie Andrews
Julie Andrews is an English actress, who started her career as a child, appearing in the West End in 1948 and making her Broadway debut in The Boy Friend in 1954. In 1956, she starred in a number of Broadway musicals including "My Fair Lady" in 1956 and Camelot in 1960. She made her film debut in Mary Poppins for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the title role. She also starred in The Sound of Music in 1965, playing Maria von Trapp, for which she won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical.
Julie Andrews became one of the biggest names in the industry in the 60s. Her success didn’t stop just there. In the ’70s, she starred in "Darling Lili”, and “10”. From 1973 and 1975, she headlined five variety specials on ABC. To this day, she is prominent in TV and film. She voiced the character of the Queen in all the “Shrek” films and Gru’s mom in “Despicable Me.” In 2017, she starred in Netflix’s “Julie’s Greenroom,” an educational series for preschoolers. Besides her musical career, she has authored children's books and published her autobiography in 2008 "Home: A Memoir of My Early Years".
Beverly Johnson
In August 1974, Beverly graced the cover of American Vogue, becoming the first African American woman to ever do so. In 1975, she did it again and became the first African American woman on the cover of the French edition of Elle. Moving forward, she started acting. She wrote a controversial article in which she accused Bill Cosby of drugging her in a meeting at home in Manhattan in the 1980s.
In 2015, she wrote a memoir called The Face That Changed It All in which she discusses the Cosby incident. Fun fact: She was on The New York Times' list of one of the 20th century's most influential people in fashion in 2008.
Karen Lynn Gorney
Gorney found fame in her role as Tara Martin in the soap opera All My Children, which she held from 1970 to 1974. However, her biggest role came as Stephanie Mangano in Saturday Night Fever with John Travolta.
Following the part, she took a decade-long break from acting and came back to act in Law & Order and The Sopranos. Recently, she acted in a short film Behind the Wall.
Carol Kane
Another star of the 70s, Carol Kane received her first Golden Globe nomination for her role in Hester Street as Gitl. She also starred in Woody Allen’s film, Annie hall. In the early 80s, she played the role of Simka Dahblitz-Gravas on the popular T.V show “Taxi.”
Kane has continued to act in popular films like “The Princess Bride” and “Adams Family Values.” From 2005-2014, she played the wicked principal Madame Morrible in the Broadway musical “Wicked.” In 2015, she landed the part of Lillian Kaushtupper in Netflix’s “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.”
Ellen Burstyn
Ellen Burstyn has had a successful acting career in which she’s been nominated multiple times and won several awards. In 1971, she acted in The Last Picture Show for which she received her first nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She then received another nomination for Best Actress for her role as Chris MacNeil in The Exorcist. She finally won an Academy Award for Best Actress in 1975 for playing Alice Hyatt in the Martin Scorsese film Alice doesn’t live here anymore.
Her career continues to be strong and she has acted in many films in the last few years and is set to perform in a few more in the upcoming years.
Kirstie Alley
The late Kirstie Alley is another big name from the 70s and still today. Her breakout role was in 1982 when she played Saavik in “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.”
She has since appeared in several films and TV series. Most memorable was Rebecca Howe on Cheers for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress and a Golden Globe for Best Actress in 1991. She appeared in the Fox TV series “Scream Queens.”
Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep is often described as the "best actress of her generation." Streep started her acting career like many others, on Broadway. She had her film debut at the age of 28 in the T.V movie, Deadliest Season and held a small part in Julia later that year.
Streep has the most Academy award nominations than any other actor. She definitely uses her power and fame for the betterment of society and is involved with a lot of charity work for women’s rights.
Marilu Henner
Marilu started her career off in the 70s with a national touring company playing Marty in Broadway musical Grease. She made her film debut in Between the lines in 1977. Her role which brought her major fame was in the comedy sitcom Taxi as Elaine Nardo.
Fun fact - she is one of twelve known people in the world with Highly Superior autobiographical memory and was in 60 minutes and 60 minutes Australia in a two-part special. She is also the author of several books including Changing Normal: How I Helped My Husband Defeat Cancer.
Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda won her first Academy Award for Best Actress in 1972 for her work in Klute playing the role of a prostitute. Following the role, she didn’t get work as an actress. She then formed a production company IPC films and produced her 1977 comeback film Fun With Dick and Jane.
Since then, she has been involved in many notable endeavors such as authoring several books, environmentalism, and philanthropy. She was also nominated for (and won, of course) numerous awards, and was even inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. Strangely, it only happened in 2019.
Talia Shire
Most recognized for her roles as Connie Corleone in The Godfather films and Adrian Pennino in the Rocky series, Talia Shore was a big influence in the 70s. She received nominations for both films for Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress and Best Actress.
Afterward, she starred in different films and TV movies. Her son is Robert Schwartzman who is best known as the lead vocalist of the rock/pop band Rooney and also a screenwriter and director, She acted in his film Dreamland alongside one of her sons Jason Schwartzman.
Cybill Shepherd
Cybill’s first acting experience was in 1971 in The Last Picture Show. The movie received critical acclaim and won several Academy Awards as well as nominations. Shortly after in 1972, she played Kelly in the Heartbreak Kid and Betsy in Taxi Driver in 1976.
In 2012, she had her Broadway debut when she played in the Revival of the Best, starring alongside James Earl Jones and John Stamos. Her last film was in 2015's Do You Believe in which she played a mother who loses her daughter.
Agnetha Faltskog
Agnetha was in the famous ABBA Swedish pop group. The group recorded songs like “Dancing Queen” and “Take a Chance on Me.” The group split up in the early 80s and Agnetha went on to have a mildly successful solo career. She had her first solo album called “Wrap Your Arms Around Me” receive moderate success.
In 2016, Daniel Ward published a biography called “Agnetha Fältskog: The Girl with the Golden Hair,” which was released in the UK. Besides her singing success, Fältskog has major stage fright, a fear of crowds and open spaces, and a fear of heights.
Carly Simon
She released her first album in 1971 and with it, her hit “That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be.” Carly saw almost immediate success and won her first Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Her second album was released later that year called Anticipation. Both albums were very successful. In 1972, she released her next album, No Secrets, for which she achieved international fame.
The album took the number 1 spot on the Billboard 200 for five weeks and brought with it the worldwide hit "You're So Vain", for which she received three Grammy nominations, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. To this day, people wonder who the song was about. In 2015, she released her memoir called Boys in the Trees: a memoir in which she discusses her childhood and her marriage to James Taylor.
