1970's Male Teen Idols

Scott Baio

Chachi on Happy Days

Scott had his first success in the 1976 film "Bugsy Malone" playing the lead character.

Teen idol status came his way in 1977 when he was cast as Charles 'Chachi' Arcola, the Fonz's cousin on the hit series "Happy Days" where he worked from 1977 to 84. He had, in the early 80's a spin off of Happy Days called "Joanie Loves Chachi" that lasted for two seasons.

Alessi Brothers

Two For The Price of One!

In 1977, the twins, Bobby and Billy Alessi had a hit single called "Oh Lori". The brothers recorded five albums and sold over 8 million records. They did tour with the late Andy Gibb on his "Shadow Dancing" tour.

The brothers were considered "one hit wonders" but did manage to remain in the entertainment business writing jingles for commercials.

Dirk Benedict as Lt. Starbuck on Battlestar Galactic

70's Sci Fi Show

Dirk got his big break in the 1978 TV movie turned TV series, "Battlestar Galactica". He played Lt. Starbuck in what many called, at the time, simply a "Star Wars" take off, and not a very good one at that.

Four years earlier, he had a role as "Officer Gil Foley" in a 13 episode series called "Chopper One".

In 1973, he had a role in a big screen film called "Sssssss", where he played a lab assistant to a scientist who had a bad habit of turning his assistants into king cobras. It's a classic cult film.

The Bay City Rollers

Rollermania!

This Scottish pop group was originally formed in 1967 and had a different line up than the "classic" Rollers that we know from the 70's.The classic Rollers consisted of Alan Longmuir, Derek Longmuir, Eric Faulkner, Stuart "Woody" Wood and Les McKeown and they came into existence in 1973.

After having major success in the UK, it was believed by executives at Arista Records that they guys had a chance to make it big in the US and they were right. The group hit #1 on the Billboard charts with the song "Saturday Night" which ironically, just a few years before had completely failed to chart in the UK. Another hit song, called "Money Honey" reached #9 on the charts and the boys seemed unstoppable. But, the stress of all this success took it's toll on drummer, Derek Longmuir and he quit the band in 1976 and was replaced by 17 year old cutie, Ian Mitchell. Mitchell also wasn't destined to last long with the group and he was replaced by Pat McGlynn whose time with Rollers was also short lived.

In 1978, Derek would return to the Bay City Rollers as they were about to make their Saturday morning debut on the "Krofft Super Star Hour" which would eventually be renamed "The Bay City Rollers Show". It lasted only 13 episodes. Following the failure of the show, and with their popularity slipping, singer Les McKeown made the choice to leave the band and strike out on his own for a solo career. By 1979 the band was now being called simply "The Rollers" but it seemed their time in the spotlight was finished.

At present there is no "official" Bay City Rollers band, but Mitchell, Faulkner and McKeown have each toured and have included BCR songs in their acts.

Bay City Rollers:Definitive Collection on CD

Robby Benson

Ode To Billy Joe 1976 Film Based On The Song Of The Same Name

Robby had an early role on the soap opera "Search For Tomorrow" in 1972. He then moved on to working in films, with his big screen debut in the 1972 film, "Jory". That was followed by other films like, "Jeremy" and the one that folks might remember best, as "Billy Joe MacAlister" in the film, "Ode To Billy Joe" from 1976 which was based on a popular song of the same name written and performed by singer Bobbie Gentry.

Robby continued to work on into the 80's and made a name for himself doing voice work, most notable in the Disney film "Beauty and The Beast" doing the voice of the beast. In 1984, Robby had to have heart surgery to correct a heart defect that he was born with, the surgery was successful, but once again in 1998 he had to have another operation.

Robby continues to act, write, direct and teach and he is an active fundraiser for heart research.

Clark Brandon

Clark came on the scene in 1977 when he starred in the short lived series, "The Fitzpatricks" which lasted for 13 episodes. He then made appearances in popular TV series like "Family", "Fantasy Island", "Wonder Woman" before landing another series called "Out of the Blue" in 1979, this series, too, proved to be short lived.

I'm not sure what Clark has been up to of late, if anyone has an update, please feel free to share!

