The early 1970s witnessed the rise of iconic celebrities who have left a significant mark on today’s entertainment. This decade gave birth to vibrant personalities, groundbreaking performances, and a lasting influence on pop culture.
Celebrities such as John Travolta and Bruce Lee became global phenomena due to their acting skills and charisma. Others like Elvis Presley, Diana Ross, and Michael Jackson redefined pop music in their respective solo careers.
Here are 10 Famous 70’s Celebrities You Probably Don’t Know
1. John Travolta
John Travolta was one of the decade’s biggest stars in the 1970s. His portrayal of Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever cemented his career as an A-list actor. He soon became known for his electrifying dance moves. Another movie that made him a global sensation is Grease (1978) which showcased his singing, dancing, and acting talents.
Besides acting, Travolta’s fashion style especially his disco outfits in Saturday Night Fever-particularly the white suit, became a defining image of that era. Also, his dance moves inspired a global obsession with disco dancing worldwide.
The [age dob=”19540218″]-year-old veteran actor, singer, and producer has several accolades including a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award,d and three Screen Actors Guild Awards.
2. Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley, crowned the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” experienced a transformative and bittersweet decade in the 1970s. Starting in 1969 and continuing through the early 70s, Presley performed regularly at the International Hotel in Las Vegas.
These high-energy shows, featuring iconic jumpsuits and electrifying performances, became a defining element of his late career.
With hits like Elvis continued to release successful albums in the 1970s, proving his enduring relevance in the music industry.
3. Jane Fonda
Fonda was already an established star by the early 1970s, but this decade saw her evolve into one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses. Her performances earned critical acclaim and cemented her as a versatile and fearless talent.
She won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Bree Daniels, a call girl entangled in a murder investigation. Fonda won her second Oscar for her role as Sally Hyde, a woman grappling with the Vietnam War’s impact on her life. The film’s exploration of war and its effects mirrored her real-life activism.
The 1970s marked Jane Fonda’s emergence as a leading political activist. She became an outspoken critic of the Vietnam War, advocating for peace and justice.
In the late 1970s, Fonda began promoting physical fitness, which would become another hallmark of her career. Though her iconic workout videos came in the 1980s, her interest in health and exercise started during this decade. She inspired millions, especially women, to prioritize fitness and self-care.
4. Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali was an unparalleled icon in the 1970s, both as a dominant force in boxing and as a cultural and political figure. Known for his charisma, wit, and social activism, the 1970s was the decade where Ali cemented his legacy as “The Greatest.”
Stripped of his titles and sidelined during his prime years, Muhammad Ali’s matches in the 70s were some of the most iconic in boxing history.
Ali’s influence extended far beyond the ring. During the 1970s, he advocated for civil rights, religious freedom, and anti-war efforts. His refusal to fight in Vietnam made him a symbol of resistance.
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5. Bruce Lee
The martial arts legend Bruce Lee became a global star with films like Enter the Dragon (1973). His charisma, fighting skills, and philosophical insights introduced martial arts to Western audiences and created a lasting cultural legacy.
In 1973, Bruce Lee starred in Enter the Dragon, a co-production between Hollywood and Hong Kong. The film became a global sensation, grossing over $90 million and establishing Lee as a worldwide phenomenon. Released shortly after his untimely death, it became a cultural milestone, introducing martial arts to Western audiences on a grand scale.
Bruce Lee passed away on July 20, 1973, at the age of 32, just weeks before the release of Enter the Dragon. Despite his brief career, his cinema and martial arts contributions left an indelible mark.
6. David Bowie
David Bowie was one of the most transformative and innovative artists of the 1970s, shaping the decade’s music, fashion, and cultural identity. In 1972, Bowie achieved global fame with his iconic alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, from the album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.
Throughout the 70s, Bowie consistently reinvented his sound, releasing a series of groundbreaking albums like Hunky Dory, Aladdin Sane, and Diamond Dogs. Due to his fearless approach to fashion, he was also seen as a style icon. He was known for wearing glittering jumpsuits. He also broke barriers of gender and sexuality after he became a symbol of liberation for the LGBTQ+ community.
Bowie also began his acting career in the 70s, starring in The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976), a sci-fi cult classic. Bowie emerged as a timeless icon whose work continues to resonate and inspire creativity worldwide.*+
7. Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson deserves a spot among the most famous celebrities of the 1970s, as it was during this decade that he transitioned from a child star to a global phenomenon.
He first gained fame in the late 1960s as the lead singer of The Jackson 5, a Motown group formed with his brothers. Hits like I Want You Back, ABC, and I’ll Be There made the group a household name, with Michael’s youthful energy and incredible voice standing out.
During the 1970s, he emerged as a solo artist and went on to release an album in 1972. The album, Got to Be There earned him a Golden Award and by the end of the decade, he became known for his electrifying performances and songs.
His charisma, unique voice, and innovative dance moves made him a beloved figure worldwide.
8. Diana Ross
The [age dob=”19440326″]-year-old singer, Diana Ross flourished in the 1970s, transitioning from her role as the lead singer of The Supremes to becoming a solo superstar and cultural icon. Her contributions to music, film, and fashion during this decade solidified her place in entertainment history.
Diana Ross began the 1970s with a successful transition to a solo career after departing from The Supremes in 1970. Throughout the decade, she released a string of chart-topping albums and singles, including Touch Me in the Morning and Love Hangover.
Diana Ross also made a stunning debut as an actress in the 1970s, earning critical acclaim for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in the 1972 biographical film Lady Sings the Blues. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
She also featured in Mahogany (1975), a romantic drama where she played an ambitious fashion designer, and as Dorothy in The Wiz (1978).
9. Robert Redford
Robert Redford was one of the most celebrated and influential actors of the 1970s. He was known for his embodying charm, versatility, and artistic depth. With a string of box office hits and critically acclaimed performances, he became a symbol of Hollywood excellence during the decade.
The 1970s were a golden era for Robert Redford’s acting career. Some of his most notable films during this time include Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), The Sting (1973), The Way We Were (1973) and All the President’s Men(1976).
While Redford is best known for his acting, he also began to explore producing and directing in the 1970s. His commitment to storytelling extended beyond his performances, paving the way for his later career as an acclaimed filmmaker.
10. Cher
Cher was a dazzling and influential figure in the 1970s, solidifying her status as a pop culture icon through her music, television career, and bold, trendsetting fashion.
Her music in the 70s marked her evolution from a 60s rock star to a pop and disco powerhouse.
Most of her songs topped the charts and soon she was known as the first female artist to use muse to tell vivid stories about outsiders and marginalised figures.
In addition to music career, she was also a TV sensation. She co-starred in The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour with her then-husband, Sonny Bono and the show ran from 1971 to 1974. When she became a solo entertainer, she launched The Cher.
Her iconic fashion sense was glamorous. She was known for daring outfits that had sequins, feathers, and sheer fabrics.
In the 1970s, Cher proved she was far more than just a singer or TV star—she was a multifaceted entertainer who challenged norms, inspired fans with her resilience and set the stage for her even greater successes in later decades.
The 70s were a defining period for Cher, turning her into a symbol of artistic and personal reinvention.
