15 ’70s Stars Who Dominated Teen Magazine Covers

The ’70s introduced a wave of stars whose youthful charm and undeniable talent made them fixtures on magazine covers and teen bedroom walls. Today, these icons have reinvented themselves in fascinating ways, often building on their legacy in entertainment, music and even business. From those who continue to shine on television to singers whose hits never faded, join us for a star-studded update on the faces that defined a generation.

Shaun Cassidy

Shaun Cassidy, once a heartthrob from The Hardy Boys and a pop star in his own right, now blends creativity with compassion. His chart-topping cover of “Da Doo Ron Ron” spent time at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1977, confirming his arrival as one of pop music’s hottest teen sensations, as reported by Parade.

John Travolta

Commanding the spotlight, John Travolta symbolizes how a ’70s teen idol can seamlessly transition into respected Hollywood royalty. He struck gold with Saturday Night Fever and hasn’t stopped since, starring in everything from Pulp Fiction to Hairspray.

Jodie Foster

Acclaimed for her versatility and intelligence, Jodie Foster has grown into a respected director and celebrated performer. With Best Actress Oscar victories for The Accused and The Silence of the Lambs, she secured her place among Hollywood’s most celebrated leading ladies.

Ricky Schroder

Ricky Schroder rose from child star in The Champ and Silver Spoons to acclaimed director and producer. He has built a steady and diverse career, proving he’s still a star to watch. His breakout performance in The Champ made him the youngest actor ever to win a Golden Globe, a milestone that eventually paved the way for his adult roles on shows like NYPD Blue, as reported by TV Insider.

Marie Osmond

From TV variety shows to chart-topping country hits, Marie Osmond has remained a beloved household name. Her breakthrough single “Paper Roses” launched her into the record books, as she became the youngest artist ever to top the country charts at age 13 — a milestone that has endured for over five decades, according to Parade.

Cher

Cher is a trailblazer both in music and onscreen, never shying from boldness or reinvention. The iconic singer won the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Moonstruck in 1988, then returned to the top of the charts a decade later with her smash hit “Believe.”

Barry Williams

Barry Williams remains an integral figure in television history after playing eldest son Greg throughout the original run of The Brady Bunch from 1969 to 1974.

Eve Plumb

Eve Plumb‘s versatility extends far beyond her iconic role as Jan Brady, earning admiration across different creative fields. Since her time on The Brady Bunch, she has spent decades building a parallel career as a fine art painter now represented by galleries nationwide, according to Glossyfied.

Kristy McNichol

Kristy McNichol‘s spirit and talent continue to resonate with fans old and new. Her portrayal of teenager Buddy Lawrence on the drama Family earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards early in her career, per Biography.com.

Gilbert O’Sullivan

Gilbert O’Sullivan‘s enduring presence is a testament to the power of authenticity in pop music. Despite releasing numerous hit songs, “Alone Again (Naturally)” stands as the only one of his singles to reach No. 1 on the U.S. charts, as reported by ClassicRockHistory.com.

Phoebe Cates Kline

Phoebe Cates Kline, best known for memorable film roles in films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High, has reinvented herself as a successful entrepreneur. She stepped back from Hollywood to open her Madison Avenue gift boutique, Blue Tree, in 2005, according to Us Weekly.

Leif Garrett

Leif Garrett, once a pin-up idol celebrated for his records and TV roles, has had his journey well documented, both the highs and the lows. Still, he remains a symbol of the era and is recognized for his resilience. Before his well-documented struggles, he was one of the most popular teen idols of the late 1970s, starring on the ABC drama Family while topping charts with pop covers, per TV Insider.

Patti Hansen

Patti Hansen‘s transition from fashion icon to admired actress and philanthropist speaks to her grace and adaptability. After being discovered in her teens, she became a sought-after model, appearing on countless magazine covers and high-profile advertising campaigns before transitioning into acting, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

David Cassidy

David Cassidy, forever remembered for his signature smile from The Partridge Family to his solo career, had a magnetic presence that made him a worldwide sensation. During the peak of The Partridge Family craze, his fan club was reportedly larger than those of The Beatles and Elvis Presley combined, according to Rolling Stone.

Gene Simmons

Gene Simmons, a co-founder of Kiss, has a legendary influence on rock and pop culture. Simmons’s larger-than-life image continues to fascinate and inspire fans around the globe. He helped launch Kiss in the early 1970s and has remained its bassist and co-lead vocalist throughout the band’s storied career, per Biography.com.