David Cassidy as Keith Partridge

Singing sensation

David, the step son of Shirley Jones and son of actor Jack Cassidy, made his professional debut on Broadway in 1969 in the four performance play called "The Fig Leaves Are Falling". After that he made guest appearances on a variety of TV shows like, "Adam 12" and "Marcus Welby, M.D" among others.

It was his role as "Keith Partridge" on the series "The Partridge Family" that helped propel him to teen idol status. He told the producers of the show that he could sing and they decided to let him have a go at it, singing the lead on "I Think I Love You" which was a hit single. Encouraged by this success, David started to record solo albums, with his first top ten solo effort "Cherish" off his is first solo album of the same name. The success of the show combined with his solo chart and concert successes made him a true teen idol.

David would leave the series and then in 1978, he would get another, this time playing an undercover police officer in the show "David Cassidy; Man Undercover". The show would last just one season.

David would go on to have musical success with concerts not just in the US but abroad as well. David continues to act and perform with his most recent work on TV in the series "Ruby and The Rockits" produced by his half brother Shaun and costarring his other half brother Patrick. Sadly, the show was canceled with the last episode being show September of this year.

Shaun Cassidy as Joe Hardy on the Hardy Boys

The son of actress Shirley Jones and actor Jack Cassidy. As a preteen he started his own band called "Every Mothers Dream" when his mom and half brother, teen idol David Cassidy were working on the series "The Partridge Family".

In 1976, he released several singles in Germany and had a hit song with "Morning Girl". In 1977 he won the role of Joe Hardy on the TV series "The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries" which ran for three seasons. While working on the series, Shaun had several hit songs, "Da Doo Ron Ron", "That's Rock and Roll" and "Hey Deanie" not to mention successful concert tours as well.

Shaun has gone on to bigger and better things, working on Broadway and even writing and producing several different TV series, one of which has gained cult status, "American Gothic" from 1995.

The Hardy Boys Nancy Drew Mysteries Season One on DVD

Michael Cole

Pete Cochran on The Mod Squad

Michael's career began in 1961 and he did guest appearances on shows of the decade, but his teen idol status hit when he won the role of troubled youth turned cop "Pete Cochran" on the series, "The Mod Squad" that started in 1968 and lasted until 1973. After the show ended, Michael went on to do a lot of stage work as well as making numerous guest appearances on 70's shows like, "Wonder Woman", "CHiPS" and more.

Wesley Eure

Land of The Lost Cutie

From 1974 to 81, Wesley played the role of "Mike Horton" on the daytime soap, "Days of Our Lives".

But most folks might best remember Wesley as "Will Marshall" on the classic Sid and Marty Krofft Saturday morning show "Land of The Lost" from 1974-77. You might notice that the credits of the show just have his name listed as "Wesley", this was intentional, thinking that being billed by his first name only was a great gimmick to get his name out before the public...sadly it didn't work.

But Wesley is more than just a cutie, he is a talented writer, having written a children's book called "The Red Wings of Christmas" back in 1992. The neat thing about this book is that Ronald Paolillo illustrated it and we all remember who Ron is, right? You got it, he was "Arnold Horshack" on "Welcome Back Kotter".

Greg Evigan

A Trucker Who Roams The Countryside With His Pet Chimp, Bear!

In 1978 a TV movie called "BJ and the Bear" was popular enough in the ratings to spin off a series of the same name. Handsome Greg Evigan has the lead in both the movie and the series. Magazines like "Tiger Beat" and "Teen Beat" knew a good thing when they saw it and started to feature Greg on their covers. Greg gained teen idol status and managed to steal a few teenage girls hearts as well.

Greg continues to work in the entertainment industry acting and singing. Some of his most recent work on TV was in the 2009 Sy Fy movie, "The Phantom Racer".

Leif Garrett

He Was Made for Dancing... Well Not Really

His first appearance in a big screen film, "Bob & Carol, Ted & Alice" as the son of Elliot Gould and Dyan Cannon, although he was uncredited in that role. Later, in 1973, he got the role of "Mike Pusser" in the movie "Walking Tall" and it's sequel in 1975, "Walking Tall, Part II".

