10 Glamorous 1970s Actresses Who Still Inspire Hollywood
10. Maggie Smith
Dame Maggie Smith, born Margaret Natalie Smith in Essex, is one of Britain’s most acclaimed actresses. She gained fame with The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969), earning her first Oscar. Known for her sharp wit and commanding presence, she excelled in films like Gosford Park. Her role as Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter made her beloved worldwide. With numerous awards and a damehood, her legacy defines excellence in acting.
9. Shelley Duvall
Shelley Duvall’s unconventional charm and distinct screen presence made her a unique voice in 1970s cinema. Discovered by Robert Altman, she became his muse, shining in 3 Women (1977) and Nashville (1975). Her wide-eyed vulnerability found new depth in Kubrick’s The Shining (1980). Beyond acting, she created beloved television anthologies like Faerie Tale Theatre. Duvall’s offbeat artistry and creativity made her a true original in American film.
8. Ellen Burstyn
Ellen Burstyn’s versatility made her one of the defining actresses of the 1970s. She won an Oscar for Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974) and starred in classics like The Exorcist and The Last Picture Show. Her characters often embodied resilience and spiritual searching. Beyond film, she triumphed on Broadway and television, earning multiple major awards. Burstyn’s enduring grace and commitment to her craft made her a model of artistic longevity.
7. Gena Rowlands
Gena Rowlands brought raw emotion and authenticity to the screen through her collaborations with John Cassavetes. In A Woman Under the Influence (1974) and Gloria (1980), she redefined realism in acting. Her performances revealed both fragility and fierce independence, influencing generations of actors. Rowlands’ artistry blurred the line between life and performance. With an honorary Oscar, her legacy endures as one of Hollywood’s boldest and most truthful talents.
6. Isabelle Adjani
French actress Isabelle Adjani achieved international acclaim for her haunting performances in The Story of Adèle H. (1975) and Possession (1981). Known for her emotional depth and magnetic beauty, she won a record five César Awards. Fluent in multiple languages, she brought versatility and sophistication to European cinema. Adjani’s intensity and fragility captivated audiences throughout the 1970s and beyond. Her artistry elevated her to a rarefied place among world actresses.
5. Glenda Jackson
Glenda Jackson’s sharp intellect and emotional precision set her apart from her contemporaries. Winning Oscars for Women in Love (1969) and A Touch of Class (1973), she moved effortlessly between drama and comedy. Known for her fearlessness, she portrayed powerful women, from Queen Elizabeth I to modern feminists. Later, Jackson left acting for a remarkable political career in the British Parliament. Her blend of talent and conviction made her one of Britain’s most respected figures.
4. Faye Dunaway
Faye Dunaway’s cool intensity made her one of the most magnetic actresses of the 1970s. From Bonnie and Clyde to Chinatown and Network, she delivered career-defining performances that shaped Hollywood’s second Golden Age. Her characters embodied ambition, beauty, and control, often masking deep vulnerability. Dunaway’s meticulous craft and commanding screen presence earned her an Oscar and lasting influence. Despite career turbulence, her artistry remains synonymous with cinematic excellence.
3. Cicely Tyson
Cicely Tyson broke barriers for Black actresses with her powerful performances in Sounder (1972) and The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974). Her dignity and precision elevated every role she took. Refusing to accept demeaning parts, Tyson redefined representation on screen and television. Her commitment to portraying strength and humanity left an enduring mark on American culture. Throughout her life, she remained a symbol of artistic integrity and social progress.
2. Jill Clayburgh
Jill Clayburgh became a voice for modern women through nuanced roles in An Unmarried Woman (1978) and Starting Over (1979). Educated and poised, she brought intelligence and vulnerability to her performances. Her career flourished in the late 1970s when audiences connected to her portrayals of independence and self-discovery. Though her later years saw fewer standout roles, her impact on feminist cinema endured. Clayburgh’s legacy rests on her ability to reflect women’s evolving identities with honesty and grace.
1. Jane Fonda
Born into Hollywood royalty, Jane Fonda’s transformation from ingénue to powerhouse performer defined 1970s cinema. With Klute (1971) and Coming Home (1978), she won two Academy Awards, balancing talent with activism. Her outspoken political stance made her one of the decade’s most polarizing yet influential stars. Beyond acting, she helped launch the fitness craze with Jane Fonda’s Workout Book. Fonda’s blend of artistry, intellect, and conviction made her a true icon of her era.
