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30 Famous People from the 70s 

Originally Published by Julius R on January 2023 and Updated by Purity M on March 2024

The world has had several famous people over the years however when it comes to creating iconic figures, the 1970s were a strong decade. New stars lit up the silver and television screens and the airways, bringing us some of the greatest and most brilliant performers of our time. It was a turbulent decade characterized by outrageous fashion, fresh movements, and innovation.

However, the 1970s were not just about disco balls, big hair, bell bottoms, and political unrest. They also discussed the celebrities who everyone was raving about. These celebrities created waves on the red carpet, shone on stage, and appeared in films. Let’s take a look at some of the most famous people of that decade;

1. Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda at the Cannes in 2018 Photo by Georges Biard

Jane Seymour Fonda, born December 21, 1937, is an American actress, activist, and former fashion model. Recognized as a film icon, Fonda is the recipient of various accolades in the entertainment industry born to socialite Frances Ford Seymour and actor Henry Fonda, Fonda made her acting debut with the 1960 Broadway play There Was a Little Girl, 

Fonda later became a star in the 1970s with her acting and has since become a household name. She is still acting today and is part of the stars of the well-loved Netflix show Grace & Frankie. She is also an activist and fights for climate change when she’s not acting.

Read more about her here

2. Steven Spielberg

Steven Allan Spielberg KBE born on December 18, 1946, is an American film director, writer, and producer. A major figure of the New Hollywood era and pioneer of the modern blockbuster, he is the most commercially successful director of all time.

Spielberg was one of the most famous people in the 1970s and has won several accolades, including three Academy Awards, a Kennedy Center honor, four Directors Guild of America Awards, two BAFTA Awards, a Cecil B. DeMille Award aan and an AFI Life Achievement Award.

3. Georges Pompidou

Georges Pompidou Photo sourced from

Georges Jean Raymond Pompidou born on 5 July 1911, was a French politician who served as President of France from 1969 until he died in 1974. He previously was Prime Minister of France under President Charles de Gaulle from 1962 to 1968—the longest tenure in the position’s history.

His foreign policy was characterized by improved ties with Nixon’s America as well as with Brezhnev’s USSR, the launch of the Snake in the Tunnel, and the revival of European integration through the facilitation of the United Kingdom’s membership in the EEC, in contrast to his predecessor de Gaulle’s opposition to it.

Read more about him in 10 Most Popular French Presidents

4. Jodie Foster

Filmmaker and actress Alicia Christian “Jodie” Foster was born in the United States on November 19, 1962. She was one of the top filmmakers of the 1970s and her contributions to the film industry earned her several honors, including the honorary Cecil B. DeMille Award, three British Academy Film Awards, two Academy Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards.

Foster began her professional career as a child model at age three and made her acting debut in 1968 in the television sitcom Mayberry R.F.D. She has also received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for her work as a director and was also inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame with a motion pictures star located at 6927 Hollywood Boulevard.

5. Al Pacino 

Actor Al Pacino at the US Embassy in Argentina in 2016 Photo sourced from

Alfredo James Pacino, born April 25, 1940, is an American actor, considered one of the most influential actors of the 20th century. He began his acting career in the 60 and became more famous in the 70. He has since received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, two Tony Awards, and two Primetime Emmy Awards.

He is one of the few performers to have achieved the Triple Crown of Acting. His other honors include Oscar-nominated roles in The Godfather (1972), Serpico (1973), The Godfather Part II (1974), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), and …And Justice for All (1979).

6. Linda Ronstadt

Linda Maria Ronstadt born on July 15, 1946, is a retired American singer who performed and recorded in diverse genres including rock, country, light opera, the Great American Songbook, and Latin. She was one of the top stars of the 70s and made some of the best music ever heard.

She has earned 11 Grammy Awards, three American Music Awards, two Academy of Country Music awards, an Emmy Award, and an ALMA Award. She has also released 24 studio albums and 15 compilation or greatest hits albums. She charted 38 US Billboard Hot 100 singles and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2014.

