Demond Wilson became a household name as Lamont Sanford on Sanford and Son. The NBC comedy made him one of the most recognizable television actors of the 1970s. Then, after more roles and years in the spotlight, Wilson stepped away from Hollywood to pursue ministry and service.

When The Andy Griffith Show premiered in 1960, Andy Griffith was expected to be the main comedic attraction. Instead, viewers quickly became captivated by Don Knotts as the nervous and hilariously overconfident Deputy Barney Fife. Knotts turned what could have been a simple supporting role into one of television's most memorable characters. Before long, Barney became one of the biggest reasons audiences tuned in every week.

The night Marilyn Monroe died, her phone rang one last time. On the other end was Peter Lawford—the actor, Rat Pack insider, and brother-in-law to a Kennedy. He was calling to invite her to dinner. What he heard instead was a slurred goodbye mentioning “the President.” And then the line went silent.

Valerie Harper had a great run in the 70s as TV's Rhoda, but that success was a tough act to follow.

Explore the stars who tried to break into Hollywood but saw their early films flop, derailing their acting ambitions before they could truly take off.

Cloris Leachman became a breakout star on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, but her Oscar win, Emmy record, and fearless reinventions made her a Hollywood legend long after.