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'70s Stars Who Are Still Famous Today

Hollywood is constantly churning out a steady supply of new celebrities, and the nature of show business is that most of these stars will pretty quickly fade into obscurity. However, some celebrities rise so high that their star power allows them to stick around for decades in the public eye. 

Today, we're taking a look at some of these long-lasting stars of the 1970s. Even though they may have gotten their start decades ago, they're still going strong and are just as famous today as they were back then...if not more! 

From movie stars to musicians, here are the '70s celebrities who are still famous today. Let's get started! 

Cher

Cher

Cher rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like "Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves" and her television show "The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour." Her career has spanned decades, maintaining her status as a cultural icon.

Recently, Cher continues to perform, advocate for various causes, and even launched a line of gelato called "Cherlato." She remains a significant figure in both music and pop culture.

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Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like "Jolene" and "Coat of Many Colors," solidifying her place in country music history. She remains a beloved figure, known for her philanthropy and business ventures, including her theme park, Dollywood.

More recently, Dolly has been involved in charitable efforts, such as funding COVID-19 vaccine research, and she continues to release new music, illustrating her enduring influence in the entertainment industry.

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Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman began building his career in the 1970s with roles in theater and television, most notably on the children's show "The Electric Company." His breakthrough came later, but his early work laid the foundation for his future success.

Today, Freeman is an acclaimed actor known for films like "The Shawshank Redemption" and "Million Dollar Baby." He continues to act and has also become a prominent narrator, lending his voice to documentaries and commercials. Recently, Freeman has been involved in various film projects and continues to be a significant figure in Hollywood.

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Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone rose to fame in the 1970s with his iconic role as Rocky Balboa in "Rocky," a film he also wrote. The movie's success led to multiple sequels and established him as a major action star.

Today, Stallone continues to be active in the film industry, starring in and producing various projects. He reprised his role in the "Creed" series and remains involved in the "Expendables" franchise. Recently, he launched a reality TV series with his family and is set to appear in upcoming films. 

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Christopher Walken

Christopher Walken

Christopher Walken gained prominence in the 1970s with standout performances in films like "The Deer Hunter," for which he won an Academy Award. He remains a respected actor known for his distinctive voice and eclectic roles. 

Recently, Walken has continued to act in movies and television, including notable appearances in series like Severance and Denis Villeneuve's Dune 2

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Steve Martin

Steve Martin

Steve Martin found fame in the 1970s as a stand-up comedian and frequent "Saturday Night Live" guest, known for his quirky humor and memorable skits. His transition to film brought success with movies like "The Jerk" and "All of Me." 

Today, Martin remains a prominent figure in entertainment, balancing acting, writing, and music. Recently, he starred in the hit series "Only Murders in the Building," showcasing his comedic talent and appeal across generations. Additionally, Martin continues to perform live shows and collaborates on various creative projects. 

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Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep began her career in the 1970s, earning acclaim for roles in films like "The Deer Hunter" and "Kramer vs. Kramer," the latter earning her an Academy Award. Her versatility and talent quickly established her as one of Hollywood's leading actresses. 

These days, Streep remains a highly respected figure in the film industry, known for performances in movies such as "The Devil Wears Prada" and "The Iron Lady." Recently, she has starred in projects like "Little Women" and "Don't Look Up." 

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Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney gained worldwide fame as a member of The Beatles, which disbanded in 1970. He then launched a successful solo career and formed the band Wings, achieving hits like "Band on the Run." 

McCartney remains an influential figure in music, known for his extensive catalog and live performances. Recently, he has released new albums such as "McCartney III" and continues to tour globally. McCartney also engages in various philanthropic efforts and collaborations with contemporary artists. 

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Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda

In the 1970s, Jane Fonda hit the big screen with acclaimed roles in films like "Klute" and "Coming Home," earning her Academy Awards. Known for her activism, she also became a fitness icon with her aerobics videos. 

Fonda remains active in both entertainment and activism. She stars in the hit series "Grace and Frankie" and continues to appear in films. Recently, Fonda has been involved in climate change activism, leading initiatives like Fire Drill Fridays.

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Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford became a major star in the 1970s with his role as Han Solo in "Star Wars" and later as Indiana Jones in "Raiders of the Lost Ark." These iconic roles solidified his status as a leading actor for decades to come. 

Ford continues to be active in the film industry. He reprised both of his most famous roles as Han Solo and Indiana Jones in recent films. He is also involved in environmental advocacy, frequently participating in conservation efforts.

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Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger rose to fame in the 1970s as a champion bodybuilder, winning multiple Mr. Olympia titles. He transitioned to acting with his breakout role in "Conan the Barbarian" and cemented his status as an action star with "The Terminator." 

More recently, he reprised his role in recent "Terminator" films and starred in other projects. Schwarzenegger also served as the Governor of California from 2003 to 2011 and continues to advocate for environmental issues.

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Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood became a major star in the 1970s with roles in films like "Dirty Harry" and "The Outlaw Josey Wales." His tough-guy persona and directing skills solidified his place in Hollywood.

Eastwood remains active in the film industry as both an actor and director. Recent projects include directing and starring in "Cry Macho" and producing other films. Eastwood continues to receive acclaim for his work behind the camera, earning accolades for movies such as "American Sniper" and "Richard Jewell."

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Diana Ross

Diana Ross

Diana Ross achieved fame in the 1970s as a solo artist after leaving The Supremes, with hits like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Touch Me in the Morning." She also starred in movies such as "Lady Sings the Blues."

Ross remains active in music and continues to tour, enchanting audiences worldwide. She recently released a new album, "Thank You," and has been celebrated for her lifetime contributions to music and performance.

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Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand rose to fame in the 1960s, but she only got bigger during the '70s as both an actress and a musician. Her powerful voice and acting prowess earned her numerous awards.

Streisand remains active in entertainment and philanthropy. She continues to release music, with her latest album, "Walls," addressing contemporary issues. Streisand also advocates for social and political causes through the Barbra Streisand Foundation.

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Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro became a major star in the 1970s with iconic roles in films like "Taxi Driver," "The Godfather Part II," and "Raging Bull," earning critical acclaim and numerous awards. 

De Niro remains active in the film industry, starring in recent hits like "The Irishman" and "Joker." He co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival, promoting independent cinema, and continues to produce films through his company, Tribeca Productions.

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