But, it was his role in the short lived series, "Three For The Road" that really brought him into the spotlight having his picture featured regularly on the covers of teen magazines.

Leif branched out into music and released, in 1977, his first solo album which gave him four hit songs under his belt. In 1978 he signed a record deal with Scotti Brothers Records and released another album called "Feel The Need" and the album's first release "I Was Made For Dancing" became his first top 10 hit, but sadly his music career stalled and several more albums failed to chart or to produce any hit singles.

From the 1980's things didn't seem to go so easy for Leif with a series of arrests for drug related crimes and a horrific car accident that left his best friend paralyzed.

But, Leif is a survivor and is still involved in making music and movies, so let's hope this former teen idol can get things back on track.

And yes, I admit it, I had a "mega crush" on Leif. I thought other guys were cute, but none stole my attention like Leif did. Looking back now so many years into the past, I really have no clue why I found him so much more attractive than any of the other guys. Do you find yourself wondering what you were thinking about your choice of teen idols to...well idolize?

Andy Gibb

He Just Wanted To Be Our Everything

He was born Andrew Roy Gibb in Manchester, England on March 5, 1958. He was the youngest of four boys and his older brothers, Barry, Robin and Maurice would go on to musical stardom as the Bee Gees. As a teenager, Andy began singing in clubs around the Isle of Man and eventually in Australia in 1976, he recorded a song called "Words and Music" which was a hit.

Robert Stigwood, who was handling his famous brothers, The Bee Gees, added Andy to the RSO Records label and in 1977 he had his first hit record, "I Just Want To Be Your Everything" which was followed by two other number one songs, "Love Is Thicker Than Water" and "Shadow Dancing".

A romance with actress Victoria Principal gave Andy a duet partner and they recorded a cover of the old Everly Brothers hit, "All I Have To Do Is Dream". The couple would eventually break up and Victoria has stated it was his drug use that prompted the split. The drug use also put Andy's career off track for a while, but he bounced back and in 1988 he was in London working on a new album with the help of his brothers. Complaining of chest pains, Andy sought medical treatment at the John Radcliffe Hospital. He would die on March 10, 1988 just 5 days after his 30th birthday. The cause of death was myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle.

Andy is buried at Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills Cemetery in Los Angeles.

Paul Michael Glaser

"David Starsky" on Classic Series "Starsky and Hutch"

Paul's first film role was in the 1971 film"Fiddler On The Roof" playing "Perchik". He would go on to gain minor attention on a TV series called "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing" playing "Dr. Peter Chernak".

He made numerous guest appearances on 70's TV series before finally landing the role of Det. David Starsky in the TV series, that made him a household name and teen idol..."Starsky and Hutch". The show ran for four years, lasting from 1975-79.

David would continue acting and in 1987 he added directing to his resume by directing "the Running Man", an Arnold Schwarzenegger film.

David is still active in the entertainment field, and he has added photography and writing poetry to his list of interests.

Michael Gray 70's Saturday morning super hero

SHAZAM!!!

During the first season of the "Brian Keith Show" in 1972, Michael played a student doctor named "Ronnie Collins". But, his teen idol status was earned when he was cast as "Billy Batson" on Filmation's live action Saturday morning kid's show "Shazam" which ran for two seasons starting in 1974 to 76.

Michael hasn't done too much work in the entertainment industry since his days on Shazam. I have heard that he is trying to get back into acting... anyone have an update on Michael?

Mark Hamill before Star Wars

Star Wars Good Guy

One of Mark's earliest jobs was as the voice of "Corey Anders" on the cartoon series "Jeannie" from 1973 to 75. In 1974, Mark starred in a short lived series called "The Texas Wheelers" which lasted for eight episodes.

In 1977, he was cast as "Luke Skywalker" in the movie "Star Wars" and his teen idol status was set. Mark did two move Star Wars films, "The Empire Strikes Back" in 1980 and in 1983, "The Return of The Jedi".

Mark continues to work in movies and TV and has added voice over work for cartoons and video games as well as writing to his resume.

