The ’70s were full of talented actors and musicians, who helped the entertainment industry grow, preparing the ground for the ’80s, which were a whole different story. Some did manage to build a considerable fortune and leave their mark on the showbiz.
While many still act or perform on stage, others enjoy the dividends of their hard work during the past century, currently relaxing at their retirement homes. We are going to take a look at some of our favorite ’70s stars who are still alive and kicking.
Jamie Farr – Age 85 – $6 Million
Another M*A*S*H actor who made it big in the industry is Jamie Farr. Farr portrayed Maxwell Q. Klinger, a military man who often used to cross-dress. He was one of the hilarious characters in the show, and one of the most popular.
Farr is currently the oldest surviving member from the show’s main cast. After M*A*S*H’s end, Farr continued landing roles on TV. Despite his age, he’s still making money from acting. From 2018 to 2019, Farr had a recurring role in the TV series The Cool Kids, and we can’t wait to see what his next acting project will be.
Gary Burghoff – Age 76 – $6 Million
Though Gary Burghoff doesn’t boast as many acting credits as other ’70s stars do. He did manage to become one of the hottest names on TV during that decade. Burghoff initially rose to prominence as Charlie Brown in the theater production You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown.
He then landed the role of Corporal Walter Eugene “Radar” O’Reilly in M*A*S*H and MASH (the film). Later on, he frequently appeared on the TV game show Match Game. Burghoff currently enjoys his $6 million fortune, relaxing in his retirement home. His last acting credit was his appearance in the 2010 film Daniel’s Lot.
Mike Farrell – Age 80 – $10 Million
Mike Farrell became a TV star overnight after he landed the role of Captain B.J. Hunnicutt in M*A*S*H. It was his first significant role, and he entirely took advantage of that. Farrell capitalized on the said series’ success to land more characters, like the one in Providence, from 1999 to 2002.
Moreover, he has worked as a producer for the renowned film Patch Adams, where Robin Williams starred. Sitting on a $10 million net worth, Farrell doesn’t have any plans of retiring. He was on Desperate Housewives, while in May 2019, he did appear on two episodes of the multi-awarded series NCIS.
Marion Ross – Age 91 – $10 Million
Marion Ross was already pretty known among acting circles when she joined the cast of Happy Days to portray Marion Cunningham. She had played in films like The Glenn Miller Story. The role of Cunningham remains her most famous one, earning her two Emmy nominations and a $10 million net worth at the same time.
Ross is 91 years old, but she shows no signs of aging, at least mentally. She hasn’t retired yet, and in 2018, she was in Angels on Tap. Ross had been in a relationship with Paul Michael from 1988 to 2011 when he passed away. She will be appearing in a comedy film titled Senior Entourage.
Anson Williams – Age 70 – $1.8 Million
Anson Williams portrayed the dimwitted yet kind-hearted Warren “Potsie” Weber on the hit TV show Happy Days. His perfect smile and handsome looks instantly raised his popularity among teenage fans, and he quickly became a household name on television.
Williams capitalized on his success from Happy Days to become an acclaimed director. He’s worked for shows like Beverly Hills, 90210, and Lizzie McGuire. His latest work was on the popular series The Secret Life of the American Teenager. When it comes to acting, his most recent role was in The Odd Couple, in 2016.
Richard Kline – Age 75 – $3 Million
Richard Kline made his first acting steps as a stage actor before landing the role of Larry Dallas in the classic sitcom Three’s Company. Following the show’s end, Kline reprised his role in the spin-offs The Roppers and Three’s A Crowd. He was the only one besides John Ritter to appear both on the original show and its spin-offs.
Kline then went on to host the pilot episode to both Jumble and To Tell the Truth, and later landed more stage roles. In 2018, he appeared on a stage adaptation of the 1973 film The Sting, while in 2019, he toured the USA with the musical WAITRESS. Retirement? Not for this actor!
Gavin MacLeod – Age 88 – $10 Million
Gavin MacLeod didn’t need the role of Captain Merrill Stubing in The Love Boat to make money; he already was wealthy and famous when he got it. As an actor, he made his debut in the late ’50s and then appeared in films like Kelly’s Heroes. Before landing the role in the said TV series, he had starred in McHale’s Navy.
MacLeod later slowed down on acting. He didn’t retire, but he didn’t act that often either. In 2014, MacLeod got his star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. He still does acting, but only in theater productions. Macleod’s last appearance as an actor on TV was in 2009 when he played on an episode of The Suite Life On Deck.
