They Lit Up the Silver Screen... Then Quietly Slipped Away
The 1970s introduced audiences to some of the most glamorous, charismatic, and unforgettable actresses Hollywood had ever seen. Their faces filled theater marquees, magazine covers, and television screens, and for a while, it seemed like they'd stay famous forever. Time has a funny way of changing things, though. While younger generations may barely recognize these names today, baby boomers still remember exactly why they became stars in the first place.
Silver Screen Collection, Getty Images, Modified
#25. Susan George
British actress Susan George became an international sensation after films like Straw Dogs and Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry. With her unmistakable blonde hair and striking screen presence, she was one of the most recognizable actresses of the early 1970s before gradually stepping away from Hollywood's spotlight.
Keystone Features, Getty Images
#24. Jenny Agutter
Jenny Agutter won hearts in films like Walkabout, Logan's Run, and An American Werewolf in London. She had a natural charm that made audiences instantly like her, and she remains a favorite among classic movie fans.
Today, Jenny Agutter still appears occasionally in British productions, though younger audiences are far less familiar with her film career.
#23. Cybill Shepherd
Before television made her a household name, Cybill Shepherd became one of Hollywood's fastest-rising film stars thanks to The Last Picture Show and Taxi Driver. Her beauty was impossible to ignore, and she became one of the defining faces of the decade.
These days, she makes only occasional public appearances and performances, choosing a much quieter life than during her Hollywood heyday.
Noxell Corporation-makers of Noxema., Wikimedia Commons
#22. Kathleen Quinlan
Kathleen Quinlan quietly built an impressive film career with memorable performances in American Graffiti and I Never Promised You a Rose Garden. She never chased superstardom, but audiences never forgot her talent. While she continues to accept select acting roles, she keeps a relatively low profile compared to her busy 1970s career.
CBS Television, Wikimedia Commons
#21. Karen Black
Karen Black's unique voice and unforgettable performances helped make her one of the busiest actresses of the decade. Whether appearing in Five Easy Pieces, The Great Gatsby, or countless thrillers, she always brought something memorable to the screen. She continued acting for decades before her death in 2013, leaving behind an extraordinary body of work.
Columbia Pictures, Wikimedia Commons
#20. Marisa Berenson
Marisa Berenson was one of the most glamorous women of the 1970s, effortlessly moving from the fashion world to acclaimed films like Death in Venice, Cabaret, and Barry Lyndon. Hollywood expected her to become one of its biggest stars, and for a while, it certainly looked that way. Baby boomers still remember the elegance and sophistication she brought to every role.
Today, she occasionally appears in European films and fashion events while enjoying a much quieter public life.
Studio Harcourt, Wikimedia Commons
#19. Geneviève Bujold
Canadian actress Geneviève Bujold earned widespread acclaim for performances in Anne of the Thousand Days and Coma. Hollywood expected her to become one of its biggest stars, but she largely chose her own path instead.
movie studio, Wikimedia Commons
#18. Brenda Vaccaro
Brenda Vaccaro brought charisma, humor, and unmistakable confidence to films throughout the decade. Whether in dramas or comedies, she always managed to leave audiences wanting a little more screen time. She still appears in occasional television and film roles, though far less frequently than during her busiest years.
#17. Jacqueline Bisset
Jacqueline Bisset became an international star with films like Bullitt, Airport, and The Deep. Her sophisticated style made her one of the most admired actresses of the decade, and she seemed to be everywhere for a while. She continues acting selectively, often appearing in independent films and international productions.
20th Century Fox, Wikimedia Commons
#16. Barbara Hershey
Barbara Hershey quietly became one of Hollywood's most respected actresses during the 1970s. She often chose challenging roles over blockbuster fame, earning admiration from critics even if younger audiences don't immediately recognize her today.
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#15. Candy Clark
Candy Clark earned an Academy Award nomination for American Graffiti and quickly became one of Hollywood's most promising young actresses. She captured the carefree spirit of the decade perfectly. She continues to make occasional appearances in independent films and at classic film conventions.
Paramount Pictures, Wikimedia Commons
#14. Margaux Hemingway
As both a supermodel and actress, Margaux Hemingway brought undeniable glamour wherever she appeared. During the late 1970s, she became one of the world's most photographed women. Her life ended tragically in 1996, but her influence as both a model and actress is still remembered.
IPPA photographer, Wikimedia Commons
#13. Tuesday Weld
Tuesday Weld had been acting since childhood, but the 1970s gave her some of her finest dramatic roles. Hollywood always recognized her talent, even if she never became quite the superstar many expected. After gradually retiring from acting, she has spent decades living an extremely private life away from Hollywood.
