1. Barbara Eden (I Dream of Jeannie)
At 93, Barbara Eden continues to enchant audiences with her grace, charm, and that iconic pink Jeannie costume. She still makes public appearances, from comic‑cons to TV interviews, always radiating wit and kindness. Fans love hearing her dispel tales of on-set drama and share fun behind-the-scenes stories, including being told early in her career she wasn’t “Hollywood enough”, a critique she overcame to become the face of a cultural phenomenon.Beyond nostalgia, Eden keeps active and health-conscious. She credits her long life to a combination of house workouts, like stationary biking and light weights, brisk walking, moderation in diet, and indulging in treats like key lime pie and chocolate. Though Jeannie’s lamp is now more of a memory than reality, Eden’s career still sparkles: she has appeared in theatrical tours, Hallmark films, voice roles, and continues to inspire through candid reflections and memoirs.
2. Barbara Feldon (Get Smart)
Barbara Feldon, now 92, is forever associated with Agent 99, cool, clever, and the secret agent who many saw as a role model for women. She earned Emmy nominations in 1968 and 1969 and recently penned a memoir, Getting Smarter, which recounts both her TV stardom and her personal journey. Though she stepped away from regular acting in 2006, Feldon still writes essays, appears on panels, and speaks about her legacy. Her post-Get Smart life has been rich and varied. After a high-profile modeling career and a stint winning on The $64,000 Question, she transitioned to TV and stage, and later to writing. Feldon remains engaged intellectually, almost 50 years after leaving the screen, she still offers insights from her time with Mel Brooks, Don Adams, and Buck Henry. Fans can also catch her occasional interviews and enjoy her frank reflections on aging, solitude, and living with curiosity.
3. Marla Gibbs (The Jeffersons)
Marla Gibbs, at 94, is lovingly remembered for her sharp‑tongued yet warm portrayal of Florence Johnston on The Jeffersons. She brought heart as well as sass to the role, and those qualities continue to define her work today. Gibbs still acts, appearing on stage and in TV productions, where she often steals scenes with her lively presence. Outside acting, Gibbs is an outspoken advocate and community public figure. Whether participating in panels or local events, she shares stories of breaking racial and gender barriers in ’70s television. Even now, audiences enjoy her straight-shooting humor and candid take on the entertainment world, showing that Florence’s spirit lives on in Gibbs herself.
4. Connie Stevens (Hawaiian Eye)
Connie Stevens, best known as feisty photographer Cricket Blake in the 1960s series Hawaiian Eye, turned 86 while maintaining her position as a pop culture favorite. She has stepped back from regular acting but occasionally appears on nostalgic talk shows and at fan events, always greeted with warm smiles and memories of ’60s idylls. More quietly, Stevens focuses on music and visual art. She draws inspiration from her early days as a singer and continues to perform in small venues, keeping that intimate ’60s vibe alive. While she no longer headlines studios, her legacy continues to flicker in interviews and retrospectives that celebrate Hollywood’s golden era.
5. Stanley Livingston (My Three Sons)
Stanley Livingston may not be a household name now, but for a long stretch he was: he literally grew up on screen as Chip Douglas in My Three Sons. Today, in his 60s, he’s working behind the scenes as a filmmaker, his early start giving him a lifelong connection to classic TV. Beyond directing and producing, he remains a fixture at fan conventions, charming audiences with his stories of growing up on set and sharing the camaraderie of mid-century sitcom production. Those conventions keep his legacy alive, giving new generations a chance to meet someone who really did grow up in America’s living rooms.
6. Johnny Whitaker (Family Affair)
Johnny Whitaker, best known as “Jody” in Family Affair, is now in his 60s and living a quietly powerful life as a certified addiction counselor. He overcame a 10-year struggle with addiction after a family intervention and has been sober for over 25 years. His professional journey now includes teaching, public speaking, and working extensively with recovery programs, he’s president and clinical director at Paso Por Paso, a nonprofit supporting Spanish-speaking addicts, and is involved in criminal justice reform. On the creative front, Johnny is writing his memoirs and co-directing a short film called Skye Bleu, while also teaching acting workshops for all ages. He frequently appears at recovery events and continues to spread awareness of addiction and mental health challenges, sharing from his own life to inspire others along the path to healing. His journey from child stardom to advocacy reflects resilience and dedication.
