Groovy Photos That Will Make You Feel Nostalgic
By Jack Ripley | March 13, 2023
A couple with their hot rod VW in 1970.
Who doesn’t enjoy a look back from time to time? No matter how modern we become, it is good to remember our past and the people, moments, celebrities, and pop culture that made us who we are today. That’s what you will find in this collection of photos – a mix of celebrities, history, and products from days gone by that will make you nostalgic for simpler times.
This article originally appeared on our sister site: historydaily.org
A cuter car has never been made. The Volkswagen Beetle earned a reputation for being a ‘hippie’ car in the 1960s and 1970s. Groovy folks like this couple adored the Beetle, or Bug, as it was also called, for its affordability, ease of servicing, and drivability. Did you know that the Beetle was originally designed in the 1930s, but with the onset of World War II, it was strictly used as a military vehicle? VW Beetles as civilian cars didn’t really start until the close of the 1940s, but they quickly became popular, especially among the younger generation.
1970's Monday Night Football with legends Howard Cosell, Don Meredith, and Frank Gifford.
This iconic trio of Howard Cosell, Frank Gifford, and Don Meredith represents the golden days of Monday Night Football. When the NFL first started broadcasting games on Monday nights in 1970, it hired Cosell, Gifford, and Meredith as announcers for the season. The combination was perfect. So perfect, in fact, that the trio continued to announce Monday Night Football games for ABC for the next several years. For many people in the 1970s, Monday Night Football would not have been Monday Night Football without Cosell, Gifford, and Meredith.
A happy Leonard Nimoy with a Hobbit hole cake in honor of his song The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins, 1968.
Did you know that Leonard Nimoy was a wannabe singer in the 1960s? In fact, he recorded and released several songs, including the 1967 tune, “The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins.” Yep, THAT Bilbo Baggins. Although The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy was not released until 2001, the J.R.R.R. Tolkien novel, The Hobbit, published in 1937, was a favorite. In Nimoy’s song, he recounted the adventures of Bilbo Baggins in song form. Apparently the pointy-eared Mr. Spock felt a connection to the pointy-eared Hobbits.
David Bowie with curly hair in 1969.
In 1969, the very permed English singer David Bowie was hard at work on his second studio album, Space Oddity. His 1967 self-titled debut album was not the commercial success he hoped it would be, so Bowie hired a new manager who would help him advance his artistic vision. Bowie was influenced by the 1968 film, 2001: A Space Odyssey when he wrote Space Oddity, a story about a fictitious astronaut named Major Tom. Space Oddity was well received by the public and music critics.
Here's a 1971 Buick Riviera with Boattail ad.
It was the pre-WWII-era pontoon fenders with tapered tails that inspired Buick automotive designer Bill Mitchell to add the boattail to the 1971 Buick Riviera. Mitchell’s vision for the Riviera was for it to be similar to the Corvette Sting Ray, but on a larger scale. A full-sized car, the 1971 Riviera was larger than the previous year’s model. Overall, the end result was a large, impressive, capable car that looked as cool as a smaller speedster, just as this advertisement for the car suggests.
Who remembers this Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle and accessories from 1974! And who still has theirs?
Evel Knievel was the embodiment of cool in the 1970s. The daredevil motorcycle stuntman was the idol of young boy in the groovy era. So when Ideal Toy Company capitalized on the Evel Knievel craze by releasing a series of Evel Knievel toys beginning in 1972, these items quickly became the must-have Christmas toys. This was one of them … the Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle, which was introduced in 1973. All the cool kids had them. Did you know that the Evel Knievel toy line is one of the most successful toy lines in history? Ideal Toys sold more than $125 million worth of Evel Knievel toys.
Augie Doggie and Doggie Daddy debuted in 1959 on The Quick Draw McGraw Show and appeared in their own segment of that show.
Who remembers watching The Quick Draw McGraw Show to see Augie Doggie and Doggie Daddy? These two Hanna-Barbera cartoon characters were a pair of father-son anthropomorphic dachshunds with a habit of getting into misadventures. Doggie Daddy was voiced by Doug Young who spoke in a thick, Jimmy Durante-like Brooklyn accent. Daws Buter voiced Augie Doggie. Augie’s love for his father was evident in his catchphrase, “Dear ol’ dad!” while Doggie Daddy showed his paternal pride by often saying, “Dat’s my boy!”
