Alright, buckle up, nostalgia lovers! If you grew up grooving to disco beats and rocking bell-bottoms, then the names Melissa Gilbert, Ron Howard, and Danny Bonaduce probably bring a warm, fuzzy feeling to your heart. These incredible child stars danced, sang, and acted their way into our living rooms and fundamentally changed how we viewed the world, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture.
But as the 70s faded into memory, so too did some of the familiar faces we adored on our screens. These cute little kids eventually shed their baby fat, graduated from sitcom sets, and stepped into the real world, leaving many of us wondering: what on earth happened to them? Did they continue chasing the spotlight, or did they trade in their acting chops for a more… well, normal life?
The truth is, their paths diverged wildly. Some went on to achieve even greater triumphs in the entertainment industry, becoming household names in new roles. Others chose incredibly different routes, proving that life after child stardom can be just as exciting, albeit sometimes more private. So, get ready for a trip down memory lane as we check in with some of our absolute favorite child stars from the 60s and 70s and see what amazing things they’re up to now!
1. **Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls)**: Who could forget “Half-Pint”? Born on May 8, 1964, Melissa Gilbert absolutely stole our hearts playing Laura Ingalls on the iconic NBC series *Little House on the Prairie*, which ran from 1974 to 1982. But here’s a fun fact you might not know: *Little House* wasn’t actually Gilbert’s very first rodeo on the silver screen! Before she ever stepped foot on that charming prairie, she was already a seasoned pro, guest-starring on TV shows and making appearances in commercials. Talk about starting young!
Even while her gig with *Little House on the Prairie* was still going strong, Gilbert’s career kept on soaring. She made notable appearances in other beloved productions like *The Miracle Worker* and *The Diary of Anne Frank*, showing off her incredible range even as a young actress. It’s clear she wasn’t just a one-role wonder; she was a true talent building a diverse acting portfolio from a very early age.
And speaking of range, Gilbert continued to impress us as she got older. She proved she could still bust some serious moves at 48 years old when she appeared on the reality show *Dancing with the Stars* in 2012, reminding everyone that she’s still got that spark! She also beautifully reprised her role as Caroline “Ma” Ingalls in the touring production of *Little House on the Prairie, the Musical*, bringing that beloved character to a new generation. Plus, comic book fans, get this: she voiced Batgirl in the hit animated show *Batman: The Animated Series*! How cool is that?
2. **Erin Murphy (Tabitha)**: If you were bewitched by the adorable magical antics of Tabitha Stephens in the hit 60s sitcom *Bewitched*, then you know Erin Murphy. She joined the cast at the tender age of two, initially sharing the role with her fraternal twin sister, Diane. But as they grew older and started looking a little less identical (as twins sometimes do!), Erin took on the character all by herself, becoming the Tabitha we all remember and adore.
After her days of twitching noses and magical mishaps on *Bewitched* wrapped up, Murphy actually chose a wonderfully normal life for a kid. Can you imagine going from a famous TV set to just being a regular teenager? That’s exactly what she did, even becoming her high school cheerleader and snagging the crown as homecoming queen. It just goes to show you that a normal childhood can indeed happen after child stardom!
However, her time as a child actress certainly didn’t go to waste. It inspired her to explore a variety of interesting careers. She dipped her toes into production, mastered the art of makeup, took a turn at teaching, and even ventured into the thrilling world of stunts! She even worked as a stunt and photo double for well-known actresses like Virginia Madsen and Melissa Leo. It seems the magic of *Bewitched* truly stayed with her, just in a different, more practical way!
3. **Ron Howard (Opie Taylor)** Okay, so Ron Howard is pretty much Hollywood royalty, right? This accomplished American filmmaker first captured our hearts as a child actor, and honestly, one of his most popular and enduring roles has to be little Opie Taylor in the classic TV series *The Andy Griffith Show*. It’s hard to imagine anyone else in that iconic role!
It’s no surprise that Ron found his calling in entertainment, given his family background. His parents were both in show business; his father was a director and actor, and his mom was an actress. So, you could say it was in his blood! In fact, his very first appearance on screen was when he was just a tiny 18 months old, with a role in *Frontier Woman* back in 1956. Talk about an early start!
