They were once on television screens, movie posters, record charts, and bedroom walls across America, but many of these familiar ’70s faces eventually traded the spotlight for surprisingly private lives.
Ali MacGraw
Ali MacGraw rose to superstardom during the early 1970s with Love Story (1970), which made her a global sensation and garnered her an Oscar nomination. She went on to star in numerous hit films, including The Getaway (1972) with Steve McQueen, whom she later married.
But MacGraw’s career quickly dwindled as she took smaller roles by choice, moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and created a more low-key lifestyle for herself.
Bobby Sherman
Bobby Sherman was extremely popular at the decade’s turn. Building upon his late-’60s television fame on Here Come the Brides, the singer/actor notched several Gold records and became one of the most recognizable teen idols of his era. Sherman later left show business behind and got into public service.
He became an EMT, taught emergency medicine, and spent years as a sworn reserve police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Peter Ostrum
Peter Ostrum was 12 when he got the role of a lifetime: Charlie Bucket in the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Although he was offered a three-picture contract upon completion of the film, Ostrum turned it down and went back to being a regular boy in Ohio.
Influenced by his family veterinarian who treated their horses, Ostrum graduated from Cornell University with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and went on to work as a large animal veterinarian.
Barbi Benton
She became a decade-defining pop-culture icon. She was a regular on the popular variety show Hee Haw, recorded various albums as a country music singer, and acted on several popular television shows.
She was also known for her relationship with Hugh Hefner that lasted for many years. Benton married real estate developer George Gradow in 1979 and soon afterwards retired from show business to raise children and concentrate on an interior design career.
Jan Smithers
Jan Smithers is best known for her role as hip, down-to-earth Bailey Quarters on WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982). Smithers’ comedy was often overshadowed by the antics of her fellow actors.
However, her subtle style endeared her to many fans. Smithers appeared in several television and film roles through the early 1980s before leaving show business.
Leif Garrett
Leif Garrett emerged as one of the premier teen idols of the late 70s, featured regularly on teen magazine covers and topping charts with songs like “I Was Made for Dancin’.” As an adult in the 80s, he had a hard time keeping a mainstream career afloat.
Audiences grew tired of his very public substance abuse and problems with the law, which often overshadowed his musical talent. While he had roles on reality television and minor independent films over the years, he never regained his teenage fame.
Susan Dey
Susan Dey first became famous playing Laurie Partridge on The Partridge Family (1970–1974). While many child actors have difficulty transitioning into adult roles, Dey kicked off a successful second career in the 1980s as Grace Van Owen on L. A. Law, for which she won a Golden Globe.
After retiring from acting in the early 2000s, Dey turned recluse and has declined all invitations to Hollywood reunions.
Robyn Hilton
Robyn Hilton received widespread attention for her role as Governor Lepetomane’s secretary Miss Stein in Mel Brooks’ 1974 cult comedy Blazing Saddles. She went on to appear in films such as Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze, in addition to other television guest roles. Hilton retired from acting in the mid-1980s and largely withdrew from public life.
Michael Ontkean
Canadian actor Michael Ontkean is best known for his role as Officer Willie Gillis on The Rookies (1972–1974), Ned Braden in the cult hockey film Slap Shot (1977), and Sheriff Harry S. Truman on Twin Peaks (1990–1991). He slowly retired from acting during the 2000s and relocated to Hawaii.
In 2017, when Lynch brought Twin Peaks back, Ontkean refused to reprise his role.
Terry Jacks
Jacks reached international fame briefly in 1974 when “Seasons in the Sun” went to No. 1 in the United States and elsewhere. It became one of the 1970s’ most memorable songs.
However, Terry Jacks never sought years of continued pop fame. He slowly withdrew from the music business and began spending much of his time involved in environmental efforts in Canada, such as protesting pollution and industrialization.
Susan Richardson
Susan Richardson achieved national fame portraying Susan Bradford on Eight Is Enough, a primetime American family sitcom of the late 70’s. Following the cancellation of Eight Is Enough, Susan’s Hollywood career quickly declined, and she spent the majority of her life out of the spotlight.
Mike Lookinland
Mike Lookinland rose to fame as The Brady Bunch’s Bobby Brady, one of the most famous family sitcoms of the early 1970s. But after living his childhood in front of America, Lookinland mostly gave up acting as a profession.
He moved to Utah and began operating a business constructing decorative concrete countertops. While he’s made some return appearances for reunions and Brady projects, Lookinland long ago left showbiz fame behind.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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