7. Richard Nixon 

Richard Nixon Photo sourced from

Richard Milhous Nixon who was born on January 9, 1913, was the 37th United States of America president who presided over the country from 1969 to 1974. During his five years in office, the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War was reduced and relations with the Soviet Union and China were normalized

He also oversaw the first manned Moon landings, and the Environmental Protection Agency and Occupational Safety and Health Administration were established under him. Nixon’s second term came to an early end when the Watergate scandal forced him to resign from office, making him the only president to do so.

Read more about him in Top 8 Facts about Richard Nixon

8. Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King is one of the greatest tennis players of all time and a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient for her advocacy for women in sports and LGBTQ rights. She won 39 Grand Slam titles in her tennis career and led the fight for equal pay in tennis. She is currently retired having been so active in the 70s when she was playing.

She currently lends charitable support to the fight against AIDS, acting as a director of both the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the National AIDS Fund. King is the first woman to have a major sporting venue named in her honor, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.

9. Robert De Niro 

Robert Anthony De Niro Jr. born August 17, 1943, is an American actor. Known for his collaborations with Martin Scorsese, he is considered to be one of the best actors of his generation. De Niro is the recipient of various accolades, including two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award.

De Niro earned two Academy Awards, one for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Vito Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather Part II (1974) and the other for Best Actor portraying Jake LaMotta in Scorsese’s drama Raging Bull (1980). His other Oscar-nominated roles were Taxi Driver (1976), The Deer Hunter (1978).

Read more about him here

10. Donald Sutherland

Donald Sutherland accepting the Crystal Nymph Award Photo sourced from

Donald McNichol Sutherland CC born on 17 July 1935 is a Canadian actor whose film career spans over eight decades. He has been nominated for nine Golden Globe Awards, winning two for his performances in the television films Citizen X (1995) and Path to War (2002); the former also earned him a Primetime Emmy Award.

He is also an inductee of the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Canadian Walk of Fame and has also received a Canadian Academy Award for the drama film Threshold (1981). Sutherland rose to fame after starring in films including The Dirty Dozen (1967), M*A*S*H (1970), Kelly’s Heroes (1970), Klute (1971), and many movies in the 70s.

11. Michael Sarrazin

Michael Sarrazin born May 22, 1940, was a Canadian actor. His breakout role was in the 1969 film They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? He starred in the youth dramas The Pursuit of Happiness (1971) and Believe in Me (1971). He supported Paul Newman in Sometimes a Great Notion (1971), then did The Groundstar Conspiracy (1972) at Universal.

Sarrazin’s breakthrough role was in the dark Great Depression drama They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? (1969). The Sydney Pollack film earned nine Oscar nominations, and Sarrazin starred alongside Jane Fonda, Susannah York, Gig Young, Red Buttons, and Bruce Dern. Though he died in 2011, he is one of the top names one can mentions when naming stars of the 70s.

12. Karen Black

Karen Blanche Black, born on July 1, 1939, was an American actress, screenwriter, singer, and composer who became well-known for her roles in numerous studio and indie movies in the 1970s, typically playing odd and outlandish characters and made a name for herself in New Hollywood.

Throughout her more than 50-year career, she earned approximately 200 credits in both independent and big-budget movies. Black garnered many honors throughout her career, including two Golden Globe Awards and a Best Supporting Actress nomination for the Academy Awards.

13. David Cassidy

David Cassidy Photo sourced from

David Bruce Cassidy is an American actor, singer, composer, and guitarist, who was born on April 12, 1950. His most well-known performance was as Keith Partridge, the son of Shirley Partridge in the musical sitcom The Partridge Family from the 1970s, which was portrayed by his stepmother Shirley Jones.

This part propelled Cassidy to adolescent idol status as a 1970s pop music superstar. He became the first recording artist to have a hit with “I Write the Songs”, peaking at No. 11 in the Top 30 in Great Britain before the song became Barry Manilow’s signature tune. He died of liver failure on November 21, 2017, at the age of 67.

14. Charles Rich 

Charles Allan Rich, an American country music performer, songwriter, and musician, was born on December 14, 1939. His varied musical approach, which included elements of gospel, rockabilly, jazz, blues, country, and other genres, was frequently challenging to categorize. Rich then used the moniker “the Silver Fox” to describe himself.

