If you've got fond memories of Billy Joel playing over the radio, a plate of now-banned food items leaking untold horrors onto your dinner plate and the latest copy of your favourite magazine, it's likely you lived a typical '70s childhood. Before our biggest stars were available at the click of a button, waiting for the perfect pin up poster or a magazine cover that would require the entire week's worth of pocket money was the regular mission of every besotted teen.
Read on to see the stars chosen to dominate the magazine stand, from pop icons to rock'n'roll bassists and sitcom idols.
© Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images,WireImage via Getty ImagesPhoebe Cates found fame as a model before she starred in iconic hits like 'Gremlins'
Phoebe Cates
Before she was starring in Gremlins and Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Phoebe Cates worked as a model for publications like Seventeen. In April 1979, she modelled on the cover advising teens to flaunt their new braces. After all, if Phoebe Cates says it's cool that's good enough for most '70s kids.
Now, the mother-of-two is living life happily out of the spotlight, enjoying a loved up marriage to Kevin Kline. She last appeared in 2001's The Anniversary Party and lent her voice to 2015 video game Lego Dimensions as her Gremlins character Kate.
© Getty Images,Variety via Getty ImagesErik Estrada stole viewers' hearts from the screen and magazine cover
Erik Estrada
If '70s kids can agree on anything, it's that CHiPs' motorcycle officer Erik Estrada got plenty of hearts racing with his signature smile and dark wavy hair. He's still got that sparky charm today, finding further fame with a Spanish-speaking audience in telenovelas like Dos mujeres, un camino, and even made a cameo as a paramedic in the 2017 CHiPs film adaptation.
Off-screen, he's happily married to Nanette Mirkovich, tying the knot with the sound technician back in 1997, and shares daughter Francesca with his now-wife. He is also father to two sons from a previous marriage.
© Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images,Getty ImagesDavid Cassidy was the defining pop and screen star for many '70s kids
David Cassidy
It wouldn't be the '70s without David Cassidy. The Partridge Family star had a successful run as a solo singer with hit tracks like 'Could It Be Forever' and 'Cherish'.
It's not surprising, then, that he made the cover of Tiger Beat's Ultimate Lovebook, though the chances of becoming his 'secret sweetheart' were pretty slim. The star sadly passed away from liver failure at the age of 67 on 21 November 2017.
© Getty ImagesGene Simmons and the rest of KISS provided an edgier sound for a '70s audience
Gene Simmons
If the wholesome tunes of David Cassidy weren't to your taste in the '70s, KISS provided a suitably edgy alternative. Bassist Gene Simmons brought this bad boy energy to the stage with the band's iconic black-and-white face paint. Fortunately, if you were wanting to recreate the look, or learn a little more about the band's personal life, Super Teen Special had you covered.
He is due to return as part of KISS Kruise: Land-locked in Las Vegas in late 2026 and made headlines in 2024 as the band sold the rights to their music catalogue and iconic face paint designs to the company behind ABBA Voyage.
© Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images,Getty ImagesKristy McNichol starred as Buddy in beloved sitcom 'Family'
Kristy McNichol
Kristy McNichol first appeared on beloved sitcom Family in 1976, working on the show until 1980, the same year she starred in teen comedy Little Darlings. In 1979, she joined fellow teen idol, and her on-screen boyfriend, Leif Garrett on the cover of Dynamite magazine.
Going on to star in Empty Nest, Kristy McNichol has since left acting behind, officially retiring in 2001. She has been in a happy relationship with her girlfriend Martie Allen for more than 30 years.
© Getty Images,WireImage via Getty ImagesGilbert O'Sullivan is living a quiet life on the island of Jersey
Gilbert O'Sullivan
Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O'Sullivan found fame with songs like 'Alone Again (Naturally)', 'Clair' and 'Get Down'. In 1973, he appeared on the cover of teen classic Jackie which reached the height of its success during the decade.
He's now living a more reclusive life on the island of Jersey. For over 30 years, he and wife Aase have enjoyed a peaceful life, with Gilbert making regular use of his private home music studio. In 2018 he released Gilbert O'Sullivan and in 2022, released Driven.
© Conde Nast via Getty Images,WireImage via Getty ImagesPatti Hansen was a famous face on magazine covers and the runway alike
Patti Hansen
Model and actress Patti Hansen first appeared on film in 1979's Rich Kids, followed by '80s features They All Laughed and Hard to Hold. In 1974, she appeared on the cover of teen classic magazine Seventeen which promised to provide guidance on dressing for prom and surviving heartbreak – hopefully not all in one night.
The model is been married twice and is now happily married to Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, who she wed in 1983. Both of her daughters have followed her footsteps onto the runway.
© Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images,WireImage via Getty ImagesSusan Dey is now enjoying her retirement
Susan Dey
Susan Dey starred as Laurie Partridge on The Partridge Family between 1970 and 1974, finding stardom in the following decade too with a role as Grace Van Owen on L.A. Law from 1986 to 1992.
The now-retired actress was previously married to Lenny Hirshan between 1976 and 1981, and is now happily wed to Bernard Sofronski who she tied the knot with in 1988. She welcomed actress daughter Sara Dey-Hirshan with her first husband in 1978.
