Child Stars Of The 70s
Child stars have always held a unique place in the hearts of audiences, capturing the public’s imagination with their raw talent, charm, and innocence. These young performers often rose to fame at a tender age, their faces forever etched in cinematic history. Here’s a look at some of the most notable child stars of the 70s.
Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster stole the spotlight in Taxi Driver at age 14, earning an Oscar nomination. Her role as Iris was a challenging performance that established her acting prowess. Later on, she had a distinguished career, winning two Academy Awards and becoming a respected director and producer.
Tatum O’Neal
Tatum O'Neal became the youngest Oscar winner in history at age 10 for her role in Paper Moon. Her performance alongside her father, Ryan O’Neal, was unforgettable.
Melissa Gilbert
Melissa Gilbert played Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie for nearly a decade. Her role brought the prairie lifestyle into homes across America.
NBC, Little House on the Prairie (1974–1983)
Ricky Schroder
Ricky Schroder’s emotional role in the 1979 boxing drama The Champ made him a household name. His tearful performance even earned him a Golden Globe, making him the youngest winner.
Todd Bridges
Todd Bridges was known as Willis Jackson on Diff’rent Strokes, a sitcom that tackled tough topics. The show's famous catchphrase, “Whatchu talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?” became iconic.
Tandem Productions, Diff'rent Strokes (1978–1986)
Brooke Shields
Brooke Shields stirred controversy with her very adult role in Pretty Baby at just 12. By 14, she was already a major star. She continued to grow with roles in films like Endless Love and Blue Lagoon, which pushed boundaries and sparked discussions about child actors in Hollywood.
Erin Moran
Erin Moran charmed audiences as Joanie on Happy Days. Her character was so popular she even earned her own spinoff, Joanie Loves Chachi.
Paramount, Happy Days (1974–1984)
The Greenbush Twins
Twins Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush shared the role of Carrie Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie. Their dual performance added a unique twist to the show.
NBC, Little House on the Prairie (1974–1983)
Leif Garrett
Leif Garrett was both a singer and an actor, known for his roles and music hits. His hit single "I Was Made for Dancin'" became a disco classic and cemented his place in pop culture.
NBC, Peter Lundy and the Medicine Hat Stallion (1977)
Kim Richards
Kim Richards starred in Disney’s Escape to Witch Mountain, capturing imaginations with her supernatural character. She later joined The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Walt Disney, Escape to Witch Mountain (1975)
Kristy McNichol
Kristy McNichol was known for her role in the TV drama Family, where she won two Emmy Awards playing Letitia "Buddy" Lawrence. She also starred in the teen hit Little Darlings.
Icarus Productions, Family (1986-1980)
Mason Reese
Mason Reese starred in a series of memorable commercials, including one for Underwood Deviled Ham. His adorable face made him a commercial sensation.
Rodney Allen Rippy
Rodney Allen Rippy became famous for his Jack in the Box ads, where his charm and smile won over viewers. He was one of the first child stars to gain fame through commercials.
Evening Standard, Getty Images
Susan Olsen
Susan Olsen played the youngest Brady sibling, Cindy, on The Brady Bunch. Her signature pigtails and lisp made her a fan favorite.
Paramount, The Brady Bunch (1969–1974)
John Gilchrist
John Gilchrist became known as “Mikey” in the Life cereal commercials. His iconic line, “He likes it!” turned him into a pop culture staple.
Th78blue, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lance Kerwin
Lance Kerwin starred as a relatable teen in the show James at 15, which explored themes of adolescence. The role resonated with many young viewers and his face can still bring up nostalgia today.
Twentieth Century, James at 15 (1977–1978)
Moosie Drier
Moosie Drier delivered comedic one-liners on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In. His perfect timing helped him stand out among the adult cast.
Romart Inc., Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (1967–1973)
Danny Bonaduce
Danny Bonaduce played Danny Partridge on The Partridge Family, where his mischievous character brought humor to the show. He later became a radio host.
Screen Gems, The Partridge Family (1970–1974)
Mike Lookinland
Mike Lookinland portrayed Bobby Brady on The Brady Bunch. His role as the youngest Brady brother endeared him to audiences.
Paramount, The Brady Bunch (1969–1974)
Dawn Lyn
Dawn Lyn joined My Three Sons as Dodie, the youngest in the family. Her role added youthful innocence to the show's final seasons.
Paramount, My Three Sons (1960–1972)
Adam Rich
Adam Rich played the adorable Nicholas Bradford on Eight Is Enough. His character’s bowl haircut and big smile made him a standout.
Lorimar Productions, Eight Is Enough (1977–1981)
Quinn Cummings
Quinn Cummings earned an Oscar nomination at just 10 for her role in The Goodbye Girl. Her performance as a precocious daughter charmed audiences. Later in her career, she became an inventor, and produced the HipHugger baby carrier.
