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The 1970s were a dazzling era of glitz, glam, and groundbreaking cultural shifts, with an array of women who captivated audiences with their beauty, talent, and undeniable charisma. These “It Girls” were once the epitome of stardom, defining the decade’s fashion, film, and social scene. Yet, many of them have since faded from the limelight, leaving their trailblazing legacies overlooked by modern audiences. In this slideshow, we take a nostalgic look back at 25 forgotten “It Girls” from the 1970s, celebrating the women who once reigned supreme in pop culture.
25. Susan Anton
Susan Anton was a statuesque blonde beauty who rose to fame with her roles in Goldengirl and television commercials that showcased her as an all-American girl. A frequent talk show guest, Anton’s singing and acting talents made her a household name for a brief period. She even enjoyed a country music career, earning recognition with the hit duet “Killin’ Time” alongside Fred Knobloch. Today, her name is more of a retro trivia answer than a modern headline.
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24. Margaux Hemingway
As the granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, Margaux Hemingway was born into fame but carved her path as a supermodel and actress. Her striking looks landed her on the covers of Vogue and Cosmopolitan, and she starred in films such as Lipstick. Unfortunately, personal struggles marred her career, and her life was tragically cut short, making her one of the era’s most poignant cautionary tales.
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23. Cybill Shepherd
Before she became a household name in the 1980s for Moonlighting, Cybill Shepherd was a 1970s “It Girl” thanks to her breakout role in The Last Picture Show. Her glamorous looks and off-screen romances made her tabloid fodder, while roles in films like Taxi Driver cemented her status as a Hollywood beauty. Despite a strong start, Shepherd’s career experienced ups and downs before her later resurgence.
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22. Christina Lindberg
Christina Lindberg was a Swedish actress who became a cult icon for her performances in exploitation films like Thriller: A Cruel Picture. Known for her striking beauty and fearless roles, she quickly gained a fan following. However, her niche appeal and controversial projects limited her broader career opportunities, and she retired from acting by the late 1970s.
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21. Barbara Bach
Barbara Bach became an international sensation as the Bond girl in The Spy Who Loved Me. Married to Beatle Ringo Starr, her glamorous life often overshadowed her acting career. Despite her iconic Bond role, Bach struggled to find similar success in other projects and eventually stepped away from Hollywood.
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20. Joey Heatherton
Joey Heatherton was a singer, actress, and dancer who epitomized 1970s variety show glamour. A staple on programs like The Dean Martin Show, Heatherton’s sultry voice and high-energy performances made her a fan favorite. However, her career fizzled as her tastes changed, and she faded from the public eye.
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19. Twiggy
As the face of the Swinging Sixties, Twiggy continued to enjoy fame into the 1970s with appearances in films like The Boy Friend. Her waifish figure and mod style made her a fashion icon, but Twiggy reinvented herself as an actress and singer as the decade wore on. While she remains a beloved figure in fashion history, her 1970s work is often overshadowed by her earlier achievements.
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18. Karen Black
Known for her quirky beauty and acting chops, Karen Black became an indie darling with roles in films like Five Easy Pieces and Nashville. Her unconventional appeal made her a favorite of directors like Robert Altman, but mainstream stardom eluded her. Black’s career slowed significantly by the 1980s, leaving her as a cult favorite rather than a household name.
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17. Catherine Bach
Before she became Daisy Duke on The Dukes of Hazzard, Catherine Bach was a rising star in the 1970s. Her bombshell looks and girl-next-door charm made her a popular figure in Hollywood. However, her typecasting as a Southern belle limited her opportunities to branch out, and her fame became tied almost exclusively to her iconic TV role.
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16. Susan Dey
As Laurie Partridge on The Partridge Family, Susan Dey was the quintessential 1970s teen idol. Her wholesome image and bright smile won over audiences, and she later transitioned into more dramatic roles, including the acclaimed series L.A. Law. Despite her early success, Dey gradually stopped acting, leaving fans nostalgic for her heyday.
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15. Linda Harrison
Linda Harrison gained fame as Nova in the Planet of the Apes films, her beauty and on-screen presence captivating audiences. Despite her memorable role, Harrison struggled to secure leading parts in subsequent projects. She eventually moved away from acting, leaving behind a legacy tied to her sci-fi stardom.
