Nostalgic America
16 Breathtaking Beauties Who Ruled 1970s Entertainment
By Bruce Berns · November 19, 2024
From Raquel Welch's groundbreaking roles that challenged female stereotypes to Farrah Fawcett's record-breaking poster that decorated millions of walls, these women redefined glamour while breaking barriers in entertainment.
More than just pretty faces, they were trailblazers who transformed the industry, whether through pioneering female-led action shows like Wonder Woman's Lynda Carter or Charlie's Angels trio, or by building lasting entertainment empires. Their influence continues to inspire generations, proving that true beauty encompasses talent, determination, and revolutionary spirit. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Raquel Welch
Raquel Welch became a symbol of beauty and empowerment in the 1960s and 70s, gaining widespread recognition with her role in One Million Years B.C. (1966), where her iconic fur bikini turned her into an international sex symbol.Despite her glamorous image, Welch proved herself a talented actress in films such as Fantastic Voyage, The Three Musketeers (earning a Golden Globe), and Myra Breckinridge. Known for challenging the era’s stereotypical roles for women, Welch carved out a career that combined sex appeal with intelligence and independence, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in Hollywood. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Lynda Carter
Lynda Carter rose to fame as Wonder Woman in the 1970s TV series, embodying the iconic superhero with grace, strength, and relatability. Her portrayal of Diana Prince showcased both poise and action, blending heroism with compassion. Carter’s charm and commanding presence made her a feminist icon and role model for young audiences. Beyond Wonder Woman, she enjoyed a career in music and film, using her celebrity status for philanthropic work and social causes. Her influence extends beyond her superhero role, as Carter remains celebrated for pioneering women-led action roles on television and inspiring generations of fans. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Jaclyn Smith
Jaclyn Smith is best known for her role as Kelly Garrett in the original Charlie’s Angels TV series (1976-1981), where she captivated audiences as the smart and resourceful private detective. Smith was the only “Angel” to remain on the show for its entire run, solidifying her as a beloved figure in 1970s pop culture. Her poised, sophisticated portrayal helped redefine female representation on TV, showcasing strength and elegance. Beyond acting, Smith built a successful business empire with her fashion and home goods lines, becoming a pioneer in celebrity branding and entrepreneurship. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Farrah Fawcett
Farrah Fawcett became a 1970s icon as one of the original stars of Charlie’s Angels, playing Jill Munroe. Her radiant smile, feathered hair, and athletic charisma captivated audiences, turning her into an international star. Fawcett’s iconic swimsuit poster broke records, becoming a symbol of her status as a pop culture phenomenon. Though primarily associated with her role in Charlie’s Angels, she demonstrated serious acting talent in projects like The Burning Bed, earning critical acclaim and multiple award nominations. Her legacy as a sex symbol and talented actress endures, reflecting her blend of beauty, strength, and determination. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Cheryl Ladd
Cheryl Ladd rose to fame when she joined Charlie’s Angels in its second season (1977), replacing Farrah Fawcett as Kris Munroe, Jill’s younger sister. Ladd’s performance brought a fresh energy to the series, showcasing her acting talent and musical abilities. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Cheryl Ladd
She successfully avoided being just a replacement, making Kris a beloved character in her own right. Ladd’s career expanded beyond Charlie’s Angels to include roles in film, TV movies, and stage performances. Her contributions to the show solidified its place as a classic, and she remained a popular figure in the entertainment industry for her versatility and charm. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Jacqueline Bisset
Jacqueline Bisset gained recognition in the 1960s and 70s with roles in films such as The Detective and Bullitt, where she starred alongside Frank Sinatra and Steve McQueen. Her breakout role came in The Deep (1977), where her underwater scenes garnered significant attention, establishing her as a leading actress known for both talent and beauty. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Jacqueline Bisset
Bisset’s performances often showcased a blend of elegance, intelligence, and vulnerability. Her work in Day for Night by François Truffaut further demonstrated her acting depth. Over her career, Bisset maintained a strong presence in European and American cinema, earning critical and popular acclaim. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Christie Brinkley
Christie Brinkley rose to fame as one of the most recognizable supermodels of the late 1970s and 1980s, gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit edition for a record-breaking three consecutive years. Her all-American beauty, radiant smile, and approachable demeanor helped define an era of modeling. Brinkley expanded her career beyond modeling, acting in films like National Lampoon’s Vacation and engaging in various business ventures, including skincare and eyewear lines. As an advocate for health and wellness, Brinkley’s lasting impact is seen in her transition from supermodel to successful entrepreneur and author, inspiring generations in beauty and business. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Jane Seymour
