A Look At 13 Legendary Celebrities In Their 70s - Then And Now

Some artists remain important through decades thanks to their talent and their ability to stay relevant

Damjan

• Published in Film & TV
• February 12, 2023

Since the dawn of time, every era has had its influencers. These are people who shape the zeitgeist of a period and can often be credited with popularizing a certain style, trend, or movement.

Many of these influential figures are remembered fondly, and their influence can continue to be felt well beyond their lifetime. Some actors remain important through decades thanks to their talent and their ability to stay relevant and engaged with their audiences.

These actors have a natural screen presence that stands the test of time, and they are able to deliver captivating performances in a variety of different roles consistently. They often have the ability to draw the audience in with their passionate, emotionally driven performances, and they can often bring an intensity to the characters they play that resonates with viewers.

For instance, the 70s and the 80s saw the rise of a number of superstars. Here, we will look back on 13 celebs who are famous now but started out in the 70s and 80s.

From Tim Curry to Ben Kingsley, the stars on this list worked to make their mark in TV, movies, and music. Despite now having achieved success, fame, and wealth in the last decades of the past century, these actors, singers, and activists were still striving for their big break.

This list celebrates their achievements and pays homage to the stars at the height of their careers.

1. Ben Kingsley: Then

At the time of his 37th year, Ben Kingsley was still two years away from playing the iconic role of Mahatma Gandhi in the 1982 film Gandhi, for which he was awarded an Academy Award. He had already built an impressive collection of roles from British TV shows and London theatre productions.

Ben Kingsley: Now

2. Diana Ross: Then

In 1964, Diana Ross was only 20 years old and already at the start of her group, The Supremes' reign of success. That same year, their first major hit single, "Where Did Our Love Go," was released.

Diana Ross: Now

3. Dolly Parton: Then

In the late 1960s, when she was in her 20s, Dolly Parton began appearing on Porter Wagoner's country music variety show as a featured singer. In 1973, she experienced her first major success as a solo artist with the single "Jolene".

Dolly Parton: Now

4. Goldie Hawn: Then

At 19 years of age in 1964, Goldie Hawn was employed as a professional dancer and had not yet fully ventured into the world of acting. It wasn't until four years later that she would be cast in the show that made her a famous name: Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.

Goldie Hawn: Now

5. Harrison Ford: Then

In 1978, Harrison Ford, at the age of 36, had recently become a movie star due to the success of Star Wars, which was released in 1977.

Harrison Ford: Now

6. Helen Mirren: Then

In 1969, Helen Mirren, a 24-year-old theater performer, was part of the Royal Shakespeare Company and performed as many of the playwright's famous heroines.

Helen Mirren: Now

7. Samuel L. Jackson: Then

In this photograph taken of Samuel L. Jackson in 1992, he was 44 years of age and only a few years away from becoming well-known for his roles in films such as Coming to America and Do the Right Thing - fame that came to him quite late in life.

Samuel L. Jackson: Now

8. Steve Martin: Then

At the age of 25, Steve Martin made his first appearance in the Hollywood industry as a writer for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and soon began to gain recognition for his stand-up comedy acts.

Steve Martin: Now

9. Stevie Wonder: Then

In the 1970s, the young Stevie Wonder released classic songs such as "Superstition" in 1972 when he was in his twenties.

Stevie Wonder: Now

10. Susan Sarandon: Then

At the 1979 Tony Awards, Susan Sarandon, aged 33, was already well-known for her appearances in films such as The Front Page, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Pretty Baby.

Susan Sarandon: Now

11. Ted Danson: Then

The comedy show "Cheers" first aired in 1982, making Ted Danson, who was 39 at the time, a household name in 1986. His portrayal of Sam Malone earned him two Emmy awards.

Ted Danson: Now

12. Tim Curry: Then

When the movie adaptation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show was released in 1975, Tim Curry was featured in his first film role, playing the iconic character of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. This was a breakthrough moment for the actor, who was only 29 years old at the time.

Tim Curry: Now

13. Tom Selleck: Then

When Tom Selleck was 35 years old, his television series Magnum, P.I. debuted in 1980 and he finally achieved stardom. He played the role until 1986.

Tom Selleck: Now

These celebs also have a knack for choosing interesting projects that keep them in the public eye. They often take on roles that challenge them, enabling them to hone their craft and showcase their immense talent.

They may also be involved with projects that are more than just acting, such as producing, directing, or writing, which helps to keep them relevant and engaged with their fans. The longevity of these actors is also a testament to their strong work ethic and dedication to their craft.

They may have been in the industry for decades, but they continue to work hard and stay humble. They strive to learn more and to continue to push themselves to deliver the best performances possible.

Damjan