He is probably best known for his 1973 singles “Behind Closed Doors” and “The Most Beautiful Girl,” which topped the country and pop singles charts in the United States and brought him two Grammy Awards. 2015 saw Rich’s induction into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. 

15. Willie Nelson 

Willie Hugh Nelson was a Country music performer who was born on April 29, 1933, in the United States. Nelson became one of the most well-known country music performers thanks to the critical and economic success of his 1973 album Shotgun Willie, Red Headed Stranger (1975), and Stardust (1978).

He was a key figure in the development of outlaw country, a style of country music that emerged in the late 1960s in response to the Nashville sound’s conservative limitations. Nelson has co-authored many books, appeared in more than 30 films and taken part in agitation for the use of biofuels and the legalization of marijuana.

16. Linda Blair 

Linda Blair at Louisville Supercon 2018 Photo sourced from

Linda Denise Blair is an American actress and activist who was born on January 22, 1959. She earned a Golden Globe Award and was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance as Regan MacNeil in the 1973 horror movie The Exorcist.

She reprised the role in the 1977 sequel Exorcist II: The Heretic, for which she was nominated for a Saturn Award. The movie established her as a horror icon and scream queen. She could go on to become one of the top and most famous people of the 70s.

17. Sissy Spacek

Mary Elizabeth Spacek famously known as Sissy Spacek is an American actress and singer born on December 25, 1949. She has won many awards and been nominated for others, including an Academy Award, three Golden Globe Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, four British Academy Film Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Grammy Award.

Her breakout role came with Terrence Malick’s influential crime film Badlands (1973), which earned her a nomination for the British Academy Film Award for Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles. In 2011, Spacek received recognition with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

18. Augusto Pinochet

Another popular person on our list today is August Pinochet. Initially serving as the head of Chile’s military junta from 1973 to 1981 before being elected president of the republic by the junta in 1974, Augusto José Ramón Pinochet was a Chilean general who ruled Chile from 1973 to 1990.

After a new Constitution, which affirmed his power, was ratified by a vote in 1980, he later rose to the position of de facto dictator of Chile and served as de jure President from 1981 to 1990. His reign lasted the longest of any president of Chile in recorded history.

19. Ted Heath

Born on July 9, 1916, Sir Edward Richard George Heath KG MBE, also known as Ted Heath, was a British politician who held the positions of Leader of the Conservative Party from 1965 to 1975 and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1970 to 1974. From 1950 to 2001, Heath was a member of parliament for 51 years.

Outside of politics, Heath enjoyed sailing, music, and writing. During his time as prime minister, Heath oversaw the decimalization of British coinage in 1971, and in 1972 he led the reformation of local government in the United Kingdom, significantly reducing the number of local authorities and creating several new metropolitan counties.

20. Erica Jong 

Erica Jong born on March 26,1942, was an American novelist, satirist, and poet . She is best known for her 1973 book Fear of Flying. Because of its views on female sexuality, the book became infamously divisive and played a significant role in the growth of second-wave feminism.

The Washington Post reports that more than 20 million copies have been sold worldwide. The book tries to answer the many conflicts arising for women in late 1960s and early 1970s America, of womanhood, femininity, love, one’s quest for freedom and purpose.

21. Elvis Presley 

The undisputed “King of Rock and Roll” mesmerized audiences with his electrifying stage presence and his groundbreaking music. Presley’s hip-swiveling moves and powerful vocals, blending elements of blues, gospel, and country music, shattered racial barriers and ushered in a new era of popular music.

He remains one of the top best-selling solo artist in the world, earning 3 Grammy Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1975. He continued to dominate the charts in the 70s, with hits like “Suspicious Minds (1968)” and “Burning Love (1972),” solidifying his status as a global icon.  Though health battles plagued his later years, his influence on music and pop culture remains unparalleled.

22. Bob Marley 

The reggae legend emerged as a global voice, spreading messages of unity and social justice through his deeply spiritual music. Born in Jamaica, Marley’s infectious rhythms and uplifting anthems like “One Love” (1965) and “Get Up, Stand Up” (1973) became anthems for Pan-Africanism and the fight against oppression during the 70s. He rose to international fame, spreading reggae music worldwide and inspiring generations of musicians and activists.

