The Biggest Male Stars of the 70s

First up on our list of the biggest male stars of the 70s is Gene Hackman. While other stars had the classic good looks, Hackman brought something different: a unique intensity mixed with everyday charm that made audiences truly believe in every character he played.

Throughout the decade, he knocked out one unforgettable role after another. His Oscar-winning role as Popeye Doyle in The French Connection, his haunting work in The Conversation, and his performance as Lex Luthor in Superman showed just how versatile he could be.

Unlike the pretty boys of previous eras, Hackman proved that star power came from skill and presence, not just looks. His everyman appeal and acting talent earned him the respect of both critics and fellow actors, too, cementing his place on our list.

Next up, Steve McQueen, a former mechanic-turned-movie star brought an authentic edge to every role he played. Whether racing cars in Le Mans or playing a cop in Bullitt, his rare mix of danger and charm kept audiences glued to their screens.

Even in an era packed with tough guys, McQueen stood out. (It probably didn’t hurt that he trained in martial arts with the legendary Bruce Lee!) Hollywood named him “The King of Cool,” and, honestly, the title fit. McQueen even did many of his own stunts and raced motorcycles off-screen, bringing that same wild energy to his on-screen roles.

In The Getaway and Papillon, he proved he could also carry serious drama as easily as in his action scenes. Before his tragic death in 1980, he earned his legacy as one the biggest (and coolest) male stars of the 70s.

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Next, Charles Bronson earned his place as one of the biggest male stars of the 70s the hard way. As a former coal miner, he fought his way up from character actor to superstar.

For Bronson, everything changed with Death Wish. The film tapped into America’s fear of urban crime, turning Bronson into a household name overnight. After that, he appeared in a string of hits that showed his range, including Chato’s Land and The Mechanic.

Meanwhile, his reputation grew overseas. Europeans, specifically the Italians, called him “Il Brutto” – the ugly one. But, Bronson wore it like a badge of honor, truly cementing his place on our list.

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Another one of the biggest (and most handsome) male stars of the 70s was Robert Redford. He truly represented 70s Hollywood handsomeness with his golden hair, blue eyes, and chiseled features. His natural acting talent and versatility also set a new standard for leading men of the decade.

His iconic role as Sundance in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid  launched him into a decade of stardom. Like many of this decade’s actors, Redford’s appeal came from his ruggedness. But he also had an element of sophistication, allowing him to portray both rough-and-tumble outlaws and polished gentlemen. Films like The Sting  and The Way We Were highlighted not only his looks but also acting talent, making Redford one of the biggest male stars of the 70s.

Alternatively, Dustin Hoffman smashed the mold of Hollywood’s leading man in the 70s. Standing just 5’6″, intense, and decidedly unglamorous, he changed what a male movie star could look like. And audiences couldn’t get enough.

His breakthrough in The Graduate set the stage for the decade as he took on one daring role after another. He dove into the world of Midnight Cowboy and sparked controversy playing a mathematician pushed to violence in Straw Dogs. By the time he played a divorced dad in Kramer vs. Kramer, he’d surely proven his talent.

Critics loved him. Fans packed theaters to see him. And fellow actors studied his every move. In an era of larger-than-life personalities, Hoffman chose subtle over showy, yet somehow, he still stole every scene.

Fresh from New York theater, Al Pacino he brought method acting to new heights as Michael Corleone in The Godfather, transforming from shy college kid to a mafia boss. Many fans felt like he could speak from his eyes, as his intense dark eyes captivated them.

As the decade continued, each role hit harder than the last. Of course, he appeared again in The Godfather Part II. Later, films like Serpico  and Dog Day Afternoon earned Pacino his status as one of the biggest male stars of the 70s. By the end of the 70s, this former theater kid from the Bronx had become one of Hollywood’s most magnetic stars.

Next, Jack Nicholson ruled Hollywood in the 70s. In 1970, Nicholson starred in Five Easy Pieces alongside Karen Black in what became his persona-defining role.

Later, he continued delivering performances in defining films of the decade including McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, the detective in Chinatown, and a sailor in The Last Detail. He earned five Oscar nominations and win for Best Actor win in Cuckoo’s Nest in 1975.

At the same time, while other actors protected their reputations, Nicholson flaunted his bad boy lifestyle. He dated Hollywood leading ladies and partied with fellow star Warren Beatty, making him one of the decade’s definitive movie stars and male stars.

Another one of the biggest male stars of the 70s is Robert De Niro. After turning heads in Mean Streets, he played young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II, winning an Oscar.

He even mastered the Italian dialect, studied Sicilian mannerisms, and lived in Sicily to prepare for the role. As time went on, he continued to transform himself with each new part. In Taxi Driver, he worked on New York streets to become Travis Bickle.

His mulitiple partnerships with Martin Scorsese redefined what was possible in American film acting, some others including Raging Bull, New York, New York, and Goodfellas.

Next, Burt Reynolds took over the big screen in the 70s with his macho persona. His breakthrough in Deliverance showcased not just his acting skills, but also his physical appeal that would later define his status as a heartthrob throughout the decade.

Firstly, Reynolds’ signature look was undeniably masculine. He had a thick mustache, twinkling eyes, and a devilish grin that became his trademark. Next, his physique, was muscular yet attainable, making him both a desirable and relatable figure to male audiences.

Beyond just his looks, Reynolds also had a laid-back type of confidence and self-deprecating humor, further enhancing his appeal. Reynolds’ easygoing Southern charm and willingness to laugh at himself made him not just desirable but also approachable among the biggest male stars of the 70s.

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

Capping our list of male stars of the 70s is Clint Eastwood, who transformed from TV cowboy into one of Hollywood’s most commanding presences. Whether in Westerns or as Detective Harry Callahan, he captivated audiences. His minimalist acting style set him apart from flashier contemporaries.

Beyond playing the hard man, Eastwood stepped behind the camera, directing hit films like Play Misty for Me and The Outlaw Josey Wales. This behind-the-camera work truly established him as a skilled filmmaker and actor.

Unlike some other stars, Eastwood kept a fairly low profile off screen, preferring to work on his craft. Overall, his focus on storytelling in his work truly set a new template for other actor-directors in Hollywood.