Farrah Fawcett
Farrah Fawcett became a global phenomenon almost overnight during the mid-1970s. While she had previously appeared in minor commercials, her massive breakthrough arrived in September 1976 when she debuted as Jill Munroe on the hit TV series Charlie’s Angels. Her feathered blonde hair and radiant smile quickly turned her into the show’s breakout star, capturing the attention of millions of viewers. By the time the first season ended in 1977, she was arguably the most famous woman on American television, dominating magazine covers and fashion trends alike.
Her legendary status was cemented by a 1976 photoshoot featuring her in a simple red one-piece swimsuit. That single image became the best-selling poster in history, moving over 12 million copies and finding a home on the bedroom walls of nearly every teenage boy in the country. Even though she departed the show after only 29 episodes to pursue a career in film, her cultural impact was permanent. The “Farrah Flip” hairstyle became a mandatory look for women across the globe, ensuring her legacy as the ultimate 1970s pin-up girl.
Lynda Carter
Lynda Carter stepped into the spotlight in 1975 when she won the title role in the Wonder Woman television series. At a time when superhero stories were largely dominated by men, Carter brought a unique blend of physical strength and soft-spoken grace to the screen. Standing 5’9″, she possessed a commanding presence that made the Amazonian princess feel real and relatable. The show, which moved from ABC to CBS during its run, became a staple of Friday night television and turned Carter into a worldwide icon of female empowerment and beauty.
The series aired for three seasons, concluding in 1979, but Carter’s influence stretched far beyond the final episode. Throughout the late 1970s, her image was everywhere, from lunchboxes to life-sized posters that adorned the rooms of admiring fans. She balanced her high-action stunts with a sense of dignity that resonated with both young boys and girls. Decades later, her portrayal of Diana Prince is still considered the definitive version of the character, proving that her charm and athletic talent were truly one of a kind.
Jaclyn Smith
Jaclyn Smith was a cornerstone of the Charlie’s Angels phenomenon, debuting alongside Farrah Fawcett in September 1976. Playing the role of Kelly Garrett, Smith was often viewed as the “brainy” and sophisticated member of the trio. While her co-stars frequently changed throughout the years, Smith provided the steady heartbeat of the show. Her classic beauty and calm demeanor made her a favorite for fans who preferred her understated elegance over the more flamboyant styles of the era.
What truly set Smith apart was her loyalty to the production; she was the only original Angel to stay for the entire five-season run, appearing in all 110 episodes until the series ended in June 1981. This longevity meant she was a constant presence in households for half a decade, appearing on countless covers of TV Guide and teen magazines. After the show, she transitioned into a highly successful business career, but for the generation of the 1970s, she remains the quintessential brunette beauty who defined the golden age of glamorous TV detectives.
Susan Dey
Susan Dey won the hearts of millions as Laurie Partridge on the musical sitcom The Partridge Family, which premiered in September 1970. Only 17 years old when she was cast, Dey had worked as a model but had no professional acting experience. Her transition to the screen was seamless, and she quickly became the relatable “girl next door” for a generation of teenagers. While the show focused on a traveling family band, Dey’s character provided a grounded, sweet presence that balanced the high-energy musical numbers.
The series ran until 1974, and during those four years, Susan was a constant fixture in Tiger Beat and other fan magazines. While her co-star David Cassidy was the primary heartthrob for girls, Dey was the undisputed crush for teenage boys who admired her natural look and gentle personality. She successfully shed her teen-idol image later in the 1980s by starring in L.A. Law, winning a Golden Globe in 1988. However, her early days in the velvet-clad Partridge family remain her most nostalgic contribution to 1970s pop culture.
Maureen McCormick
Maureen McCormick became a household name playing Marcia Brady, the eldest daughter on The Brady Bunch. The show originally aired from 1969 to 1974, but it was during the early 70s that “Marcia mania” truly took hold of the youth. Representing the ideal American high school girl, Marcia was beautiful, popular, and occasionally a bit dramatic. McCormick’s portrayal made the character so iconic that the frustrated cry of her TV sister, “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!”, became one of the most famous catchphrases in television history.
