Most Handsome Actors of the 70s

First up on our list of the most handsome actors of the 70s is Richard Roundtree. In 1971, he revolutionized the concept of the leading man with his role as John Shaft. As the epitome of cool, Roundtree redefined black masculinity on screen.

His appeal was a powerful combination of physical attractiveness and attitude. Roundtree’s tall, lean physique and sharp features were accentuated by his iconic style, which often featured a leather coat. His perfectly sculpted afro and impeccable fashion sense became symbols of sophisticated masculinity.

What truly set Roundtree apart was how he showed his strength and sensuality without falling into stereotypes. He portrayed a sexy, intelligent hero. His deep, smooth voice also added to his appeal. Overall, Roundtree paved the way for future leading men of color while also captivating audiences with his unique brand of cool.

Next, Christopher Knight, best known for his role as Peter Brady in The Brady Bunch, offered a different kind of appeal in the 70s teen landscape. Playing the middle child in the Brady family, his charm came from his boyish good looks and awkwardness.

With his freckled face, brown eyes, and shock of dark hair, Knight embodied the cute boy-next-door type that many young fans found irresistible. Simultaneously, his transformation from a pre-teen to a handsome young man played out on screen, allowing audiences to grow up alongside him. His voice cracks became a distinctive trait, unexpectedly endearing him to young female fans who found his awkward phase charming.

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Another one of the most handsome actors of the 70s was Clint Eastwood. His good looks, blue eyes, and lean physique made him an irresistible icon.

Eastwood’s appeal came from his understated charisma and intensity. Whether in Westerns or as Detective Harry Callahan, he captivated audiences. His minimalist acting style set him apart from flashier contemporaries. Overall, Eastwood’s appeal came from his “substance over style”, resonating deeply with viewers and making him one of the most handsome actors of the 70s.

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Barry Williams, best known for his role as Greg Brady on The Brady Bunch, represented a different kind of 70s stud. As the eldest Brady son, Williams was the American boy next door, with his shaggy hair and winning smile making him a teen idol.

Like his on-screen brother, Williams grew up on screen, transforming into a young adult before millions of viewers. His boyish looks and charm resonated particularly with teenage girls, and his style evolution on the show mirrored the changing fashion trends of the 70s.

While The Brady Bunch only ran from 1969 to 1974, Williams continued to appear in Brady-related projects. Although he may not have achieved the same critical acclaim as some film actors of the era, Williams represented a more wholesome, approachable type of handsomeness that was equally influential in shaping 70s ideals of masculinity.

Another one of the most handsome actors of the 70s was Robert Redford. He truly represented 1970s Hollywood handsomeness with his golden hair, blue eyes, and chiseled features. His role in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) launched him into a decade of stardom.

Like many of this decade’s actors, Redford’s appeal came from his ruggedness. But he also had an element of sophistication, allowing him to portray both rough-and-tumble outlaws and polished gentlemen.

Films like The Sting (1973) and The Way We Were (1973) highlighted not just Redford’s looks but also his acting talent. His natural talent and versatility set a new standard for leading men. This combination solidified Redford’s status as one of the most handsome actors of the 70s.

Smart. Cunning. And merciless. Al Pacino also defied traditional leading man looks. Many fans felt like he could speak from his eyes, as his intense dark eyes captivated them. Pacino’s breakout role in The Godfather (1972) showcased his smoldering looks and charisma.

Like others of the decade, Pacino’s appeal was gritty. He portrayed complex, often troubled characters. Films like Serpico (1973) and Dog Day Afternoon (1975) cemented his status. Overall, Pacino’s appeal came from his powerful screen presence. He combined vulnerability with intensity, making him irresistible to viewers.

Bringing a fresh, dynamic energy to Hollywood, John Travolta‘s breakout roles in Welcome Back, Kotter (1975), and Saturday Night Fever (1977) established him as the decade’s ultimate dancing heartthrob.

Unlike some of the other handsome actors of the 70s, who were more rugged, Travolta’s athletic build and graceful movements on the dance floor set him apart. His ability to smolder and radiate charm made him irresistible to fans across generations.

Beyond his looks, Travolta’s confidence and effortless cool factor made him an icon. His rise represented a shift towards a more expressive, emotional type of male sex symbol—and, of course, one who could dominate the dance floor, too.

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Finally, capping our list of the most handsome actors of the 70s is Harrison Ford. He appeared on the Hollywood scene in the late 70s as one of the hottest newcomers. His breakout role as Han Solo in Star Wars (1977) showed off his rugged good looks.

Ford’s appeal was in his perfect blend of rugged masculinity and vulnerability. With his sharp jawline, piercing eyes, and famous crooked grin, he embodied a new kind of leading man. He was handsome yet approachable, tough yet sensitive. Notably, he has a scar on his chin. It is referenced in many of his movies, further adding to his rugged look.

His rise to heartthrob status was quick, with audiences and critics alike captivated by his on-screen presence. By the decade’s end, Ford had established himself as one of the most handsome actors of the 70s, setting a new standard for leading men that would influence the industry for years to come.