The 1970s was a time full of music, dancing, and the rise of many heartthrobs.
In the era before social media, Bobby Sherman received the most fan mail of any ABC actor, and Shaun Cassidy is even still touring at 67 years old. However, some heartthrobs faced severe hardships like John Travolta and tragic endings, such as Andy Gibb.
Here, we look back at the biggest heartthrobs of the '70s and where they are now…
Shaun Cassidy
© Getty ImagesHaving enjoyed a versatile career, Shaun Cassidy was a '70s star of both the stage and the small screen. The son of Academy Award-winning actress Shirley Jones and Tony and Grammy Award winner Jack Cassidy certainly had the genes for making a name in Hollywood.
Initially, he made waves in the music industry, releasing his self-titled debut album and sophomore record in 1977, which launched him into teen idol status with hits like "Da Do Ron Ron." Pop stardom was not his only goal, however. That same year, Shaun starred as Joe Hardy in The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries on ABC, kicking off a successful television acting career.
Moving into the '80s, Shaun continued to act in shows such as General Hospital. Broadway called in 1993 when he and his half-brother, David Cassidy, teamed up to star in the hit musical Blood Brothers.
© Getty ImagesThe 67-year-old explored different creative avenues over the years as a television writer and executive producer before returning to his live roots. The pop star made his return to the stage with his first live music tour in 45 years, The Road to Us, featuring both classic hits and new material.
"For years, I was like, I don't want to [tour] because I'll just be trying to replicate some version of myself at 20, which I always thought would be embarrassing, and why try?" Shaun told People. "But I discovered, and the audience told me this, that I didn't need to do that because I actually had all these other cards I could play. Now I'm a storyteller."
Away from the spotlight, Shaun has been married to television producer Tracey Lynne Turner since 2004, and the couple share four children: sons Caleb and Roan, and daughters Lila and Mairin. Across his three marriages, he has eight children.
John Travolta
© Getty ImagesJohn Travolta embodied the ultimate '70s heartthrob through his iconic dance moves in classic films like Saturday Night Fever (1977) and Grease (1978). The leading man also rose to fame on the hit '70s sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter, playing Vinnie Barbarino.
In the decades following his breakout era, Travolta earned critical acclaim for major films including Pulp Fiction (1994), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, and the hit movie musical Hairspray (2007).
The 72-year-old star continues to work behind and in front of the camera, recently making his directorial debut with Propeller One-Way Night Coach alongside upcoming acting roles in That's Amore! and November 1963.
© Getty ImagesTravolta has endured profound personal tragedies throughout his life. His wife, actress Kelly Preston – with whom he shared three children – passed away in 2020 at age 57 following a two-year battle with breast cancer. Years earlier, in 2009, their son Jett passed away at age 16.
In 2025, Travolta told Italian newspaper La Repubblica regarding his debut film: "I dedicated the film to Kelly, to my son Jett, to my brothers and sisters, to my mother and my father, because they are the model from which this film was born."
Donny Osmond
© Getty ImagesWith his signature smile and vocals, Donny Osmond captured hearts as part of The Osmonds, a group of brothers who earned multiple gold records and top-charting hits. In the early '70s, Donny launched a solo career with smash singles like "Puppy Love."
From 1976 to 1979, he hosted the hit television variety series Donny & Marie alongside his sister, Marie Osmond. The duo later reunited to host a syndicated talk show from 1998 to 2000. Donny also proved his moves by winning Season 9 of Dancing with the Stars in 2009.
© Randy CollierThe 68-year-old performer has spent nearly his entire life on stage. After headlining his solo residency celebrating his career at Harrah's Las Vegas for five years, he extended his run on the Strip through June 2027.
Away from the stage, Donny has been married to Debbie Glenn since 1978. The couple raised five sons together: Donald Jr., Jeremy, Brandon, Christopher, and Joshua.
Bobby Sherman
© Bettmann ArchiveBobby Sherman became a major teen idol in the late '60s and early '70s through hit singles like "Little Woman" and his starring role as Jeremy Bolt on the ABC television series Here Come the Brides (1968–1970). At the height of his popularity, Sherman received more fan mail than any other performer on the ABC network.
Sherman stepped away from full-time show business in the mid-1970s to pursue a second career as an EMT, paramedic, and deputy sheriff. He briefly returned to performing in 1998 for The Teen Idol Tour alongside Peter Noone and Davy Jones, giving his final solo concert performance in Lincoln, Rhode Island, in August 2001.
© Jason KempinIn his personal life, Sherman was married to his second wife, Brigitte Poublon, and shared two sons with his first wife, Patti Carnel. On June 23, 2025, Sherman passed away at age 81 following a battle with stage IV kidney cancer.
Andy Gibb
© Getty ImagesAs the younger brother of Bee Gees members Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, Andy Gibb established an international solo career in the late 1970s.
His debut 1977 album, Flowing Rivers, generated three consecutive US number-one singles, with "Shadow Dancing" topping the charts and becoming his signature hit.
© Disney General Entertainment ConDuring the 1980s, Gibb transitioned to theatrical and television work, starring in stage productions such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on Broadway in 1982. However, his career was severely impacted by struggles with depression and substance abuse. In March 1988, just days after his 30th birthday, Gibb passed away from myocarditis, ending his career prematurely.
