70s Child Stars Who Look Completely Different Today You Won’t Believe Their Transformations!

The Vietnam War was still raging, Cold War tensions were sky-high, and the world felt kinda uncertain in the late 1960s. Then came the 1970s — a wild decade of change, color, and cultural shake-ups. The ’70s didn’t just give us bell-bottoms and disco; it was also the era that gave birth to the modern celebrity. With the rise of TV, magazines, and new media tech, stars became bigger than ever — literally everywhere.

The entertainment industry exploded with talk shows, celebrity gossip magazines, and non-stop media coverage. Everyone wanted a piece of Hollywood. Singers were acting, actors were recording albums, and the line between fame and marketing got super blurry. This was when stars weren’t just performers — they became brands.

If you think about it, this was also when celebrity culture really started paying off — with brand deals, TV syndication, and huge advertising money. Keywords like celebrity news, pop culture trends, Hollywood gossip, and entertainment industry growth were pretty much born in this era.

The ‘70s were packed with names we still recognize — The Brady Bunch, The Partridge Family, Donny & Marie, and the early films of Jodie Foster. These shows ruled family TV time and made their young stars into instant icons. But here’s the twist — fast-forward five decades later, and those once-famous faces look totally different.

Many of the ‘70s child stars are now parents, even grandparents, and a lot of them have traded fame for normal lives. It’s wild to see how time changed the kids we once watched grow up on screen.

So let’s take a trip down memory lane — here are 12 child stars from the 1970s who are now completely unrecognizable. Whether you’re into celebrity transformations, nostalgia TV, or just love seeing how fame fades over time, this one’s gonna hit that sweet spot.

Paper Moon Star – Tatum O’Neal

Born into Hollywood royalty, Tatum O’Neal had fame running through her veins. Her dad was Ryan O’Neal, her mom, actress Joanna Moore — so it’s no surprise she hit the spotlight early. But at just 10 years old, Tatum reached a level of stardom that most adult stars could only dream of. In 1973, she starred with her dad in the classic film Paper Moon — a charming story about a con man and a sharp-witted orphan girl. Her performance as Addie Loggins was pure gold.

The next year, Tatum made history — becoming the youngest Oscar winner ever, taking home Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards. Not bad for a kid barely out of elementary school, right? She went on to star in The Bad News Bears and International Velvet, cementing her place as one of the most iconic child stars of the 1970s.

But fame isn’t always kind. Through the ‘80s and beyond, Tatum battled addiction and went through a rocky relationship with tennis legend John McEnroe. Her struggles made her a tabloid favorite in the pre-social-media era. In 2020, tragedy struck again — she suffered a massive stroke after a prescription drug overdose. After spending six weeks in a coma and relearning how to speak, she came back stronger. By 2025, she was standing tall, giving a heartfelt speech at her son’s wedding. Now that’s resilience.

Leif Garrett – “I Was Made for Dancin’” Icon

Ah, Leif Garrett — the curly-haired heartthrob who made every teenage girl in the ‘70s swoon. He started acting as a kid, appearing in the 1969 movie Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, but it was the mid-‘70s that made him a household name. You probably remember him from the show Family, the Walking Tall films, or his role in Three for the Road. But what really launched him into teen idol status was his 1978 pop hit “I Was Made for Dancin’.”

With his perfect hair, sparkling eyes, and boy-next-door charm, Leif became the face of Tiger Beat magazine covers everywhere. But fame, as always, came with a price. In his 2019 memoir Idol Truth, Leif opened up about the highs and lows of his career — the fast fame, the pressure, and the crash that followed.

Now in his 60s, the former teen dream looks totally different — beard, gray hair, and all. But hey, he’s honest about it. As he once said, “The life span of a teen idol is short unless they evolve.” And honestly, that wisdom hits deep.

Scott Baio – From “Happy Days” to Hollywood Controversy

Before he became a political headline, Scott Baio was the ultimate cool kid of the late ‘70s. He started young, starring opposite Jodie Foster in Bugsy Malone in 1976, but it was his role as Chachi Arcola on Happy Days that made him a full-blown star. Every teen girl had his poster on her wall, and let’s be real — that smile was legendary.

He went on to lead shows like Joanie Loves Chachi and the classic Charles in Charge, becoming one of the most recognizable faces on TV. But as years passed, Baio moved from Hollywood fame to political fame — and not without drama.

