Remember when we’d gather around those bulky television sets, antenna adjusted just right, to catch our favorite shows? The 1970s were truly the golden age of television, bringing us unforgettable characters who became like family. But time marches on, and you might be surprised to see how some of our beloved stars have transformed over the years. Let’s take a nostalgic journey to catch up with some familiar faces from our favorite decade.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Valerie Bertinelli – One Day at a Time’s Barbara Cooper
- 2 2. Ron Howard – Happy Days’ Richie Cunningham
- 3 3. Suzanne Somers – Three’s Company’s Chrissy Snow
- 4 4. Erik Estrada – CHiPs’ Officer Frank Poncherello
- 5 5. Maureen McCormick – The Brady Bunch’s Marcia Brady
- 6 6. John Amos – Good Times’ James Evans Sr.
- 7 7. Lindsay Wagner – The Bionic Woman
- 8 8. Barry Williams – The Brady Bunch’s Greg Brady
- 9 9. Lynda Carter – Wonder Woman
- 10 10. Henry Winkler – Happy Days’ The Fonz
- 11 11. John Travolta – Welcome Back, Kotter’s Vinnie Barbarino
- 12 12. Penny Marshall – Laverne & Shirley’s Laverne DeFazio
- 13 13. Richard Dean Anderson – General Hospital’s Dr. Jeff Webber
- 14 14. Jaclyn Smith – Charlie’s Angels’ Kelly Garrett
- 15 15. Ted Lange – The Love Boat’s Isaac Washington
1. Valerie Bertinelli – One Day at a Time’s Barbara Cooper
Who could forget the adorable Barbara Cooper from “One Day at a Time”? Valerie Bertinelli captured our hearts as the younger daughter of Ann Romano, starting on the show when she was just 15. Today, at 63, she’s reinvented herself multiple times – from TV actress to Food Network host to bestselling author. Her journey has been marked by public ups and downs, including her highly publicized weight loss journey and her candid approach to aging in Hollywood.
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2. Ron Howard – Happy Days’ Richie Cunningham
The fresh-faced Richie Cunningham from “Happy Days” has transformed into one of Hollywood’s most respected directors. Ron Howard’s transition from beloved TV star to Oscar-winning filmmaker is remarkable. While his signature red hair may have faded, his creative vision has only grown stronger, bringing us masterpieces like “A Beautiful Mind” and “Apollo 13.” These days, you’re more likely to find him behind the camera than in front of it.
3. Suzanne Somers – Three’s Company’s Chrissy Snow
The bubbly blonde who played Chrissy Snow became one of television’s most memorable characters. After leaving “Three’s Company,” Suzanne Somers transformed herself into a wellness guru and successful entrepreneur. She became known for her health advocacy and alternative medicine approaches, writing numerous books on aging and wellness before her passing in 2023, leaving behind a legacy that extended far beyond her acting career.
4. Erik Estrada – CHiPs’ Officer Frank Poncherello
The heartthrob highway patrol officer who made us all want to become cops has taken quite a journey since his CHiPs days. Erik Estrada, now in his mid-70s, has maintained his signature smile but has evolved from TV cop to real-life police officer, serving as a reserve officer in various departments. He’s also become a passionate advocate for child safety online, proving that sometimes life does imitate art.
5. Maureen McCormick – The Brady Bunch’s Marcia Brady
America’s favorite teenage girl next door, Marcia Brady, has grown into a resilient woman who’s faced her share of challenges head-on. Maureen McCormick has been remarkably open about her post-Brady struggles and triumphs, including battles with addiction and depression. Today, she’s found peace with her Brady past while building a new identity as an author and occasional reality TV star.
6. John Amos – Good Times’ James Evans Sr.
The strong-willed patriarch of the Evans family brought dignity and strength to one of TV’s groundbreaking African American families. John Amos has continued acting well into his 80s, appearing in numerous films and TV shows. While his appearance has changed, his commanding presence and powerful voice remain unchanged, continuing to influence new generations of actors and audiences alike.
7. Lindsay Wagner – The Bionic Woman
Our favorite bionic heroine traded in her action-packed career for a more holistic approach to life. Lindsay Wagner has transformed from TV superhero to wellness advocate and acting teacher. While she may not be using bionic powers anymore, she’s found new strength in teaching and promoting holistic health, showing that true power comes from within.
8. Barry Williams – The Brady Bunch’s Greg Brady
The eldest Brady boy has embraced his place in television history while forging his own path forward. Barry Williams has maintained connections to his Brady past while developing a career in theater and music. Today, he’s become a beloved figure on the nostalgia circuit, sharing stories about growing up Brady while building new memories with fans.
9. Lynda Carter – Wonder Woman
The original Wonder Woman has remained wonderful through the decades, though in different ways. Lynda Carter has evolved from action hero to accomplished singer and activist, while maintaining her iconic status. Her transformation shows that true beauty and strength only grow with time, as she continues to inspire new generations with her grace and advocacy work.
10. Henry Winkler – Happy Days’ The Fonz
The coolest cat on television has transformed into one of Hollywood’s most beloved elder statesmen. Henry Winkler’s journey from leather-jacketed heartthrob to award-winning actor and children’s author is truly remarkable. While The Fonz may have been known for his tough exterior, Winkler has shown his true strength through his advocacy for children with learning disabilities and his continued presence in entertainment.
11. John Travolta – Welcome Back, Kotter’s Vinnie Barbarino
Before he was dancing in “Saturday Night Fever” or flying planes as a licensed pilot, John Travolta captured hearts as the charming yet dim-witted leader of the Sweathogs. His transformation from TV heartthrob to Hollywood A-lister is one of the most successful career evolutions in entertainment history. Today, while his famous hair has changed, his charismatic screen presence remains as powerful as ever.
12. Penny Marshall – Laverne & Shirley’s Laverne DeFazio
The tough-talking brewery worker from Milwaukee became one of Hollywood’s most successful female directors. Before her passing in 2018, Penny Marshall had transformed from the ‘L’-wearing Laverne to the visionary director behind hits like “Big” and “A League of Their Own.” Her journey from sitcom star to groundbreaking filmmaker inspired countless women in the industry.
13. Richard Dean Anderson – General Hospital’s Dr. Jeff Webber
Before he became MacGyver, Richard Dean Anderson was stealing hearts as the dashing Dr. Jeff Webber on “General Hospital.” His transformation from soap opera doctor to action hero to silver-haired star of “Stargate SG-1” has been remarkable. Now in his 70s, he’s stepped back from the spotlight but remains a beloved figure in television history.
14. Jaclyn Smith – Charlie’s Angels’ Kelly Garrett
The only original Angel to stay through all five seasons, Jaclyn Smith has maintained her angelic presence while building an impressive business empire. From her groundbreaking Kmart fashion line to her home furnishings collection, she proved that beauty and business acumen can go hand in hand. Today, in her late 70s, she continues to defy aging while inspiring women to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit.
15. Ted Lange – The Love Boat’s Isaac Washington
Everyone’s favorite bartender from “The Love Boat” has sailed into new waters as a playwright and director. Ted Lange’s transformation from the charismatic Isaac to a respected theater professional shows how talent can evolve in unexpected ways. While his signature pointing gesture and warm smile remain unchanged, he’s built a rich career behind the scenes in theater and television direction.