Chris Evert
A former world champion in Tennis, Chris Evert was the first female to get the Sports Illustrated “sportswoman of the year award” in 1976. She began to play tennis at age 5 and was already winning big titles by age 16. She was the world champion for 7 consecutive years in a row from 1974 to 1981.
Nowadays, she owns her own tennis academy in Boca Raton, Florida, and her own line of tennis apparel for women.
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton, a prolific songwriter, country singer, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist, is the queen of country music. It’s safe to say that when she released her three solos, Jolene, I Will Always Love You, and Love is Like a Butterfly, the world was hooked. All three were number one on the country chart. She continued to produce top hits throughout the decade. She hosted her own variety show called Dolly! from 1976-1977.
In 2016, Dolly set off on her biggest U.S tour to date and she graced 60 cities with her voice. Recently, she collaborated with the Acappella group Pentatonix and they released a cover of Jolene. The most honored female country performer of all time, she has had 25 songs reach number one on the Billboard country music charts. Dolly has garnered nine Grammy awards, two Academy Award nominations, ten Country Music Association Awards, as well as seven Academy of Country Music Awards, and three American Music Awards, and is one of only seven female artists to win the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year Award. On top of that, Parton has received 47 Grammy nominations.
Lauren Hutton
Lauren Hutton is an American model and actress. She was originally rejected by agents due to the gap in her teeth but later was signed to Revlon in 73 which became the biggest contract in the history of the modeling industry.
She has continued to work in her seventies, appearing in ads for H&M, Lord and Taylor, and Alexander Wang. She made the gap-tooth look cute. She’s been on the cover of Vogue 27 times. She has also done some acting, receiving positive reviews for her role as Billie in The Gambler. In 2013, she acted with Demi Moore and David Duchovny in The Joneses.
Carrie Fisher
Her claim to fame and what led her to receive a Hollywood star is her performance as Princess Leia Organa in the Star Wars films. Besides this hit, she also starred in other hit films like “The Blue Brothers,” “When Harry Met Sally,” and “Heartbreakers.”
Sadly, she had a heart attack and passed away when she was 60 years old in December 2016. She is survived by one daughter Billie Lourd.
Dawn Wells
From 1964-1967, Dawn Wells played the role of Mary Ann Summers on “Gilligan’s Island.” In 1978, she brought back the role for the T.V reprisal “Rescue from Gilligan’s Island” and in 1979, “The Castaways on Gilligan’s Island.” Following her performance on Gilligan’s Island, she toured with musical theater productions. Sadly, she never was cast in any big TV or movie roles after Gilligan’s Island.
In 2014, she published “What Would Mary Ann Do? A Guide to Life,” which she co-authored with Steve Stinson. In May 2016, she became the Marketing Ambassador of the MeTV network. Sadly, Dawn passed away in Los Angeles in December 2020, she was 82 years old.
Christie Brinkley
Christie Brinkley gained international attention after she was on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition in the late 1970s. She was the face of Covergirl for 25 years and has been featured in hundreds of other magazines. That’s no surprise as this supermodel is drop-dead gorgeous.
Christie today at the age of 63 has seemed to withstand the test of time as she doesn’t look much different from when she was younger. For the 2017 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition, she once again took to the cover, this time with her similarly stunning two daughters.
Olivia Newton-John
Olivia gained worldwide fame after starring in the film adaptation of Grease. After acting in the film, she released her second album, Totally Hot.
In 2015, Olivia recorded a song with her daughter and the song was the first mother-daughter song to reach number one single on Billboard’s Dance Club Play chart. Sadly, in August 2022 she passed away after a long battle.
Sally Field
Sally Field had her breakthrough role as Sister Bertille in The Flying Nun. Her career took off after she played this role. She acted in several films in the 1970s like “The End”, “Norma Rae” and “Smokey and the Bandit.”
Her career has been staying strong, scoring roles in hit films such as “Mrs. Doubtfire”, “Forrest Gump” and “Lincoln.” Recently she starred in the 2017 Netflix comedy, horror film “Little Evil.”
Erin Murphy
This actress started her career at quite an early age. She joined the cast of Bewitched at the age of two, with her fraternal twin sister Diane, and together they played the part of Tabitha. The two were cast together for the role due to child labor laws. Erin’s talent was evident, and producers used her for close-up scenes with Diane being used for long shots. She was part of the cast for 6 seasons, from 1964-1972.
Since her days in the show, Murphy has continued to be quite the normal teenager, even becoming a cheerleader and homecoming queen. Most recently, in 2017, she acted in the TV movie Life Interrupted.
Daryl Hannah
Daryl Hannah made her introduction to the world of film in 1979 in the supernatural horror flick, “The Fury.” Following the film, she rose to fame and appeared in multiple hit movies such as “Splash” and “Steel Magnolias.”
She continued to act in major films including “Grumpy Old Men,” “The Little Rascals,” “My Favorite Martian,” and “A Walk to Remember.” Recently, she played the role of Angelica in the Netflix series “Sense8”.
Samantha Fox
Samantha Fox started to act at the young age of 3 in theater productions. At the age of 15, she started to study at the Anna Scher Theatre School. A year later, she signed her first record deal with Lamborghini Records, however, it wasn’t so successful. At the age of 20, she released her first hit album at 20-years-old, “Touch Me.” Her single “Touch Me (I Want Your Body),” went to number one in 17 countries.
She later released another 6 albums. In 2016, she was a participant in Celebrity Big Brother 18 but didn’t make it to the finale.
Kultida Woods
Kultida is the mother of one of the best, if not the best, professional golfers ever. You may have heard of him; Tiger Woods. In 1969, Kultida married Early Woods, who formerly served in the army. In 1975, they had Tiger, their only child.
What does she do? Tiger has since had a nasty public divorce, but he and Kultida maintain a close relationship despite. Tiger has two children, Sam and Charlie, and Kultida is a proud grandmother.
Barbara Minty McQueen
The third and last wife of actor Steve McQueen, Barbara used to be an elite model who was on many covers of magazines in the 1970s. They two met after Steve had seen a photo of her and got in touch with her. They got married a few months after.
She authored a book in 2006 called titled “Steve McQueen – The Last Mile.” Her husband died in 1980 from mesothelioma. Nowadays, she is an ambassador for the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.
