The 11 Biggest Variety Show Stars of the ’70s

From the dazzling lights of network TV to the beloved stages of concert halls, the 1970s were filled with unforgettable variety show stars who brought their unique talents to millions of homes every week. These personalities not only pioneered television entertainment but also shaped pop culture for generations. Let us reminisce with this exclusive roundup of icons whose music, comedy, and charisma defined an era — plus a rarely seen peek into their life beyond the spotlight, featuring personal moments captured in these rare photos.

John Denver

Known for his smooth vocals and heartfelt ballads, John Denver became a favorite guest on variety shows, often using his platform to highlight important causes.  Denver lent his voice to the very first Farm Aid concert, joining fellow musicians to draw attention to the plight of struggling family farmers, as reported by John Denver’s official website.

Donny Osmond

A teen idol and showman, Donny Osmond‘s energy electrified screens, whether performing solo or alongside his sister Marie. His youthful charm and undeniable stage presence cemented the Osmond family’s place in television history, captivating audiences of all ages. When their variety show launched in 1976, Donny and Marie became the youngest stars ever to headline their own weekly program, according to Oprah.com.

Roy Clark

Front and center as the affable host of Hee Haw, Roy Clark brought humor and virtuosic guitar skills to the living rooms of America. His beaming smile and quick wit became trademarks, making him one of the most beloved personalities in country entertainment. Clark signed on to co-host the show back in 1969 and remained a fixture of the program for nearly twenty-five years, per NPR.

Dolly Parton

With her sparkling stage outfits and signature voice, Dolly Parton reigned over variety shows as both a performer and a guest. Whether performing her chart-topping hits or sharing her playful humor, Dolly’s presence lit up every set she graced. Her first solo TV venture, simply titled Dolly!, ran on ABC for a single season spanning 1976 into 1977, as reported by Dolly Parton’s official website.

Carol Burnett

The queen of sketch comedy, Carol Burnett set a new standard for comedy-variety programming. Her infectious laughter, iconic characters, and groundbreaking humor made her show a must-watch fixture, inspiring generations of comedic talent. Over its eleven-year run, the program won 25 Emmy Awards from 70 nominations, according to Parade.

Marie Osmond

Marie Osmond carved a unique path as both a singing sensation and a television host. Her warmth and versatility quickly made her one of the era’s most endearing entertainers, delighting viewers with each new performance. After her run with brother Donny ended, she briefly struck out on her own with an NBC variety series called simply Marie, which aired just seven episodes between 1980 and 1981, per Remind Magazine.

Barbara Mandrell

Barbara Mandrell‘s blend of country music and showbiz flair made her variety show one of the most-watched on television. Her talent as a multi-instrumentalist and her magnetic stage persona earned her legions of loyal fans. The hour-long program blended music and comedy and reached millions weekly while showcasing her skills as a singer, multi-instrumentalist and dancer, as reported by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Glen Campbell

From smooth country crooning to comedic sketches, Glen Campbell showcased his multidimensional talents on his own variety series. His easygoing style and heartfelt performances made him a mainstay on both TV screens and concert stages. His program, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, debuted on CBS on January 29, 1969, according to The Boot.

Tony Orlando

Tony Orlando and his group, Tony Orlando and Dawn, brought pop and personality to the variety show format, turning every appearance into a vibrant event. Offstage, Tony’s grin and charisma mirrored the exuberance he brought to the screen. Their CBS series premiered on July 3, 1974, stepping into a crowded field of primetime variety programming of the era, per Forbes.

The Muppets

No list would be complete without the irresistible Muppets, whose variety show antics attracted celebrities and kids alike. Their unforgettable characters and cheerful chaos influenced the entire genre, bridging generations through music and laughter. Hosted by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy alongside a cast of thousands of puppet characters, the program went on to become the most-watched syndicated series in television history, according to Nostalgia Central.

Cher

Cher became a television sensation as the glamorous co-host of The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, where her dazzling musical performances, quick-witted banter with Sonny Bono, and unforgettable Bob Mackie fashions helped make the series one of the defining variety shows of the 1970s. Week after week, she captivated audiences with chart-topping songs, comedy sketches, and magnetic stage presence, proving she was every bit as compelling on television as she was on the concert stage.