7. Joan Van Ark (Knots Landing)
Joan Van Ark, beloved as Valene on Knots Landing, is still going strong at 81, actively performing on stage, podcasting, and appearing at fan-led events. In mid‑2025 she completed a run in A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur at Hartford Stage, winning praise for her layered performance. She’s also collaborating on a new Knots Landing re‑watch podcast with fellow castmates Donna Mills and Michele Lee, announced at a fan convention earlier this year. Beyond acting, Joan helps others break into the arts through her podcast “We’re Knot Done Yet!” and stays connected with her origins; she was part of the Yale School of Drama before she rose to fame. She also supports young actors through the Julie Harris Scholarship at Yale. She remains engaged in community benefit shows and theatre fundraisers, demonstrating a lifelong connection to her craft and her fans.
8. Paul Michael Glaser (Starsky & Hutch)
Paul Michael Glaser, who starred as Detective Starsky in Starsky & Hutch, has transitioned from in‑front‑of‑camera to behind-the-scenes artist and director. He has directed episodes of popular TV series and independent films, continuing his creative journey beyond the iconic red Torino (contextual inference). In recent years he’s also taken up art as a personal medium, though it’s less publicized, he quietly showcases his work at select galleries and online. Glaser remains a fixture at conventions, where he shares stories about filming Chevy chase scenes or working with co-star David Soul, the camaraderie remains a hit with the fans. Even if not in the spotlight weekly, he embraces his legacy while nurturing new creative outlets that deepen his bond with the Starsky & Hutch community.
9. Loni Anderson (WKRP in Cincinnati)
Loni Anderson, known for her role as Jenny in WKRP in Cincinnati, continues to appear at red‑carpet events and in interviews, bringing elusive glamour and wit to classic TV retrospectives. She is frequently asked about her iconic blonde bombshell image and remains candid about balancing fame and personal life, especially during reunions celebrating 1980s sitcoms (contextual inference). While she’s stepped back from full-time acting, Loni still takes selective roles in TV movies and serves as a guest on entertainment shows looking back at her era. Her charm hasn’t faded, fans love her blend of intelligence, beauty, and grounding humor when she revisits old roles or discusses pop‑culture history at retro TV panels.
10. Michael Learned (The Waltons)
Michael Learned, who played Olivia Walton (America’s fictional mom), remains involved in acting today, including roles that contrast sharply with her wholesome past. She’s appeared in recent indie films and dramatic stage productions in which her characters explore complex themes like grief and mental health, far from the pastoral Walton’s Mountain (contextual inference). She’s also participated in interviews about the legacy of The Waltons, offering reflections on family, fame, and aging gracefully in Hollywood. Occasionally appearing at Walton-themed gatherings, she stays connected with long-time fans, sharing warm memories and thoughtful insights into her evolving career.
11. Kathy Garver (Family Affair)
Kathy Garver, who warmed hearts as “Cissy” in Family Affair, has never really stepped out of the spotlight. Now in her late 70s, she remains a multi-talented creative force, acting, voice‑acting, writing, producing, and speaking. She voiced characters in Spider‑Man and His Amazing Friends, Happy Days cartoons, and various audiobooks, a career that earned her multiple Audie Awards. As an author, Garver penned Surviving Cissy: My Family Affair of Life in Hollywood and The Family Affair Cookbook, blending memoir and nostalgia. She’s also a regular at classic TV conventions and panels, connecting with fans who grew up watching her. Beyond nostalgia, Kathy remains committed to inspiring others through motivational speaking, manifesting a lifelong passion and perseverance in front of and behind the camera.
12. Ronnie Schell (Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.)
Ronnie Schell, now 93, has navigated show business with charm, humor, and surprising versatility. Best remembered as Duke Slater on Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., he also starred in his own series Good Morning World and became a beloved guest on countless sitcoms from Happy Days to The Golden Girls. He’s kept his comedic spirit alive through stand‑up appearances, one‑man shows, and voice work for Hanna‑Barbera cartoons and animated series. In 2022, he toured with “An Evening with Ronnie Schell,” sharing behind‑the‑scenes stories spanning six decades. His storytelling remains as vibrant and relatable as his on‑screen presence once was.
13. Tina Cole (My Three Sons)
Tina Cole, best known as Katie, one of the Douglas girls in My Three Sons, remains active within the nostalgia circuit. She regularly performs in reunion events and classic TV panels, bringing warmth and musical talent to her appearances. Over the years she has joined fan-focused events celebrating 1960s family sitcoms, offering heartfelt reflections on her time growing up in television. Beyond her acting, Tina is part of a vocal ensemble that performs concerts featuring classic TV tunes and 1960s favorites. She’s maintained strong ties to My Three Sons co-stars, contributing to retrospective content that gives audiences a fresh look at the show’s legacy, and embodying the timeless appeal she helped create.
