11 Teen Idols of the ’70s Who Took Over The Scene, Then Faded Away
The 1970s was a golden age for teen idols, an era when young stars dominated TV screens, magazine covers, and concert stages. These heartthrobs weren’t just performers, but symbols of youth, rebellion, and dreams. From chart-topping musicians to beloved TV actors, they captured the hearts of millions.
Yet, as the disco lights dimmed and new generations of stars emerged, many of these idols drifted from the spotlight, leaving behind a lasting legacy. Let’s see who those teen idols of the ’70s were, whose stardom burned brightly before fading into nostalgia.
1. Leif Garrett
With his golden locks and effortless charm, Leif Garrett was the definition of a ’70s teen idol. His music career soared with hits like “I Was Made for Dancin’,” making him a fixture on magazine covers and bedroom posters across the country.
Beyond music, Garrett dabbled in acting, appearing in TV shows and films that solidified his stardom. However, as the teen idol craze cooled, so did his career in the mainstream spotlight.
Today, Garrett remains a nostalgic figure of ’70s pop culture, remembered for his infectious energy and undeniable charisma.
2. David Cassidy
As Keith Partridge in The Partridge Family, David Cassidy became an overnight sensation. His boy-next-door appeal and smooth vocals made him one of the biggest teen idols of the decade.
His solo music career was just as successful, with sold-out concerts packed with screaming fans. But the pressures of fame took their toll, and Cassidy eventually stepped away from the limelight.
Though he faded from mainstream entertainment, his impact on ’70s pop culture remains legendary, cherished by fans who still hum along to his classic tunes.
3. Shaun Cassidy
Shaun Cassidy followed in the footsteps of his older half-brother, David, but quickly carved out his own legacy. As Joe Hardy in The Hardy Boys Mysteries, he became a TV heartthrob, while his music career, featuring hits like “Da Doo Ron Ron,” sent fans into a frenzy.
By the 1980s, Shaun took a step back from performing and transitioned into writing and producing. While no longer in the limelight, he remains a respected figure behind the scenes in Hollywood.
4. Susan Dey
As Laurie Partridge on The Partridge Family, Susan Dey won over audiences with her talent, beauty, and girl-next-door appeal. She was one of the most recognized faces of the ’70s, with a successful transition from modeling to acting.
After The Partridge Family, she took on more dramatic roles, eventually stepping away from acting entirely. While she left Hollywood behind, her influence as a style icon and beloved actress of the ’70s remains strong.
5. Robbie Benson
With his piercing blue eyes and soulful performances, Robbie Benson was one of the most beloved actors of the ‘70s. He gained fame in films like Jeremy and Ice Castles, where his sensitive and emotional portrayals endeared him to audiences.
As Hollywood shifted in the 1980s, Benson moved into voice acting and directing, including voicing Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (1991). While he left his teen idol days behind, his contributions to film and television live on.
6. Jan-Michael Vincent
Jan-Michael Vincent became a major teen idol thanks to films like Big Wednesday and his role in the hit TV show Airwolf.
Fans loved his laid-back, adventurous style, but personal struggles and Hollywood’s changing landscape saw him gradually step away from the spotlight.
Despite fading from fame, Vincent’s legacy as one of the ’70s most charismatic stars continues to be celebrated by fans of vintage TV and film.
7. Maureen McCormick
As Marcia Brady on The Brady Bunch, Maureen McCormick became a household name, adored for her beauty, charm, and signature catchphrase: “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!”
While The Brady Bunch made her a pop culture icon, Maureen faced personal struggles and career shifts after the show ended. She later reinvented herself as a writer and public speaker, sharing her journey with fans.
Her legacy as TV’s most beloved big sister remains timeless, cherished by generations of Brady Bunch enthusiasts.
8. Christopher Knight
Another Brady Bunch alum, Christopher Knight, became a teen idol as Peter Brady. His boyish charm and comedic timing made him a standout in the show, earning him a loyal fan base.
Though he stepped away from acting, Knight found new fame through reality TV, embracing his place in pop culture history.
While his teen idol status faded, he remains a beloved figure for anyone who grew up watching The Brady Bunch.
9. Donny Osmond
With his angelic voice and wholesome image, Donny Osmond became one of the biggest pop stars of the ’70s. From The Osmonds to his solo career with hits like “Puppy Love”, Donny was a global teen sensation.
Unlike many teen idols, Donny successfully reinvented himself, transitioning into musical theater, TV hosting, and even reality competitions.
His career longevity proves that while his teen idol days ended, his star power never truly faded.
10. Mackenzie Phillips
Mackenzie Phillips rose to fame as Julie Cooper in One Day at a Time, a role that made her a teen sensation in the ’70s. She represented the rebellious, free-spirited youth of the decade.
Though she faced personal battles, Mackenzie later found success as a writer and advocate, sharing her experiences with fans.
Her impact as a bold and unique teen idol still resonates, making her one of the more complex and memorable figures of the era.
11. Erik Estrada
With his megawatt smile and undeniable charisma, Erik Estrada stole the hearts of millions as Officer Frank Poncherello (“Ponch”) in CHiPs. His cool cop persona and motorcycle-riding charm made him one of TV’s biggest stars.
After CHiPs, Estrada continued working in television and law enforcement advocacy, though his teen idol fame gradually faded.
Despite stepping away from the spotlight, he remains an enduring pop culture icon, especially for fans of classic ’70s television.