In 2025, he hit headlines again when a Fox News contributor joked about not knowing if he was still alive. Baio clapped back on X (Twitter), explaining how his support for Donald Trump led to being “canceled” in 2016. He’s still acting here and there but says he’s grateful he doesn’t have to work anymore.

Donny Osmond – The Ultimate Teen Idol Turned Vegas Legend

When it comes to 1970s teen idols, few names shine brighter than Donny Osmond. The boy wonder of the Osmond family, Donny owned the charts in the early ‘70s. At just 13, he had a string of Billboard hits like “Go Away Little Girl” and “Puppy Love”. His clean-cut image and charm made him a constant cover star for Tiger Beat and 16 Magazine.

Then came Donny & Marie, his variety show with sister Marie Osmond, which ran from 1976 to 1979 and turned them into America’s favorite sibling duo.

These days, Donny is still killing it — not in Hollywood, but on the Las Vegas Strip. His solo residency at Harrah’s Las Vegas continues to pull crowds, and in 2025, it was extended yet again. He’s living proof that you can evolve and stay relevant — even 50 years after your first hit song.

Marie Osmond – From “Paper Roses” to Power Moves

The ever-graceful Marie Osmond — the eighth of nine Osmond siblings — carved her own lane in music long before most teens even figured out who they were. While her brother Donny Osmond was ruling the pop charts, Marie made her mark in country music. At just 14, her cover of “Paper Roses” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Chart in 1973 — officially making her one of the youngest solo country stars of the decade.

Then came the legendary “Donny & Marie” variety show on ABC, turning the wholesome duo into prime-time royalty. Even if she didn’t hit the same pop fame heights as Donny, Marie’s career has been a masterclass in longevity and reinvention. She’s done everything — singing, acting, hosting talk shows, and dominating the Las Vegas entertainment scene for years.

These days, Marie’s swapped the “girl next door” image for a confident, no-nonsense Hollywood matriarch vibe. She’s all about family, but also tough love. In 2023, she told Us Weekly that her kids won’t be getting an inheritance — because she wants them to work for their own success. “Why would you enable your child not to try?” she said. “The best gift is passion and purpose.” And honestly, that’s the kind of real talk we love her for.

Linda Blair – From The Exorcist to Animal Rescuer

If you grew up in the ‘70s, Linda Blair probably scared the life out of you. Her breakout role as Regan MacNeil in “The Exorcist” (1973) became one of the most iconic — and terrifying — performances in film history. At just 14, she went from sweet-faced teen actress to full-blown Hollywood horror legend after that head-spinning, pea-soup-vomiting performance shook audiences around the world.

But Linda didn’t stop there. By the late ‘70s, she reinvented herself as a teen sex symbol in “Roller Boogie”, proving she was more than just a scream queen. And while fame came fast, she later found deeper meaning beyond the big screen.

In her 20s, Linda had a life-changing realization — animals were her true calling. She founded the Linda Blair Worldheart Foundation in 2003, rescuing and rehabilitating dogs across Los Angeles. “I was struggling,” she told People, “and it hit me — the animals need help.” Since then, she’s become a full-time animal advocate and humanitarian.

Jodie Foster – From Child Star to Hollywood Royalty

When it comes to child stars who actually made it, Jodie Foster tops the list. She’s not just a movie star — she’s cinematic royalty. Her early role in “Taxi Driver” (1976) — playing a 12-year-old streetwise girl opposite Robert De Niro — showed the world she wasn’t just another child actor. That performance made her a serious Hollywood powerhouse, long before she could even drive.

Fast-forward to today, and Jodie has built a career most actors can only dream of — two Academy Awards, countless hit films, and a reputation as one of the smartest, most respected women in the industry. With over 50 years in showbiz, her name belongs next to legends like Audrey Hepburn and Charlie Chaplin.

Now in her 60s, Jodie’s embracing a whole new chapter. She told People she’s found peace in not competing with her younger self anymore. “Turning 60 changed everything,” she said. “I just feel happy — it’s like a new career, a new version of me.” She’s also happily married to Alexandra Hedison, and the two are still in love after a decade together.