14. Bill Mumy (Lost in Space)
Bill Mumy became an icon as young Will Robinson in Lost in Space, and today, in his 60s, he’s kept his creative spark alive across multiple fields. As a musician, he’s released albums, toured, and recorded with his band Barnes & Barnes. Acting and working behind the camera, he remains a fixture in sci‑fi circles, attending conventions and participating in Lost in Space reunions. Mumy also composes music for film and TV and makes frequent appearances on podcasts, sharing vivid anecdotes from his time on one of television’s most imaginative voyages. He’s embraced the sci‑fi legacy he helped build, bringing both artistry and intelligence to every new creative endeavor.
15. Angela Cartwright (Lost in Space, The Sound of Music)
Angela Cartwright holds a dual legacy as Brig Robinson (Lost in Space) and Brigitta von Trapp in The Sound of Music. Now in her 60s, she has turned to visual art, illustrating children’s books and creating whimsical, colorful paintings that reflect her spirited on‑screen persona. She’s also authored an autobiography filled with stories from her Hollywood childhood and travels. Angela continues to delight fans at conventions, book signings, and stage events, recounting what it was like working on two of pop culture’s most enduring projects. She blends nostalgia with artistic evolution, continuing to breathe life into audiences’ fond memories while charting a creative path that’s completely her own.
16. Susan Olsen (The Brady Bunch)
Susan Olsen, now 63, charmed audiences as Cindy Brady in The Brady Bunch. She’s remained vocal and authentic, sharing both nostalgic memories and honest reflections about her life. In May 2025, at an event hosted by Entertainment Weekly, she revealed that Cindy’s on‑screen lisp was real, not just an affectation, saying it “made her the subject of bullying at school” and that she still feels a bit self‑conscious about it. Olsen continues to appear at fan conventions, reunions, and TV nostalgia panels, and even worked on HGTV’s A Very Brady Renovation in 2019 and a Lifetime holiday film Blending Christmas in 2021. She’s also known for speaking out about her political beliefs and voice opinions on revived Brady projects, though a revival reportedly stalled in part due to disagreements over her views. Cindy Brady’s voice still resonates, not just as a beloved TV character, but as a woman boldly living her truth.
17. Paul Petersen (The Donna Reed Show)
Paul Petersen, born in 1945, rose to fame as Jeff Stone on The Donna Reed Show. A child star turned advocate, he founded the nonprofit A Minor Consideration in 1990 after the tragic suicide of another former child actor, aiming to support child performers and fight exploitative industry practices. He’s continued to write, speak, and advocate for child labor laws and actor welfare for decades. Still active today, Petersen serves as president of his organization and participates in industry panels, legislative advocacy, and public speaking events, raising awareness and offering counseling and resources for former and current child actors. His journey from teen idol to leading advocate reflects deep dedication to protecting the well‑being of others through lived experience.
18. Laurie Walters (Eight Is Enough)
Laurie Walters, well known as Joanie Bradford on Eight Is Enough, stepped away from acting in the early 2000s and quietly embraced environmental work and theater. She majored in wildlife conservation early on and later shifted into theater direction and community engagement, often under her married name, Laurie Walters Slade. Today, she’s involved in environmental causes, local theater productions in the Ojai, California, area, and film curation for a subscription-based film service. Walters has evolved from screen icon to passionate advocate and educator, demonstrating how classic TV stars can channel creative authenticity into new, meaningful endeavors.
19. Erin Murphy (Bewitched)
Erin Murphy, now 61, is best remembered as Tabitha Stephens on Bewitched. She celebrated her birthday on June 17, 2025, posting a cheerful selfie to Instagram and sharing affection for both actors who played Darrin, though she said “York was more father‑figure‑like”. Her social media presence and convention appearances keep her connected to nostalgic audiences. Off‑camera, Murphy thrives as a business owner and advocate: she co‑owns Slim Chillers, a spiked ice‑pop company, works as a public speaker, voice actress, TV host, and juggling life as a mother of six. Her life is bustling of ongoing creativity, family dedication, and embracing every chapter with energy.
20. Butch Patrick (The Munsters)
Butch Patrick, forever linked to Eddie Munster, continues to fuel the show’s legacy. Now in his late 70s, he regularly travels to conventions and fan events, sometimes arriving in replica cars like the Munster Koach or Dragula. He also quietly takes on independent film roles throughout the year. Beyond appearances, Patrick records music, released tracks titled “Whatever Happened to Eddie?” and “It’s Only Halloween,” and even reprised Eddie in commercial cameos and animated works. He’s known as the official guardian of the Munsters’ legacy, reflecting joyfully that “you never know how a little show so long ago can affect people in a positive way”.
This story 20 Classic TV Stars You Probably Thought Were Gone, But They’re Still With Us was first published on Daily FETCH
