The 70s saw a shift in beauty standards, embracing a more natural and diverse range of looks. From the charm of Faye Dunaway to the elegance of Jacqueline Bisset, the most beautiful actresses of the 70s not only had the looks but also brought depth to their roles.
They challenged stereotypes, took on groundbreaking parts, and helped reshape the film industry. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most beautiful actresses of the 70s decade. We’ll discuss their most memorable roles, their impact on popular culture, and the qualities that made them stand out.
Farrah Fawcett
A sun-kissed blonde with a dazzling smile and that hair. Who was she? None other than Farrah Fawcett, the woman who became the ultimate 70s pin-up and so much more.
When she appeared on screens in Charlie’s Angels, she wasn’t just eye candy. Farrah’s mix of tough and sexy had everyone glued to their TV sets. Her energy was vibrant, playful, and confident. In a decade full of beautiful women, Farrah Fawcett undeniably stood out with her iconic hair and dazzling smile. She wasn’t just beautiful, she was unforgettable.
Olivia Newton-John
Next, Olivia Newton-John emerged as one of the most captivating beauties of the 1970s, with a versatility that set her apart from her peers. Her angelic features, luminous smile, and flowing blonde hair made her a vision of classic beauty. But, it was her ability to transition between music and film that truly cemented her status as an icon of the era.
Was she a country singer? Pop star? Movie actress? Newton-John really said “why not all of the above?” and dominated every category that she entered. Newton-John’s breakthrough role as Sandy in the 1978 blockbuster musical Grease catapulted her to stardom. The movie’s soundtrack became a global phenomenon, with Newton-John’s performances of “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and “You’re the One That I Want” topping charts worldwide.
Without a doubt, Newton-John’s legacy as one of the most beautiful actresses of the 70s is intertwined with her music career and enduring impact on popular culture, making her a true icon of her time.
Faye Dunaway
Faye Dunaway epitomized 1970s beauty with her sharp and sophisticated features. Her high cheekbones, piercing green eyes, and elegance made her the embodiment of cool, intelligent beauty.
Her beauty was complemented by her exceptional acting skills, showcased in iconic films like Chinatown (1974) and Network (1976). These performances not only earned her critical acclaim but also established her as a sex symbol capable of tackling demanding roles.
Goldie Hawn
Next on our list of the most beautiful actresses of the 70s is Goldie Hawn. With her iconic blonde locks and infectious smile, Hawn created a new kind of Hollywood glamor. Her charm and girl-next-door appeal made her an instant favorite among audiences.
Hawn’s beauty was matched by her ability to bring depth and nuance to her roles. Her breakout performance in 1969’s Cactus Flower earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, proving she was far more than just a pretty face. Beyond her undeniable beauty, Hawn’s characters were confident and individualistic, inspiring a generation of women to embrace their true selves.
Overall, Goldie Hawn truly proved that beauty and talent could coexist in Hollywood.
Catherine Deneuve
Catherine Deneuve ranks as another one of the most beautiful actresses of the 70s. Her classic French elegance, blonde hair, and sophisticated style made her stand out in Hollywood and beyond.
Deneuve rose to fame in the 60s with movies like The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, but she continued as a big star in the 70s. One of her most famous roles came in the movie The Last Metro, which premiered in 1980 but demonstrated how she maintained her popularity throughout the decade.
Deneuve’s smart, classy image set her apart from other beautiful actresses of the time. She also worked as a model, becoming the face of the iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume. Even today, people remember Catherine Deneuve as one of the great beauties of international cinema from the 70s.
Pam Grier
Pam Grier was another one of the most beautiful actresses of the 1970s. She looked different from many other Hollywood stars of the time, which made her stand out.
Grier made her name known in ‘blaxploitation‘ movies like Coffy and Foxy Brown. These films were part of a new trend in Hollywood that featured African American actors in leading roles and appealed to black audiences. Grier played tough characters who held their own in fights, which was unusual for women in movies back then.
Portraying strong, black females in this way in the 70s was an important step for women-of-color everywhere. Today, people remember Pam Grier as someone who changed what a Hollywood star could look and act like.
Lynda Carter
Lynda Carter emerged as one of the most beautiful actresses of the 70s. Her striking blue eyes and radiant smile captivated audiences from her early days as Miss World USA in 1972. Carter’s iconic role as Wonder Woman transformed her into a symbol of both strength and beauty.
Her classic features epitomized 70s glamour while still maintaining a timeless appeal. Her long dark hair, high cheekbones, and enviable figure were featured in magazines and posters throughout the decade. The legendary Wonder Woman costume also accentuated her physique, creating an image that became instantly recognizable and widely admired.
Carter’s beauty also extended beyond mere physical attributes. She combined her gorgeous looks with an air of confidence and charisma that made her presence unforgettable. This blend of outer and inner beauty set her apart from her contemporaries.
Raquel Welch
Next, Raquel Welch was known for her long dark hair and beautiful features. Although she first caught everyone’s attention in the 1960s, she remained a major star throughout the 70s.
One of Welch’s most famous moments was in the movie One Million Years B.C., where she wore a fur bikini. This image became an iconic poster that many people remember even today. Welch continued acting in many different types of movies, from westerns to comedies, proving she was more than just a pretty face.
What set Welch apart was her ability to combine beauty with a strong, confident personality. She played tough, independent characters. Even now, Raquel Welch is remembered as one of the great beauties of 1970s Hollywood.
Jacqueline Bisset
Another one of the most beautiful actresses of the 70s was Jacqueline Bisset. She stood out with her striking blue eyes and delicate features. Unlike some of her flashier peers, she had a quiet, elegant beauty that many found refreshing.
Bisset became famous for her role in The Deep, especially for a scene where she swam underwater in a white T-shirt. But she was more than just a pretty face, as she acted in serious films like Day for Night and the movie adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express, which showed that she had real talent, too.
Ultimately, what made Bisset special was how she seemed both glamorous and down-to-earth at the same time. She didn’t follow all the crazy 70s fashion trends, instead sticking to a classic look that still looks good today.
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Jane Fonda
Capping our list as one of the most beautiful actresses of the 70s is Jane Fonda. With her luminous skin, piercing blue eyes, and trademark shag haircut, Fonda epitomized the decade’s shift towards effortless beauty.
Fonda appeared in films like Klute (1971) and Coming Home (1978). These films earned her two Academy Awards, which both highlighted her versatility as an actress and cemented her status as one of the most captivating screen presences of the era.
Beyond her on-screen appeal, Fonda’s intelligence and activism added to her appeal. She used her platform to speak out on social and political issues, demonstrating that beauty and brains could indeed go hand in hand.
This combination of stunning looks, remarkable talent, and passionate activism made Jane Fonda not just one of the most beautiful actresses of the 70s but also one of its most revolutionary and memorable stars.
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