The female icons of the 70s ranged from musicians to actors to politicians to … whatever walk of life you can think of! And all these years later, these women still pack a cultural punch that keeps us all reeling — in a good way! Do you remember these legends?
Helen Reddy
“I am woman, hear me roar!” Helen Reddy is a singer and songwriter. A vocalist with stage presence to spare, she has been called the female Elvis. In addition to singing career that spans four decades of music-making, including such hit songs as “Delta Dawn” and “Angie Baby,” Reddy has made a lasting mark as an advocate for female empowerment.
Donna Summer
Donna Summer is an American singer and songwriter best known for her work in disco music. As a female artist, she was the first to have three consecutive double albums reach number one on Billboard 200, which has never been equaled by any female recording act. She also remained at the top of many international charts during this time including France where she ranked among the top female singers of all time.
Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John is a singer, songwriter and actress. She has been a long time female icon who became the female face of pop music in 1983 when she released her hit single “Physical”. Olivia had a number one album on US Billboard 200 for three consecutive decades with Grease (1978), Physical (1981) and Stronger Than Before (2005).
Olivia continued her female icon status in the 80s and 90s by lending her voice to Disney’s animated film The Little Mermaid as well as playing herself on TV series “Grease: You’re The One That I Want”.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an American female icon who became a U.S Supreme Court Justice since 1993 and was the second female justice to be confirmed in US history, following Sandra Day O’Connor. Known for her meticulous legal work, she became one of the most vocal justices during her time on the bench as well as becoming known as the “Notorious RBG”.
Faye Dunaway
Faye Dunaway is an American actress who is remembered as female icon for her roles in Bonnie and Clyde, Mommie Dearest, Chinatown and Network. She continued to act throughout the 80s with notable films including The Eyes of Laura Mars (1978), Heaven Can Wait (1978) and Supergirl (1984).
Jessica Lange
Jessica Lange, an American female icon who is best known for her works on film and theatre. She made her first big splash as Dwan in the 1976 silver screen version of King Kong. Lange continued to act throughout the 80s with notable films including Frances (1982), Tootsie (1982) and King Kong Lives (1986).
Florence Henderson
Florence Henderson was an American female icon who became famous for her role in The Brady Bunch and continued to act throughout the 70s. Who didn’t want to have Mrs. Brady as a mom? Or, alternatively, as a date?
Lynda Carter
Lynda Carter is an American actor who became famous for her role as Wonder Woman. She continued to act throughout the 70s and 80s and still haunts audiences today with her amazing blue eyes.
Carrie Fisher
Carrie Fisher was an American female actor who became famous for her role as Princess Leia in Star Wars. She continued to act throughout the 70s but has been most successful writing books such as Postcards from the Edge and Wishful Drinking.
Cher
Cher is an American singer who became famous for singing with her husband, Sonny Bono. After the couple divorced, Cher continued to sing and act throughout the 70s. She has recently had a successful career as an actress, appearing in films like Burlesque (2010) and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018).
Farrah Fawcett
Farrah Fawcett was an American actress who became famous for her role as Jill Munroe in Charlie’s Angels. Even after she pulled back from acting, she continued to be a cultural icon and has been seen throughout the 2000s raising awareness about cancer research with shows like Farrah’s Story (2009)
Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand is an American singer and actress who became famous for her big, bold voice before taking on roles in the 1970s movies A Star Is Born (1976) and Yentl (1983). She has had a successful career as both an actor and singer, appearing on Broadway many times throughout the 2000s.
(Like Female Icons of the 70s. Then you might like our article on Hunky 80s Icons, click here.)
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