13 Actresses Everyone Secretly Had a Crush on Back in the ’70s

13 Actresses Everyone Secretly Had a Crush on Back in the ’70s

The 1970s gave us some of the most unforgettable women in entertainment history. From action stars to girl-next-door types, these actresses captured our hearts with their talent, beauty, and undeniable screen presence. Whether they graced television screens weekly or lit up movie theaters, these women defined an era of entertainment that still influences pop culture today.

1. Farrah Fawcett

That iconic red swimsuit poster sold over 12 million copies, making Farrah the ultimate ’70s fantasy. Her dazzling smile and signature feathered hair launched countless imitation hairstyles across America.

As private investigator Jill Munroe on “Charlie’s Angels,” she kicked down doors while maintaining perfect highlights, proving women could be both tough and gorgeous. Though she only stayed with the show for one season, her impact was permanent.

Later in her career, Farrah would prove herself a serious actress in projects like “The Burning Bed,” but in the ’70s, she represented the perfect California dream girl.

2. Bo Derek

Running along the beach in slow motion with cornrow braids, Bo Derek became the decade’s final bombshell when “10” hit theaters in 1979. Her entrance into Hollywood couldn’t have been more dramatic – instantly recognizable and impossible to forget.

Director Blake Edwards knew exactly what he was doing when he cast this newcomer opposite Dudley Moore. The cultural impact was immediate – women copied her beaded hairstyle while men pretended the film’s comedy was what interested them.

Incredibly, Bo was only 22 when she became this overnight sensation, closing out the ’70s with a new definition of physical perfection.

3. Lynda Carter

Those iconic spin transformations had boys and girls equally mesmerized when Lynda burst onto television screens in 1975. Standing 5’9″ with raven hair and those unmistakable blue eyes, she wasn’t just playing a superhero – she looked like one.

Former beauty queen turned actress, Lynda brought something special to Diana Prince. Her Wonder Woman balanced strength with compassion, fighting bad guys while never losing her femininity.

The costume became instantly legendary – that star-spangled outfit somehow managed to be patriotic, powerful and alluring all at once. Even today, every actress who dons the golden lasso lives in the shadow of Carter’s definitive portrayal.

4. Jaclyn Smith

While other stars came and went, Jaclyn remained with “Charlie’s Angels” for all five seasons, bringing consistent class and sophistication to action television. Her Kelly Garrett character balanced beauty with brains, never needing to flaunt what she had.

Off-screen, her dark-haired elegance offered a refreshing contrast to the blonde bombshell stereotype dominating the era. Women admired her style while men admired… everything else.

Smart business decisions followed her acting success – her Kmart clothing line became one of the first successful celebrity brands, proving her appeal extended far beyond detective work and glamour shots.

5. Olivia Newton-John

Audiences couldn’t get enough of Olivia’s transformation in “Grease” (1978). Starting as the sweetest exchange student with that angelic voice and innocent eyes, she captured hearts instantly.

Her Australian accent added exotic appeal to her girl-next-door image. Throughout the decade, her music career paralleled her film success, with hits like “I Honestly Love You” showcasing her gentle vulnerability.

But it was that final scene – cigarette in hand, hair teased wild, squeezed into those impossible black leather pants – that caused collective gasps in theaters nationwide. Sandy’s transformation mirrored Olivia’s own career evolution from country sweetheart to pop sensation.

6. Sally Field

From flying nun to union organizer, Sally’s career defied expectations at every turn. Her petite frame and enormous brown eyes made her America’s adorable kid sister, but her acting chops revealed something far more substantial.

Men who grew up watching “Gidget” found themselves cheering for her in “Smokey and the Bandit,” where she held her own against Burt Reynolds’ macho charm. Her infectious laugh and genuine warmth made her irresistible on screen.

Unlike many of her contemporaries, Sally’s appeal wasn’t built on obvious sex appeal – it was her authentic personality that shone through every role, making audiences feel like they truly knew her.

7. Raquel Welch

That prehistoric bikini from “One Million Years B.C.” might have made her famous in the ’60s, but Raquel’s star power burned straight through the ’70s without dimming. With her exotic features and formidable presence, she brought an almost architectural perfection to the screen.

