What Happened to These Legendary Child Stars from the 50s, 60s & 70s?

The child stars from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s were some of the most famous faces in TV and movie history. These young actors became icons in American pop culture, and millions watched them grow up on screen.

Today, many of these former child celebrities are old enough to be our parents—or even grandparents. But have you ever wondered what happened to the kids from classic TV shows like Happy Days and The Brady Bunch?

In this article, we’ll explore where these famous child actors are now. Some became successful in Hollywood, while others chose a quiet life away from the spotlight. We’ll also look at their current net worth, health updates, and retirement lifestyle. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and see how these former stars are living today!

Quinn Cummings

Quinn Cummings became famous as a child star for her Oscar-nominated role as Lucy in The Goodbye Girl. She also appeared in commercials and the TV show Family. But she left acting at a young age.

Today, Cummings lives in Los Angeles. She is a successful author, blogger, and podcast host. In 2019, she launched a podcast and even invented a smart baby sling for pregnant women—an idea that could earn big in the parenting products market.

Lauren Chapin

If you watched Father Knows Best, you’ll remember Lauren Chapin as “Kitty.” She won five Junior Emmy Awards and starred in nearly all 203 episodes.

After acting, Chapin worked in the finance industry and launched two beauty pageant businesses. She also wrote her autobiography and now lives in Florida, focusing on her Christian faith and evangelism.

Hayley Mills

At just 12 years old, Hayley Mills became a household name. She won a Juvenile Oscar, an Academy Award, and the Disney Legend Award. Her most famous movies include The Parent Trap and Tiger Bay.

She continued acting in the ’80s and starred in stage plays and Disney TV shows. Most recently, she appeared in Wild at Heart and released her memoir, boosting her brand in the celebrity book market.

Kym Karath

Kym Karath started acting at the age of 3. Her most iconic role was as Gretl in The Sound of Music. She kept acting into her 20s before stepping away from Hollywood in 1981.

Karath shifted her focus to motherhood, modeling, and traveling, which helped her gain a following on Instagram and lifestyle blogs.

Johnny Crawford

Johnny Crawford was one of the original Disney Mouseketeers and starred in The Rifleman, earning an Emmy nomination. He also had a successful music career in the ’60s and later performed in a vintage orchestra.

Sadly, Johnny passed away in 2021 at age 75. His legacy lives on through his work in classic TV and music history.

Jerry Mathers

Jerry Mathers began acting in a store ad at age two. He is best known for playing “Beaver” in Leave It to Beaver. He left acting to study and work in real estate, but returned to showbiz in 1978.

Today, Mathers is a public speaker, raising awareness about Type 2 diabetes. His health journey and expert talks make him a leading voice in diabetes education and prevention.

Kristy McNichol

Kristy McNichol rose to fame in the ‘70s with shows like Family and Apple’s Way, earning an Emmy. Her movies like Little Darlings brought her teen idol status.

She retired from acting in 2001 and now teaches acting classes at a private school, sharing her Hollywood experience with new talent.

Jay North

Jay North became a child icon as Dennis in Dennis the Menace. He later appeared in hit films like Zebra in the Kitchen and Maya.

After facing typecasting struggles, he left acting and started a new career as a correctional officer, focusing on a stable life outside Hollywood.

Ron Howard

Ron Howard began as a child actor in The Andy Griffith Show and Happy Days. He later turned to writing and directing, which made him even more successful.

His biggest films include Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind. He has earned two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making him one of the few child stars to achieve major success behind the camera.

Tony Dow

Tony Dow became a household name as Wally Cleaver in Leave It to Beaver. He later returned to the role in the sequel series The New Leave It to Beaver. After stepping away from acting, Dow focused on directing and discovered his passion for bronze sculpting.

His work was featured in several art shows and galleries, earning him respect in the fine art investment world. Sadly, Dow passed away in July 2022 at the age of 77.

Mary Badham

Mary Badham made history playing “Scout” in the Oscar-winning film To Kill a Mockingbird—even though she had no acting experience at the time. After starring in just a few films, she retired from Hollywood early.

Later in life, Badham worked as an art restorer and a college testing coordinator, proving that former child stars can thrive in unique careers. In 2005, she made a surprise return to acting in the indie film Our Very Own.

Jimmie Walker

Best known as J.J. on the 1970s sitcom Good Times, Jimmie Walker became famous for his catchphrase, “Dyn-O-Mite!” He was originally discovered during a stand-up comedy performance and kept audiences laughing ever since.

In the 2010s, Walker published his autobiography, adding value to the celebrity memoir market. Today, he still performs live comedy across the U.S., earning income through comedy tours, speaking gigs, and fan events.