Beyond the scripted episodes, McCormick was a frequent guest on variety shows and a staple of the 1970s teen magazine circuit. Her sunny personality and wholesome image made her the quintessential schoolgirl crush for boys across the country. Even after the original series ended in 1974, the show lived on in perpetual syndication, ensuring that new fans discovered her every year. Despite the personal struggles she documented in her later autobiography, her time as the golden girl of the Brady household remains a cherished memory of 1970s television.
Bo Derek
Bo Derek became an instant sensation at the very end of the decade with the release of the movie 10 in October 1979. Directed by Blake Edwards, the film featured Derek as the “perfect” woman, a role that required her to embody an almost impossible standard of beauty. Her appearance in the movie, particularly during the famous beach sequence, turned her into a household name practically overnight. At 22 years old, she represented a new kind of Hollywood glamour that felt both modern and timeless.
The image of Derek running across the sand with her hair in cornrow braids, accompanied by the music of Boléro, became one of the most parodied and celebrated moments in cinema. That single scene launched a massive fashion trend and made her the most requested poster girl of 1979. While her acting career continued into the 1980s with films like Tarzan, the Ape Man, it was her breakout in 10 that defined her as the ultimate dream girl for the departing decade, closing out the 1970s with a bang.
Cheryl Ladd
Cheryl Ladd faced the daunting task of replacing Farrah Fawcett on Charlie’s Angels in 1977. Joining the cast in the second season as Kris Munroe, Jill’s younger sister, Ladd managed to do the impossible: she kept the show’s ratings at the top of the charts. Her arrival brought a fresh, bubbly energy to the series that fans immediately embraced. Ladd proved she wasn’t just a replacement but a star in her own right, blending physical action with a warm, witty personality that made her incredibly likable.
Ladd remained with the “Angels” until the series finale in 1981, outlasting many other cast members and becoming a permanent fixture of 1970s celebrity culture. Beyond her acting, she was a talented singer, releasing a self-titled album in 1978 that featured the top 40 hit “Think It Over.” Her multi-talented nature and girl-next-door charm made her a favorite for magazine editors and fans alike. For many teenagers who started watching the show after the initial hype, Cheryl Ladd was the Angel who truly stole their hearts.
Catherine Bach
Catherine Bach drove fans wild starting in January 1979 when she debuted as Daisy Duke on The Dukes of Hazzard. Playing the feisty, resourceful cousin to Bo and Luke Duke, Bach brought a mix of Southern charm and tough independence to the screen. She wasn’t just there for decoration; Daisy was often the one outsmarting the bumbling Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane or driving the getaway car. Her character became a symbol of a fun-loving, adventurous spirit that resonated deeply with audiences in rural and urban areas alike.
Bach’s impact on fashion was so significant that her costume, ultra-short denim cut-offs, became known worldwide as “Daisy Dukes,” a term still used today. At the height of the show’s popularity, a poster of Bach in her signature outfit sold five million copies, rivaling the success of Farrah Fawcett’s iconic swimsuit shot. While the show was famous for its car jumps and lighthearted comedy, Catherine Bach provided the glamour and heart that kept viewers coming back every week, making her a legendary figure of late-70s television.
Valerie Bertinelli
Valerie Bertinelli became a favorite of the sitcom world when she was cast in One Day at a Time, which premiered in December 1975. Playing Barbara Cooper, the younger daughter of a divorced mother, Bertinelli grew up right in front of the American public. Because she was only 15 when the show started, her character’s journey through high school and early adulthood felt incredibly authentic to viewers. Her approachable beauty and infectious laugh made her the ultimate “crush” for boys who felt she was someone they could actually talk to.
Throughout the late 1970s, Bertinelli was a constant presence on the covers of magazines like 16 and Bop. She won two Golden Globe Awards for her work on the show in 1981 and 1982, proving that she had the acting chops to match her immense popularity. Her relatable personality helped the show run for nine successful seasons, making her one of the most recognizable faces of the era. For many who grew up in the mid-to-late 70s, Valerie represented the perfect blend of talent, sweetness, and everyday charm.
