Back in Time Today
The 1970s transformed television into a launching pad for Hollywood’s biggest stars. These actors first graced our small screens during this vibrant decade, captivating audiences with memorable characters before conquering the big screen. Their journeys from weekly TV appearances to box office dominance showcase remarkable talent and persistence.
1. John Travolta: From Sweathog to Saturday Night Sensation
Before disco balls and leather jackets, Travolta charmed viewers as dim-witted heartthrob Vinnie Barbarino in “Welcome Back, Kotter.” His infectious smile and dance moves caught Hollywood’s attention.
The transition from class clown to Tony Manero in “Saturday Night Fever” happened almost overnight, catapulting him to superstardom. Years later, Quentin Tarantino would resurrect his career with “Pulp Fiction,” cementing his legacy as a cinematic chameleon.
2. Robin Williams: The Alien Who Conquered Hollywood
“Nanu nanu” became a national catchphrase when Williams landed on Earth as the lovable alien Mork from Ork. His hyperkinetic improvisations frequently left co-star Pam Dawber struggling to maintain composure.
The rainbow suspenders and childlike wonder masked a versatile dramatic talent that would later shine in films like “Dead Poets Society.” His journey from sitcom alien to Academy Award winner remains one of Hollywood’s most remarkable transformations.
3. Harrison Ford: Carpenter Turned Galactic Hero
Few remember Ford’s early TV guest spots on shows like “The Virginian” and “Kung Fu” before he became Han Solo. Between carpentry jobs to support his family, he took small roles that barely hinted at his future stardom.
George Lucas cast him in “American Graffiti,” beginning a partnership that would change cinema history. From space smuggler to adventuring archaeologist, Ford’s journey from TV bit player to box office champion exemplifies Hollywood perseverance.
4. Michael Douglas: Streets of San Francisco to Wall Street
The son of Hollywood royalty Kirk Douglas forged his own path starting with detective Steve Keller on “The Streets of San Francisco.” Partnered with veteran Karl Malden, young Douglas learned television craft before setting his sights higher.
His producer ambitions yielded gold when “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” won Best Picture. Later declaring “greed is good” as Gordon Gekko, Douglas established himself as both leading man and producer extraordinaire, escaping his father’s considerable shadow.
5. Meryl Streep: From Holocaust Drama to Hollywood Queen
Before collecting Oscar nominations like others collect stamps, Streep made her mark in the 1978 NBC miniseries “Holocaust.” Her portrayal of a Christian woman married to a Jewish artist showcased the emotional depth that would become her trademark.
Within two years, she’d win her first Academy Award for “Kramer vs. Kramer.” The miniseries that introduced her to American audiences launched cinema’s most decorated actress, whose range and accent mastery remain unmatched decades later.
6. Bruce Willis: Moonlighting Detective to Die Hard Hero
The smirking bartender-turned-actor found fame trading rapid-fire banter with Cybill Shepherd in “Moonlighting.” His cocky David Addison charmed viewers with a mixture of wisecracks and vulnerability that disguised his leading man potential.
When he donned the blood-stained tank top as John McClane in “Die Hard,” Hollywood discovered its newest action star. The barefoot hero crawling through air ducts transformed the TV detective into an action icon who redefined the genre with everyday heroism.
7. Tom Hanks: Bosom Buddies to Box Office Gold
Before collecting Oscars and becoming America’s dad, Hanks donned a dress for the sitcom “Bosom Buddies.” The premise—men disguising as women to secure affordable housing—sounds ridiculous, but Hanks brought surprising heart to the role.
His natural likability shone through the silly concept, catching director Ron Howard’s eye for “Splash.” The mermaid romance launched Hanks toward “Big,” “Forrest Gump,” and Hollywood immortality. Not bad for an actor who started in women’s clothing on a short-lived sitcom!
8. Denzel Washington: St. Elsewhere to Cinematic Excellence
As Dr. Philip Chandler on the medical drama “St. Elsewhere,” Washington brought quiet dignity to the hospital halls. His measured performance stood out among the ensemble cast, revealing the intense focus that would become his signature.
While still filming the series, he landed “Cry Freedom,” earning his first Oscar nomination. The doctor’s scrubs gave way to powerful roles in “Glory” and “Malcolm X.” His transition from TV physician to cinema’s most respected actor happened with remarkable speed and undeniable talent.
9. Michelle Pfeiffer: From Fantasy Island to Feline Fatale
Before purring as Catwoman, Pfeiffer appeared as a background player on shows like “Fantasy Island” and “CHiPs.” These blink-and-miss roles barely hinted at the screen presence waiting to emerge.
Her breakthrough came with “Scarface,” playing Al Pacino’s trophy wife with surprising depth. The former TV extra transformed into one of Hollywood’s most versatile actresses. From the sultry lounge singer in “The Fabulous Baker Boys” to the whip-cracking Catwoman, Pfeiffer left her forgettable TV beginnings far behind.
10. Michael J. Fox: Family Ties to Time Travel
As conservative teenager Alex P. Keaton on “Family Ties,” Fox created one of television’s most beloved characters. His Republican youth clashing with ex-hippie parents captured America’s cultural transition perfectly.
While still filming the sitcom, he shot “Back to the Future” at night, often functioning on minimal sleep. The exhausting schedule paid off when Marty McFly made him a global superstar. His journey from TV sitcom to blockbuster franchise happened at approximately 88 miles per hour.
