The 10 Forgotten Stars of ’70s Sitcoms—Where Are They Now

The 10 Forgotten Stars of ’70s Sitcoms—Where Are They Now

The 1970s brought us some of the most iconic sitcoms in television history, full of laughter, heart, and unforgettable characters. But while some stars became household names for decades to come, others faded quietly from the spotlight. Whether due to personal struggles, career pivots, or simply the passage of time, these actors slowly slipped from mainstream memory—though their performances left lasting impressions.

1. Mackenzie Phillips – One Day at a Time

Julie Cooper, the rebellious teenager with a big heart, was a standout character on One Day at a Time. Mackenzie Phillips brought depth and energy to the role, becoming a familiar face in American households.

Off-screen, however, her battles with substance abuse were well documented. She was eventually written off the show due to these struggles. In later years, Phillips turned her life around and became a drug rehabilitation counselor, using her experiences to help others. She also authored a memoir detailing her turbulent life in Hollywood.

Today, she is admired more for her recovery and resilience than her fame.

2. Freddie Prinze – Chico and the Man

When Chico and the Man premiered, Freddie Prinze was instantly recognized as a breakout talent. His sharp wit and charming presence made him one of the first Latino actors to lead a primetime sitcom.

Behind the scenes, though, Prinze struggled with depression. Tragically, he took his own life in 1977 at just 22 years old. His death sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, cutting short what promised to be a legendary career.

His son, Freddie Prinze Jr., would later achieve fame in his own right. Still, many don’t realize the legacy he carries from his trailblazing father.

3. Richard Mulligan – Soap

As the eccentric and often confused Burt Campbell on Soap, Richard Mulligan showcased a perfect mix of physical comedy and subtle timing. He helped bring absurdity to life with sincerity, earning a devoted fan base.

After Soap, Mulligan found more success in the spinoff sitcom Empty Nest, which ran into the early ’90s. He remained active in TV and theater before his death in 2000 from cancer.

Although respected in the industry, Mulligan’s name rarely comes up in nostalgic sitcom conversations today. His work, however, remains a masterclass in underappreciated comedic brilliance.

4. Erin Moran – Happy Days

Best remembered as Joanie Cunningham, the sweet-natured younger sister on Happy Days, Erin Moran became a teen star whose character even inspired the short-lived spinoff Joanie Loves Chachi.

Following the show’s end, Moran faced difficulty finding substantial roles. She later spoke publicly about her financial and housing struggles, revealing the harsh reality many child stars face once the cameras stop rolling.

Her life came to a sad end in 2017 when she passed away from throat cancer at just 56. Despite her early fame, Moran’s story serves as a sobering reminder of how fleeting stardom can be.

5. Demond Wilson – Sanford and Son

Lamont Sanford was the straight man to Redd Foxx’s grumpy junk dealer in Sanford and Son, and Demond Wilson played him with both heart and wit. The show’s dynamic duo made it one of the most beloved sitcoms of its time.

After the series ended, Wilson made a radical life shift. He left acting behind, became a born-again Christian, and was eventually ordained as a minister. He has since written several books and toured as a speaker at religious events.

While he has largely stayed out of Hollywood, Wilson’s transformation is one of the most dramatic in sitcom history.

6. Valerie Curtin – Three’s Company (Pilot Only) and 9 to 5

Though she didn’t make it to the final cast of Three’s Company, Valerie Curtin briefly appeared in its pilot. She went on to co-star in the TV adaptation of 9 to 5, where she showcased her knack for dry humor.

Outside of acting, Curtin made her mark as a screenwriter. She co-wrote the Oscar-nominated film …And Justice for All and contributed to various television and film projects behind the scenes.

Despite her achievements, Curtin rarely gets the spotlight. Most people today remember the shows, but not necessarily the woman who helped shape their early success.

7. Marla Gibbs – The Jeffersons

The wisecracking housekeeper Florence Johnston was one of the best-loved characters on The Jeffersons, thanks to Marla Gibbs’ sharp delivery and perfect timing. She turned what could’ve been a minor role into one of the sitcom’s highlights.

Following the show’s success, Gibbs led her own series, 227, and continued acting in smaller roles for decades. She’s appeared in recent projects like Grey’s Anatomy and El Camino and remains active even in her 90s.

Despite her legendary status in Black sitcom history, Gibbs often doesn’t get the widespread recognition she deserves today. Her quiet longevity is a story in itself.

8. Ted Lange – Love Boat

As the always-smiling bartender Isaac Washington on The Love Boat, Ted Lange became a symbol of warmth and charisma. His signature smile and affable presence made him one of the series’ most beloved characters.

After the show ended, Lange transitioned into directing, working on episodes of Moesha, The Wayans Bros., and others. He also returned to his theatrical roots and taught acting workshops.

While The Love Boat is often referenced in pop culture, Lange himself is rarely mentioned by name. Still, his behind-the-scenes work has helped shape new generations of performers.

9. Nancy Walker – Rhoda

Playing Ida Morgenstern, the overbearing but endearing mother on Rhoda, Nancy Walker delivered scene-stealing performances with impeccable comedic rhythm. Her character became a fan favorite for her sarcasm and sass.

In addition to acting, Walker directed several episodes of The Golden Girls and had a brief run with her own sitcom, The Nancy Walker Show. Her career spanned decades, but she gradually disappeared from the public eye in the late 1980s.

She passed away in 1992. Though once a household name, her legacy today lives mostly in reruns and among classic TV enthusiasts.

10. Jimmie Walker – Good Times

Few sitcom catchphrases were more iconic than “Dy-no-mite!” shouted by J.J. Evans on Good Times. Jimmie Walker became a breakout star whose comedic energy lit up every episode.

Despite his fame, Walker didn’t manage to translate that success into a major post-sitcom career. He remained active in stand-up comedy but stayed mostly out of television’s limelight. He occasionally appears in interviews reflecting on the golden days of sitcom TV.

For many, the phrase remains recognizable, but the man behind it has become somewhat of a nostalgic footnote rather than a continuously celebrated figure.