7 Biggest Child Stars of the 70s

First up on our list of the biggest child stars of the 70s was Ricky Schroder. In 1979, the 9-year-old actor wowed audiences with his performance in The Champ with Jon Voight. His powerful acting earned him a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year, making him an instant sensation.

Born in 1970, The Champ thrust him into the spotlight and kickstarted a career-defining era of young Hollywood. Later, as the 70s came to a close, his boyish charm and natural talent set him up for even greater success.

He later starred in several TV movies and films, including his iconic role in the 80s sitcom Silver Spoons. Ultimately, while Schroder’s biggest hits came in the following decade, the 70s were truly his breakthrough in Hollywood.

Next, Valerie Bertinelli skyrocketed to fame in 1975, playing Barbara Cooper on One Day at a Time. At only 15, she brought a perfect mix of sass and sweetness to the hit sitcom, which told a story about a divorced mom raising two teenage girls.

Throughout the late 70s, Bertinelli was featured on magazine covers, in TV specials, and undoubtedly became a teen idol. Fans adored her girl-next-door charm and impressive acting skills. As she got older and tackled more mature storylines, her skills also grew stronger.

Today, she’s reinvented herself as a popular culinary personality and host on Food Network. Her journey from child star of the 70s to beloved TV chef showcased her timeless appeal and adaptability in the spotlight, regardless of the field.

Related: Top 10 Groundbreaking Music Videos of the 70s

Christopher Knight was another one of the most iconic child stars of the 70s. He is best known for his role as Peter Brady in The Brady Bunch. Playing the middle child in the large and chaotic Brady family, his charm came from his boyish good looks and awkwardness.

With his freckled face, brown eyes, and shock of dark hair, Knight embodied the cute boy-next-door type that many young fans loved. Simultaneously, his transformation from a pre-teen to a handsome young man played out on screen, allowing audiences to grow up alongside him. His voice cracks became a distinctive trait, unexpectedly endearing him to young female fans who found his awkward phase charming.

Later, he entered the field of technology. Overall, Knight’s journey from child star to tech entreprenuer showcased the varied paths 70s child actors took after their early fame, earning a spot on our list.

Related: Top 10 Oscar Wins Of The 1970s

Another one of the biggest child stars of the 70s was Brooke Shields, one of the most recognizable child stars of the decade. At just 11 years old, she played a child prostitute with her role in Louis Malle’s 1978 film Pretty Baby. This role surely sparked plenty of controversy amongst audience members, as she was just a young child while filming.

That being said, her beauty and poise made her a sought-after talent in the entertainment industry. By the late 70s, she was on magazine covers and appearing in ad campaigns, most famously for Calvin Klein jeans. Later, her performances in films like The Blue Lagoon and Endless Love cemented her status as a teen icon, though they also fired up debates about the oversexualization of young actors in Hollywood.

Despite the controversies, Shields managed to maintain a level of normalcy. When not working, she attended regular school and later graduated from Princeton University. Overall, Shields’ career trajectory from 70s child model to teen actress set her apart from many of her peers and earned a place on our list.

Next, Gary Coleman was best known as Arnold Jackson on Diff’rent Strokes. His infectious smile and the catchphrase “What’chu talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” made him a household name.

Born with a kidney condition that stunted his growth, Coleman’s youthful appearance and wit were perfect for his role as Arnold. The show’s success made him one of the highest-paid child actors of the era, earning up to $70,000 per episode. Later, in 1989 he famously sued his parents for mismanagement of his income while working on Diff’rent Strokes.

Sadly, he passed away in 2010 at the young age of 42. Nonetheless, his portrayal of Arnold has continued to entertain new generations through reruns, earning his place on our list of child stars of the 70s.

Next, Peter Ostrum notably played Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. At 12 years old, Ostrum landed the coveted lead role in the movie, opposite Gene Wilder.

Despite the film’s success, he chose a different career path after his golden ticket to Hollywood. He declined a three-film contract, making this his first and only movie appearance.

Ostrum’s decision to step away from the spotlight made him unique among 70s child stars. With a professional career as a veterinarian, he occasionally participates in events related to the beloved film. But, he has maintained a fairly quiet life away from Hollywood.

Also Read: 7 More of The Best Female Singers of the 70s

Last but not least on our list of child stars of the 70s was the iconic Jodie Foster. Like many of these other stars, her breakthrough came at the young age of 12. She appeared in Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, where yet another child star played a child prostitute. This role also earned Foster her first Oscar nomination.

Foster’s career actually began even earlier, with appearances in commercials at age 3 and her first major role in the film Napoleon and Samantha. Unlike many child stars, Foster also successfully transitioned to adult roles. In the 70s, she also appeared in Freaky Friday and Candleshoe . Later, she won awards for her performance in The Accused and for her role as Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs.

Her journey from child star to respected Hollywood figure was a clear example to her talent, earning her the final place on our list.