11. Sally Field: From Flying Nun to Oscar Winner
Field’s unlikely journey began with the ridiculous premise of a nun whose habit allowed her to fly in the late ’60s sitcom “The Flying Nun.” She followed this with the ’70s series “The Girl with Something Extra,” playing a telepathic newlywed.
These lightweight roles gave no indication of the dramatic powerhouse waiting to emerge. Her transformation began with “Norma Rae,” winning her first Oscar as a union organizer. The former flying nun’s declaration “You like me!” at her second Oscar win became Hollywood legend.
12. Morgan Freeman: Electric Company Educator to Cinematic Sage
Children of the ’70s knew Freeman as Easy Reader, the cool teacher who made reading hip on PBS’s “The Electric Company.” His warm voice and natural authority made learning fun for a generation of kids.
The educational show seems worlds away from his later gravitas in films like “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Million Dollar Baby.” His journey from children’s TV educator to Hollywood’s go-to voice of wisdom took decades of persistence. The dignity present in Easy Reader eventually found its perfect cinematic home.
13. Goldie Hawn: Laugh-In Giggler to Comedy Queen
With painted body and infectious giggles, Hawn captured America’s heart on the sketch comedy show “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.” Her ditzy blonde persona masked sharp comedic timing and natural screen presence.
Hollywood quickly noticed, casting her in “Cactus Flower,” which earned her an Oscar. The giggling girl in body paint evolved into one of cinema’s most bankable comedy stars. Films like “Private Benjamin” proved she could carry movies with a perfect blend of vulnerability and humor.
14. James Woods: Guest Star to Intense Character Actor
Before becoming Hollywood’s go-to intensity machine, Woods bounced between guest spots on shows like “The Rockford Files” and “Kojak.” These detective dramas utilized his natural edginess but barely scratched the surface of his talent.
The leap to film came with “The Onion Field,” playing a murderous criminal with disturbing authenticity. TV’s loss became cinema’s gain as Woods specialized in characters operating at extreme psychological frequencies. His twitchy energy and laser-focused performances made him unforgettable in films like “Salvador” and “Casino.”
15. Helen Hunt: Child Actor to Oscar Glory
Few child actors successfully transition to adult stardom, but Hunt defied the odds. After appearing in ’70s shows like “The Swiss Family Robinson” and “The Fitzpatricks,” she avoided the typical child star pitfalls.
Her persistence through countless TV movies and guest spots finally paid off with “Mad About You.” The sitcom success launched her film career, culminating in an Oscar for “As Good As It Gets.” The former child actress outshined veteran Jack Nicholson, completing her remarkable small-to-big screen journey.
16. Ted Danson: Soap Opera Doctor to Cheers Bartender
Before pouring drinks at TV’s most famous bar, Danson played Dr. Mitchell Pierson on the daytime soap “Somerset.” He followed this with a role in the short-lived cop show “The Doctors.”
These forgettable parts gave little indication of the charm that would make Sam Malone an icon. Though “Cheers” began in 1982, Danson’s roots in ’70s television prepared him for stardom. His transition from daytime doctor to prime-time bartender eventually led to film roles in “Three Men and a Baby” and “Made in America.”
17. Burt Reynolds: Gunsmoke Deputy to Box Office Champion
Reynolds brought smoldering intensity to his role as half-Native American blacksmith Quint Asper on “Gunsmoke.” The popular Western series showcased his rugged appeal and laid-back charm years before his mustached prime.
Following his TV western apprenticeship, Reynolds conquered drive-ins with “Deliverance” and “Smokey and the Bandit.” Throughout the late ’70s, no star was bigger or more beloved. His good ol’ boy persona and willingness to poke fun at his macho image made him the world’s biggest box office draw.
18. Jamie Lee Curtis: Halloween Scream Queen to A-List Actress
Curtis’s television beginnings included guest spots on shows like “Columbo” and “The Love Boat” before she became horror’s definitive final girl. Her bloodcurdling screams as Laurie Strode in “Halloween” launched both the slasher genre and her career.
The daughter of Hollywood royalty Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh carved her own unique path. From horror victim to action hero in “True Lies,” Curtis transcended her scream queen origins. Her recent return to the Halloween franchise brought her career full circle from TV guest star to horror icon.
19. Mark Hamill: Soap Star to Jedi Knight
Before wielding a lightsaber, Hamill appeared on soap operas like “General Hospital” playing Kent Murray. Additional TV guest spots on shows like “The Partridge Family” rounded out his early resume.
Everything changed when George Lucas cast him as farm boy turned galactic hero Luke Skywalker. The soap actor became half of cinema’s most shocking paternity revelation. Though typecast after “Star Wars,” Hamill reinvented himself as an acclaimed voice actor, most notably as Batman’s nemesis The Joker.
20. Sigourney Weaver: Somerset Soap to Space Warrior
Standing at an imposing 5’11”, Weaver struggled to find suitable roles, beginning with a tiny part on the soap opera “Somerset.” Her height and unconventional beauty didn’t fit television’s typical requirements.
Ridley Scott saw what TV missed when casting the sci-fi horror “Alien.” As warrant officer Ellen Ripley, Weaver created cinema’s greatest female action hero. The former soap extra battled xenomorphs across four films, proving television’s loss was cinema’s monumental gain.