Richard Hatch as Apollo on classic Battlestar Galactic

70's classic sci fi series

In 1970, Richard originated the role of "Philip Brown" on the soap opera "All My Children" and would then go on to make guest appearances on shows like, "The Rookies", "Hawaii Five-0", "The Waltons" and more. In 1976 he replaced actor Michael Douglas on the series, "The Streets of San Francisco" playing "Inspector Dan Robbins" until the end of that series in 1977.

His next series, and the one that earned him teen idol status was as "Captain Apollo" on the series, "Battlestar Galactica" that lasted for a season.

The cancellation of Battlestar didn't stop Richard, he went on to work in films and TV shows and even to start a new career as a motivational speaker back in 1997.

In 2004, Richard started to work on the new "Battlestar Galactica" series on the Sci Fi Channel, playing Tom Zarek from 2005 to 2009 with a total of 22 episodes under his belt.

Lance Kerwin

"James at !5"... and then 16

Lance had been making appearances in many of the TV series of the 70's like "Cannon", "Wonder Woman", "The Bionic Woman" and more.

In 1977, he was cast as "James Hunter", a teenager who loved to daydream and take pictures in the series "James At 15". It centered around his challenges in adjusting to life in Boston after his family moves there from Oregon. The series title was changed in the second season to "James At 16" and the adjustment during that season was James getting a girl pregnant.

Once the series ended, Lance went on to do "Salem's Lot" a multi part TV movie that starred another teen idol, David Soul in 1979.

Lance hasn't acted much in recent years, instead he has given his life over to God and become an ordained minister. He and his wife and children live in Hawaii.

Randy Mantooth

John Gage on Emergency

In the 70's, before his star making role as "John Gage" in "Emergency!", Randy did a variety of guest spots on shows like "Alias Smith and Jones", "Night Gallery" and more.

But, it was his work on "Emergency!" that brought him to teen idol status. The show ran from 1972-79.

When the show ended, John went on to work in day time soaps having roles on "Loving", "As The World Turns", "General Hospital" and "One Life To Live".

Randy continues to act in both TV and theater productions.

Michael Lembeck

Kaptain Kool!

I'm not sure if Michael was ever a teen idol, but I just had to add him because he was so darn cute. You might remember Michael from Saturday morning TV in the 70's as "Kaptain Kool" in the group "Kaptain Kool and The Kongs, hosts of "The Krofft Super Show" which ran for two seasons, starting in 1976 on ABC.

Michael would go onto to star as "Max", Julie Cooper's (MacKenzie Philips) husband on the series, "One Day At A Time".

Michael has a long list of acting and directing credits to his name. His most recent work was as director of "The Tooth Fairy" staring Dwayne Johnson.

Leigh McCloskey

Leigh is a classically trained actor having studied at the Julliard School in New York.

He did lots of stints on 70's TV shows but it was his work in the TV movie, "Dawn; Portrait of a Teenage Runaway" that starred "Eve Plumb" (remember her as Jan Brady on "the Brady Bunch") in the title role during 1976 that brought him to the attention of teen magazines. In 1977 he would star in a sequel of sorts to the "Dawn" movie called "Alexander: The Other Side of Dawn" which would also co star, Eve.

Leigh continues to act and is also an artist, author and teacher.

Leigh went on to star in the night time soap "Dallas" as "Mitch Cooper" from 1980-88.

Philip McKeon

The Brother of Actress Nancy McKeon

Philip's career began as a child model. Eventually he moved on to acting and was spotted by actress Linda Lavin who thought that he was perfect for the role of "Tommy Hyatt" on her TV series "Alice" which lasted from 1976-85.

When "Alice" ended, he worked on other shows and expanded into producing and directing.

Jimmy McNichol

Brother of Actress Kristy McNichol

Jimmy, the brother of actress Kristy McNichol got his start making commercials before doing guest appearances on shows like, "S.W.A.T" and "Little House on the Prairie".

In 1977 he had a role in the short lived series, "The Fitzpatricks". He then got a role in another short lived series called, "California Fever" in 1979.

In 1978, Jimmy and his sister Kristy recorded a self titled album. The single "He's So Fine" featuring Kristy on vocals became a moderate success.