Unlike many sex symbols, Raquel fought hard against being typecast. Films like “Kansas City Bomber” showed her determination to be taken seriously as an actress, not just a pin-up.

Her 1979 variety special demonstrated her singing and dancing talents, surprising those who’d only seen her as decoration. Through sheer force of will, she transformed herself from sex symbol to entertainment icon, outlasting many of her contemporaries.

8. Cheryl Ladd

Replacing Farrah on “Charlie’s Angels” should have been career suicide. Instead, Cheryl carved out her own special place in television history with her portrayal of Kris Munroe – Jill’s equally gorgeous but distinctly different sister.

Her California sunshine smile and athletic build made her the perfect action heroine. Whether chasing bad guys or posing for the show’s obligatory swimsuit scenes, Cheryl brought an appealing wholesomeness to her sex appeal.

Beyond acting, her 1978 hit “Think It Over” revealed impressive singing talent, making teen boys’ bedrooms suddenly fill with her album covers. Her down-to-earth personality and lack of diva behavior made her relatable despite her obvious beauty.

9. Catherine Bach

Those legendary shorts – so iconic they literally named a clothing style after her character. When Catherine Bach sauntered onto screens in “The Dukes of Hazzard,” she redefined casual television sexiness with a country twist.

Her long brown hair and athletic legs became her signature features, but Bach brought more than just looks to Daisy Duke. She infused the character with a spirited independence and quick intelligence that made her more than just eye candy.

Bach’s Daisy could handle a shotgun, drive like a NASCAR pro, and outsmart the bumbling sheriff – all while looking impossibly gorgeous. Her poster sales rivaled Farrah’s, with her famous “bent over car hood” image decorating countless garages and dorm rooms.

10. Susan Dey

Those serious eyes and perfect cheekbones made Susan stand out even in the colorful Partridge Family. As keyboard player Laurie, she represented the thinking teenager’s crush – smart, talented, and just a bit complicated.

While her castmate David Cassidy received most of the screaming fans, Susan cultivated a different kind of admiration. Her character’s intelligence and occasional sarcasm offered a refreshing alternative to the typical TV teen.

Her striking model-like features photographed beautifully for teen magazines, where she became a fixture. The contrast between her sophisticated beauty and the show’s bubblegum pop aesthetic created an intriguing tension that kept viewers coming back for more.

11. Goldie Hawn

That laugh! Unmistakable, infectious, and slightly mischievous – just like Goldie herself. After winning an Oscar in 1969, she dominated ’70s comedy with her perfect comic timing and surprising depth.

Her bubbly blonde persona masked serious talent, allowing her to steal scenes from established stars. In films like “Shampoo” and “Foul Play,” she balanced vulnerability with a knowing sexuality that felt both innocent and worldly.

Unlike manufactured sex symbols, Goldie’s appeal felt natural and unforced. Her tousled hair and minimal makeup approach created a refreshing alternative to the more glamorous stars of the era. Men fantasized not just about dating her but actually hanging out with her.

12. Jacqueline Bisset

That underwater scene in “The Deep” (1977) caused a sensation – Jacqueline swimming in a white T-shirt created one of the decade’s most memorable movie moments. Yet reducing her to this single scene ignores her remarkable versatility.

With her British accent and European sensibilities, she brought something different to American screens. Films like “Airport” and “Murder on the Orient Express” showcased her ability to project intelligence alongside beauty.

Unlike many contemporaries, Bisset never seemed to be trying too hard. Her natural elegance and slightly mysterious quality suggested depths beyond the typical Hollywood starlet. Men fantasized about meeting her in a Paris café for intellectual conversation… among other things.

13. Victoria Principal

As Pamela Barnes Ewing on “Dallas,” Victoria became television royalty just as the ’70s closed. Her dark, smoldering looks provided the perfect counterpoint to the show’s blonde bombshells, making her stand out in every scene.

Her character’s complicated romance with Bobby Ewing captivated viewers weekly. With those perfect eyebrows and lush lips, Victoria embodied a more exotic brand of beauty that felt both accessible and unattainable simultaneously.

Beyond her obvious physical attributes, she brought a compelling emotional vulnerability to Pam. Her background as a serious actress in films like “Earthquake” gave her performances unexpected depth, elevating what could have been just another pretty face into something memorable.