The ’70s brought in a wave of talent and charisma to Hollywood, with actresses who could captivate audiences with every role they took on. They brought style and talent to every role, leaving an impact that went far beyond the movies themselves. Many of their choices challenged conventions and helped shape the culture of the decade.
From memorable roles to iconic moments, each person left a lasting impression and showed just how influential actresses could be. Their legacy still resonates today, reminding us why the seventies remain such a celebrated period in cinema. Let’s dive into 20 actresses who ruled the seventies.
1. Faye Dunaway
Faye Dunaway defined cinematic intensity in the ’70s with performances that combined glamour and toughness. She stunned audiences in Bonnie and Clyde and The Thomas Crown Affair, both of which solidified her as a Hollywood powerhouse. Known for her one-of-a-kind gaze and commanding presence, Dunaway brought sophistication to each role she took on. Beyond film, she challenged stereotypes, making her a lasting symbol of the decade.
2. Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda was both an icon both culturally and on screen. Her most notable performance was in Klute, which earned her an Academy Award. Her portrayals combined vulnerability with resilience, making her one of the most compelling actresses of the decade. Fonda also became famous for using her platform for activism, intertwining her career with social change.
3. Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton brought a natural charm to every film she worked on in the ’70s. Her most notable ’70s movies were The Godfather Series and Annie Hall. Her effortless style, marked by menswear-inspired outfits, made her a trendsetter beyond acting. Keaton’s ability to balance comedic timing with emotional depth allowed her to shine in a variety of roles, earning her critical acclaim and an enduring place in pop culture.
4. Barbara Streisand
Barbara Streisand was already a household name by the 1970s, and she cemented her legacy with The Way We Were and Funny Lady. Her vocal talent and natural leading vibe made her equally as amazing as a singer and actress. Streisand’s performances showed raw elegance and emotional honesty, which drew audiences deep into her character’s world.
5. Ali MacGraw
Ali MacGraw captured headlines with her emotional performances. Her breakout role in Love story quickly became a cultural phenomenon, earning her an Academy Award nomination, and she continued her romantic allure in The Getaway. Her charm and grace on grace on screen made her an emblem of 1970s glamour, while her ability to convey vulnerability alongside strength defined her acting style.
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6. Lauren Hutton
Lauren Hutton blended sophistication with pure talent in the ’70s. Mostly known for her role in American Gigolo and her extensive modeling career, she quickly became an icon of ’70s and ’80s beauty.
7. Raquel Welch
Raquel Welch became a symbol of the ’70s through her roles like Myra Breckinridge. She combined humor and intelligence, breaking the mold of the passive screen siren. She influenced fashion and culture, and quickly established herself as a true Hollywood icon.
8. Goldie Hawn
Goldie Hawn brought lighthearted charm and infectious energy to all her films. Known for her sparkling smile and comedic timing, Hawn could command attention in both ensemble casts and solo roles. Her ability to infuse humor with emotional depth made her a favorite among audiences and critics alike.
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9. Glenda Jackson
Glenda Jackson emerged as a force of intense, dramatic talent in the 1970s, with films like Women in Love and A touch of Class, earning her an Academy Award. Known for her intellect and commanding performances, Jackson brought a rare combination of sophistication and passion to her roles. She became celebrated not only for her acting but also for challenging traditional gender roles in cinema.
10. Liv Ullmann
Liv Ullmann’s collaboration with director Ingmar Bergman made her the face of European art cinema in the 1970s. Films such as Cries and Whispers and Scenes from a Marriage highlighted her emotional depth and expressiveness. Ullmann’s introspective performances captured the complexity of human relationships, earning her critical acclaim worldwide. She became synonymous with intelligence, elegance, and emotional authenticity, influencing generations of actresses.
11. Pam Grier
Pam Grier became one of the most powerful and recognizable figures of ’70s cinema, mostly through her work in Coffy and Foxy Brown. She redefined the action heroine by portraying fearless, intelligent women who took control of their own narratives. Grier’s commanding screen prescence and charisma made her a cultural icon.
12. Jacqueline Bisset
Jacqueline Bisset was celebrated throughout the 1970s for her enegance and beauty. She gained widespread acclaim with roles in Day for Night, Murder on the Orient Express, and The Deep, which cemented her status as an international star. Her global appeal made her one of the decade’s most admired actresses.
13. Candice Bergen
Candice brought wit and self-awareness to her roles, often portraying women navigating complex emotional landscapes. Bergen’s cool confidence and natural screen presence set her apart from traditional Hollywood actresses. Her success during the decade laid the groundwork for her later television dominance.
14. Sissy Spacek
Sissy Spacek emerged as one of the most amazing dramatic actresses of the 1970s, highlighted by her unforgettable performance in Carrie. Spacek’s ability to convey intensity made her performances deep and personal. Her naturalistic acting style brought authenticity to every character she played.
15. Susan Sarandon
Susan Sarandon became a cult favorite with The Rocky Horror Picture Show and impressed critics in other late ’70s projects. Her emotional intelligence and rearless approach set her apart from other actresses.
16. Anjelica Huston
Huston entered the film world in the 1970s with a magnetic presence that hinted her stardom. Her work in A Walk with Love and Death established her as an unconventional beauty. Huston’s aristocratic poise and emotional restraint made her instantly distinctive. By the end of the ’70s, she was one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses.
17. Vanessa Redgrave
Vanessa Redgrave was known for her classical training and emotional intensity, she commanded attention in both period dramas and contemporary stories. Redgrave’s activism and outspoken nature made her a powerful cultural figure beyond the screen. Her work in the decade reinforced her status as one of the finest actresses of her generation.
18. Charlotte Rampling
Charlotte Rampling became a symbol of European sophistication and daring cinema in the 1970s. Rampling’s cool, enigmatic screen presence captivated audiences worldwide. She brought psychological depth and modernity to the decade’s most challenging films.
19. Jessica Lange
Jessica Lange burst onto the scene in the mid-1970s with her breakout role in King Kong. Her surprising emotional range quickly earned her serious recognition. Lange transitioned smoothly from blockbuster success to more nuanced dramatic roles by the end of the decade. Her rapid rise marked the beginning of an influential and award-winning career.
20. Linda Blair
Linda Blair became a pop culture phenomenon following her role in The Exorcist. Her fearless performance earned critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination at a young age. Blair’s work in the 1970s cemented her place in cinematic history, particularly within the horror genre. She remains one of the most recognizable faces of the decade.
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