Stars of the 1970s: Where Are They Now?

Kate Jackson – Then

In order to chase her dreams of acting, Kate Jackson ended up dropping out of the University of Mississippi and joined the American Academy of Dramatic Art. In 1971, she locked down her first role on the TV show Dark Shadows. This was followed by a recurring role for four straight seasons on the show The Rookies. As the 70s went on, Jackson starred in a handful of movies and eventually hit the big time with 1975’s Charlie’s Angels.

Kate Jackson – Now

One interesting detail about Charlie’s Angels was that it was actually Kate Jackson who was involved with the show’s the name. Originally, the show was going to be called The Alleys Cats. However, the producers were not happy with it and told Jackson. As a result, she looked around and saw a poster with three angels on it. As they say, the rest was history. Despite her successful career, Kate Jackson’s romantic life was less so. With three marriages came three divorces.

Bo Derek – Then

One of the most memorable details about Bo Derek’s youth was that she married a man 30 years older than her when she was just 16 years of age. John Derek left his wife for Bo and a new couple started a new life in Germany. It wouldn’t take long before Bo made her debut in the horror flick Orca. Despite the fact that it did poorly at the box office, it did pave the way for more iconic roles for Bo, such as the movie 10.

Bo Derek – Now

Derek would go on to star in many 80s hits such as Fantasies, Bolero, Tarzan the Ape Man and Ghosts Can’t Do It, to name a few. Beyond the 80s, Bo Derek fell somewhat off the radar and didn’t star in much more up to the present day. Nowadays, Derek is less involved in the world of acting and more in animal rights work. A lover of animals, she is part of the California Horse Racing Board and even owns her very own Andalusian horses.

Valerie Perrine – Then

Born in 1943 to parents Winifred and Kenneth Perrine, Valerie is from Galveston, Texas, and was destined for big things. After working as a showgirl in Las Vegas, Valerie ended up starring in Kurt Vonnegut’s 1972 flick Slaughterhouse-Five and even made an appearance in Playboy magazine. After her role in 1974’s Lenny, Valerie’s career truly took off and it earned her many awards, including an Academy Award nomination as well as the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival.