7 70s Movie Stars Who Faded Into Obscurity

The 1970s brought a wave of unique talent to Hollywood, with new stars lighting up screens and bringing fresh energy to the film industry. While some of these actors continued to shine, others eventually faded from the spotlight. Here are seven actors who once held significant popularity in the 1970s but eventually faded from mainstream Hollywood.

1. Margot Kidder

Margot Kidder became widely recognized as Lois Lane in Superman: The Movie (1978), opposite Christopher Reeve. Her portrayal of the determined reporter made her an instant star, and Kidder went on to reprise the role in three sequels. Her career seemed set for long-term success, especially as she gained fame for her wit and on-screen charisma.

However, Kidder faced personal struggles, including health challenges, which began to affect her work. She took on smaller roles in film and television, but her days as a leading lady dwindled. Despite her continuing work as an actress, her role in Superman remains the defining part of her career.

2. Richard Roundtree

Richard Roundtree was known as one of the era’s most influential actors thanks to his iconic role as detective John Shaft in Shaft (1971) and its sequels. His tough, charismatic portrayal broke boundaries, establishing Roundtree as a major star. He defined the era’s “blaxploitation” genre, creating a character who remains celebrated.

Despite this initial fame, Roundtree’s career in mainstream Hollywood slowly faded after the 1970s. Although he continued to work in television and occasional films, he never regained the same level of recognition as he had with Shaft. For many fans, his role as Shaft remains his most memorable.

3. Karen Black

Karen Black’s career took off in the 1970s with standout performances in films like Easy Rider (1969), Five Easy Pieces (1970), and The Great Gatsby (1974). Known for her striking features and versatility, Black quickly became a sought-after actress, appearing in a mix of independent and mainstream projects that highlighted her unique style.

In the years that followed, Black continued to work but mostly in lower-budget films and television projects. The prominence she once had in Hollywood films gradually faded, and while she remained active as an actress until her passing, her influence in Hollywood was largely linked to her early successes in the 70s.

4. Burt Reynolds

Burt Reynolds rose to stardom with a string of hit movies throughout the 1970s, including Deliverance (1972) and Smokey and the Bandit (1977). With his charm and rugged looks, Reynolds became one of the top box-office draws of the decade, known for his blend of humor and toughness in action-packed roles.

However, as the 80s rolled around, Reynolds’ career faced challenges. Several high-profile projects flopped, and although he experienced a brief resurgence in the 90s with Boogie Nights (1997), his career never fully recaptured the momentum of his 70s peak. His legacy remains tied to the iconic roles that once made him one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

5. Linda Blair

Linda Blair became a household name after starring as Regan MacNeil in The Exorcist (1973), one of the decade’s most shocking and memorable films. Her performance as the possessed young girl terrified audiences and earned her widespread acclaim. Blair reprised her role in Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977), though the film did not achieve the same success.Blair’s career continued, but she struggled to find roles as memorable as Regan. Many of her later roles were in horror films, but none matched the cultural impact of The Exorcist. Her career ultimately shifted towards television and advocacy, with her most iconic work remaining firmly rooted in the 70s.

6. Peter Fonda

Peter Fonda’s breakout came with Easy Rider (1969), which he co-wrote, produced, and starred in, becoming a defining voice for the counterculture movement. His portrayal of Wyatt cemented him as a symbol of rebellion, and Fonda quickly became a prominent figure in 1970s cinema with other films like Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry (1974).

Though Fonda continued to act, he never again achieved the same level of success or cultural impact that he had with Easy Rider. Over the years, he appeared in supporting roles in smaller films, but his reputation remained most tied to his contributions in the late 60s and early 70s.

7. Ali MacGraw

Ali MacGraw’s role in Love Story (1970) turned her into an overnight sensation, with audiences captivated by her heartfelt performance in one of the decade’s biggest romantic dramas. MacGraw’s success in Love Story led to other high-profile roles, including in The Getaway (1972) opposite Steve McQueen, her then-husband.

However, her career did not maintain the same momentum in the following years. She acted in a few more films, but the demand for her as a leading actress diminished. By the 80s, MacGraw took on smaller roles in television, and while she remains a respected figure, her star shone brightest in the early 70s.