What Happened to the It Girls Of The 1970s

The 70s were an iconic era, and we couldn’t mention them without bringing up the many famous women who defined the time. But who exactly were the “it girls” of the 1970s? Well, their beauty and charm didn’t just make them celebrities. It influenced the culture and the fashion world as we know it today.

Shelley Duvall left Hollywood to reconnect with her loved ones

After taking the world by storm in the 1970 flick “Brewster McCloud,” Shelley Duvall became director Robert Altman’s muse, and he was her ticket to fame with the 1975 hit “Nashville” before starring in movies like “The Shining.” Her beauty and talent also led to a high-profile love story with Paul Simon. In the 90s, her brother was tragically diagnosed with spinal cancer, which led her to move back home to Texas and take a 20-year break from acting. She returned to the public eye during a “Dr. Phil” episode, appearing mentally unwell.

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Bo Derek went from a household name to a dwindling career

Originally named Mary Cathleen Collins, she adopted the name Bo Derek after marrying her 49-year-old husband at the age of 19. After appearing in “Jaws” and “10,” she became one of the bombshells of the 70s. After several starring roles, she moved to supporting roles, and now she only acts occasionally. She remained with her husband until he died in 1988, and a few years later, she dated and ultimately married actor John Corbett, aka Aidan from “Sex and the City.”

Suzanne Summers earned millions from the ThighMaster

After starring as a ditzy blonde on the 1977 hit “Three’s Company,” she revealed that she was paid 10-15 times less than her male co-stars and was eventually written out of the show after asking for a raise. She appeared in a few sitcoms after that, like “Step by Step,” but her real success was in the fitness industry when she rebranded herself as a workout guru like Jane Fonda, making millions hawking the ThighMaster on infomercials.