Judd Hirsch – Age 84 – $12 Million
Judd Hirsch was one of the ’70s’ brightest stars, but, unlike other celebs of his time, he managed to become even more successful as the years went by. He initially rose to stardom as Alex Rieger on Taxi, while he later went on to star in Dear John. He also landed roles on iconic films like Independence Day and A Beautiful Mind.
With the new millennium, Hirsch kept on having a high salary as an actor, and he managed to star in NUMB3RS from 2005 to 2010. Even younger generations will recognize him from his appearances in The Big Bang Theory and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Marilu Henner – Age 67 – $12 Million
Nobody could resist Marilu Henner’s perfect smile and bright eyes back in the ’70s. After making some appearances in stage productions, she gained attention for her role as Elaine O’Connor in Taxi. That role helped her increase her earnings, as well as the parts she got.
Thus, in the ’80s, she starred in many films such as Hammett and Johnny Dangerously. Henner is currently 67 years old, but she won’t give up on acting quickly. She still appears on TV films and series. In 2016, Henner also competed in the popular show Dancing With The Stars.
Cindy Williams – Age 72 – $10 Million
We will always remember Cindy Williams as the adorable Shirley Feeney on the iconic TV series Laverne & Shirley. Williams starred on the show from 1976 to 1982 and gradually built up her $10 million net worth. Her subsequent roles weren’t as successful or acclaimed, but she was already a ’70s star.
Williams decided to start appearing on stage plays, and in 2007, she made her Broadway debut with the musical The Drowsy Chaperone. In 2018, Williams played in Waiting in the Wings: Still Waiting. We also got to check her memoir out in 2015, titled Shirley, I Jest!.
David Lander – Age 72 – $8 Million
Another Laverne & Shirley star is Devid Lander, who portrayed Squiggy. Lander’s acting portfolio on television is phenomenal, with appearances in classic series like Happy Days, The Love Boat, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Pacific Blue, and many more. He has also voice acted in films like A Bug’s Life and Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius.
Acting is not Lander’s only passion, though. He’s also served as the Goodwill Ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Since the late ’90s, Lander has worked as a baseball scout for teams like Seattle Mariners. His daughter Natalie Lander is also an actress.
Eddie Mekka – Age 67 – $500K
Eddie Mekka made his first acting steps as a stage actor. He first gained attention for his performance in the Broadway play The Lieutenant. After earning a Tony Award nomination, a much more famous Mekka landed the role of Carmine “The Big Ragoo” Ragusa on the classic sitcom Laverne & Shirley.
Following the series’ end, Mekka had trouble finding new and lucrative roles. He never managed to make it as big as he did playing Carmine, and he returned to stage productions. His latest TV appearance was in the 2014 short film Heaven Help Us. Mekka now sits on a $500K fortune.
Barry Williams – Age 65 – $6 Million
Another actor who managed to become a star thanks to The Brady Bunch is Barry Williams, who portrayed Greg Brady, the eldest of the Brady sons. After the show’s end, Williams started appearing in musical stage productions like Grease.
His career on TV didn’t stop, though, as he managed to play in several acclaimed TV series such as Murder, She Wrote, and Full House. He also hosted the TV game show A.N.T. Farm in 2011. Williams now appears on A Very Brady Renovation, while he’s managed to amass a $6 million net worth.
Bern Nadette Stanis – Age 65 – $6 Million
Another huge ’70s star, who managed to make a lot of money thanks to Good Times, is Bern Nadette Stanis. Stanis portrayed Thelma Ann-Evans for 133 episodes, from 1974 to 1979. While she could have become even more famous and wealthy, she never pursued more acclaimed and lucrative roles.
After Good Times, Stanis appeared on TV series like The Love Boat and The Cosby Show, but only as a guest star. Her latest acting appearance was in 2016 when she played on an episode of Black Jesus. Stanis now works as an author as well, having released four books.
Gabe Kaplan – Age 74 – $50 Million
Remember Gabe Kotter, the wacky professor, from Welcome Back, Kotter? Kotter was portrayed by Gabe Kaplan, who did take on a much different career path nowadays. His career didn’t benefit much from the said role eventually, and his acting portfolio is rather short.
Nowadays, he is a professional poker player. Kaplan has a massive $50 million net worth from his wins in several poker tournaments. He also used to work as a commentator on the poker show High Stakes Poker on GSN. Kaplan has also released his memoir Kotter’s Back: E-mails from a Faded Celebrity to a Bewildered World in 2007.
Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs – Age 66 – $1 Million
Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs’ acting portfolio is a rather impressive one. He’s starred in classic TV series like Claudine, Cooley High, and Welcome Back, Kotter. Lawrence also landed parts in popular films like Youngblood and L.A. Heat. Back in the ’70s, he was the real deal.
His career declined later on though. Lawrence hasn’t opted for retirement yet (in 2016 he played in Rob Zombie’s film 36). He doesn’t get to land as lucrative roles as he once did. Lawrence is now mostly focused on raising his two daughters, taking advantage of his $-million fortune.
Karen Grassle – Age 77 – $500K
Before Karen Grassle became a household TV name, she had played in many Shakespearean stage plays. It was in 1974 that Kare landed the role of Caroline Ingalls on Little House On the Prairie, which also happened to be her debut acting role on-screen. She became an instant hit.
Karen then managed to play in the film Wyatt Earp, where Kevin Costner starred. She gradually moved away from acting on television and moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she created the Santa Fe’s Resource Theater Company. Karen still has earnings from performing on stage plays, while she also works as an acting coach occasionally.
Conrad Janis – Age 91 – Estimated $13 Million
Pam Dawber’s co-star in Mork & Mindy was Conrad Janis. The now 91-year-old actor and musician portrayed Frederick, Mindy’s father. Apart from that show, Janis has also appeared in My Favorite Martian and The Dutchess of Dirtwater Fox, where Goldie Hawn starred.
Janis had always loved jazz music, and he struggled to keep it alive. In the ’70s, Janis played several sold-out shows with his band The Beverly Hills Unlisted Jazz Band. It consisted of some of the most excellent jazz musicians of his time. Janis is now in retirement, and his last acting credit was in the 2009 horror film Maneater.
Hal Linden – Age 88 – $2 Million
Hal Linden’s career has been phenomenal. He started as a musician in the ’50s and soon ventured into acting. Linden was originally appearing on Broadway plays like The Rothschilds, for which he won a Tony Award. His most famous role to date has been the one of Barnie Miller in the self-titled TV series.
Linden hasn’t stopped acting at all, and retirement planning doesn’t even cross his mind. In 2011, Linden released his jazz album called It’s Never Too Late. Moreover, he has been appearing in American Housewife since 2016. In 2018, Linden made a guest appearance on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Ed Asner – Age 90 – $10 Million
Ed Asner is undoubtedly one of the biggest stars on our list, as his acting career spans over five decades. His role as Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show made him a fan-favorite, and also granted him his spin-off series titled Lou Grant. Moreover, Asner served as the head of the Screen Actors Guild from 1981 to 1985.
Despite his age, Asner doesn’t seem to be interested in entering retirement any time soon. Younger generations know him (or better, know his voice), from Pixar’s animated movie Up, where he voice acted as Carl Fredricksen. Moreover, in 2019 he appeared in the film The Garden Left Behind and on five episodes of Dead To Me.
Maureen McCormick – Age 63 – $4 Million
Maureen McCormick’s career has been full of ups and downs. After landing the role of Marcia Brady in The Brady Bunch, she saw herself skyrocketing to stardom. McCormick then appeared on many other TV series and The Brady Bunch spin-offs. In the ’80s and ’90s, she also performed in many stage productions.
McCormick was plagued by her cocaine addiction for many years, before finally managing to sober up. She tells all about it in her 2008 autobiography Here’s the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding My True Voice. If you want to see more of her, watch the 2019 TV show A Very Brady Renovation.
Adrienne Barbeau – Age 74 – $5 Million
Our next ’70s star comes from Maude, and it’s Adrienne Barbeau. Adrienne first gained recognition for her performance on Grease, the renowned Broadway musical. It was before landing the role of Carol Traynor on the said show. This was her debut on-screen role, and people loved her.
Adrienne later decided to land roles in many horror films like Swamp Thing and Escape From New York. Nowadays, while she still appears on-screen occasionally, she mostly voice acts in animated TV series and video games. In 2018, Adrienne voiced The Overseer in the multi-awarded video game Fallout 76. Adrienne has managed to accumulate a $5 million net worth.
Pam Dawber – Age 68 – $10 Million
Pam Dawber appeared in the late ’70s only to become a household TV actress, out of nowhere. Though she didn’t have any acting experience, Dawber was cast as Mindy McConnel in the iconic series Mork & Mindy. The show skyrocketed her earnings and subsequently earned her more roles, like the one of Samantha Russell in My Sister Sam.