Here's a lucky guy with his cool 1967 Ford Fairlane back in 1978.
They don’t make them like they used to. This groovy dude’s 1967 Ford Fairlane was a sixth-generation vehicle to bear the Fairlane name. There were actually seven generations in all, stretching from 1955 to 1970. In each new generation, the body style was tweaked and upgraded. The Fairlane, named after Henry Ford’s Michigan estate, was the flagship of Ford’s full-size cars. It was available in two-door and four-door models, or as station wagons. It could also be ordered as a soft-top or hard-top convertible.
Here's the Rolling Stones looking like proper young lads... in 1963.
In this photograph take of The Rolling Stones during their very first concert tour in 1963, we see a group of clean-cut, neatly dressed young men. It’s a far cry from how The Rolling Stones would look in a few years. This concert tour was a “package” tour. The headliners were the Everly Brothers and Do Diddley. Other featured performers on the tour along with The Rolling Stones were Little Richard, Mickie Most, Julie Grant, and The Flintstones. Presenter Don Arden and comedian Bob Bain were also part of the tour.
The Groovy Group of Young Hollywood in 1955 included Jayne Mansfield, Natalie Wood, Lance Fuller, John Smith & Bob Fuller.
Even in a crowd of other young, talented Hollywood performers Lance Fuller, John Smith, Natalie Wood, and Bob Fuller, beautiful blonde Jayne Mansfield stands out. This photo was taken in 1955 when Mansfield was starring in the Broadway play, Will Success Spoil Rock Hudson? In the next few years, she will star in the film version of this play, and appear in other movies, including The Girl Can’t Help It, The Wayward Bus, Too Hot to Handle, and Promises! Promises!
The late Gram Parsons was a singer-songwriter-guitarist and a former member of the Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers. Here he is with tailor Nudie Cohn in 1968, wearing one of Nudie's embroidered suits.
Nudie Cohn launched his tailoring business in the 1960s and specialized in making ornate, flamboyant western-style suits, which were popular at the time. He made a peach colored, sequined, heavily embroidered suit free of charge for singer Porter Wagoner, hoping that other artists would see Wagoner wearing it and want one of their own. His plan worked. Soon, Nudie Cohn was making extravagant, rhinestone suits for many celebrities, including Gram Parsons, John Lennon, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Cher, Ronald Reagan, and John Wayne. Robert Redford wore a Nudie suit in Electric Horseman and Elvis wore a gold lame Nudie suit on the cover of the album, 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can’t Be Wrong.
Who remembers the crazy comic book ads from the 1960's
If you were a fan of comic books in the 1960s, 1970s, and even the 1980s, you probably encountered some crazy, sensational-sounding ads in the back of the books. These ads offered products that sounded too good to be true, like x-ray glasses, toy nuclear submarines, mind-reading spectacles, sea monsters, and real working rockets. As adults looking back, we can see that these ads were preposterous and only meant to bilk kids out of there allowance money, but as a kid in the groovy era, who didn’t want one of these super cool gadgets?
A photo of a groovy couple with plenty of ruffles, going to their prom in 1974.
This groovy couple posed for the obligatory pic before heading off to their prom in 1974. You can bet they danced to all the top songs of the year, including Kool and the Gang’s “Jungle Boogie”, Grand Funk Railroad’s “Loco Motion,” The Jackson 5’s “Dancing Machine”, and “Bennie and the Jets” by Elton John. They probably slow danced to Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were,” Jim Croce’s “Time in a Bottle,” John Denver’s “Sunshine on my Shoulders,” and Paul Anka’s “(You’re) Having My Baby.”
Kirk and Michael Douglas having a shave together.
In this photograph of Kirk Douglas with his young son, Michael, we see a tender moment shared between a father and son. In reality, Michael Douglas has been open about his contentious relationship with his father. Michael and his brother, Joel, were born to Kirk Douglas and his first wife, Diana. After their split, Kirk was more focused on his career and rarely saw his sons. Michael later said that his dad only came to see them “out of guilt”. Still, his sons seemed to have inherited their father’s talents as Michael, of course, became a famous actor and Joel became a producer.