But Opie was just the beginning. Howard went on to land many more roles on stage and TV, eventually making a huge leap into directing. Apart from his famous red-headed character, another one of Howard’s best-known characters is the ever-lovable Richie Cunningham on the series *Happy Days*. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg of his acting career – he made appearances in over 27 films! As a director, he made his debut in 1997 with the comedy film *Grand Theft Auto*, and then went on to direct a string of massive hit movies, including the highly acclaimed *A Beautiful Mind*, the global phenomenon *The Da Vinci Code*, and the truly inspiring *Apollo 13*. He’s also credited with producing upwards of 20 movies and is constantly pushing his creative limits. What a legend!
4. **Helen Hunt**: From the get-go, it felt like Helen Hunt was simply destined to be a TV star. And to kick off what would turn out to be a phenomenal film career, Hunt started honing her craft with her father, Gordon Hunt, who was a director and acting coach, from the incredibly tender age of eight. Imagine having your own personal acting guru at such a young age!
She made her official acting debut just a year later, in the 1973 TV movie, *Pioneer Woman*. As an adolescent, her star continued to rise with appearances in a string of popular TV series like *Amy Prentiss* (1974-’75), *The Bionic Woman*, *Swiss Family Robinson* (1975-’76), *The Facts of Life*, and *The Fitzpatricks* (1977-’78). She was practically everywhere, becoming a familiar face to audiences across the country.
Her stellar performances on-screen haven’t just charmed audiences; they’ve also earned her an insane number of accolades! We’re talking an Oscar, four Emmys, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, a Blockbuster Award, four Golden Globe Awards, and four American Comedy Awards. That’s a trophy cabinet overflowing with talent right there! And with all she’s achieved, the stunning 56-year-old isn’t ready to draw the curtain on her career just yet. Keep your eyes peeled for Hunt in the upcoming crime drama *The Night Clerk*—she’s still got it!
5. **Johnny Whitaker (Jody Davis)**: Calling all redheads! John Orson Whitaker, Jr. is another one of our absolute favorite on-screen gingers who graced our screens. He kicked off his acting journey at the ripe old age of three with an appearance on a TV commercial for a local used car dealer – talk about getting a head start! But it was at seven that Whitaker truly hit it big, playing the lovable Jody Davis on *Family Affair* from 1966 to 1971, a role that cemented him in our memories.
Following his time on *Family Affair*, his career kept rolling with roles in the soap opera *General Hospital*, and even a part in the hilariously titled *The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming* back in 1966. And here’s a juicy piece of pop culture trivia for you: did you know Whitaker gave Jodie Foster her very first on-screen kiss? Yep, it happened in the classic movie *Tom Sawyer* in 1973! That’s some serious bragging rights.
Beyond that unforgettable kiss, Whitaker racked up several more memorable roles. He was the young angel Michael in the *Hall of Fame’s TV movie The Littlest Angel* (1969), starred in *The Biscuit Eater* (1972), Disney’s *Snowball Express* (1972), *Sigmund and the Sea Monsters* (1973), and *The Magic Pony* (1977). He even took on the lead role in the musical *Tom Sawyer*. After high school, Whitaker wisely took a break from acting to pursue other interests, including a two-year mission trip to Portugal, and later earned a degree in communications from Brigham Young University in 1986. In 1999, he received the Young Artist Former Child Star Lifetime Achievement Award, a well-deserved recognition. It’s also inspiring to hear that after struggling with drug and alcohol abuse, he bravely underwent a 12-step program and has been sober for 13 years. What an incredible journey!
6. **Danny Bonaduce (Danny Partridge)**: Born on August 13, 1959, Dante Daniel “Danny” Bonaduce might just be the most recognizable red-headed, precocious middle child, musician, and bass guitarist in TV history, thanks to his iconic role as Danny Partridge in the ever-popular 1970s sitcom *The Partridge Family*. It seemed like everyone wanted to be part of that musical family band! And let’s be real, who didn’t want to rock out with them?
After his stint with the Partridge Family bus, Bonaduce wasn’t just a one-hit-wonder. He also starred in several movies, like *Corvette Summer* in 1978, and even guest-starred on *CHiPs*. After a bit of a break from the silver screen, he made a triumphant return with appearances on some seriously popular shows, including *Married… with Children*, *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation*, *Space Ghost Coast to Coast*, and *The Drew Carey Show*. He even bared it all (emotionally, that is!) on the VH1 reality show, *Breaking Bonaduce*, back in 2005.