Danny Bonaduce – From Partridge Kid to Radio Personality

For anyone who grew up watching “The Partridge Family,” Danny Bonaduce was the wise-cracking redhead who brought big laughs and wild energy to every episode. He played Danny Partridge, the guitar-playing kid in the musical family band — and became one of TV’s most recognizable child stars. But fame at that age wasn’t easy. Danny has been open about the chaos that came with it, including fans showing up on his lawn holding signs after episodes aired.

After The Partridge Family ended in 1974, Danny reinvented himself as a radio host and TV personality, becoming a familiar voice across the U.S. But life threw him another curveball when he was diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) — a rare brain condition that affects balance and memory. He underwent brain surgery in 2023 to install a shunt and has since become a powerful voice for NPH awareness.

“I wondered if everything I did as Danny Partridge meant anything,” he told the Hydrocephalus Association. “Maybe it all built up to this — helping people.” That right there is growth, purpose, and heart.

Singer-songwriter Shaun Cassidy

The name Shaun Cassidy still hits a nostalgic note for anyone who grew up in the ‘70s. The younger half-brother of The Partridge Family star David Cassidy, Shaun wasn’t just living in his brother’s shadow — he became a teen idol himself. His self-titled debut album went platinum, thanks to hits like Morning Girl, That’s Rock ’n’ Roll, and his No. 1 smash Da Doo Ron Ron, which ruled the Billboard Hot 100.

Beyond the music charts, Shaun also stole hearts as Joe Hardy on ABC’s The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries from 1977 to 1979. Later on, he shifted gears, moving behind the camera as a TV writer and producer for hit shows like American Gothic, Roar, Invasion, and New Amsterdam.

In 2023, he made a powerful comeback to live performance with his show The Magic of a Midnight Sky. Talking to People, Shaun admitted he missed the stage and the fans. “I realized I was denying a big part of who I am,” he said. And honestly, that connection between old-school pop fans and their idol? Priceless.

Family star Kristy McNichol

Back in the ‘70s, Kristy McNichol was Hollywood’s favorite teen. She started young, landing her first TV gig at 12 on Apple’s Way. But her real breakout came as Buddy Lawrence on ABC’s Family. The show ran till 1980, and Kristy won two Emmy Awards for her incredible performance.

Alongside acting, she dabbled in music, recording with her brother Jimmy McNichol and even performing with The Carpenters. In the ‘80s, she joined NBC’s Empty Nest, but eventually, she chose peace over fame. By the late ‘90s, she stepped away from Hollywood, focusing instead on living life her way.

Talking to People, she said, “I was on the big stage between ages 8 and 30. I left showbiz because I wanted to see what else life had to offer.” These days, she’s living quietly, far from the chaos of celebrity culture — and honestly, that’s the kind of balanced lifestyle many celebs dream of.

Model/actress Brooke Shields

Brooke Shields practically grew up in the spotlight — and not always in the best way. In the late 1970s, she became one of the most talked-about child models in the world, starring in Alice, Sweet Alice (1976) and the controversial Pretty Baby (1978) with Susan Sarandon.

At just 12, Brooke was featured nude in a New York Magazine spread that caused massive outrage — long before anyone really talked about child exploitation in Hollywood. The controversy didn’t stop her, though. She went on to build an impressive career in film and TV, proving she was more than just a pretty face.

Fast-forward to 2025, Brooke starred in the comedy Out of Order with Brandon Routh, and she’s returning to When Calls the Heart on the Hallmark Channel — yes, nearly a decade later! Off-screen, she’s also fighting for fair pay and workers’ rights, even calling out South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone over alleged low wages at their Denver restaurant. Brooke’s still got that fire, and fans love her for it.

Little House on the Prairie’s Melissa Gilbert

Melissa Gilbert was just 10 when Little House on the Prairie first aired in 1974 — and she instantly became America’s sweetheart. Playing Laura Ingalls Wilder made her a household name, and by 20, she already had a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

After Little House, she stayed busy with TV movies and series, later becoming president of the Screen Actors Guild. But fame has its price. Tired of the Hollywood hustle, Melissa moved out of L.A. with her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, to enjoy a simpler, more peaceful life.

In 2024, she revealed she was diagnosed with misophonia, a rare disorder where certain sounds trigger extreme emotional reactions. Still, she’s not slowing down — she recently appeared in When Calls the Heart and starred in the off-Broadway play Still.

Melissa’s journey from child star to grounded, nature-loving adult is inspiring — a real lesson in choosing happiness over Hollywood chaos.