Coffee pot trucks were really a thing in 1956.
This is sort of like the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile, but with coffee. This caffeinated car was a promotional vehicle for Gevalia Coffee in the 1950s. Founded in Sweden in 1853, today, Gevalia is the largest coffee roaster in all of Scandinavia. It is a worldwide company … you can buy their coffee and k-cups at places like Walmart. But when the company first started, they sold their coffee directly to customers through home delivery. That’s a concept that was way ahead of its time. Wouldn’t it be great is the coffee truck stopped by your house every morning to hand you a steaming cup of Joe?
James Dean reading a magazine and Elizabeth Taylor napping during a break on the set of “Giant” in 1955.
Taking a break from filming the 1956 sweeping epic film, Giant, James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor each chose their own ways to relax. Giant, based on Edna Ferber’s 1952 novel of the same name, was notable because it was the last film in which James Dean has a starring role. The hot young Hollywood actor died in a car accident before the film was released. Dean was posthumously given an Academy Award nomination for his role in Giant. In addition to Dean’s nomination, Giant earned nine other Oscar nominations, but it only won in one category. Director George Stevens won for Best Director.
A young Jodie Foster showing off her basketball skills in her school uniform, 1976.
This photo of a young Jodie Foster messing around with a basketball was taken in 1976, the same year that she co-starred in Taxi Driver. In this controversial film, Foster played a child prostitute although she was only 12 years old at the time. Despite the questionable subject matter, Taxi Driver received critical praise. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including one for Foster for Best Supporting Actress. Not bad for a young, talented performer who had not yet reached her teenage years.
Behind the scenes at Sesame Street, with Richard Hunt, Jim Henson and Frank Oz.
It is hard to believe that Jim Henson was able to make a lifelong and lucrative career out of puppetry. After earning a degree in home economics from the University of Maryland, College Park, he and his wife Jane, founded the Muppets, Inc in 1958. He created educational puppets for several television appearance but in 1969, he joined the production team for a new children’s educational program called Sesame Street. For this show, Henson created such memorable characters as Kermit the Frog, Bert and Ernie, Big Bird, and Elmo.
Ann-Margret in a scene from the movie The Swinger 1966.
Ann-Margret starred in a racy, sexy romp of a film, The Swinger, in 1966. In the movie, she plays a young writer named Kelly Olsson who longs to have her articles published in Girl-Lure magazine. When her submissions are repeatedly rejected by the editor, she comes up with a wild plan. She develops a fake persona and portrays herself as a wild, sexually liberated girl. The magazine editors want to cover the exploits of this provocative woman, but things go awry when Kelly tried to fake her zany adventures.
Jackie Gleason in a scene from Smokey and the Bandit 1977
In the 1977 film, Smokey and the Bandit, Jackie Gleason was cast as a Texas county sheriff named Buford T. Justice. Did you know that the name came from a friend of Burt Reynolds’ father, a real highway patrolman in the state of Florida named Buford T. Justice. Reynolds’ father made another notable contribution to the film. He was fond of saying “sumbitch” so that phrase was added to Jackie Gleason’s lines. Burt Reynolds later said that Gleason’s impersonation of a Southern sheriff, who was polite and charming to the ladies yet tough and intimidating to the men, made him fall on the floor laughing.
Carrie Fisher, Paul Simon and Chevy Chase at the Caddyshack premiere, 1980.
Both the Caddyshack writer, Brian Doyle-Murray, and director, Harold Ramis, worked as caddies during their teenage years. That served as the inspiration for the film. In fact, several of the characters in Caddyshack, including the Haverkamps, Judge Smalls, Maggie, and Al Czervik, were based on real-life people that they encountered. Caddyshack was meant to be set in the Midwest so the producers secured the Rolling Hills Golf Club in Davie, Florida, for filming because the course does not have palm trees. Other scenes were filmed at various other locations in Florida.