When it comes to film appearances, Dawber has played in acclaimed movies like Stay Tuner, and I’ll Remember April. Retirement doesn’t even cross her mind, even though she’s now almost 70 years old. In 2016, Dawber played in The Odd Couple.
Jimmie Walker – Age 72 – $800K
Jimmy Walker played James Evans Jr., the crazy teenage kid on Good Times, who used to have the timeless catchphrase “Dy-no-mite!”. Walker gained a lot of popularity and managed to land roles on other famous TV series as well, such as At Ease and Bustin’ Loose. Nowadays, Walker mostly works as a stand-up comedian, touring the country.
In 2012, he released his memoir Dyn-o-mite! Good Times, Bad Times, Our Times – A Memoir. His latest acting credit was in the 2011 film Super Shark. Walker did face criticism for his conservative political beliefs many times. He even revealed that he supported Donald Trump in the latest Presidential elections.
Kate Jackson – Age 71 – $10 Million
In the ’70s, no man could resist Charlie’s Angels. As you can tell, Lucy Kate Jackson’s posters were on many men’s walls. She became a massive star thanks to her role as Sabrina Duncan on the said series, while she’s also famous for having starred in notable films like Making Love and Loverboy.
Duncan’s career kept growing, even after Charlie’s Angels end, and she went on to appear on popular TV films like Quiet Killer and Empty Cradle. Nowadays, it seems that she’s opted for retirement, as we hadn’t seen her on-screen since 2007 when she appeared on an episode of Criminal Minds.
Kellye Nakahara – Age 69 – $10 Million
Kellye Nakahara’s acting career is a rather short one. Her appearance in M*A*S*H as Nurse Kellye made her a recognizable name in the field of entertainment. Originating from Hawaii, Nakahara moved to the US to engage in acting. Her role in M*A*S*H has been her most acclaimed one so far.
Nakahara also had a minor role in the 1985 comedy film The Clue. She has entered semi-retirement since the ’90s. The last time she acted was in 2000 when she voice-acted in The Wild Thornberrys. Nakahara is also a watercolor artist, and she’s now married with two children.
Ja’Net DuBois – Age 74 – $2 Million
Ja’Net DuBois was adored by audiences back in the ’70s, thanks to her charismatic voice and her fascinating performance as Willona Woods on Good Times. She appeared on 133 episodes, from 1974 to 1979. DuBois is also credited for co-writing and performing the song Moving On Up, which was the theme tune for the show The Jeffersons.
She also has a $2 million net worth. DuBois has released two studio albums, although she doesn’t seem to be willing to retire any time soon. She still appears in films and TV series. Her latest role was in the 2016 comedy film She’s Got A Plan, where she portrays Betty Angelo.
Joyce DeWitt – Age 70 – $4 Million
Joyce Anne DeWitt graduated from the acclaimed University of Southern California. Becoming an actress was her dream, and she made it come true. Her role as Janet Wood in Three’s Company quickly earned her an excellent salary and tons of popularity among the show’s fans.
Despite the series’ success, DeWitt didn’t manage to land any more significant roles on TV later. She retired in the mid-’80s but resumed her acting career later. Nowadays, DeWitt mostly works as a stage actress, while in 2019, she appeared in the film The Savant.
Loretta Swit – Age 82 – $4 Million
M*A*S*H left its mark on the ’70s as few other TV series did. Its success wouldn’t be as big without the help of Loretta Swit and her acting capabilities. Swit portrayed the beautiful yet strict nurse Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan. She won two Emmy Awards for her performance. Swit then went on to appear on Cagney & Lacey, but many will always remember her as “Hot Lips.”
Nowadays, Swit is 82 years old. Even though we thought that she had entered retirement, she returned to the acting scene in 2019 with her role in the film Play The Flute. Swit has gotten married once, to actor Dennis Holahan, from 1983 to 1995. She’s been single since then.
Michael McKean – Age 72 – $10 Million
Michael McKean landed the role of Lenny Kosnowski on Laverne & Shirley in 1976. He stayed in the show’s cast until its end, and his career (as well as his net worth), was never the same. McKean gained even more fame as David St. Hubbins in the movie This Is Spinal Tap. One of the songs he wrote for the movie earned him an Oscar nomination.
McKean still manages to have a steady income from the entertainment industry. In 2019, he got a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for his portrayal of Chuck McGill in the hit series Better Call Saul. You can now catch up with him on the TV show Food: Fact or Fiction?.