Danny Bonaduce

Danny Bonaduce gained fame as Danny Partridge in The Partridge Family. While he continued acting, Bonaduce truly made his mark as a TV and radio host. He has been a popular morning radio personality in Seattle since 2011—earning a strong fan base and a high income in the radio broadcasting industry.

Surprisingly, Bonaduce also became a professional boxer and wrestler in the early 2000s, proving that celebrity careers can take very unexpected turns.

Eve Plumb

Eve Plumb rose to fame as Jan Brady in The Brady Bunch, one of the most iconic family shows in American TV history. She starred in many spinoffs and movies related to the series and also appeared in dramatic roles like Dawn: Portrait of a Teenage Runaway.

Today, Eve Plumb is a successful fine artist, with her paintings featured in major galleries. She continues to act in films and on stage, while also growing her brand in the art and entertainment market, increasing her overall net worth and retirement portfolio.

Jon Provost

Jon Provost began acting at just four years old, but his biggest role was as Timmy Martin on Lassie, which he played for seven years. After leaving the show, he kept acting until he went to college.

Today, Provost works in real estate and actively supports nonprofit organizations. He often attends celebrity charity events and fan conventions, which helps boost his personal brand and public image.

Erin Murphy

Erin Murphy became famous as Tabitha on Bewitched. Fun fact: her twin sister played Tabitha in Season 1, but Erin continued the role solo when they started looking different. After Bewitched, she did commercials and modeling.

Murphy stayed in the entertainment world and took on many roles like TV host, casting director, makeup artist, acting coach, and motivational speaker. Her diverse skills make her a strong figure in celebrity entrepreneurship and public speaking.

Angela Cartwright

Angela Cartwright made her film debut at three years old and became well-known as Linda on The Danny Thomas Show and Brigitta in The Sound of Music.

Though she acted in a few more films, Cartwright later became a professional photographer. With over 30 years of experience, she now earns through photo exhibitions, art sales, and celebrity photo licensing.

Brooke Shields

Brooke Shields began modeling at 11 months old and starred in Pretty Baby at 12. By 14, she was on the cover of Vogue and the face of Calvin Klein’s iconic ad campaign.

Though she still acts in films and TV, her biggest hits were The Blue Lagoon and Endless Love in the ’80s. Shields has built a powerful celebrity brand through acting, modeling, and brand partnerships.

Keith Thibodeaux

Keith Thibodeaux wowed producers on I Love Lucy with his drumming talent at just five years old. He also appeared in The Andy Griffith Show.

In his teens, he joined Christian rock band David and the Giants and toured for years. Today, he is Executive Director of Ballet Magnificat!, his wife’s dance company, blending arts leadership with faith-based education.

Peter Ostrum

Peter Ostrum played Charlie in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. It was his only film role, and he didn’t talk about it for years—even with his wife!

After acting, he followed his passion for animals and became a licensed veterinarian. He graduated from Cornell and now works full-time in animal healthcare, earning a good income in the veterinary industry.

Lisa Loring

Lisa Loring became famous as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family at age six. She also acted in The Pruitts of Southampton, As the World Turns, and several other shows and movies.

Loring worked behind the scenes as a makeup artist and writer, and later moved into public relations for a hotel chain, showing how child stars can find success in corporate communications.

Susan Olsen

Susan Olsen played Cindy Brady, the youngest sister in The Brady Bunch. She appeared in many of the show’s spinoffs and reunion specials.

Her acting career slowed, but she became a radio host for a short time and now works as a graphic designer. She also speaks at events, connecting with fans and building a steady celebrity lifestyle brand.

Valerie Bertinelli

Valerie Bertinelli started acting at 15 on the hit show One Day at a Time, and stayed on for nine years. Later, she starred in Touched by an Angel and Hot in Cleveland.

Now, Bertinelli shines as a Food Network host, sharing recipes and lifestyle tips. She also published a best-selling memoir in 2022, adding to her growing presence in the food and wellness space.

Melissa Gilbert

Melissa Gilbert became a beloved child actress playing Laura Ingalls Wilder on Little House on the Prairie. She starred in the show for nine years and earned multiple Best Young Actress nominations.

After acting, Gilbert became President of the Screen Actors Guild, proving her strong leadership in the Hollywood industry. In 2016, she made headlines by stepping into politics, showcasing her diverse career journey.

Maureen McCormick

Maureen McCormick will always be remembered as Marcia Brady from The Brady Bunch. While the role brought fame, it also affected her mental health, something she later spoke openly about.

McCormick appeared on reality TV in the 2000s and published a best-selling memoir, sharing her journey from child star to wellness advocate. Her story brings awareness to the emotional challenges many former TV stars face.