CBS-Photographer-Gabor Rona, Wikimedia Commons
#12. Valerie Perrine
Valerie Perrine became an instant sensation after Lenny earned her an Academy Award nomination. She later introduced moviegoers to Eve Teschmacher in Superman, proving she could shine in just about any genre. Despite later health challenges, she remains warmly remembered by fans for her unforgettable performances.
Rob Bogaerts for Anefo, Wikimedia Commons
#11. Ann-Margret
Although her career began earlier, Ann-Margret remained one of Hollywood's brightest stars throughout the 1970s with unforgettable performances in Carnal Knowledge and Tommy. Her energy practically jumped off the screen. She still makes occasional film and television appearances while remaining one of Hollywood's most beloved living legends.
CBS Television, Wikimedia Commons
#10. Susan Saint James
Before becoming a television favorite, Susan Saint James enjoyed a successful film career that showcased both her beauty and comedic timing. She had the kind of smile that could brighten an entire movie. She retired from acting years ago and has enjoyed a quiet life away from the entertainment industry.
Universal Television, Wikimedia Commons
#9. Raquel Welch
Few actresses defined 1970s glamour quite like Raquel Welch. Beyond her legendary beauty, she consistently proved herself as a capable actress with performances that showed far more depth than many critics expected. She remained active well into later life before her death in 2023, leaving behind one of Hollywood's most enduring legacies.
Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons
#8. Sondra Locke
Sondra Locke earned an Academy Award nomination early in her career before starring opposite Clint Eastwood in several successful films. Her understated performances made her one of the decade's most recognizable leading ladies. She continued directing and writing before her death in 2018.
Gerald Holly, Wikimedia Commons
#7. Jill Clayburgh
Jill Clayburgh became one of the faces of intelligent, character-driven cinema during the late 1970s. Films like An Unmarried Woman earned her widespread critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations. She continued acting until her death in 2010 after a respected career spanning four decades.
#6. Faye Dunaway
Whether playing Bonnie Parker in Bonnie and Clyde or the ambitious television executive in Network, Faye Dunaway dominated some of the decade's biggest films. Her commanding screen presence remains unforgettable. She still occasionally appears in films and continues to receive recognition for her remarkable career.
Distributed by Warner Bros.-Seven Arts., Wikimedia Commons
#5. Jane Seymour
Jane Seymour's film career took off at the beginning of the 1970s after appearing as Solitaire in the James Bond film Live and Let Die. She quickly became one of Hollywood's most admired actresses. She remains active in film, television, and philanthropy while enjoying an enduring career that spans more than five decades.
Jane_Seymour_(1988).jpg: Alan Light
derivative work: Jan Arkesteijn (talk), Wikimedia Commons
#4. Bo Derek
Bo Derek became an international sensation almost overnight following the release of 10 in 1979. One hairstyle alone practically launched a thousand beach vacations. Today, she makes occasional public appearances and devotes much of her time to horse welfare and charitable causes.
Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA, Wikimedia Commons
#3. Goldie Hawn
Goldie Hawn's infectious smile and effortless comedic talent made her one of the most beloved actresses of the decade. Whether making audiences laugh or surprising them with dramatic performances, she remained impossible not to like. Hawn now focuses largely on philanthropy through The Goldie Hawn Foundation while making occasional returns to acting.
#2. Farrah Fawcett
Although television made her famous, Farrah Fawcett successfully crossed into feature films during the late 1970s and became one of the biggest cultural icons of the era. Her famous poster alone probably decorated half the bedrooms in America. Her courageous battle with cancer and her death in 2009 only strengthened her status as one of the most iconic stars of her generation.
#1. Ali MacGraw
Few actresses captured the spirit of early-1970s Hollywood quite like Ali MacGraw. Following Love Story, she became one of the world's biggest movie stars almost instantly, and her effortless style influenced fashion, beauty, and popular culture for years. Even today, baby boomers remember exactly where they were when they first saw her on the big screen.
Today, she has embraced a quiet life in New Mexico, rarely appearing in Hollywood while occasionally speaking at special events and classic film celebrations.
National General Pictures, Wikimedia Commons
Final Thoughts
Hollywood is always searching for its next big star, but some performers leave a lasting impression that survives long after the spotlight fades. These actresses helped define 1970s cinema with beauty, talent, and unforgettable performances. Younger audiences may not recognize every name on this list, but for baby boomers, they'll always be among the brightest stars of the decade.
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