Jimmy retired from acting in 1995 and lives in California with his wife and their two children

Donny Osmond

In the 70's, Donny and his brothers, Merrill, Jay, Wayne and Alan recorded the song "One Bad Apple" which became a hit. Soon, other hits like "Puppy Love", "Go Away Little Girl", "Crazy Horses" followed and helped to bring teen idol status to Donny.

In 1974, Marie joined the brothers performing at their concerts and a Donny started to record duets with her. After a successful stint co hosting the "Mike Douglas Show", Donny and Marie were offered their own show aptly titled "The Donny and Marie Show" which lasted for four years.

Mark Shera

"S.W.A.T" and "Barnaby Jones" Cutie

Mark worked in several 70's TV series, the first was "S.W.A.T." as "Officer Dominic Luca" during the shows one season run in 1975. He then had a role as "Jedediah Romano "JR" Jones" in the TV series "Barnaby Jones" from 1976 to 1980 when the series ended.

I have read that Mark has pretty much retired from acting; can anyone verify this and give an update as to what Mark is now doing?

Bobby Sherman

Do You Love Him...Julie?

Ok, so Bobby officially got his teen idol status in the late 60's by starring on "Here Comes the Brides" as "Jeremy Bolt". The series lasted for one season and also starred another soon to be idol, David Soul.

In 1971, he did a guest stint on "The Partridge Family" as "Bobby Conway". The episode titled "A Knight in Shining Armor" was as introduction to a new show that Bobby was going to star in called "Getting Together" which lasted for 14 episodes.

Bobby then went on to do guest appearances on other 70's shows like, "Ellery Queen", "Fantasy Island" and more.

Bobby eventually pulled away from the music and TV industry and focused more attention on his personal life. He found a new interest in working in emergency services, volunteering at the Los Angeles Police Department and working as an EMT as well.

Rex Smith

Sooner or Later

He popped onto the scene in March of 1979, with a TV movie called, "Sooner or Later". He played, Michael, a 17 year old aspiring musician who attracts the attention of pretty Jessie (Denise Miller) who is really just 13 years old, but who convinces Michael she is 16...what will he do when he discovers her real age?

Rex scored a Top 10 hit with, "You Take My Breath Away" from the movie, "Sooner or Later". But, he wasn't able to keep the momentum going, chart-wise, only hitting again in 1981 with a duet with Rachel Sweet called, "Everlasting Love" which peaked at #32 on the Pop chart.

Michael still acts on TV and Broadway and you can catch up with his career by visiting his official site here .

Rick Springfield

Cutie From Down Under

In 1972, Rick came to the states to try to duplicate the musical success he had in his native Australia. He signed with Capitol Records and released an album called, "Beginnings" which produced a #14 hit called "Speak To The Sky".

In 1973, a cartoon series called "Mission: Magic!" which centered around Rick and his music was produced lasting one season. (It's out on DVD!!). Teen magazines like "Tiger Beat" and others started to feature stories about him in their editions.

Sadly, Rick's career stalled when it was rumored that Capitol Records was paying people to purchase his album. Radio stations stopped playing his music and he virtually disappeared from the radio airwaves.

Being a survivor, and a cute one at that, Rick continued to worked on his music, playing in clubs throughout California. He also took up acting as a way to keep his face in front of the public's eye and to pay bills. He lost his wonderful Australian accent (he still has it in "Mission: Magic!") when he was told that he would stand a better chance getting acting roles on American TV shows without it.

Of course, in 1981, Rick came back into the music scene in a big way with his #1 hit, "Jesse's Girl" and various follow up hits. Rick is a true inspiration...he shows what happens when you work at what you love, you don't give up your dream but instead continue to move forward one step at a time.

Parker Stevenson

Frank Hardy on The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries

Parker's first notable movie role was in the film "A Separate Peace" in 1972. He would then co star with Sam Elliot in the 1976 movie "Life Guard".

But, Parker won the hearts of many a young teen girl by starring as "Frank Hardy" in the series "The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries" for three seasons, beginning in 1977. He would co star with another teen idol, Shaun Cassidy, who played his brother, "Joe" in the same series.

David Soul

Ken "Hutch" Hutchinson on "Starsky and Hutch".

