The forgotten teen idols from the 70s

Heartthrob Leif Garrett achieved teen idolhood twice over during the ‘70s. He found fame as an actor with hits like Walking Tall (1973) and Skateboard (1978), and reached pop star status with hits like ‘I Was Made for Dancin’’, ‘When I Think of You’ and ‘I Was Looking for Someone to Love’. 

The actor and singer struggled with addiction following the height of his career and made an appearance on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew in 2010. In 2019, he released the memoir Idol Truth which discussed his childhood fame and struggles with substance abuse. Now, Leif is living a quieter life away from the spotlight, focussing on sobriety.

While David Cassidy might be a more familiar name today, his brother Shaun could also claim teen idol status during the ‘70s. Shaun rose to fame with his debut single ‘Morning Girl’ and broke out in the US in 1977 with hit cover ‘Da Doo Ron Ron’. 

The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries star has since gotten involved behind the scenes in showbiz, working on TV projects like American Gothic, Roar and New Amsterdam. Later this year, he’s making a return to live performing with the UNWRAPPED Holiday Tour. Shaun is a father of seven and is happily married to his third wife, Tracey Lynne Turner.

One Day at a Time followed the life of divorcee Ann Romano and her two daughters as they move to Indianapolis, eventually following the two daughters’ own career and love lives as the series progressed.

Valerie starred as the particularly witty Barbara Cooper but her TV fame didn’t end there. The actress has since worked on Touched by an Angel, Hot in Cleveland and most recently appeared in 2026’s Love, Again.

Robby Benson was the go-to leading man to get teenagers’ eyes glued to the screen during the ‘70s. He starred in features like Ice Castles, One on One, Ode to Billy Joel and Jeremy, as well as providing the voice of Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. 

Since then, he’s worked behind the scenes as a director for shows like Friends and Ellen, and developed musicals like I Hear A Song!. Robby has also stepped into the role of teacher, instructing the next generation in film production and acting, as well as making his own return to the screen in Severance. 

With tracks like ‘I Just Want to Be Your Everything’, ‘Don’t Throw It All Away’ and ‘(Love Is) Thicker Than Water’, ‘70s stardom was inevitable for the talented teen. While his three older brothers found fame as the Bee Gees, Andy pursued a solo career and found success of his own.

The singer tragically passed away at just 30 years old on March 10, 1988. Andy had reportedly suffered from substance abuse, which contributed to weakened heart tissue.

Pamela Sue Martin was a regular presence on the ‘70s screen, starring in The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, The Poseidon Adventure, The Lady in Red and Buster and Billie. Since her days in the ‘70s spotlight, Pamela has appeared on That ‘70s Show, The L Word and 2017 TV movie My Christmas Prince. 

She also made a brief return to the Nancy Drew franchise in 2019 with an episode appearance on the CW show, but for the most part has stepped away from acting. Instead, she’s focusing on her home life in Mexico with her boyfriend Allan Amador Cervantes and son, Cascadia Rafting founder Nick.

The singer found fame with tracks such as ‘Bye Bye Baby’, ‘Saturday Night’, ‘I Only Want to Be With You’ and ‘Love Is Just a Breath Away’, working as frontman of the Bay City Rollers during the height of their stardom.

After leaving the group, Les formed pop group Egotrip and released the 1979 solo album All Washed Up. He later toured under Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers but had to pause midway through their Toronto tour due to the coronavirus pandemic. Les sadly passed in April 2021.

Maureen McCormick found fame as Marcia Brady on The Brady Bunch between 1969 and 1974, returning for spin-offs like The Brady Brides and A Very Brady Christmas. Following the show’s final bow, Maureen struggled with addiction but has since overcome these struggles with the support of husband Michael Cummings.

The actress opened up about her early fame in the 2008 autobiography, Here’s the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding My True Voice. She’s since competed on Dancing with the Stars and found joy in making a return to acting via the stage, starring in an off-Broadway production of Pen Pals.