23. Aretha Franklin 

 Dubbed the “Queen of Soul,” Franklin’s powerful vocals and empowering songs like “Respect” (1967) became anthems for the Civil Rights Movement and feminist activism, inspiring generations with their message of self-worth and equality. Franklin’s career soared in the 1970s, with hit songs like “Think” (1968) and “Young, Gifted and Black” (1972) topping the charts and earning her multiple Grammy Awards. Her voice became a symbol of strength and empowerment for countless individuals.

24. Meryl Streep 

A young Streep burst onto the scene with her captivating performance in “Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979), earning her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. This launched her into a prolific career, establishing her as one of the most respected actresses of all time. Throughout the 70s, she delivered powerful performances in films like “The Deer Hunter” (1978) and “Manhattan” (1979), showcasing her exceptional versatility and emotional range.

25. Muhammad Ali 

The boxing champion transcended the sport, becoming a powerful voice for social justice and inspiring millions with his courage and charisma. Ali, born Cassius Clay, rose to boxing prominence in the 1960s, but his refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War on conscientious objector grounds and his conversion to Islam made him a controversial figure during the 70s. Despite facing public backlash and a three-year suspension from boxing, Ali’s unwavering stance against the war and his advocacy for civil rights solidified his status as a global icon for social change.

26. Barbara Streisand 

Barbra Streisand, born in Brooklyn in 1942, ascended to iconic status in the 1970s as a multifaceted force in music, film, and activism. Her musical journey, starting in the early 1960s, culminated in the Grammy-winning debut album “The Barbra Streisand Album” (1963), showcasing her unparalleled vocal prowess.

Streisand’s fame skyrocketed in the ’70s, propelled by timeless pop classics like “People” (1964) and “The Way We Were” (1973), solidifying her status as a musical powerhouse during this transformative era.

Her cinematic contributions, including an Academy Award for “Funny Girl” (1968) and memorable performances in films like “Hello, Dolly!” (1969) and “The Way We Were,” further underscored her prominence in the 1970s.

Her EGOT status, earned through multiple Grammy, Academy, Emmy, and Tony Awards, attests to her exceptional contributions across various artistic fields. As a cultural icon, Barbra Streisand’s enduring impact lies not only in her records but also in her groundbreaking contributions that shattered gender barriers, making her a symbol of inspiration during the dynamic and influential period of the 1970s.

27. Nelson Mandela

 Imprisoned for 27 years for his fight against apartheid in South Africa, Mandela became a global symbol of resilience and hope. During the 70s, Mandela’s imprisonment and the struggle against apartheid gained international recognition, putting pressure on the South African government.

His unwavering dedication to freedom and his message of forgiveness and reconciliation inspired millions around the world. Upon his release in 1990, Mandela played a crucial role in dismantling apartheid and became the first black president of South Africa in 1994.

28. Margaret Thatcher 

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Thatcher‘s policies and leadership style remain highly debated figures. Elected in 1979, she implemented economic reforms aimed at curbing inflation and reviving the British economy, known as Thatcherism.

Her policies and strong leadership style earned her the nickname “The Iron Lady,” but also sparked controversy and social unrest, particularly regarding labor rights and social welfare programs. Thatcher’s legacy continues to be a subject of discussion and debate.

29. John Lennon 

 The former Beatle, an emblem of peace and activism, continued his solo career with iconic anthems like “Imagine” (1971) and challenged societal norms with controversial performances like “The Bed-In for Peace.” Lennon’s solo work during the 70s established him as a powerful voice for peace and social change, influencing countless musicians and activists with his message. He was assassinated in 1980, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

30.  Jimmy Carter 

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The 39th President of the United States, Carter navigated the Cold War, energy crisis, and human rights issues during his term (1977-1981). He pursued a foreign policy focused on human rights and arms control, brokering the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt in 1978.

However, his administration also faced challenges, including the Iran hostage crisis and the energy crisis. Despite the mixed reception of his presidency, Carter remains active in promoting peace and human rights through his foundation.