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14. Anitra Ford
As one of the original models on The Price Is Right, Anitra Ford brought glamour to daytime television. She also appeared in cult classics like The Big Bird Cage. Her unique blend of beauty and charisma made her a standout of the era, even if her fame didn’t extend far beyond the 1970s.
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13. Carol Lynley
Known for her role in The Poseidon Adventure, Carol Lynley was a familiar face in both film and television during the 1970s. Her delicate beauty and versatile talent made her a sought-after actress. However, as her career slowed, Lynley became a nostalgic figure rather than a contemporary star.
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12. Diane Keaton
Before she became a Hollywood heavyweight, Diane Keaton was a quirky 1970s “It Girl” thanks to her roles in The Godfather and Annie Hall. Her eccentric style and relatable charm made her a favorite of directors like Woody Allen. Though she continued to thrive in later decades, her 1970s success was instrumental in shaping her legacy.
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11. Shelley Duvall
Shelley Duvall’s unique looks and offbeat personality made her a standout in films like Nashville and 3 Women. A frequent collaborator of director Robert Altman, she became an indie darling before taking on iconic roles like Wendy Torrance in The Shining. While she later stepped away from the spotlight, her 1970s work remains highly regarded.
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10. Beverly Johnson
As the first Black model to appear on the cover of Vogue, Beverly Johnson broke barriers and redefined beauty standards in the 1970s. Her groundbreaking achievements extended beyond modeling, as she became a symbol of empowerment for women of color. Despite her influence, her name is often overlooked in discussions of the decade’s biggest stars.
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9. Jacqueline Bisset
Jacqueline Bisset achieved international fame with roles in films like The Deep and Day for Night. Her natural beauty and effortless elegance made her a favorite of critics and audiences alike. While she continues to act, her 1970s heyday remains the highlight of her career.
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8. Lynda Carter
While best known for her role as Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter was the embodiment of 1970s female empowerment. Her portrayal of the Amazonian superhero brought grace, beauty, and strength to television screens, making her a feminist icon. Beyond acting, Carter enjoyed a music career, releasing several albums that showcased her vocal talent. Despite stepping back from the spotlight, her impact on pop culture continues to resonate with fans and new generations alike.
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7. Ali MacGraw
Ali MacGraw captured hearts with her performance in Love Story, earning an Oscar nomination and becoming a symbol of romantic tragedy. Her subsequent roles in films like The Getaway showcased her versatility. However, her career waned in the late 1970s, and she focused more on her personal life than Hollywood.
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6. Bo Derek
Bo Derek became an instant sensation with her appearance in 10, where her beach scene and braided hairstyle became iconic. Despite her limited acting range, her beauty and charm kept her in the spotlight for much of the decade. She later transitioned to producing films with her husband, John Derek.
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5. Pam Grier
Pam Grier revolutionized the action genre with her roles in blaxploitation films like Coffy and Foxy Brown. Her tough-as-nails characters and stunning beauty made her a trailblazer for women of color in Hollywood. Though her fame has endured in cult circles, her 1970s impact deserves wider recognition.
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4. Goldie Hawn
Goldie Hawn’s bubbly personality and comedic timing made her a standout on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In before transitioning to films like Shampoo and Private Benjamin. Her charm and wit made her one of the most beloved stars of the decade. Though she’s still active, her 1970s work defined her career.
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3. Raquel Welch
Raquel Welch’s iconic status was cemented by her roles in films like One Million Years B.C. and Kansas City Bomber. Her glamorous looks and undeniable talent made her a global star. While she continued acting into later decades, her 1970s dominance remains unmatched.
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2. Bianca Jagger
Bianca Jagger epitomized 1970s glamor as a Studio 54 regular and socialite extraordinaire. The Nicaraguan-born beauty became a fashion icon and human rights advocate, often photographed with the decade’s biggest stars. Her marriage to Mick Jagger only amplified her allure, but she eventually stepped out of the shadow of celebrity to focus on activism, leaving behind a legacy of elegance and purpose.
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1. Farrah Fawcett
Farrah Fawcett became a cultural phenomenon with her iconic red swimsuit poster and her role in Charlie’s Angels. Her feathered hairstyle and radiant smile turned her into a 1970s superstar. While she attempted to branch out into more serious acting roles, including The Burning Bed, her fame largely remained tied to her early success.
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