Lucille Ball
Lucille Ball quickly became one of the most loved actresses while starring in the comedy show “I Love Lucy.” She is regarded as one of the best comedic actresses of all time. After the show finished in 1957, Ball proceeded to act in “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour” from 1957-1960, which was later followed by “The Lucy Show” from 1962-1968, and then from 1968-1974 she starred in “Here’s Lucy.”
After “Here’s Lucy,” she took a break from acting for a number of years but then created another series called “Life With Lucy,” in 1986.
Neile Adams
Neile worked as a spy for the Philippine resistance during World War II and after that, she moved to New York to study acting and dance in New York's theater district. In the 1950’s she was a Broadway actor and acted in At The Grand opposite Paul Muni. She and Steven married in 1956 but unfortunately, they divorced in 1972.
Regardless, Neile continued to act throughout the 70s, 80s, and early 90s.
Catherine Oxenberg
When you are the daughter of a princess, it’s safe to say that you spend a lot of time in the public eye. Catherine Oxenberg is the daughter of Princess Elizabeth of Yugoslavia. She started acting in the early 1980s and is most recognized for her part as Amanda Bedford Carrington in the soap opera “Dynasty.”
She acted throughout the 1980s, most recently in 2015. In 2018, she announced that she would be releasing a book about becoming alienated from her daughter, India, who apparently joined a cult.
Diana Ross
Diana Ross found fame as the lead singer of “The Supremes,” one of the most influential bands in the ’60s. They produced multiple number-one hits such as “Stop! In the Name of Love” and “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”. Ross decided to go off on her own and came out with her self-titled album in 1970. She found major success with her solo career and produced the number-one hit “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”
To this day, she is still performing and going on tours. In 2016, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama.
Mindy Cohn
Mindy Cohn is famous for playing Natalie Green, aka Frenchie, in the hit T.V show “The Facts of Life.”
After that role, she held several recurring roles in series such as “The Second Half,” “The Kids From Room 402”, and “The Secret Life of an American Teenager.” Apart from playing Natalie Green, Cohn also voiced the character of Velma Dinkley in the Scooby-Doo franchise, during the years of 2002-2015. Recently, she acted in 2017’s drama-film “Hollywood Dirt,” playing the role of Thelma.
Sigourney Weaver
Sigourney Weaver’s first minor role was in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall. Following the role, she began to be cast in major roles. In 1979, she got the part of Ripley in the film “Alien”.
Since then, she has starred in other major hits including “Ghostbusters”, “Hole” and “Avatar”. For her performances, she has received a Tony Award as well as nominations for an Oscar and Golden Globe.
Traci Lords
Traci Lords started her career in the adult film industry for which she had great success. Following her time working in that field, she began to act in mainstream productions. In the early 1990s, she held parts in shows such as “Married With Children,” “Cry-Baby” and “MacGyver.”
Following that, she acted in “Melrose Place,” “Blade” and “Nash Bridges.” Her work didn’t stop there; she has also recorded songs for multiple movie soundtracks and worked as a clothing line designer.
Loretta Lynn
Loretta Lynn was discovered by a record label in the 1950s while performing in a local pub. She has been singing since the release of her first album in 1963. Her songs aren’t about your everyday romance and feelings, however.
She sings about more controversial subjects like birth control and double standards for men and women. Her lyrics and confidence to express her feelings inspired other country stars to do the same. She is the most decorated female country singer with her most recent album released in 2021.
Paula Deen
Paula Deen demonstrates where hard work can get you. She held several odd jobs until she decided to give in to her true passion in life, food. She opened up a catering business out of her home and called it The Bag Lady.
The business was very successful and became too big for her home kitchen. In 1991, she opened up her first restaurant called The Lady. Since then, she has grown her company immensely. She now owns several restaurants and is expected to open at least one more in 2018. She has written 15 cookbooks and is the host of a successful cooking show, where she is notoriously known to put a lot of butter in her food.
Jaclyn Smith
Jaclyn’s Smith breakthrough role came as Kelly Garrett on the television series “Charlie’s Angels.” She held the role alongside Kate Jackson and Farrah Fawcett. After the role, her career continued to flourish, and she appeared in several T.V shows and movies.
She played the title role in “Christina Cromwell” from 1989-1990. Her latest acting role was in 2015 when she played Felice Hamilton in the T.V movie “Bridal Wave.” We must say, this actress looks phenomenal.
Lola Falana
Lola Falana is another prominent actress who rose to fame in the late 1960s while working abroad as an Italian actress. At the same time, she worked and toured with Sammy Davis, Jr. In 1970, she finally hit the American screens and starred in “The Liberation of L.B. Jones.” In the late 70s, she moved to Vegas where she brought her act and even became known as the “Queen of Las Vegas.” At the time, Falana was the highest-paid female performer in Las Vegas.
Her show ran twenty weeks a year and became a top tourist attraction. Since her last acting role in 1989, she hasn’t returned to the camera. This is perhaps due to her being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1987.
Jacqueline Bisset
British-born Jacqueline Bisset became famous worldwide in 1968, after playing the role of Norma MacIver, in “The Detective,” opposite Frank Sinatra. The 1970s saw great success for the actress. She has acted in 17 movies throughout the decade including, “Airport,” “The Mephisto Waltz,” and “Day for Night.”
In 2015, she acted alongside Drew Barrymore and Toni Collette in “Miss You Already.” Fun fact: she is the godmother to actress Angelina Jolie.
Beth Chapman
Beth Chapman was raised in Colorado. In her late 20s, she had a change of heart and decided she wanted to become a bail bond agent. She received her license becoming the youngest person to do so in Colorado history. (Her stepdaughter, Lyssa, later broke that record.)
In the mid-90s she met Duane Chapman, and they quickly became romantic partners as well as business partners. Millions of viewers have watched the two find fugitives across the country in their reality T.V series “Dog the Bounty Hunter.” Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and, despite going into remission, Chapman passed away two years later, on June 26, 2019.
Victoria Principal
Victoria Principal was planning on becoming a doctor before she got into a serious accident. After the incident, she decided to pursue acting instead. She left everything and moved to Hollywood in 1970 and in 1972, she landed her first part in a movie as Marie Elena in “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean.” However, she is most recognized for her role as Pamela Barnes Ewing in the soap opera “Dallas.” She played the part of Pamela from 1978-1987.