David first gained attention back in 1967 on the "Merv Griffin Show" as the "Covered Man", singing songs while wearing a ski mask... the idea behind this was to promote his singing which David admits has always been his first love.

David's venture into the teen idol realm came from a starring role in the classic TV series, "Starsky and Hutch" as Det Ken "Hutch" Hutchinson which ran on ABC from 1975 to 79.

He also had a #1 song with "Don't Give Up On Us Baby" back in 1976. Sadly, he was never able to duplicate his success with any of the songs he released after that first hit song.

David lives in England and became a British citizen in 2004.

Richard Thomas

John Boy Walton From "The Waltons"

Believe it or not, but Richard's career started way back in 1959 when he was just eight years old in a television movie called "A Doll House". During the 60's he would act in day time soaps like "The Edge of Night" and "As The World Turns".

In the 70's his teen idol status came to him by his starring role in the series, "The Waltons", playing "John Boy Walton" on the series for five years before leaving in 1978 to work on other projects.

Richard continues to act and does voice overs for commercials.

John Travolta as Vinnie Barbarino

Welcome Back Kotter star

He was bully "Billy Nolan" who was talked into playing a mean trick on Sissy Spacek's character, "Carrie" in the movie of the same name in 1976, but it was his role on "Welcome Back Kotter" as "Vinnie Barbarino" that earned him his teen idol status.

He released a top ten hit single called "Let Her In" and starred in several box office blockbusters, like "Saturday Night Fever" in 1977 and at age 24, he was the youngest actor ever to be nominated for an Academy Award, losing though, to Richard Dreyfuss. He then starred in "Grease" in 1978 performing some of the songs on that movie's soundtrack which sold over 10 millions copies.

John's career is still going strong after all of these years.

Welcome Back, Kotter: The Complete First Season

Vince Van Patten

The Bionic Boy

Vince is the youngest son of actor Dick Van Patten. All throughout the 70's Vince made guest appearances in many TV series, like "Medical Center", "Adam 12", "Barnaby Jones" and many others. In 1974 he was cast as "Paul Apple" in the TV series, "Apple's Way" that lasted for a season. He then was cast in a short lived series called "Three For The Road" with another teen idol, Leif Garrett.

In 1976 there had been talk of letting Vince star in a TV series all his own called "The Bionic Boy", a spin off from the "Six Million Dollar Man". In season 4, Vince played "Andy Sheffield" a high school student who had bionic implants put in his legs after being injured in a rock slide that killed his father. This episode also had another future teen idol in it, Greg Evigan played "Joe Hamilton" a rival of Andy's.

Vince was rumored to have been a romantic interest for the late Farrah Fawcett, because the two were seen together so much. Vince has always denied the allegations saying that what he and Farrah shared was a mutual love of tennis. In fact, Vince was awarded "Rookie of The Year" in 1979 by the Association of Tennis Professionals. In 1981, in Tokyo Japan, Vince won the Seiko World Super Tennis Tournament by beating John McEnroe.

Barry Williams As Greg Brady

At an early age he decided he wanted to be an actor and his first role was on the series "Dragnet" . He would make other guest starring roles in shows like "Adam 12", "Mod Squad", but it was in 1969 that fame came to Barry when he was cast as the eldest brother, "Greg" in the comedy show, "The Brady Bunch" which ran until 1974. Greg Brady seems to be Barry's best remembered work on the screen.

Henry Winkler as the Iconic Fonzie

The Fonz

Henry began his acting career by doing work in commercials. His first role in a major film was as a gang member in the film, "The Lords of Flatbush" in 1974.

A role on the TV series "Happy Days" as "Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli" would give him steady employment and make him one of the most memorable characters ever created for a TV series. At first, the character of the Fonz wasn't shown often, for fear of how the audience would react to this "greaser" and high school drop out. But, as his character became more popular it was decided that he needed more air time. Soon, it seemed everyone was giving folks the "thumbs up" and "Aaaye" greeting that became so associated with the character. Henry stayed with show for it's entire 11 year run.

Today Henry continues to act but also has added directing and producing to his list of skills.

Photoplay Magazine May 1976

Farrah Fawcett, Henry Winkler, Penny Marshall, Robert De Niro