1.Susan Olsen: From Cindy Brady to Creative Spirit
Susan Olsen’s pigtails and lisp made her a household name as Cindy on The Brady Bunch, but her story didn’t end with the final credits. After the show, Susan found it tough to land roles that weren’t typecast, so she stepped away from acting and explored new creative avenues. She eventually became a graphic designer, channeling her artistic side into a new career as Art Director for a Malibu-based company. Later, Susan found her voice again as a talk radio host, where her candidness and humor won her a different kind of audience. Despite stepping out of the spotlight, Susan never lost her connection to fans, she popped up at reunions and conventions, always ready with a story about her Brady days.
2. Mike Lookinland: From Bobby Brady to Concrete Craftsman
Mike Lookinland was the lovable Bobby on The Brady Bunch, but as he grew up, the Hollywood lifestyle lost its appeal. After a few more acting gigs and some behind-the-scenes work, Mike decided he wanted something different, something tangible. He moved to Utah and started a decorative concrete business, finding satisfaction in creating things with his hands rather than performing for a camera. Mike’s new life is a world away from red carpets and autograph lines, but he’s spoken openly about how much happier he is out of the spotlight.
3. Robbie Rist: Cousin Oliver and the “Show-Killer” Label
Robbie Rist joined The Brady Bunch in its final season as Cousin Oliver, a character meant to inject new energy into the show. Instead, Oliver became infamous as the “show-killer,” a trope for characters added to revive struggling series. Though Robbie was just a kid, the label followed him, making it tough to find steady acting work afterward. Rather than let Hollywood’s fickle nature define him, Robbie leaned into his love of music, becoming a successful voice actor and musician. He voiced characters in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and contributed to countless projects behind the scenes.
4. Quinn Cummings: Oscar Nominee to Author and Entrepreneur
Quinn Cummings was just 10 when she earned an Oscar nomination for The Goodbye Girl, but the pressures of child stardom soon wore thin. After starring in the TV drama Family, Quinn chose to leave acting behind and focus on her education and personal growth. She later reinvented herself as a writer, penning witty and insightful books about parenting and life away from Hollywood. Quinn also became an entrepreneur, inventing the HipHugger baby carrier and running her own business. Her journey depicts resilience and creativity that child stars can bring to new chapters in life.
5. Lance Kerwin: From Teen Drama Star to Quiet Life
Lance Kerwin captured hearts as the sensitive lead in James at 15 and other TV dramas of the ’70s. His natural talent made him a familiar face, but as he grew older, the constant spotlight and industry pressures took their toll. Choosing to step away, Lance sought a quieter, more private life in Hawaii, away from Hollywood’s hustle. This decision allowed him to focus on personal growth and find peace beyond the cameras. His story reflects a common theme among child stars who crave normalcy after early fame. With one child from his first wife, Kristen, Lance add four more kids and focused on rebuilding his life.
6. Tatum O’Neal: Oscar Glory and Personal Struggles
Tatum O’Neal made history as the youngest Oscar winner for Paper Moon at just 10 years old. Her early success promised a bright future, but behind the scenes, Tatum faced personal challenges that affected her career. Struggling with addiction and the pressures of growing up in the spotlight, she stepped back from steady acting roles for years. Despite these hardships, Tatum’s story is one of resilience. She has since spoken openly about her struggles and worked toward recovery, showing a different kind of courage than the roles she played.
7. Kim Richards: From Disney Darling to Reality TV
Kim Richards charmed audiences as a child star on Nanny and the Professor and later as a Disney favorite. However, her transition into adulthood was marked by public struggles, including battles with addiction and legal issues. She eventually found a new kind of fame on reality TV, where her candidness about her life’s ups and downs resonated with viewers. Kim’s path shows how child stardom doesn’t guarantee an easy road ahead. Her openness about her struggles has sparked conversations about the pressures faced by young actors and the importance of support systems. While her story has had its dark moments, it also reveals the human side behind the celebrity image.