After “Dallas,” Principal acted in several TV shows and films. However, her last appearance was on the series “Titans” in 2001. Since 2001, she has spent her time doing charity work. She is very active in animal protection charities such as the Humane Society.
Morgan Fairchild
Morgan Fairchild, originally known as Patsy Ann McClenny, gained critical acclaim after she played Jennifer Pace on the soap opera “Search for Tomorrow,” from 1973-1977. Her performance got her guest roles on “Happy Days,” “Kojak,” “and “Dallas.” However, her career really took off after she appeared in “Flamingo Road” and “Falcon Crest,” in the 80s.
She still acts today, recently starring in 2016’s “A Christmas in Vermont,” alongside Chevy Chase.
Catherine Bach
Bach was made famous by her role as Daisy Duke, a seductive brunette in denim cut-off shorts in the Dukes of Hazzard T.V series from 1979-1985. After the series ended, Bach had roles in a few low-profile films.
In 2012, she was cast on the daytime soap opera, The Young and the Restless, to play Anita Lawson. She had a role in the feature film “You Again” in 2010 and appeared on T.V shows like “Monk” and “Hawaii Five-O” in 2015.
Raquel Welch
Raquel ended the 60s with a bang, playing her iconic bikini-wearing character in One Million Years BC. Her fame only continued to rise in the 1970s. In 1973, she played in The Three Musketeers for which she won a Golden Globe award for her performance.
She also appeared in the thriller The Last of Shelia. Aside from acting, she wrote a Total Beauty and Fitness Program book and videos, as well as, a signature line of wigs called “HAIRuWEAR.” She has appeared in the House of Versace and The Ultimate Legacy, which were her last roles, and in early 2023, she sadly passed away at the age of 82.
Katharine Ross
Katharine Ross became famous in 1967 after playing Mrs. Robinson’s daughter in “The Graduate”. The roles she played in the 70s made her name a legend in Hollywood. In 1975, she played the lead role of Joanna Ingalls Eberhart in “The Stepford Wives”. She finished the 70’s with roles in “Voyage of the Damned”, “The Betsy”, and “The Swarm.”
To this day, she still acts and recently had roles in 2 movies, "The Hero" and attachments. She has also co-authored numerous children's books.
Sophia Loren
Sophia Loren started acting in 1950 at age 15. She started her career in small roles until getting signed by Paramount with a 5-film contract. Her international fame came after her performance as Cesira in “Two Women” for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress. She became the first actress to win an Oscar for a foreign-language film. Her career further grew with roles in movies such as “Man of La Mancha,” “A Special Day,” and “Brass Target.”
Her final appearance came in the 2014 short film “Human Voice.” She may no longer be acting, but she is definitely still beautiful.
Cheryl Ladd
Cheryl Ladd gained recognition for playing Kris Munroe in the hit series “Charlie’s Angels,” from 1977-1981. In 1978, she had her first single “Think It Over,” reach #34 on the Top 100 Billboard chart. She released three more albums following that. In 1980, she gifted the Super Bowl with her voice while singing the National Anthem.
Since the ’70s, her most memorable performances were in “Millennium” in 1989, and “Poison Ivy,” in 1992. In 2016, she played in the hit mini-series “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.” She has continued to appear in various T.V series and movies.
Lorraine Gary
Gary is recognized most for starring in the Jaws films as Ellen Brody. She retired early from acting after starring in Spielberg’s 1941.
However, she came back briefly for a reprisal of Ellen Brady in Jaws: The Revenge in 1987. Since her reprisal of the 1987 Jaws sequel, Gary has once again retired from the spotlight. She is married to entertainment industry executive Sidney Sheinberg, and the pair has two children. She spends her time volunteering as a member of the Humans Rights Watch Africa Advisory Committee and the Human Rights Watch Women’s Rights Advisory Committee.
Maria Whittaker
Also known as Maria Tafari, this woman is best known for her page 3 career. She was born in 1969 and at the early age of 16 already appeared on the so-called controversial page. By the 1980s she was already considered one of the most successful glamour models.
She had her long 15 minutes of fame on "The Beny Hill Show" in 1983 and had a role in "Whoops Apocalypse". She was married to the music producer Rebel MC yet today is single.
Helen Shapiro
Helen Shapiro was of the most successful British Jazz and Pop singers. In the 1960s, being only a teenager, Shapiro had a voice considered "far beyond her teen years". This magnificent woman toured with the Beatles in 1963.
Shapiro has starred in the hit "Call the Midwife" and has contributed her voice to the soundtrack of "Butterfly Kiss" and "Ring-A-Ding Rhythm". It is unknown if she is still performing.
Julia McKenzie
In 1984, Julia McKenzie became a regular in every British household with her appearance in "Fresh Fields" for which she was nominated for the BAFTA Award. In 1977, she was nominated for a Tony Award for her work in numerous Broadway productions.
Between 2009 and 2013, McKenzie starred in "Agatha Christie's Marple" and is currently focusing on her honorable radio work. Her latest work dated was with the production of "The Eighth Doctor – Time War 2".
Tracy Shaw
Tracy Shaw was born to be a dancer but life had its ways and she evolved into Maxine on "Coronation Street". In 2003, she left the street and focused on bringing up her family while taking occasional roles. She moved on to filming "Wish you were here". However, personal troubles were in the that forced her to take a break from acting.
Things came to terms and these days she appears in "The Cat and the Canary". However, her peak, for which she will always be remembered by is for sure, her Corrie days as Ms. Peacock.
Sandie Shaw
In 1976, Sandie Shaw was the first British entry to win the Eurovision contest with "Puppet on a String". It took her another 15 years to bring herself back onto the UK Top 40 chart and in 1984 "hand in Glove" brought Shaw back to life. By 2013 she had retired completely from the music industry.
She had a complete change in life and she practices as a psychotherapist but honored us with her presence on "Loose Woman" and sang the theme song for "Made in Dagenham".
Jilly Johnson
Jilly Johnson is a model, author, actress, and glamour girl. She spent her childhood hopping between Australia and the UK. Over the years she had written two novels and appeared on a number of small-screen shows.
During the 1970s, she was part of the girl group Blonde on Blonde, and today she spends her time taking care of her grandchildren and her Great Danes.