Jane Seymour is best known for her role as Dr. Michaela Quinn in the television series Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, where she portrayed a pioneering female doctor in the 19th century, earning her a Golden Globe. Seymour’s film career includes roles in Live and Let Die as Bond girl Solitaire and Somewhere in Time opposite Christopher Reeve, showcasing her versatility and classical training. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Jane Seymour
Known for her elegance and grace, Seymour’s acting spans drama, romance, and action. Beyond acting, she has become an author and philanthropist, known for her charitable work and promotion of health and wellness. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John rose to stardom as Sandy Olsson in Grease (1978), delivering an unforgettable performance alongside John Travolta. Her portrayal of the sweet, innocent Sandy who transforms into a confident, leather-clad version of herself made Newton-John an icon of 1970s pop culture. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Olivia Newton-John
Prior to Grease, she was already a successful singer with hits like “Let Me Be There” and “I Honestly Love You.” Her career continued with music successes, including the chart-topping album Physical. Newton-John’s enduring appeal stemmed from her charm, voice, and relatable persona, making her a beloved figure in both the music and film industries. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Bo Derek
Bo Derek became an international sensation with her role in 10 (1979), directed by her husband John Derek. The film’s iconic beach scene, showcasing Derek in a memorable swimsuit and braids, catapulted her to stardom and made her an enduring symbol of beauty. Though her acting career included films like Tarzan, the Ape Man and Bolero, she is best remembered for her role in 10, which epitomized the era’s fascination with glamour and allure. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Bo Derek
Despite mixed reviews of her filmography, Derek’s image became synonymous with 1970s and 80s pop culture, solidifying her status as an icon of cinematic beauty. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Morgan Fairchild
Morgan Fairchild is best known for her roles in soap operas and prime-time dramas throughout the 1970s and 80s. With her striking looks and confident screen presence, Fairchild became a familiar face in shows like Dallas and Falcon Crest. Her portrayal of sophisticated, ambitious characters set a standard for the glamorous TV villainess archetype. Beyond soap operas, she guest-starred in comedies like Friends, displaying her comedic timing. Fairchild’s influence in TV helped pave the way for strong female roles, and she leveraged her fame for activism, raising awareness on environmental and health issues throughout her career. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Angie Dickinson
Angie Dickinson made a significant impact in Hollywood with her role as Sergeant Leann “Pepper” Anderson in the groundbreaking series Police Woman (1974-1978), becoming one of TV’s first female leads in a police drama. Her portrayal earned her a Golden Globe and established her as a trailblazer for women in television. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Angie Dickinson
Prior to that, Dickinson gained fame with roles in films like Rio Bravo and Point Blank, showcasing her ability to combine toughness with allure. Her contributions to film and TV spanned decades, with Dickinson admired for breaking gender barriers and embodying strong, multidimensional female characters. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Cheryl Tiegs
Cheryl Tiegs is widely recognized as one of the first American supermodels, gaining fame in the 1970s for her covers on Sports Illustrated and TIME. Her famous pink bikini poster became an emblem of the era, cementing her status as an icon of beauty. Tiegs helped pave the way for future models with her crossover appeal in fashion, television, and advertising. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Cheryl Tiegs
Beyond modeling, she engaged in designing her own line of clothing and ventured into environmental activism. Tiegs’ influence on fashion and pop culture was significant, making her a trailblazer who broadened the reach of modeling into mainstream media. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Audrey Landers
Audrey Landers gained popularity through her role as Afton Cooper in the prime-time soap opera Dallas, where she showcased her singing talent as well as her acting skills. Known for her beauty and engaging screen presence, Landers became a fan favorite during her time on the show. Her career extended to guest roles in TV series like The Love Boat and Fantasy Island. In addition to acting, Landers pursued a music career, recording albums that highlighted her vocal abilities. Her versatility and charm allowed her to maintain a steady presence in the entertainment industry throughout the 1980s and beyond. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Kate Jackson
Kate Jackson is best known for her role as Sabrina Duncan in Charlie’s Angels (1976-1979), where she brought intelligence and sophistication to the trio of private detectives. Before that, she starred in The Rookies, establishing herself as a TV star. Jackson’s portrayal of Sabrina set her apart as the “smart Angel,” complementing her co-stars with a balanced mix of wit and charisma Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Dyan Cannon
Dyan Cannon is an acclaimed actress known for her effervescent energy and comedic timing. She gained prominence with her Oscar-nominated roles in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969), a satirical look at relationships and social norms, and later for Heaven Can Wait (1978). Cannon’s versatility allowed her to excel in both comedy and drama, making her a fixture in 1970s and 80s cinema. Her performances showcased a unique blend of sophistication and spontaneity. In addition to acting, she ventured into directing and producing, demonstrating her multifaceted talent. Cannon’s work has left a lasting impression in Hollywood. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.