8. Erin Moran: Happy Days Star’s Tragic Fade
Erin Moran was best known as Joanie Cunningham on Happy Days, a role that brought her widespread recognition. Unfortunately, her life after the show was marked by financial hardship and a retreat from public life. Erin’s struggles culminated in a tragic death at the age of 56, which shocked fans and reignited discussions about the difficulties child stars face once the cameras stop rolling. Her story is a sobering example of how fame can be fleeting and how the entertainment industry sometimes fails to protect its youngest talents. Erin’s legacy lives on through her iconic role, but also as a reminder of the need for better support for child actors transitioning to adulthood.
9. Johnny Whitaker: From Addiction to Counseling
Johnny Whitaker gained fame as a child on Family Affair, but like many child stars, he faced personal battles as he grew older. Struggling with addiction, Johnny’s life took a difficult turn. However, he eventually overcame these challenges and dedicated himself to helping others by working in counseling and recovery. His journey from fame to hardship and then to healing offers hope and inspiration. Johnny’s ability to transform his life and give back underscores the importance of second chances.
10. Lisa Whelchel: From Facts of Life to Faith and Writing
Lisa Whelchel charmed viewers as Blair Warner on The Facts of Life, but after the show ended, she chose a very different path. Rather than chase more acting roles, Lisa embraced her Christian faith and became a respected author and speaker in that community. Her books often focus on parenting, spirituality, and personal growth, reflecting a deep commitment to her values beyond Hollywood. Lisa’s transition highlights how some child stars find fulfillment by turning inward and sharing their life lessons rather than seeking the spotlight. She’s remained connected to fans through occasional appearances but clearly prioritizes her private life and faith-driven work.
11. Eve Plumb: Painting Over the Spotlight
Eve Plumb, known as Jan Brady from The Brady Bunch, never chased fame after the show wrapped. Instead, she pursued her passion for art, becoming a dedicated painter. Eve’s focus on creative expression away from cameras allowed her to build a quieter, more personal life that she cherishes. She works in her studio at her Laguna Beach home. Though she occasionally acts, Eve prefers to keep her life private and away from Hollywood’s pressures. Her choice to prioritize art over acting shows that child stars can find peace and identity outside of their early fame. It is also a gentle reminder that sometimes the best roles are the ones we create for ourselves.
12. Melissa Sue Anderson: Choosing Quiet Over Spotlight
Melissa Sue Anderson won hearts as Mary Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie, but after the show, she decided to step back from the limelight. Moving to Canada, Melissa chose a quieter life focused on family and personal interests rather than pursuing more acting roles. Her decision reflects a desire for normalcy after years in front of the camera. Melissa’s story is one of many ’70s stars who valued privacy and a slower pace over continued fame,and remember her fondly.
13. Adam Rich: Tragic Struggles After Eight Is Enough
Adam Rich was the charismatic middle child on Eight Is Enough, beloved by many in the ’70s. Unfortunately, his adult life was marked by legal troubles and battles with substance abuse. These struggles overshadowed his early success and ultimately led to his premature death in 2023. Adam’s story is a stark reminder of the pressures child stars face and how difficult it can be to navigate life after early fame. While his career faded, his impact on fans remains, and his struggles have sparked important conversations about mental health and support for former child actors.
14. Mason Reese: Commercial Star to Restaurateur
Mason Reese became a household name in the ’70s through his memorable TV commercials, especially for Underwood Deviled Ham. His quirky charm made him instantly recognizable, but as he grew older, Mason stepped away from the spotlight. Rather than continuing in entertainment, he shifted gears and opened several restaurants in New York City, carving out a new identity as a businessman. Mason’s transition from child star to restaurateur highlights the importance of reinvention and finding passion beyond acting. Though he’s no longer on TV, his legacy endures in the memories of those classic commercials and his success in the culinary world.
15. Jeremy Miller: From Growing Pains to Recovery Advocate
Jeremy Miller, known for his role on Growing Pains, faced struggles with alcoholism in his youth, which threatened to derail his career and life. However, Jeremy turned his challenges into a mission, working as a chef and becoming an advocate for recovery and mental health awareness. His openness about his past has helped destigmatize addiction and inspired many. He also proves that child stars can find new purpose beyond fame, focusing on healing and giving back. His story closes this list with a hopeful message: no matter the hardships, there is always a path forward.
This story 15 Child Stars from the ’70s (Including Half the Brady Bunch) Who Vanished from Fame was first published on Daily FETCH
