The 70s were a golden era for teen magazines, with iconic covers featuring some of the biggest pop, rock, and sitcom stars of the time. These stars, now in their 60s and 70s, have led fascinating lives since their heyday. Here's a look at where some of these beloved idols are today, from their post-fame careers to their personal lives.
Phoebe Cates: Model to Mother
Before becoming a household name with roles in 'Gremlins' and 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High', Phoebe Cates started her career as a model for Seventeen magazine. In 1979, she graced the cover, advising teens to flaunt their new braces. Today, Cates is a mother-of-two living a quiet life out of the spotlight. She and her husband, actor Kevin Kline, have been happily married since the 1980s. Cates made a brief return to acting in 2001's 'The Anniversary Party' and lent her voice to the 2015 video game 'Lego Dimensions', reprising her role as Kate from 'Gremlins'.
Erik Estrada: CHiPs Star and Telenovela Heartthrob
Erik Estrada, the motorcycle officer from 'CHiPs', stole the hearts of 70s kids with his signature smile and dark wavy hair. He's still got that charm today, finding further fame with Spanish-speaking audiences in telenovelas like 'Dos mujeres, un camino'. Estrada made a cameo in the 2017 'CHiPs' film adaptation. Off-screen, he's been happily married to sound technician Nanette Mirkovich since 1997, and they share a daughter, Francesca. He's also a father to two sons from a previous marriage.
David Cassidy: The Partridge Family Star
David Cassidy, the defining pop and screen star of the 70s, had a successful solo career with hits like 'Could It Be Forever' and 'Cherish'. He graced the cover of TigerBeat's 'Ultimate Lovebook', though becoming his 'secret sweetheart' was a pipe dream. Cassidy passed away in 2017 from liver failure at the age of 67. His death marked the end of an era for 70s pop culture.
Gene Simmons: The KISS Bassist
Gene Simmons, the bassist for KISS, brought an edgy sound to the 70s with the band's iconic black-and-white face paint. Simmons is set to return with KISS in 2026 for the KISS Kruise: Land-locked in Las Vegas. In 2024, the band made headlines by selling their music catalogue and iconic face paint designs to the company behind ABBA Voyage. Simmons' personal life has been just as intriguing, with a dramatic transformation that has left fans wondering what he's up to next.
Kristy McNichol: Sitcom Star and Teen Idol
Kristy McNichol first appeared on the beloved sitcom 'Family' in 1976, working on the show until 1980. She starred in the teen comedy 'Little Darlings' in the same year and joined fellow teen idol Leif Garrett on the cover of 'Dynamite' magazine in 1979. McNichol has since retired from acting, officially leaving the industry in 2001. She's been in a happy relationship with her girlfriend, Martie Allen, for over 30 years.
Gilbert O'Sullivan: The Reclusive Singer-Songwriter
Gilbert O'Sullivan, the Irish singer-songwriter, found fame with songs like 'Alone Again (Naturally)', 'Clair', and 'Get Down'. He appeared on the cover of the teen classic 'Jackie' in 1973, which reached the height of its success during the decade. O'Sullivan now lives a reclusive life on the island of Jersey, enjoying a peaceful existence with his wife, Aase. He's made regular use of his private home music studio, releasing albums like 'Gilbert O'Sullivan' in 2018 and 'Driven' in 2022.
Patti Hansen: Model, Actress, and Rolling Stones Guitarist Wife
Patti Hansen, a model and actress, first appeared in films like 'Rich Kids' and 'They All Laughed'. She graced the cover of Seventeen magazine in 1974, offering guidance on prom dressing and heartbreak. Hansen is married to Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, whom she wed in 1983. Both of her daughters have followed her footsteps onto the runway, continuing the family's legacy in the fashion industry.
Susan Dey: From The Partridge Family to L.A. Law
Susan Dey starred as Laurie Partridge on 'The Partridge Family' from 1970 to 1974 and found stardom again in the 80s with her role as Grace Van Owen on 'L.A. Law' from 1986 to 1992. Dey is now retired, having married Bernard Sofronski in 1988. She welcomed actress daughter Sara Dey-Hirshan with her first husband, Lenny Hirshan, in 1978. Dey's post-fame life has been a quiet one, focusing on her family and retirement.