But Danny’s talents aren’t just limited to acting. This guy is a true multi-hyphenate! He’s a professional wrestler, a hilarious comedian, and a well-known radio and TV personality. In fact, he’s been regularly hosting a morning talk/music show at Seattle radio station KZOK-FM since November 2011. It’s safe to say, Danny Bonaduce has kept us entertained for decades, no matter what platform he’s on!
7. **Mike Lookinland (Bobby Brady)**: Alright, *Brady Bunch* fans, prepare to feel a rush of good vibes! Mike Lookinland caught his big break when he was cast as the second youngest Brady child, Bobby Brady, in the absolutely beloved series. His portrayal of the fun-loving and easy-going Brady kid earned Lookinland a ton of acclaim and endeared him to millions of viewers. Bobby and his sister Cindy were always so close, and their sibling bond was just the sweetest.
Beyond the iconic *Brady Bunch* house, Lookinland also had parts in other shows, including *Little House on The Prairie* (yes, two of our stars crossed paths!), and even appeared in several *Brady Bunch* specials and movies. Remember *The Towering Inferno* from 1974? Yep, he was in that too! But eventually, he decided to hang up his acting shoes and quit for good.
So, what’s he up to now? Well, nowadays, Lookinland is living a wonderfully normal and quiet life with his wife and two kids. And get this – he also runs a successful concrete business in Utah! That’s quite the career shift from Hollywood sets, isn’t it? He’s also a proud Deadhead, which means he’s a big fan of the Grateful Dead. It just goes to show that even child stars can find true happiness and fulfillment in unexpected places, far away from the flashing lights of fame.
Phew, what a ride through the lives of some absolute legends! We’ve already uncovered the fascinating journeys of seven incredible child stars, from prairie life to Hollywood directing, and even a concrete business owner! But guess what? The trip down memory lane isn’t over yet. Grab another snack and settle in because we’re about to dive even deeper into the lives of seven *more* iconic child stars from the 60s and 70s, exploring their wildly diverse paths, from teen idols to authors, activists, and beyond. Get ready to be amazed by what these golden oldies are up to now!
8. **Quinn Cummings (Lucy McFadden)**: Remember that utterly charming performance from Quinn Cummings as Lucy McFadden in the 1977 tear-jerker *The Goodbye Girl*? Her journey to stardom began as a tot in TV commercials, but it was that stellar film performance that truly catapulted her into the spotlight. It earned her prestigious Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress, an incredible start for a young talent!
That breakout role opened doors to more TV opportunities. She snagged a recurring role on *Family* and appeared on the short-lived sitcom *Hail to the Chief* in 1985. After a role in *Blossom*, she decided to gracefully bow out of the acting scene.
Here’s the cool part: Quinn didn’t just fade away. She reinvented herself impressively, becoming a casting director, a savvy entrepreneur, and a hugely successful blogger. She’s also a published author, with fantastic works like *Notes From The Underwire: Adventures from My Awkward and Lovely Life* (2009) and *The Year of Learning Dangerously* (2012). Her insightful writings have even been featured in big-name publications like *The Wall Street Journal* and *Time*. She truly shows that there’s success after the cameras stop rolling!
9. **Robby Benson**: Oh, Robby Benson! For a certain generation, he was the quintessential Hollywood heartthrob. While many know him for voicing the magnificent Beast in Disney’s *Beauty and the Beast* (1991), his acting journey kicked off earlier at just 11 years old in *Wait Until Dark*. He then landed a role in the classic soap opera *Search for Tomorrow* from 1971 to 1972.
Robby charmed audiences with appearances in films like *Jory* (1972) and *Jeremy* (1973). One of his most memorable early roles was playing Billy Joe McAllister in the hit 1976 film *Ode to Billy Joe*, solidifying his teen idol status. He had a knack for powerful, emotional roles even at a young age!
