The '70s were a golden era for teen magazines, and the covers were a gateway to a world of pop icons, rock stars, and sitcom idols. But what happened to these beloved cover stars as they grew up and moved on from their teen heartthrob days? Let's take a look at the lives of some of the most iconic '70s teen magazine cover stars and where they are today.
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. 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.
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.
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'. 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.
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. 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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