Linda Davidson
Linda Davidson is one of "Eastenders" original characters. She played the role of Mary Smith until 1988. Besides adorning the streets of east London, Davidson starred in a number of TV production but packed it all in by the late 1990s. She worked behind the scenes for the BBC and Channel 4 and eventually found her place in "Discovery Communications".
In 2019, the "Eastenders" production managed to persuade Davidson to guest star in one episode, which she did. That was the final cut for her.
Susan Tully
During the 1970s, Tully was an actress. However, these days, she is focused on the production and directing of various shows. She is best known for her roles as Suzanne Ross in "Grange Hill" and the one and only Michelle Fowler on "Eastenders".
She played in the first-ever episode of the show way back in 1985 and remained all the way until 1995. That was her last acting role on TV shows. Since then, she has shifted her focus to the other side of the camera.
Barbara Knox
Most British actors had their days on one of the greatest British soaps. Barbara Knox was Rita Sullivan on "Coronation Street" and she is best known for that role. She has been on the show for 56 years and has become a mother figure to many of the show's cast and crew.
She has won the TV Times Award for Best Actress and a Life Time Achievement Award which she grasped at the 2004 British Soap Awards.
Petula Clark
Petula Clark has been going for over seven decades. This wonderful singer and composer has sold over 68 million records worldwide. She began her career as a child entertainer on BBC Radio during WWII and then devoted herself to music and began singing in English and in French.
Some of her greatest hits include "Dowtown", "I Know a Place", "You'd Better Come Home", and many more. This Grammy Award Winner will go on for years, decorating our world with her tunes.
Aretha Franklin
A list of ‘70s powerhouses is incomplete without the “Queen of Soul” – Aretha Franklin. Arguably the most recognizable voice in any era. Aretha first found her calling in music while singing gospel in church. In the ‘50s and ‘60s, her career took off in earnest as she embraced the smooth tones of R&B.
She sang at the memorial service for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Aretha went on to win eight Grammys in a row from 1968 to 1975. Years later, her voice graced another historic event – the inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2009. She tragically passed away in 2018.
Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks was part of the iconic band, Fleetwood Mac. The uplifting, sometimes soul-crushing songs elevated Nicks and the group to mythical heights. Stevie and her bandmates released chart-topping albums “Fleetwood Mac” (1975) and “Rumours” (1977).
In 1981, Nicks embarked on a solo career with the release of her studio album “Bella Donna” – a critical and commercial success. The singer continues to be a source of inspiration for contemporary artists like Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Sheryl Crow, Mary J. Blige, and Lorde, among others. She’s also the only woman inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Gladys Knight
Gladys Knight, AKA “Empress of the Soul,” is a living legend. She’s a seven-time Grammy winner with hits that spanned the ‘60s, ’70s, and ‘80s. Gladys began her career in a 1970s rhythm and blues band called “The Pips.” Her personality and voice stood out so much that the band became popularly known as “Gladys Knight and the Pips.”
Life wouldn’t be quite the same without Gladys’s “Midnight Train to Georgia” in the background. Any ode to besties is incomplete without “That’s What Friends Are for.” Rolling Stone Magazine ranked her among the 100 greatest singers of all time.
Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell got her first break in the ‘60s in gigs around the U.S. and Canada. In 1970, Joni won her first Grammy and would go on to win seven more. The musical icon also won a Lifetime Achievement Award in the 2000s.
The singer tragically suffered a brain aneurysm in 2015. Her intensive physical therapy involved learning how to walk and speak again. In July 2022, Joni surprised fans with a 13-song set – her first since the aneurysm. Fans were beside themselves. They never thought they’d see Joni Mitchell perform again, but (as always) she’s emerged a force!
Patti Smith
In an era characterized by synth sounds and disco balls, Patti Smith stood out as a soulful solo performer. There’s no denying her influence on NYC’s punk rock movement in the ‘70s. Patti’s one of those rare gems that can infuse poetry and art into everything she does — fittingly dubbed “punk poet laureate” for these reasons.
Her song “Because the Night” (1978) reached number 13 on the Billboard charts. She’s also topped other lists besides music. Her memoir “Just Kids” won the National Book Award in 2010. Patti continues to write and perform music to this day.
Donna Summer
When you think of the disco craze of the ‘70s, the music of Donna Summer immediately comes to mind. Hits like “Hot Stuff” (1979), “Bad Girls” (1979), and “Macarthur Park” (1977) were ubiquitous in the music scene then. Donna played a pivotal role in taking the disco, dance music, and R&B scene to new heights.
Her studio album “Bad Girls”(1979) reached number one on the Billboard charts. Sadly, the Queen of Disco died on May 17, 2012, from lung cancer. Donna was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.
Carole King
Carole King is arguably the most influential musician of all time. She’s been around since 1958, but the 1970s were a phenomenal decade for her music career. She released her album “Tapestry” in 1971, which remained on the charts for a whopping six years after.
The album featured one of her most popular hits, “You’ve Got a Friend.” The song remains an enduring friendship anthem. Today’s generation may know her better from Broadway’s “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” (2013). Carole is still performing, composing, and singing today.
Bonnie Raitt
Bonnie Raitt is a pioneering musician and record producer. She began her career singing in small cafes and clubs, where her talents eventually landed her a record deal. People were taken in by her smashing electric guitar skills, among others. Her roots-influenced music and signature bottleneck slide would become the stuff of legends.
In the 1970s, she released several critically-acclaimed albums, but none became smash hits. Bonnie finally saw major commercial success in 1989 with “Nick of Time” – her tenth studio album. She’s won numerous Grammys and other awards since. Besides music, Bonnie frequently lends her voice to another space — political activism.
Cher
Cher’s other-worldly aura and distinctive contralto voice have stood her well over a long six-decade career! She first made waves with “I Got You Babe,” her hit song with Sonny Bono in 1965.
Her single "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" (1971) sold hundreds of thousands of copies and reached the top 10 in at least five countries — one of her best-selling singles of all time. Cher’s resurgence in the 2000s took the world by storm. She belted out one solo hit after the next – proving that neither time nor trends could keep her down.
Lynn Anderson
Lynn Anderson was a big name in 70s country music. We beg your pardon, but have you not heard “Rose Garden?” The song, released in 1970, catapulted Lynn’s career and made her an international superstar. Before this, she released two albums with Columbia records and appeared in various TV shows.
Lynn’s music gave a new lease of life to the 70s with hit songs like “You’re My Man” (1971) and “Keep Me in Mind” (1973). The country music icon passed away suddenly from a heart attack on July 30, 2015. She was 67.