Warner Bros., The Goodbye Girl (1977)
Brandon Cruz
Brandon Cruz played Eddie in The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, a role that showcased his sweet, sincere personality. He later found success as a voice actor, lending his talents to characters in various animated series.
MGM, The Courtship of Eddie's Father (1969–1972)
Ike Eisenmann
Ike Eisenmann starred opposite Kim Richards in Escape to Witch Mountain. He later reprised his role in the film’s sequel, Return from Witch Mountain.
Walt Disney, Escape to Witch Mountain (1975)
Gary Coleman
Gary Coleman’s catchphrase, “What’chu talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” became legendary on Diff’rent Strokes. Despite his on-screen success, he faced numerous challenges later in life, and eventually became an advocate for child actors’ rights.
Tandem Productions, Diff'rent Strokes (1978–1986)
Peter Ostrum
Peter Ostrum starred as Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Despite the film's success and continued acclaim, he left acting afterward to become a veterinarian.
Wolper Pictures, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Jeremy Gelbwaks
Jeremy Gelbwaks was the first actor to play Chris Partridge in The Partridge Family. Though he left after one season, he made his mark on the classic show.
Screen Gems, The Partridge Family (1970–1974)
Philip McKeon
Philip McKeon played Tommy Hyatt on the 70s sitcom Alice, the son of the title character. His boyish charm fit well with the show’s lighthearted tone, which was based off of Martin Scorsese's romantic comedy Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore.
Warner Bros., Alice (1976–1985)
Kim Fields
Kim Fields portrayed Tootie on both Diff'rent Strokes and its spinoff The Facts of Life, even though she was younger than her co-stars. She continued her TV career on Living Single.
TAT, The Facts of Life (1979–1988)
David Cassidy
David Cassidy’s role as Keith Partridge on The Partridge Family made him into a teen idol nearly overnight. His music career further solidified his superstar status.
Screen Gems, The Partridge Family (1970–1974)
Melissa Sue Anderson
Melissa Sue Anderson played Mary Ingalls, Laura’s older sister, in Little House on the Prairie. Her portrayal of Mary’s struggles earned critical acclaim.
NBC, Little House on the Prairie (1974–1983)
Lisa Gerritsen
Lisa Gerritsen played Bess Lindstrom on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Her sweet relationship with her mother was a bright spot in the show.
MTM, The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977)
Vincent Van Patten
Vincent Van Patten starred in Apple’s Way, about a family adjusting to rural life. He later switched careers to become a professional tennis player and also found success as a commentator for major poker tournaments.
Lorimar Productions, Apple's Way (1974–1975)
Jay North
Jay North starred as the mischievous Dennis in Dennis the Menace, a character who kept neighbors on their toes. His portrayal of the beloved comic strip character made him a household name, and he became one of the most recognized child actors of the 1970s.
Screen Gems, Dennis the Menace (1959–1963)
Darby Hinton
Darby Hinton portrayed Daniel Boone’s son, Israel, on Daniel Boone. His character had a special bond with his famous father. Off-screen, Hinton continued to embrace his connection to the show, often attending fan events and celebrating his legacy.
Pamelyn Ferdin
Pamelyn Ferdin was the voice of Lucy in Peanuts cartoons and appeared in The Paul Lynde Show. Beyond her acting, she became a prominent animal rights activist, dedicating much of her life to advocacy work.
Ashmont Productions, The Paul Lynde Show (1972–1973)
Johnny Whitaker
Johnny Whitaker starred as Jody in Family Affair, and was known for his red hair and freckled face. He later voiced a character in The Littlest Angel.
Family Affair Company, Family Affair (1966–1971)
Melissa Anderson
Melissa Anderson gave a powerful performance as Mary Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie. Fans and critics praised her portrayal of Mary’s blindness. She later published a memoir detailing her experiences on the beloved show.
NBC, Little House on the Prairie (1974–1983)
Erin Murphy
Erin Murphy played the magical little girl Tabitha on Bewitched. Following the show, she transitioned her career and began working behind the scenes, working as a fashion stylist, acting coach, and even a stunt double.
Ashmont Productions, Bewitched (1964–1972)
Robbie Rist
Robbie Rist joined The Brady Bunch as Cousin Oliver in its final season. Although his role was brief, he’s remembered as the “Brady curse," since many viewers blamed him for the show's cancelation.
Paramount, The Brady Bunch (1969–1974)
The Enduring Legacy Of Childhood Stars
The journey from child star to adulthood isn't always smooth, but for many, it can lead to even greater achievements. Whether they’ve made comebacks or chosen new paths altogether, these stars remind us that there’s more to the story than their childhood fame.