Kristy McNichol
Kristy McNichol was one of the most respected young actresses of the late 1970s, best known for her role as “Buddy” Lawrence on the drama series Family. The show, which debuted in 1976, was a critical darling that dealt with real-world issues, and McNichol’s raw, honest performance earned her two Emmy Awards before she even turned 18. She had a tomboyish charm and a fiery spirit that set her apart from the more traditional “glamour girls” of the decade, making her a unique icon for the era.
In addition to her success on television, she starred in the 1978 film Little Darlings and even dabbled in a music career with her brother, Jimmy. Her face was a permanent fixture in teen magazines, and she was often cited as the most popular young star in the country during the late 70s. McNichol had a way of connecting with the audience that felt deeply personal, and for many teenage boys, her sincerity and talent made her the girl they most admired. Her legacy remains a testament to the power of authentic acting and natural charisma.
Lindsay Wagner
Lindsay Wagner became a massive television star in 1976 when she landed the lead role in The Bionic Woman. Initially appearing as a tragic love interest for the Six Million Dollar Man, her character, Jaime Sommers, was so popular that fans demanded she get her own series. Wagner played a professional tennis player who, after a skydiving accident, is rebuilt with top-secret cybernetic parts. The show was an instant hit, and in 1977, she made history by winning the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, a rare feat for a sci-fi show.
For teenage boys in the late 1970s, Wagner offered a different kind of screen crush. She wasn’t just a powerful hero; she brought a deep sense of empathy, intelligence, and a gentle spirit to the role. Her posters, often showing her in action or with her bionic dog, Max, were staples in bedrooms across the country. The series ran until 1978, but Wagner’s influence as a strong, independent female lead paved the way for future action stars. Her combination of athletic ability and a warm, approachable personality made her one of the most respected icons of the decade.
Raquel Welch
Raquel Welch was already a cinematic legend by the time the 1970s began, but she spent the decade proving she was much more than just a famous face. In 1971, she starred in the gritty Western Hannie Caulder, and in 1973, she showed off her comedic skills in The Three Musketeers. Her performance in the latter was so impressive that she won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in 1974. Welch had a way of commanding the screen with her incredible confidence and physical presence, making her a constant fixture in international cinema and high-fashion magazines.
Throughout the 1970s, Welch was frequently cited as one of the most beautiful women in the world, appearing on the cover of Playboy and starring in high-profile television specials. For teenagers of the era, she represented the ultimate Hollywood fantasy, glamorous, bold, and seemingly untouchable. However, she also challenged the “bombshell” stereotype by taking on demanding, athletic roles that required real grit. By the end of the 1970s, she had transitioned into a successful stage career, but her status as a definitive 1970s pin-up and film icon remains an essential part of pop culture history.
Erin Gray
Erin Gray soared into the hearts of sci-fi fans in September 1979 as Colonel Wilma Deering in the series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Before her big break in space, Gray was one of the world’s most successful models, reportedly earning over $100,000 a year at the height of her career in the mid-70s. When she transitioned to acting, she brought a sense of sophisticated glamour to the small screen. Playing a high-ranking starfighter pilot, she was a pioneer for women in science fiction, showing that a character could be both a romantic interest and a highly skilled military officer.
Her futuristic, form-fitting uniforms became an iconic visual of the late 70s, making her a massive hit with young viewers. Gray’s character was smart, tough, and more than capable of handling herself in a dogfight, which earned her a dedicated following. The show ran until 1981, and during that time, Gray was a regular on the talk-show circuit and in fan magazines. For many boys growing up at the end of the decade, Colonel Deering was the ultimate “cool” crush, a hero who could fly a spaceship and look incredible while doing it.
Loni Anderson
Loni Anderson became a breakout sensation in 1978 when she was cast as Jennifer Marlowe on the workplace comedy WKRP in Cincinnati. While her character was the receptionist at a radio station, the writers quickly made it clear that Jennifer was the smartest person in the building. Anderson’s portrayal of a woman who was both stunningly beautiful and incredibly perceptive turned the “blonde” stereotype on its head. Her comedic timing was impeccable, and she soon became the most popular member of the ensemble cast, earning three Golden Globe nominations for her work.