Jessie Colter
Born Mirriam Johnson, Jessie Colter is a well-known face in the country music scene. You may know her as Waylon Jenning’s better half. The couple has worked on some famous collaborations together over the years. Jessie is best known for her 1975 hit “I’m Not Lisa” – a crossover song that topped both the country and pop charts.
She released a few more songs, but none came close to the commercial success of her first one. The singer is still actively performing, writing, and recording. In 2017, she released an album called “The Psalms” – her first album in over ten years.
Donna Fargo
Donna Fargo almost did not become a singer. She had been singing for years but never considered a career in it until she met Stan Silver, who became her manager and husband. Donna signed with Dot Records in 1972 and recorded “The Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A.”, for which she eventually won a CMA and Grammy award.
The song paved the way for 15 more top hits. Donna had some health scares in between but came out on top. She seems to be enjoying life away from the limelight these days. Donna has penned her autobiography and occasionally writes poetry.
Crystal Gayle
Inspired by her sister Loretta Lynn’s success, Crystal Gayle decided that a music career was her calling, too. She was born Brenda Gail Web but changed her name to Crystal when she was 16. The young singer’s first single “I Cried the Blue Right Out of My Eyes" (1970), reached No. 23 on the country charts.
In 1977, her single “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” shot her to fame. It was her first No. 1 song. Since then, Crystal has won a Grammy, two CMA awards, and American Music awards. In 2017, she became a member of the prestigious Grand Ole Opry.
Anne Murray
Anne Murray’s songs have appealed to music lovers over her 40-year career. Her first hit was “Snowbird” in 1970, which reached No. 1 on the U.S. charts. She became the first Canadian artist to achieve the feat. Anne became a superstar in 1978 with her single “You Needed Me.”
The song’s release marked the beginning of a successful run. She released several hit singles in 1979, including "I’ll Just Fall in Love Again" and "Shadows in the Moonlight.” She retired in 2018. Overall, the songstress racked up four Grammys, 24 Junos (a record), three AMAs, three CMAs, and three Canadian Country Music Association Awards.
Sammi Smith
Sammi Smith was one of the few artists who took country music outside the hallowed halls of Nashville. Sammi signed with Columbia Records in 1967, where she first met a janitor named Kris Kristofferson.
Her initial days at Columbia saw moderate success. In the ‘70s, she released a single called “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” written by her friend, Kris. The song shot to the top of the country charts, eventually earning the singer a Grammy in 1972. Sammi recorded seven more albums and at least 16 songs that stayed on the charts. Sadly, Sammi died at her Oklahoma home in 2005.
Tanya Tucker
Tanya Tucker is the veritable bad girl in country music. “Bad” might be relative, though. But back then, country fans weren’t accustomed to seeing their artists so sexy and free. Tanya was only 13 when her song “Delta Dawn” (1972) reached No. 6 on the country charts.
She continued creating hits that evoked mixed feelings. Fans loved the songs, but the themes seemed too “adult” for someone her age. She paid no mind to haters. To date, Tanya’s had top-10 and top-40 hits and won a Grammy as well as several CMA nominations. She has also launched her own tequila brand, Cosa Salvaje.
Dottie West
Dottie West’s music career kicked off in the ‘60s with her Grammy-award winning single, “Here Comes My Baby Back Again.” Dottie later paired up with Kenny Rogers, and together, they sang duets that became country classics.
But it was only in the ‘70s that Dottie came into her own as a solo artist. She began adding more pop elements into her songwriting, and everyone got on board with a new Dottie. In 1980, “Lesson in Leavin’” reached No. 1 on the charts – her first as a solo artist. Sadly, Dottie passed away in a car accident in 1991.
Tammy Wynette
Fans knew Tammy as the “First Lady of Country Music” – but the singer struggled in the early days. She faced a string of rejections from almost every record label. Tammy almost gave up on the dream until meeting producer, Billy Sherril who helped kickstart her career.
Her first Number One was “I Don’t Wanna Play House” in 1967, followed by five successive chart toppers. Her most popular track was “Stand by Your Man.” Tammy ruled the country music charts in the ‘70s. The country music icon died in 1998 due to cardiac arrhythmia.
Emmy Lou Harris
Emmy Lou Harris is known for effortlessly blending country, pop, rock, and folk into her music. She makes popular music seem old-timey and country music sound contemporary, even sophisticated. Harris’s talents first came under the spotlight when she sang soprano for Gram Parson’s solo albums (1973-74).
The musician released dozens of successful albums and singles produced by her husband, Brian Ahern. So far, she’s won 14 Grammys and is a member of the Country Music Hall Of Fame and The Grand Ole Opry.
June Carter Cash
June Carter Cash may be Jonny Cash’s second wife, but there's so much to her. Before her famous marriage, she was June Carter of the popular Carter Family Trio until the group disbanded. June saw some success as a solo artist in the ‘60s. But her most notable performances were with Johnny Cash, whom she eventually married.
June released her first solo album, “Appalachian Pride” in 1975. Fun Fact: “Ring of Fire” was originally a June Carter single, the same one that brought her husband incredible success years later. June passed away in 2003 following heart surgery complications.
Stella Parton
Stella Parton got into the music business just like her big sister Dolly. The spotlight tends to shine away from Stella, even when people should know better. In 1975, Stella’s song, “I Want to Hold You in My Dreams Tonight,” was a Top 10 country hit.
The singer has released several albums since then – each one featuring top 20 and top 40 singles. Stella’s also written cookbooks and appeared in shows like “BBC Celebrity Master Chef.”
Billie Jo Spears
Billie Jo Spears's music career began in 1964 when she secured a recording contract with United Artists Records. She later moved to Capitol Records, with whom she saw her first hit, “Mr. Walker It’s All Over” in 1969. The song reached No. 4 on the country music charts.
Her signature song, “Blanket on the Ground” (1975) was her first No. 1. Billie had a huge fan following in the UK. She continued to tour the country for at least 30 years – long after her career in the US had slowed down. Billie died in 2011 after battling cancer.
Jeannie C. Riley
Jeannie C. Riley is best known for her crossover hit “Harper Valley PTA” (1968), which topped the country and pop charts, almost simultaneously! It marked the start of her meteoric rise in the music industry. Jeannie was at the height of her fame in the ‘70s.
