Whether you were exploring the American midwest, getting pointers on your detective work or trying to make it big in the newsroom, there were plenty of great shows, and equally well-loved celebs, to celebrate in the '70s. We've rounded up some of the decade's defining names, but left their best-known show hidden below.
So, pack up the wagon and get your leather jacket on, we're taking a stroll through the '70s finest TV actors – can you remember their names without peeking and, for extra credit, the show that brought them decade-defining fame?
© Getty ImagesErik Estrada starred in '70s buddy cop series 'CHiPs' with Larry Wilcox
Erik Estrada
Erik Estrada is a defining face of the same decade that first brought him to the screen. In 1970, the actor worked on Christian drama The Cross and the Switchblade, later followed by guest roles in Hawaii Five-O and The Six Million Dollar Man.
But it was in 1977 his most memorable role debuted on the TV screen: Erik and Larry Wilcox co-starred in buddy cop series CHiPs which ran until 1983.
© Bettmann Archive via Getty ImagesThe Mary Tyler Moore Show broke new ground for women in TV sitcoms
Mary Tyler Moore
Not every famous face gets their own self-titled show, but Mary Tyler Moore's star power was limitless during the '70s. The Mary Tyler Moore Show cast the actress as Mary Richards, an independent, unmarried woman whose focus was set on her newsroom career.
The sitcom ran from 1970 to 1977 and redefined what women on screen got to set their sights on. She also guested in the overlapping spin-off Rhoda which followed Mary's best friend's adventures in Manhattan.
© Bettmann Archive via Getty ImagesRedd Foxx starred as the elder Sanford in 'Sanford and Sons'
Redd Foxx
Actor and comedian Redd Foxx starred in Sanford and Son from 1972 to 1977. The sitcom featured Redd as the elder Sanford, Fred, who regularly feigned 'heart attacks' and traded in so-called junk.
He also appeared in Sanford and Son spin-off Grady (1975) and follow up series Sanford (1980). Other notable '70s roles include Cotton Comes to Harlem (1970) and Norman... Is That You? (1976).
© Getty ImagesHenry Winkler's Fonzie kept things cool on 'Happy Days'
Henry Winkler
Happy Days wouldn't be all that happy without The Fonz himself, Arthur Herbert Fonzarelli. Henry Winkler defined cool during the '70s but had a soft heart hidden under his signature leather jacket.
In fact, the '70s favourite is so beloved that his character was referenced in '90s sitcom Friends when Carol's obstetrician revealed his obsession with The Fonz.
© Getty ImagesCheryl Ladd is best known as private detective Kris Munro in four seasons of 'Charlie's Angels'
Cheryl Ladd
Cheryl Ladd replaced original Charlie's Angel Farrah Fawcett on the '70s hit, starring as Kris Munroe from season two until the show's end. Under mysterious instructions from Charlie, she and the other Angels would fight crime.
Throughout the decade, Cheryl also built an impressive career in music as the singing voice of Melody Valentine from 1970's Josie and the Pussycats.
© Getty ImagesPaul's David Starsky formed one half of the '70s much-loved detective duo
Paul Michael Glaser
Co-star of Starsky & Hutch, Paul Michael Glaser brought David Starsky to life between 1975 and 1979 in one of the decade's best-loved detective dramas opposite David Soul's Kenneth 'Hutch' Hutchinson.
But Paul isn't just beloved as the famous detective, his other notable '70s roles include Fiddler on the Roof (1971), The Great Houdini (1976) and Butterflies are Free (1972).
© Getty ImagesMelissa Gilbert starred in 'Little House on the Prairie' as author Laura Ingalls Wilder
Melissa Gilbert
Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie series was brought to life for Laura Ashley-loving '70s viewers in 1974. Melissa Gilbert starred as the author herself in this semi-autobiographical tale of a family's journey west in the 19th century.
The family consisted of Ma, Pa, Laura and her siblings, later followed by Laura's adventures as the head of her own family. But '70s kids soon won't be the only ones enamoured with her midwest adventures as Netflix is due to release their own interpretation in July.