By 1979, Anderson was one of the most photographed women on television, often compared to classic stars like Marilyn Monroe. Her posters sold in the millions, and she was a frequent guest on variety shows and specials throughout the late 70s. For teenage boys, she was the personification of office glamour and wit. Even though the show continued into the early 80s, it was her late-70s debut that established her as a major celebrity. Anderson’s ability to play a character who was always two steps ahead of everyone else made her a favorite for audiences of all ages.
Bernadette Peters
Bernadette Peters brought a unique, multi-talented energy to the 1970s. Known for her distinctive curly hair and “cupid’s bow” lips, she was a star of both the stage and the screen. She gained widespread attention in 1976 for her role in the Mel Brooks film Silent Movie, and her fame grew even further when she starred alongside Steve Martin in the 1979 comedy hit The Jerk. Peters had a playful, almost doll-like charm that made her incredibly endearing to audiences, and she was a frequent guest on The Carol Burnett Show and The Muppet Show.
Beyond her comedic acting, Peters was an accomplished singer with a powerful voice, appearing in numerous musical specials throughout the decade. For teenagers in the 70s, she represented a creative and quirky alternative to the standard Hollywood starlet. She was someone who could be funny, glamorous, and incredibly talented all at once. Her presence in films and on Broadway made her a respected figure in the arts, and her warmth and authenticity ensured that she remained one of the most beloved and admired performers as the decade came to a close.
Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John was already a Grammy-winning country-pop singer, but she became a legendary screen crush in June 1978 with the release of Grease. Playing Sandy Olsson, her transformation from a shy, wholesome exchange student to a leather-clad “bad girl” in the film’s finale remains one of the most famous moments in movie history. The film was the highest-grossing movie of 1978, and its soundtrack dominated the charts for months, with hits like “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and “Summer Nights” becoming instant classics.
The “New Sandy” look, black spandex pants and a permanent, became an immediate fashion trend and a favorite image for posters in bedrooms everywhere. For teenage boys in 1978, Olivia represented the perfect mix of sweetness and newfound confidence. Her chemistry with John Travolta was electric, and the success of the film turned her into one of the biggest stars on the planet. Even after the 70s ended, she continued to top the charts with hits like “Physical,” but her time as the innocent Sandy remains her most iconic contribution to the decade’s pop culture landscape.
Tatum O’Neal
Tatum O’Neal made a historic debut in 1973 when she starred in Paper Moon at just nine years old. In 1974, she became the youngest person ever to win a competitive Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, a record she still holds today. Growing up in the public eye during the mid-to-late 70s, she became a voice for a younger generation of fans. In 1976, she starred in The Bad News Bears, playing a tough, talented pitcher who took no nonsense from the boys, a role that made her a hero to kids and teens everywhere.
As she entered her teenage years later in the decade, she was a frequent subject for paparazzi and teen magazines, often seen at high-profile events like Studio 54. Her independent spirit and natural acting ability made her stand out among other child stars. For many boys who were close to her age in the 1970s, Tatum was the girl who was just as talented and cool as any adult star. By the end of the decade, she had transitioned into more mature roles, but her early successes defined her as the most talented young actress of her generation.
Morgan Fairchild
Morgan Fairchild began her rise to fame in the late 1970s, carving out a niche as the ultimate television “vixen.” In 1978, she joined the cast of the massive hit Dallas as the original Jenna Wade, and she also made a splash in the soap opera Search for Tomorrow. Fairchild had a sharp, sophisticated look that fit the high-drama style of late-70s television perfectly. Her bright blonde hair and piercing blue eyes made her an instant favorite for photographers, and she quickly became a staple of fashion spreads and red-carpet events.
By 1979, Fairchild was becoming one of the most talked-about rising stars in Hollywood. While she would go on to even greater fame in the 1980s, her early appearances established her as a glamorous and formidable presence on screen. For teenage boys watching TV at the end of the decade, she represented a more mature and polished kind of screen crush. Her ability to play complex, often calculating characters with a sense of style and poise made her a standout performer, and she remains one of the most recognizable faces of that transition from the 70s to the 80s.