She won a Grammy, received several nominations, and appeared in numerous TV shows. In the mid-70s, Jeannie became a born-again Christian and began recording gospel music. She lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with her second husband, Billy Starnes.
Rita Coolidge
Rita Coolidge’s music was everywhere during the 1970s and 80s. From country and pop to even the jazz charts – her songs were on every conceivable chart! Some of her most successful recordings include "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" (1977), "I’d Rather Leave While I'm in Love" (1979), and "We're All Alone" (1977).
Cinephiles will also remember her voice in the 1983 James Bond film "Octopussy," where she sang the theme song, "All Time High." Rita published a memoir in 2015 and released an album “Safe in the Arms of Time” in 2018.
Chelsea Brown
There was nothing Chelsea Brown couldn’t do. The star was a staple on NBC’s popular sketch comedy show “Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In.” Along with Diahann Carroll, Chelsea was one of the first black women with a recurring TV role in the ‘70s.
Chelsea appeared in numerous shows after the series, including “Police Story,” (1973) and “Ironside” (1971). She married Vic Rooney and moved to Australia, where she continued working in tv, films, and theater. Chelsea returned to the US in 2002 after her Vic passed away. She died from pneumonia on March 28, 2017.
Charo
Charo was a household name in the ‘70s. You could not miss her fabulous hair and her talents as a singer, actor, and comedian. First discovered by Xavier Cugat (who she later married), Charo began appearing regularly in shows around Las Vegas and New York.
Her appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show” introduced her to a different audience, and soon, she was headlining numerous shows in Las Vegas. When she wasn’t singing, Charo appeared in beloved ‘70s shows like “The Love Boat” (1976). She lives with her second husband, Kjell Rasten, in California. She also popped up on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in March 2020.
Gretchen Corbett
Gretchen Corbett got her start in television on an obscure series called “NYPD” in 1968. The show was canned soon after, but the ’70s would mark the beginning of her long career. She appeared in an obscure comedy film called “Out of It” and later in “Let’s Scare Jessica to Death” (1971), in which she played a mute girl known simply as The Girl.
Gretchen is best known for her portrayal of Beth Davenport in “The Rockford Files” (1974). She left the show after four years and continued acting in numerous series. Some of her recent projects include “Portlandia,” which ran from 2011 to 2018.
Cathy Lee Crosby
Cathy Lee’s first screen appearance was on an episode of “It Takes a Thief” in 1968. By the time the ‘70s rolled around, she was a frequent guest on popular TV shows such as “Barnaby Jones”(1973) and “Cannon” (1971). She was also cast as Wonder Woman in a 1974 pilot TV movie of the same name.
The movie performed well ratings-wise but failed to take off. Cathy is best known as the co-host of “That’s Incredible,” an ABC show that aired between 1980 and 1984. Cathy is still active both in front and behind the camera.
Angie Dickinson
Angie Dickinson is best known for playing Sergeant Suzanne “Pepper” in “Police Woman” (1974), a show that definitively flipped the script on character portrayal in films. The show not only had a woman playing a cop, but she was also the lead character! Angie played a pivotal role in ushering in a new era where movies had fierce female leads.
Think “Charlie’s Angels” (1976) and “The Bionic Woman” (1976). She’s acted in numerous shows over the years and made a cameo in “Ocean’s 11” (2001). Lest we forget, Cathy was part of the original “Ocean's 11” in 1960.
Lynda Day George
Lynda Day George began making TV appearances and modeling at age 12. She appeared in the film “Gentle Rain” (1966), where she first met Christopher George. The two married in 1970. While Lynda enjoyed marital bliss, she wanted to keep working and stuck to her resolve.
She appeared in “The Silent Force” (1970) and “Mission: Impossible” (1971). Lynda stopped working after her husband died suddenly from a heart attack in 1983. She has worked only occasionally since then.
Erin Gray
The world first noticed Erin Gray after she began appearing in numerous commercials, from Breck Shampoo to RC Cola – Erin soon became one of the most recognizable faces on TV. She later made guest appearances on “Police Story” (1973) and “Gibbsville” (1976). In 1978, Erin transformed film tropes with her powerful portrayal of Colonel Wilma Deering in “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.”
A strong woman lead was an alien concept back then. Fans will remember her as Commodore Gray in “Star Trek Continues” (2013). Erin currently runs her agency “Heroes for Hire,” which specializes in booking engagements for sci-fi and fantasy stars.
Shelley Hack
Shelley Hack began her showbiz career as the face of Revlon and the company’s signature perfume then, Charlie. But Shelley’s rise to stardom began in 1976 when she appeared in season 4 of “Charlie’s Angels” to replace Kate Jackson. Shelley played the beautiful and sophisticated Tiffany Welles. Fans of the original Angels felt she didn’t fit.
Shelley left the show, but not before criticism for its failing ratings. The blame wasn’t hers entirely since the show continued performing poorly. She’s still active in the industry through her production company, Smash Media.
Mariette Hartley
Mariette Hartley began her foray into stage and film in the ‘60s – but her career took off when she starred in a series of commercials with James Garner throughout the ‘70s. Mariette is famous for her work in “The Incredible Hulk” (1978) with Bill Bixby, for which she won an Emmy.
She also appeared in "Goodnight, Beantown" (1983–1984), an original "Star Trek" episode (1969), and Sam Peckinpah's "Ride the High Country" (1962).
Jayne Kennedy
In 1970, Jayne Kennedy became the first African-American woman to be crowned Miss Ohio and made it to the top ten in Miss USA. In 1978, she married Leon Isaac Kennedy, and the couple moved to Hollywood. Jayne made guest appearances in cult shows of the ‘70s such as “Starsky and Hutch” (1975), “Kojak” (1973), “Shaft” (1971), and “The Six Million Dollar Man” (1973).
Jayne made history again in 1978 when she became NFL Today’s first female sportscaster – a space that was and continues to be notoriously male-dominated. Since then, she’s won an Emmy and anchored more shows.
Audrey Landers
Audrey Landers's first TV appearance was in “The Merv Griffin Show” (1962). She studied music at Juilliard and majored in psychology at Columbia University. In her heyday, Audrey made numerous TV appearances, including roles in “Emergency!” (1972), “Police Woman” (1974), and “Happy Days” (1974).