Johnny Carson and his little friend on The Tonight Show
During his tenure as host of The Tonight Show, Johnny Carson encountered many different animal guests, including this guy who perched on Carson’s head. Several animal expert guests, including Jim Fowler, brought animals on the set. There are plenty of YouTube videos of Carson sharing the stage with critters, like a giant beetle, a python, an orangutan, a lion cub, a bear, a baboon, a coyote, a falcon, and a whole slew of talented dogs.
Don Knotts & Frances Bavier with their Emmys for The Andy Griffith Show in 1967.
In this photo from the 1967 Emmy Awards, we see Don Knotts and Frances Bavier showing off their hardware. The Andy Griffith Show co-stars each won awards that year, Knotts for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Comedy and Bavier for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Comedy. Although this was the only time Bavier won an Emmy for playing Aunt Bee, Knotts was no stranger to the award. His performance as the bumbling deputy, Barney Fife, earned him Emmys in 1962, 1963, and 1966.
Audrey Hepburn listening to records in her Manhattan apartment, 1954.
Beautiful and classy Audrey Hepburn was engaged to James Hanson, an industrialist, in 1952, but broke off the relationship because of the demands of her career. She was also romantically linked to film producer Michael Butler. Hepburn’s first marriage, however, was to fellow actor Mel Ferrer. The couple tied the know in Switzerland on September 25, 1954, while on location for their film, War and Peace. They divorced 14 years and one son later. Hepburn’s second husband was Andrea Dotti, an Italian psychiatrist. She had another son with her second husband but their marriage ended after 13 years.
Kurt Russell kicking Elvis in a scene from It Happened at the World's Fair 1963.
Although the 1963 movie musical, It Happened at the World’s Fair, was designed as a star vehicle for Elvis Presley, in many ways it was a young Kurt Russell who stole the show. In the film, Elvis’s character attends the 1962 World’s Fair in Seattle, Washington, where he falls for a nurse working at the first aid station at the fair. This nurse, however, resists his flirtatious advances. So Elvis’s character pays a kid twenty-five cents to kick him in the shin, thus giving him an excuse to see the nurse again. Who was the actor who played the kicking kid? You guessed it … it was a young Kurt Russell in his first movie role.
Rick James rocking out in 1978.
Rick James got his first real taste of commercial success with his 1978 album, Come Get It!, which was produced by Motown’s Gordy Records. Two of the hits from this album, “Mary Jane” and “You & I”, helped increased his fan base. This set the stage for his 1981 Street Songs album, the most successful album of his career. This was the album that gave us “Super Freak” and “Give It to Me Baby”. Although Rick James’s career overlapped with the disco era, his musical sound was not confined to the disco genre. He mixed elements of funk, rock, R&B, soul, and new wave sounds into his music.
'Born to be Wild' back in the early 80's.
Yep, this trio of tough guys looks like they are about to release their debut album. In the early 1980s, when this photo was taken, parents weren’t as concerned about things like bike helmets, neighborhood bullies, kidnappers, and knee pads. Kids were allowed to play outside and encouraged to make friends in the neighborhood. Parents didn’t arrange play dates or over-schedule their kids’ days. Free play was every day. Kids spent their days riding their bikes, exploring the woods, and interacting with friends, rather than watching TV or playing video games. It was a great way to grow up.
Little kids hanging out at the corner store in 1960.
Here are a group of kids in the 1960s hanging out in front of the corner store. It is just a hunch, but we think this store might sell Coca-Cola. All those promotional and advertising signs might seem like overkill, but fast forward a few decades and they are highly sought-after collectibles. Vintage advertising signs, especially for products like Coke with is an American classic, are big ticket items in antique stores. Since it first hit the markets in 1888, Coca-Cola has mastered the brand recognition game with its consistent red and white signs.
Willie Nelson was invited to the White House by Jimmy Carter who thanked the country superstar for his campaign support in 1977.
Willie Nelson, country music’s outlaw rebel, was invited to Washington by President Jimmy Carter. It was what happened after Willie Nelson’s meeting with Carter at the White House in 1980 that would be the subject of rumors for years to come. In his 1988 autobiography, Nelson confessed to smoking marijuana on the roof of the White House with a ‘companion’. Nelson refused to out his smoking buddy. He coyly explained that it was a ‘staffer’, but in an interview for a documentary several years later, Jimmy Carter himself explained that the ‘companion’ was his own son, Chip.