His impressive filmography continued to grow with notable works such as *Death Be Not Proud* (1975) and *One on One* (1977). He also starred in the powerful 1981 drama film *The Chosen*. And if you thought his talents were only on screen, think again! Following his work on *Beauty and the Beast*, Benson added “bestselling author” to his resume with his novel *Who Stole the Funny?: A Novel of Hollywood* (2007), which snagged a spot on the *LA Times* bestsellers list. This guy truly does it all!
10. **Scott Baio (Chachi Arcola)**: Get ready to shout “Aaaay!” because next up is the one and only Scott Baio! Launching his acting career in his teens, this award-winning child star is best remembered for his iconic role as the super cool Chachi Arcola in the legendary *Happy Days* (1977-1984). Chachi was so popular he even got his very own spinoff series, *Joanie Loves Chachi* (1982-1983). How awesome is that.
Scott’s career certainly didn’t stop there. He played the lead in another beloved series, *Charles in Charge* (1984-1990), becoming a familiar face for a new generation. He also took on the role of Dr. Jack Stewart in *Diagnosis Murder* (1993-1995), proving his range beyond the teen idol persona.
Scott continued to appear in various films and TV shows, including *Baby Talk* (1991-1992) and *Very Mean Men* (2000). Beyond acting, Scott channeled personal experiences into a meaningful cause. When his daughter Bailey was diagnosed with a rare metabolic disorder, he bravely stepped up and set up the Bailey Baio Angel Foundation. His dedication as a father continued to shine when Bailey was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2015. What an inspiring man!
11. **Alison “Nellie” Arngrim**: Oh, Nellie Oleson. Just the name probably sends shivers down the spines of *Little House on the Prairie* fans everywhere! Kicking off her career at 12, Alison Arngrim became instantly famous (or infamous!) for playing the most deliciously spoiled brat on the NBC series *Little House on the Prairie* (1974-1981). Nellie, with those unforgettable sausage curls, remains one of the most hated TV characters – a true testament to Alison’s incredible acting!
Playing such a notoriously nasty character wasn’t a walk in the park. Alison is still haunted by the persona of the spoiled brat she so convincingly portrayed. She even hilariously described her experience playing the role as “like having PMS for seven years!” Can you even imagine? It just goes to show how deeply she immersed herself in that iconic role.
Beyond her iconic turn as Nellie, Alison made guest appearances on various television shows. But she’s also carved out a fascinating path as an author, giving us a unique peek behind the curtain. In 2010, she released a wonderfully titled autobiography, *Confessions of a Prairie Bitch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated*. She even wrote and performed a stage show based on the book, which premiered to much buzz. It’s clear that Alison has embraced her unforgettable role with humor and grace!
12. **Barry Williams (Greg Brady)**: *Brady Bunch* faithful, this one’s for you! We’re talking about the original teen heartthrob, Barry Williams, who, at 14, was cast as the eldest of the Brady clan, Greg, in the iconic 1970s series. His charming portrayal made him a household name and cemented him as a true teen idol. In 1989, Barry was honored with the Young Artist Foundation Former Child Star Lifetime Achievement Award – well deserved!
After his groovy days in the Brady house, Barry kept busy. He made appearances in various *Brady Bunch* specials, of course! He also popped up in other beloved shows like *That ’70s Show* and *Three’s Company*. Beyond sitcoms, Barry delved into musical theater, touring with classic productions such as *Grease* and *The Sound of Music*. Talk about a man of many talents!
And walking in the footsteps of some of his fellow child star colleagues, Barry also became a successful author. His autobiography, *Growing Up Brady: I Was A Teenage Greg* (1992), was a massive hit, landing on the bestseller list for three months! It was so popular, it was even adapted into a made-for-TV movie in 2000. It’s truly fantastic to see how these stars have continued to evolve and share their stories, keeping that nostalgic flame burning bright for all of us!
And there you have it, folks! From the bustling soundstages of Hollywood to quiet lives dedicated to family and unique businesses, and from inspiring advocacy to crafting bestselling books, these incredible child stars from the 60s and 70s have truly shown us the kaleidoscope of possibilities that life after fame can hold. Their journeys, filled with triumphs, challenges, and incredible transformations, remind us that the magic they brought to our screens as kids was just the beginning. They continue to captivate us, not just for the memories they created, but for the remarkable adults they’ve become. Here’s to the golden oldies who never stopped shining!