Barry Williams

Barry Williams rose to fame as Greg Brady in The Brady Bunch. He later played roles in the show’s spin-offs and landed a soap opera part on General Hospital.

He also pursued musical theater and as of 2019, he performs with a live band called Barry Williams and the Traveliers, keeping his celebrity brand strong on stage and at fan events.

Linda Blair

Linda Blair shocked audiences with her role in The Exorcist, which earned her international fame. In her later teen years, she took on more adult and controversial film roles.

Today, Blair is a committed animal rights activist and founder of a nonprofit animal rescue. She’s a proud vegan and uses her platform to promote humane living and pet adoption.

Justin Henry

Justin Henry made history as the youngest actor ever nominated for an Academy Award for his role in Kramer vs. Kramer at just 8 years old.

He continued acting in movies like Sixteen Candles, and helped co-found the Slamdunk Film Festival, supporting independent filmmakers and emerging talent.

Jackie Earle Haley

Jackie Earle Haley starred as Kelly Leak in The Bad News Bears series. After early fame, he took a break and then returned to Hollywood with fresh energy in the 2000s.

During his break, he worked in TV commercial directing and even started his own production company, JEH Productions, adding value in the film and media business.

Suzanne Crough

Suzanne Crough played Tracy on The Partridge Family. After her last movie role in 1980, she left acting for a more private life.

Crough went to college, owned a bookstore, and worked as a store manager at OfficeMax. She passed away suddenly in 2015 at the age of 52, leaving behind a legacy of joy from her childhood role.

Harvey Stephens

Harvey Stephens gained instant fame as Damien in the horror film The Omen. Though this was his only major role, it earned him a Golden Globe nomination.

Stephens made a brief return to acting in 1980’s Gauguin the Savage, but mostly stepped away from the spotlight, becoming a known name in horror film history.

Alison Arngrim

Alison Arngrim became famous as Nellie Olsen on Little House on the Prairie, playing the “mean girl” role for seven seasons. Her character became iconic, and she later used it in her stand-up comedy routines.

She also acted on stage, published an autobiography in 2010, and now works with nonprofits and charities—focusing on causes like abuse prevention and child protection.

Pamela Sue Martin

Pamela Sue Martin started her career later than most, beginning as a teen model at 17 before jumping into acting at 19. Her biggest role was as Nancy Drew in The Nancy Drew Mysteries, and she also played a key part in Dynasty during the ’80s.

Today, she rarely acts but focuses on environmental activism and enjoys recreational hobbies. Martin’s switch from Hollywood to eco-friendly causes highlights her passion for making a real-world difference.

Mike Lookinland

Mike Lookinland became a household name as Bobby Brady in The Brady Bunch. He had already been in 30 commercials before landing the role. After the series and its spin-offs, he decided to leave Hollywood.

Lookinland now owns and operates a concrete business in Utah, showing how child stars can succeed in blue-collar entrepreneurship and live a peaceful, private life.

Shaun Cassidy

Shaun Cassidy was a teen idol with a successful music career in the ‘70s. He also starred in The Hardy Boys Mysteries and appeared on stage.

He shifted to writing and producing in the ‘90s, working on hit TV shows like American Gothic, Invasion, and New Amsterdam. Cassidy is now a well-respected TV producer and scriptwriter, with income from royalties and syndication deals.

Leif Garrett

Leif Garrett began acting as a child and starred in films like Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice and the Walking Tall series. He also had a successful music career as a pop singer and became a teenage heartthrob.

Garrett later appeared in reality shows and published a memoir in 2019, which gave fans insight into his challenges and comeback story. He remains a familiar face in the celebrity biography and nostalgia space.

Mackenzie Phillips

Mackenzie Phillips made her debut in American Graffiti at age 12. She then starred in One Day at a Time, but her struggles with addiction caused her role to be cut.

She later returned to acting and became a certified rehab counselor in 2016, using her story to help others in recovery. Phillips is now a mental health advocate, turning past hardships into a career in addiction support services.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster started acting at age six, but her breakthrough came at 12 with Taxi Driver. She moved beyond child roles with award-winning performances in The Accused and The Silence of the Lambs.

She has also become a respected film director and producer, winning three Golden Globes and building a strong Hollywood legacy in both acting and directing.

David Cassidy

David Cassidy became a pop icon as Keith Partridge in The Partridge Family. His music career skyrocketed thanks to his teen idol status, and he continued performing into the 2000s.

Cassidy was known for his fan engagement and worked on Alzheimer’s disease awareness in his later years. His career blended entertainment and advocacy, leaving a meaningful impact.

