70s Stars Then and Now
From bell bottoms and tie-dye to Farrah Fawcett bangs and rock ‘n’ roll, the 70s were a decade like no other — with stars who we looked up to both then and now. Who can forget the first time they saw the swoon-worthy Harrison Ford on-screen in Star Wars: A New Hope? Or John Travolta’s smooth moves in 1977’s Saturday Night Fever?
Or perhaps the 70s makes you think of the music that made the decade: Diana Ross, Olivia Newton-John, Carly Simon, and Linda Ronstadt to name a few of our favorites. Did Cher’s long, raven locks influence you to grow out your hair to your bottom? Or was it Stevie Nicks’ shaggy blonde ‘do that rocked your world? Whatever the case may be, the stars of the 70s made their mark in pop culture — one that has stood the test of time as we see with each passing year with trends repeating themselves.
In the past few years, we’ve seen the curtain bang revival, the gradual rise of flare pants in a previously skinny jean obsessed society, the chunky shoe/clog resurgence, and a growing love for muted, neutral colors (think burnt orange, mustard yellow, etc.) Long before Instagram and TikTok, it was really the famous faces of the 70’s that were the original influencers when it came to what was cool and popular. The stars of this decade had influence and authority, and we have them to thank for some of our favorite trends, music, and films that we enjoy to this day.
A large portion of the stars who made it big during this era are still enjoying successful careers today — but who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned trip down memory lane? Take a look at what some of the most iconic movie, television, and music stars of the disco decade look like today, and find out what they’re up to!
1. Dolly Parton
Left: 1977, Right: 2023. Ever the bombshell, this country superstar is still anything but shy when it comes to her music, her influence, and her iconic look. Known for hit songs like “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “9 to 5,” as well as films such as Steel Magnolias and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, this witty blonde has proven over the years that she can truly do it all. In 2022, Parton was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in November of 2023, she is set to release her first rock album titled Rockstar.
2. Barry Manilow
Left: 1976, Right: 2023. Barry Manilow is one of the most accomplished musicians from the 70s, known for hits such as “Could It Be Magic,” “Looks Like We Made It,” and “Copacabana (At the Copa).” In addition to his own personal works, he has helped produce albums for artists including Bette Midler and Dionne Warwick. Currently, Manilow is embarking on a series of Las Vegas shows at the International Theater at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.
3. Clint Eastwood
Left: 1970, Right: 2020. The iconic western movie star and living legend is known for works like The Good, the Bad & the Ugly, Dirty Harry, and Gran Torino, but today, the 93-year-old icon sticks more to directing, with his next work set to be the film Juror No. 2.
4. Susan Dey
Left: 1974, Right: 2006. After her work on The Partridge Family, Susan Dey starred in various films and the hit TV series L.A Law. When that show concluded, she continued to act, but since the early 2000’s, she has maintained a low profile.
5. Carly Simon
Left: 1971, Right: 2019. The “You’re So Vain” songstress still performs her famous anthem, and in 2020, her music was honored at Carnegie Hall in The Music of Carly Simon, a tribute concert. In 2022, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
6. Robert Redford
Left: 1970, Right: 2021. The Hollywood heartthrob took a break from acting in the 1980s to try producing, before continuing to act in the years that followed. In recent years, he’s acted in Avengers: Endgame, The Old Man & the Gun, Our Souls at Night, and many more. Additionally, he has served as executive producer on numerous shows and films.
7. Meryl Streep
Left: 1976, Right: 2023. The superstar actress, who has aged incredibly well, is still shining at the box office with new films, the most recent being Don’t Look Up. She also has acted in a few recent episodes of Only Murders in the Building.
8. Sylvester Stallone
Left: 1978, Right: 2023. The Rocky star reprised his famous role in the 2015 movie Creed, and he recently starred in the Taylor Sheridan drama Tulsa King. This past year, Stallone and his family tried their hand at reality TV with The Family Stallone, following his life with his wife and daughters.
9. Diana Ross
Left: 1973, Right: 2019. The iconic singer from The Supremes continues to influence many, and in 2022, she was even nominated for a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Thank You. Currently, she’s keeping busy on her “The Music Legacy” tour.
10. John Travolta
Left: 1970, Right: 2020. The actor looks totally different these days, but he’s still very much involved in the entertainment industry, his most recent works being Mob Land, Die Hart, and Paradise City.
11. Cher
Left: 1970, Right: 2023. Though she looks far different today, the “If I Could Turn Back Time” singer has not lost her eye-popping flair. She continues to shine in all areas, doing some voiceover work in shows like Scooby Doo and Guess Who? and films like Bobbleheads: The Movie. She lent her talents in a music video for “All I Know So Far” by Pink, and in 2022, partnered up with Donatella Versace to create the “Chersace” collection.
12. Barbra Streisand
Left: 1973, Right: 2023. The singer, actress, and style icon has transformed her look, but her passion for her work and her remarkable talent haven’t changed a bit! Streisand is set to release two albums on October 27th, Evergreens: Celebrating Six Decades on Columbia Records and Yentl: 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition.
