The 70s were an iconic era, and we couldn’t mention them without bringing up the many famous women who defined the time. But who exactly were the “it girls” of the 1970s? Well, their beauty and charm didn’t just make them celebrities. It influenced the culture and the fashion world as we know it today.
Shelley Duvall left Hollywood to reconnect with her loved ones
After taking the world by storm in the 1970 flick “Brewster McCloud,” Shelley Duvall became director Robert Altman’s muse, and he was her ticket to fame with the 1975 hit “Nashville” before starring in movies like “The Shining.” Her beauty and talent also led to a high-profile love story with Paul Simon. In the 90s, her brother was tragically diagnosed with spinal cancer, which led her to move back home to Texas and take a 20-year break from acting. She returned to the public eye during a “Dr. Phil” episode, appearing mentally unwell.
Bo Derek went from a household name to a dwindling career
Originally named Mary Cathleen Collins, she adopted the name Bo Derek after marrying her 49-year-old husband at the age of 19. After appearing in “Jaws” and “10,” she became one of the bombshells of the 70s. After several starring roles, she moved to supporting roles, and now she only acts occasionally. She remained with her husband until he died in 1988, and a few years later, she dated and ultimately married actor John Corbett, aka Aidan from “Sex and the City.”
Suzanne Summers earned millions from the ThighMaster
After starring as a ditzy blonde on the 1977 hit “Three’s Company,” she revealed that she was paid 10-15 times less than her male co-stars and was eventually written out of the show after asking for a raise. She appeared in a few sitcoms after that, like “Step by Step,” but her real success was in the fitness industry when she rebranded herself as a workout guru like Jane Fonda, making millions hawking the ThighMaster on infomercials.
Barbara Bach fell for one of The Beatles
Bach went from a somewhat successful model and actor when she landed a coveted role as a Bond girl, Russian KGB agent Anya Amasova to be precise. Then, in 1980, she met Ringo Starr, with whom she co-starred in “Caveman.” They were both dating other people at the time but left their partners to be with each other. They married in 1981 and, in the late 80s, attended rehab together. They remained spouses through sobriety.
Karen Black worked on indie movies until she passed away
Black was on the rebellious side of Hollywood, starring in counterculture movies like “Drive, He Said” and “Easy Rider.” She eventually starred in big-budget films like “The Great Gatsby,” but after years in the spotlight, she shifted to smaller indie films as a character actor. She has hundreds of screen credits in a wide range of genres (including extreme horror), but in 2013, the actor died from a rare cancer at 74.
Diane Keaton sparked a fashion trend and won an Oscar
While she may have come on our radar with a role in “The Godfather” (and its sequel), she was a leading lady in many of Woody Allen’s films when they were dating, most notably “Annie Hall.” The movie launched her to style icon status, and her fashion trends live on today. She never lost traction as an actress, starring in movies like “Father of the Bride,” ”The First Wives Club,” “Something’s Gotta Give,” and the more recent “Book Club” franchise. She passed away in October 2025 at 79.
Stevie Nicks created one of the biggest albums of the 70s and was also a fashion icon
Like Keaton, Stevie Nicks inspired generations of folksy rocker fashion with her style when she was a member of Fleetwood Mack. She was responsible for famous tracks like “Rhiannon” and “Gold Dust Woman,” and the “Rumours” album, which she sang, sold 40 million copies. She was known for her ruffles, chiffon, and scarves (and occasionally, a top hat), making her a witchy bohemian trendsetter. She ultimately had a feud with her band member and ex, Lindsey Buckingham, but established a successful solo career. Nicks will forever be an undeniable part of American pop culture.
Bianca Jagger divorced Mick Jagger and embraced humanitarian causes
This Nicaraguan model married the frontman of the Rolling Stones in 1970 and became Bianca Jagger in 1981. She became a staple at the famous Studio 54 in the 70s, and became close friends with (and the muse of) designer Halston, whose design she wore when entering the nightclub on a white horse. In 1978, she filed for divorce on the grounds of adultery and devoted herself to social justice, environmental causes, and human rights, founding the Bianca Jagger Human Rights Foundation. Jagger is also a Council of Europe Goodwill Ambassador.
Ali MacGraw lost her Malibu home in a fire and moved to New Mexico
After starring in the tragic romance film “Love Story,” she starred in “The Getaway” with Steve McQueen. She launched a real-life romance, which ultimately ended her marriage to movie producer Robert Evans. Thereafter, she only took on work occasionally (15 screen credits over 40 years) and left LA after a 1993 fire destroyed her home. She didn’t have a passion for acting anymore, telling the Wall Street Journal that she took guest roles like “Dynasty” for money. She moved on to New Mexico, and today she’s known as a fashion icon.
Farrah Fawcett left “Charlie’s Angels” for more serious roles (and sold 12 million posters)
Just like Jennifer Aniston immortalized the “Rachel” hairstyle, Farrah Fawcett made the layered shag what it was in the 70s and 80s. Even more famous was a photo of her in a swimsuit, which sold 12 million copies thanks to a whole lot of teenage boys. After earning only $5,000 per episode on “Charlie’s Angels” and just 2% of the lucrative merch, she quit after one season when producers refused to give her a raise. She was sued by producers of the show but moved on to get nominated for Emmys and Golden Globes, reprising on-screen roles until her death in 2009.
