1. Donny Osmond
Donny Osmond was the clean-cut dreamboat who made every teen swoon. Years later, he’s still performing with that same electric charm. From Broadway stages to Vegas residencies, he’s never really left the spotlight. He recently told The Guardian, “I’m still having the time of my life.” His music, faith, and family remain central to his life. And yes, he’s still flashing that signature smile. For fans who grew up with Donny posters on their walls, it’s comforting to see that some stars keep their shine long after the screams quiet down.
2. Leif Garrett
Leif Garrett had the hair, the voice, and the stare that melted millions of hearts. But his journey took a darker turn with addiction and fame-related struggles. These days, he’s clean and honest about what he went through. In his memoir Idol Truth, he admitted, “I didn’t know how to be me without the fame.” Leif now lives in Los Angeles and embraces a more grounded life. His story is less about celebrity now and more about recovery, and fans who once adored him still root for his ongoing healing.
3. Shaun Cassidy
Shaun Cassidy wasn’t just a teen crush; he was a full-blown obsession for many. After riding the wave of pop stardom, he took a sharp turn and became a successful writer and producer. He created hit shows like Invasion and American Gothic. These days, he also performs one-man storytelling shows filled with music and memories. “I used to sing,” he tweeted, “now I write the drama.” It’s a creative shift that suits him well. Even without the feathered hair and denim jackets, Shaun still knows how to keep an audience close.
4. Robbie Benson
Robbie Benson captured hearts in Ice Castles and One on One. But he became a whole new kind of star when he voiced the Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Beyond that, Robbie directed episodes of Friends and Ellen, teaching film at universities and writing about his health journey. He’s had multiple heart surgeries and remains an advocate for heart health. “I’m grateful for every heartbeat,” he once told People. Fans still remember that soulful look, but his legacy now includes depth, creativity, and quiet, enduring strength.
5. Susan Dey
Susan Dey had that poised, cool presence as Laurie Partridge that made her unforgettable. After finding success on L.A. Law, she quietly stepped away from Hollywood. No drama, no headlines, just a calm departure into private life. She now lives outside the spotlight and rarely gives interviews. According to former castmate Shirley Jones, Susan always valued her privacy. And somehow, that fits perfectly with her composed image. Fans still admire her choice to walk away, proving that sometimes the most powerful decision is knowing when you’ve said all you need to say.
6. Kristy McNichol
Kristy McNichol wasn’t just talented; she was electric on-screen. From Family to Little Darlings, she made you feel everything. But behind the scenes, she was dealing with bipolar disorder and eventually decided to leave acting. “I wanted to live my life authentically,” she told People. Now living in Los Angeles with her partner, she focuses on teaching and volunteering. She occasionally appears at nostalgic events but avoids the fame game. Kristy’s story isn’t just about leaving Hollywood, it’s about choosing peace, wellness, and the freedom to live on her own terms.
7. Tatum O’Neal
Tatum O’Neal had her breakout at just 10 years old with Paper Moon, winning an Oscar and skyrocketing to fame. But fame didn’t shield her from personal battles. Addiction, family conflicts, and health issues followed her into adulthood. Still, she continues to act and share her story through books and interviews. “I’ve made mistakes, but I’m still here,” she told The New York Times. Now living with resilience and candor, Tatum remains a reminder that even when fame fades, strength and survival can be the most powerful story of all.
8. Melissa Gilbert
Melissa Gilbert was everyone’s favorite frontier daughter as Laura Ingalls. But she didn’t stop there. After her acting years, she served as president of the Screen Actors Guild and ran for Congress. Now, she lives quietly in the Catskills with her husband, actor Timothy Busfield. “This is the most authentic version of myself,” she shared with People. She gardens, writes, and enjoys the slow rhythm of off-grid life. Melissa’s journey feels like a gentle chapter you didn’t know you needed, where the story finally breathes in peace and purpose.
9. Rick Springfield
Rick Springfield wasn’t just “Jessie’s Girl.” He was also Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital and a full-blown Tiger Beat favorite. Decades later, he still performs to packed venues and releases music fans truly care about. He’s also written novels and spoken openly about his struggles with depression. “I’m lucky I still get to do this,” he told Rolling Stone. There’s something steady about Rick’s presence. He never disappeared or tried to reinvent the wheel. He just kept going, one chord at a time, making room for both the joy and the truth.
10. Willie Aames
Willie Aames was a lovable face on Eight Is Enough, then a crusader as Bibleman. But his real life had twists too. Financial setbacks forced him to start over, eventually working as a cruise director. Today, he works behind the scenes in family entertainment and speaks at faith-based events. “There’s grace in starting over,” he told The Christian Post. His life now reflects growth more than glamour. For fans who once watched him on screen, it’s comforting to see that even childhood fame can lead to something deeper, steadier, and more meaningful.
11. Scott Baio
Scott Baio was the cool guy as Chachi on Happy Days and Joanie Loves Chachi, and his smirk lived rent-free in millions of teen hearts. Today, he’s still in the spotlight, though mostly for his outspoken political views. “I’m not trying to win a popularity contest,” he said in a recent interview. He continues to act occasionally and spends time with his family. Whether fans agree with him or not, Scott’s transition from heartthrob to headline-maker shows how complicated growing up in the public eye can really become.
12. David Cassidy
David Cassidy was everything in the early ’70s. As Keith Partridge, he made millions swoon. But his later years were marred by addiction and health issues. In 2017, he passed away from liver failure at 67. In one of his last interviews, he confessed, “So much wasted time.” His story hit fans hard, especially those who grew up dreaming of him. But the music, the posters, and the memories still live on. David was the definition of a teen idol, and even with a painful ending, his light never truly went out.
13. Davy Jones
Davy Jones was the cheeky Brit in The Monkees, and his charm made him a Tiger Beat regular. After the group split, he stayed close to music, acting, and Monkees reunion tours. In 2012, he died of a heart attack at 66, leaving fans heartbroken. “He was one of a kind,” bandmate Micky Dolenz said afterward. Davy brought joy with every smile and song, and many fans still feel that loss deeply. He may be gone, but he lives on in the beats of bubblegum pop and the laughter of reruns.
14. Bobby Sherman
Bobby Sherman was everywhere once, singing catchy hits and winning hearts in Here Come the Brides. But unlike most stars, Bobby chose to leave fame behind. He became an EMT and later a deputy sheriff, helping others instead of soaking in the limelight. “I needed to do something more meaningful,” he once said. He’s lived privately ever since, rarely doing interviews. For fans who remember screaming at his concerts, it’s a surprising twist. But one that makes sense. Sometimes, the greatest act of all is walking away with grace and purpose.
15. Ricky Nelson
Ricky Nelson was one of the earliest heartthrobs to come from television. Starring with his family on Ozzie and Harriet, he smoothly shifted into rock stardom. Tragically, he died in a plane crash in 1985 at just 45. “He was born into it,” his son Gunnar once said, “and he carried it with grace.” Ricky’s music still plays softly in the background of American nostalgia, and his story reminds us how quickly brilliance can flicker out. He helped write the blueprint for the teen idol path and left behind a lasting melody.
This story 15 Tiger Beat Stars You Had a Crush on and What They’re Doing Now was first published on Daily FETCH