Audrey also guest-starred in shows such as “Fantasy Island” (1978), “Battlestar Galactica” (1978), and “Love Boat” (1976). She’s probably best known today for her role in “Dallas” (2012), where she played Afton Cooper. She continues making music and performs in concerts the world over.
Judy Landers
Judy Landers might be best known for playing the role of ditzy blondes, but the actor is far from it in real life. Judy and her sister, Audrey, created an award-winning kids’ show called the “Huggabug Club” in 1996 and “The Treehouse Club” in 1997. Together, they wrote almost 150 songs for the show.
It was a far cry from some of Judy’s first TV appearances, such as Boom Boom on “Happy Days” (1977). You might know her as Stacks in “BJ and the Bear (1979). She’s appeared in “The Love Boat” (1977), two episodes of “Charlie’s Angels” (1978), and “The Jeffersons” (1979), among others.
Carol Lynley
Carol Lynley began her career as a child model before pursuing acting at age 15. She’s remembered best for her outstanding Broadway performance in “Blue Denim” (1959). In the ‘70s, Carol appeared in numerous TV shows and films. She guest-starred in “The Sixth Sense,” a pilot episode of “Kolchak: The Night Stalker,” and “The Immortal.”
Carol, in “Poseidon’s Adventure” (1972), captivated audiences everywhere. The film was one of the top-grossing films that year. Carol sadly died of a heart attack at her home in California in 2019.
Lee Meriwether
Lee is an actor, former model, and a Miss America pageant winner (1955). You might remember her best as Betty Jones on “Barnaby Jones,” which ran from 1973 to 1980. Lee often comes up in conversations about Catwoman.
Most people mistakenly believe she played the character in the ’60s Batman series. Lee played Catwoman only in “Batman: The Movie” (1966). She also joined “Mission Impossible” in 1969 when she replaced Barbara Bain. The star continues acting on TV, in films, and on stage.
Suzanne Pleshette
Suzanne Pleshette began her theater career in 1957. She switched to movies in the 1960s and eventually joined television too. Suzanne got her big break in 1972, playing the role of Emily Hartley on “The Bob Newhart Show.”
Once the series ended, she appeared in numerous other shows. Pleshette underwent major surgery in 2006 as part of her ongoing lung cancer treatment. The actor sadly passed away due to respiratory failure on January 19, 2008.
Stefanie Powers
Stefanie Powers, at age 15, was widely considered one of the brightest up-and-coming stars of the time. She signed with Columbia Pictures, but her movie career was short-lived. Stefanie traded acting in films for the small screen instead.
She is probably best known for her memorable portrayal of Jennifer Hart on the television series "Hart to Hart" (1979–1984). Powers also made several appearances in “The Rookies” (1972), “The Mod Squad” (1968), and “Banacek” (1972).
Catherine Schell
American and UK audiences know her best as Catherine Schell, but she was born Katherina Freiin Schell von Bauschlott. The star graced television screens in the ’70s as Maya on the sci-fi series “Space 1999” (1975-1977). You remember Maya. The character could shape-shift into any life form and remain that way for under an hour.
Once the series ended, Catherine also became a Bond girl in the 1969 film “On Her Majesty's Secret Service.” She has since starred in musicals, reality shows, and numerous feature films.
Carol Wayne
Carol Wayne's movie career in the ’60s. She appeared in popular shows like “I Dream of Jeannie” (1965), “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” (1964), and “I Spy” (1965). Carol’s career skyrocketed in the ‘70s when she appeared in “Mannix” (1967-75) “Emergency!” (1972), and “Love American Style" (1969-74).
Most of us remember her for playing the Matinee Lady with Johnny Carson on “The Tonight Show” (1962-92). Carol tragically passed away in 1985 while vacationing in Mexico. She went for a walk on the beach and never returned. A fisherman found her body three days later in a shallow bay. There were no signs of foul play.
Natalie Cole
Natalie Cole, daughter of jazz legend Nat King Cole, was a teen when her father tragically died. Despite that, Natalie found her voice as an R&B artist. The singer rose to prominence during the ‘70s with her gold-certified debut album “Inseparable” (1975), which gave us songs like "Inseparable" and "This Will Be".
In 1991, she returned with "Unforgettable… With Love", her best-selling album to date. The album included a 1951 recording of Nat King Cole, remixed so Natalie could sing a duet. The album won her a Grammy for Album of the Year, and the duet took home three Grammy Awards.
Gwen Dickey
British singer Gwen Dickey is best known as the lead singer of the group Rose Royce (formerly known as Magic Wand). In 1976, Rose Royce released “Car Wash,” which sold over a million copies in the US and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Charts.
The group followed it up with other hits like “I Wanna Get Next to You” (1977) and “Wishing on a Star” (1978). Their second album Rose Royce II: In Full Bloom (1977), went platinum and topped the R&B charts. In 2010, Gwen suffered a spinal cord injury. She may be in a wheelchair today but still performs at concerts.
Roberta Flack
Before making it big, Roberta Flack was a teacher who sang and played the piano in clubs at night. Roberta was the first artist to win a Grammy for Record of the Year two years in a row for “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” (1973) and “Killing Me Softly With His Song” (1974).
Roberta's album, “Killing Me Softly With His Song” earned her a double platinum certification. Over the years, critics derided her music for being middle-of-the-road and lacking finesse. Regardless, her influence in the industry is undeniable. Roberta suffered a stroke in 2018 and has since kept a relatively low profile.
Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan always had music in her. She grew up in a bohemian family, where three of the five siblings were musically inclined. From 1973 to 1978, Chaka was the frontwoman of the funk band, Rufus. They gave us smash hits like “Tell Me Something Good” (1974) written by Stevie Wonder and “You Got the Love” (1974).
Chaka later embarked on a solo career. She released her solo debut album in 1978. It included the hit single “I’m Every Woman” that Whitney Houston would record and re-release in the ‘90s. Chaka continues to perform on stage and has appeared in numerous TV shows.
Gloria Gaynor
The disco era is (in)famous for several things. But if you had to choose something to love, Gloria Gaynor’s music would be it. Her mega-hit “I Will Survive” (1978) was and still is the pick-me-up anthem everyone needs. It’s crazy to think the song was buried on the B-side of another track and almost never saw the light of day.
“Love Tracks” (1978) was her best-selling album overall. The disco resurgence of the mid-90s brought her music to the fore once again. Gloria won her second Grammy in 2020 and continues to perform on stage.