June Carter as a solo country music artist back in 1956.
Lovely June Carter began her singing career as a youngster, just 10 years old. She performed first with her musical parents and then with her mother and sisters, Helen and Anita, in a group called Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters. As an adult, June admitted that she was not as musically gifted as her sisters but she had more of a stage presents and comedic timing than her sisters. Those skills helped her when she developed skits she performed at the Grand Ol’ Opry. In 1950, the Carter family became regulars at the Grand Ol’ Opry where they befriended Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash, who would be the love of June’s life.
Here's actress Maggie Smith, 'Professor Minerva McGonagall' from Harry Potter, in the early 1960's.
The younger generation may only now English actress Maggie Smith for her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series, but she had a long and illustrious acting career well before she went to Hogwarts. Smith is one of the few actresses to have achieved what is called the Triple Crown of Action – winning an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and an Emmy Award. In fact, Maggie Smith is a bit of an over-achiever. She has actually won two Academy Award and four Emmy Awards. In addition, she has earned three Golden Globe Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, and five BAFTA Awards.
Lily Tomlin as Ernestine the telephone operator in Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In that ran from 1968 to 1973.
Most people today have no idea what a telephone operator is but those who do probably automatically think of Lily Tomlin. On TV’s Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In in the 1960s, comedienne Lily Tomlin, a cast member on the show, created the iconic character of Ernestine, a telephone operator. Television audiences found her rude, brash, and unsympathetic demeanor to be hilarious. When making called, she often commented, “One ringy dingy … two ringy dingy.” Oh, and she snorted when she laughed, too.
The Moody Blues, 1971- RIP Ray Thomas.
Following his death in 2018, Ray Thomas, the founding member of the Moody Blues was posthumously inducted in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A multitalented performer, Thomas was a songwriter and composers, singer, and played several instruments for the Moody Blue. That was him playing the flute in the band’s 1967 classic, “Nights in White Satin.” In addition to Thomas, the Moody Blues members were Mike Pinder, Danny Laine, Graeme Edge, and Clint Warwick. Although they were considered to a be a progressive rock band, a number of their hits could be called rhythm and blues.
Here's John F. Kennedy feeding a deer at Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA in 1963.
When President John F. Kennedy was on an official visit to Northern California in September of 1963, arrangements were made for his to stay overnight in a cabin in Lassen Volcanic National Park. There, the President was thrilled to discovered that the local deer population was so accustomed to humans that they could be hand fed. In the morning, before a helicopter arrived to take Kennedy to his next stop, the President was delighted to find a deer outside the cabin, hoping for a hand out. He rushed outside in his pajamas and slippers to feed the deer some bread. One of his military aides, Cecil Stoughton, snapped this photograph.
ACDC back in 1978.
In 1978, when this photo was taken, the Australian hard rock band AC/DC released If You Want Blood You’ve Got It, the first of their live albums and the only one to feature Bon Scott as the lead singer. They were still buzzing from the success of this album when they released their Highway to Hell album in 1979. With the album, AC/DC was on the cusp of superstardom. But on February 19, 1980, Bon Scott spent a night on the town with a fellow musician. He was found dead the next morning. The coroner ruled it a “death by misadventure” but the likely cause was acute alcohol poisoning.
Ann-Margret 'shooting' behind the scenes in Viva Las Vegas, 1964
No, sexy Ann-Margret didn’t play a gun toting gangster in the hit 1964 movie musical Viva Las Vegas, as this behind-the-scenes photo would suggest. She played a swimming instructor working at a swanky Las Vegas hotel. The film was written and developed specifically for her and Elvis Presley to showcase the singing and dancing talents of both of them. In the film, neither one of them play professional entertainers. Elvis plays a racecar driver. But to get the quick cash Elvis needs to fix his racecar, he needs to team up with Ann-Margret’s character to win the hotel’s talent show.
When You're Hot, You're Hot Musician and actor Jerry Reed sporting some top-notch 70's sideburns and fashion.