Willie Aames

Willie Aames began acting as a child and became famous as Tommy Bradford in Eight is Enough. He also performed with his band Willie Aames and Paradise.

After stepping away from Hollywood, he worked as a Cruise Director, showing a surprising and successful career reinvention. In 2016, he returned to acting with a role in Dater’s Handbook on the Hallmark Channel.

Ralph Carter

Ralph Carter launched his entertainment career on Broadway at just nine years old, gaining fame for his award-winning role in Raisin. However, his most iconic performance was as Michael Evans on the hit sitcom Good Times, a role that helped boost his celebrity net worth and popularity in 1970s Black television.

Carter also enjoyed success in the music industry, releasing a chart-topping album. Today, he lives in New York and works with AUDELCO, a nonprofit supporting Black theater arts, where he contributes to the cultural development and creative economy.

Kim Richards

Kim Richards became a household name through her early work in Nanny and the Professor and Disney classics like Escape to Witch Mountain. Later in life, she gained renewed fame on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, earning a solid income from reality TV contracts and brand sponsorships.

Richards’ continued relevance in pop culture, coupled with her long Hollywood history, contributes to her strong personal brand and high visibility in the entertainment industry.

Kathy Coleman

Kathy Coleman starred as Holly Marshall in Land of the Lost, one of the most memorable sci-fi TV shows of the ’70s. Her performance earned her loyal fans and boosted her presence in the child actor niche.

Coleman later released two autobiographies, capitalizing on the memoir and publishing market, where many former child stars find lasting value and passive income through book sales and speaking engagements.

Erin Moran

Erin Moran captured hearts as Joanie Cunningham on Happy Days and its spin-off Joanie Loves Chachi. Her roles in these iconic series played a major part in growing her acting career net worth.

Despite her early success, Moran faced financial and health struggles later in life. Her passing at 56 due to cancer brought attention to health awareness in the entertainment industry, highlighting the need for long-term financial planning for young actors.

Brandon Cruz

Brandon Cruz found fame early in The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, and remained active in TV, later shifting into music. His transition to lead vocalist in punk bands like Dr. Know and Dead Kennedys marked a bold career move into the independent music scene.

Cruz’s dual career in both television and music positioned him as a multi-talented entertainer with diversified income streams.

Parker Stevenson

Parker Stevenson rose to fame in the ‘70s with The Hardy Boys and later achieved major recognition on Baywatch. He became a regular face in American pop culture and used his earnings to explore other passions.

He is also a skilled photographer, and his work has gained recognition in creative arts and celebrity photography markets, further diversifying his post-acting income.

Robby Benson

Robby Benson became a teen idol thanks to his powerful roles in sports dramas like One on One and Ice Castles. These films showcased both his acting skills and athleticism.

He’s also the voice behind the Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, earning long-term royalties in the voice acting market. Today, Benson is a published author, university professor, and heart health activist, proving child stars can grow into influential educators and health advocates.

Ricky Schroder

Ricky Schroder made history as the youngest Golden Globe winner for his role in The Champ at just nine years old. He later starred in Silver Spoons, becoming a major TV name in the ‘80s.

He broke away from his child star image with adult roles in NYPD Blue, Scrubs, and 24. Schroder also found success as a film director, entering the Hollywood production industry with projects starting in 2004.

Christopher Knight

Christopher Knight is best known as Peter Brady from The Brady Bunch. While his acting slowed after the show, he made occasional appearances in Happy Days and The Love Boat.

Knight left acting and built a second career as a tech entrepreneur, founding a graphic and video hardware company. He later returned to TV with appearances in the 2000s, showcasing the power of personal branding and reinvention.

Butch Patrick

Butch Patrick found fame playing Eddie Munster in The Munsters—an iconic child role that made him a pop culture legend. He also appeared in Disney movies and other TV series during his early career.

His second major role was in Lidsville, but he eventually shifted his focus to music and fan conventions, keeping his fame alive in the nostalgia and collectibles market.

Tatum O’Neal

Tatum O’Neal won an Academy Award at just nine years old for her performance in Paper Moon, becoming the youngest Oscar winner in history. She went on to star in hits like The Bad News Bears and Nickelodeon.

Though her film roles slowed in later years, she continued acting in TV shows like Rescue Me. Tatum also published an autobiography and a collection of celebrity memoirs, adding to her income through book deals and royalties.

Melissa Sue Anderson

Melissa Sue Anderson began acting in TV commercials before landing the role of Mary Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie. Her performance earned her an Emmy nomination and made her a household name.

She later appeared in many films and TV shows, though none matched her Little House fame. In 2010, she released an autobiography, sharing her story and tapping into the celebrity publishing market.