Jerry Reed’s style of country music included a good blend of humor and some wonderfully catchy hooks. While rocking his trademark seventies sideburns, the singer, songwriter, composer, guitarist, and actor had such memorable hits as “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot,” “A Thing Called Love,” and “She Got the Goldmine (I Got the Shaft).” You may even remember him from “East Bound and Down,” the theme song to the 1977 movie, Smokey and the Bandit. Reed also appeared in that movie as well as about a dozen more. He was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Musicians Hall of Fame.
Devo in front of Akron's 'Chili Dog Mac' in 1978.
Devo caught people’s attention in 1977 with their first single, “Mongoloid” and their cover of The Rolling Stone’s hit, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”, but 1978 was their breakout year. Very cleverly, their released an album of apparent demo songs that was claimed to be a bootlegged album, but was, in fact, a marketing ploy to stir up interest in the band. David Bowie and Iggy Pop recommended the band to Warner Bros, who offer Devo a recording contract. Their first album was titled Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! Everyone knew their name after their 1978 appearance on Saturday Night Live.
Here's a very fashion-friendly pair in New York, 1961.
What a handsome, stylish couple! It is too bad that hats like these are no longer fashionable. They make any outfit look chic. The woman in this photo is rocking a Panama hat. Together with her trim, tailored dress that has Audrey Hepburn-Jackie Kennedy vibes all over it, lovely brooch, and timeless accessories, she looks like she is about to hit the runway or star in the next Hollywood blockbuster. As for the gentleman in this photo, his bowler hat is a compliment to his well-cut suit.
Talented singer-songwriter friends, Warren Zevon and Jackson Browne in 1976.
Singer, songwriter, and musician Jackson Browne, known for his hit songs, “Somebody’s Baby,” “Running on Empty,” and “Doctor, My Eyes,” has had a lifetime personal and professional friendship with Warren Zevon, a fellow singer and songwriter. Browne even served as a mentor to Zevon. It was Jackson Browne who strongly encouraged David Geffen of Asylum Records to give Zevon’s music a listen which led to a recording contract. Asylum Records produced Zevon’s first two albums. On the personal front, Jackson Browne is the godfather of Zevon’s daughter Ariel.
Joanie Labine was the first female DJ at the Whisky A Go-Go in 1965.
Joanie Labine was the first female DJ at the famed Whisky A Go Go, but got be too quick to label her as an icon of women’s rights and equality. At the time, the DJ booth was in a cage suspended over the stage. One night, she was spinning one of Johnny Rivers’ albums. Caught up in the music, she started dancing to the music, wearing one of her favorite outfits, tall white boots and a short, fringed dress. The crowd loved it. At that moment two new trends were born – dancing girls in cages and go-go boots -- and neither of them helped advance the feminist movement.
Iron Maiden, with their mascot Eddie, on a battleship in 1981.
As scary as it was, Eddie the Head was the longtime mascot for the British heavy metal band, Iron Maiden. Eddie joined the band on tours and had a prominent role in their concerts. The band sold Eddie merch, too. There were t-shirts, posters, and even an action figure based on this controversial character. Eddie, who was called a zombie, a cyborg, a deranged mental patient, and an ancient Egyptian mummy all rolled into one, also appeared on all the album covers for Iron Maiden. Artist Derek Riggs drew various illustrations of Eddie for the band’s promotional use.
Holy Cowabunga! It's Batman surfing in 1966.
It couldn’t get any campier than this. The writers of TV’s Batman decided hop on the surfing craze that was sweeping across the country by having the Caped Crusader hang ten. In an episode that aired in 1967, Batman must thwart the arch-villain, The Joker, by … you guessed it --- surfing. You see, The Joker has captured the word’s best surfer and used his “Surfing Experience and Ability Transferometer” machine to suck the talent out of the poor surfer dude and into his own body so that he can become the king of surfing and, thus, take over the world. It is up to Batman to out-surf The Joker and save Gotham City.
Tim Curry lounging on the streets of London, 1969.
When this photo of English actor Tim Curry was taken in 1969, Curry had recently graduated from the University of Birmingham with a combined bachelor’s degree in English and drama. In a few short months, he would land his first full-time acting role as a member of the original London cast of Hair, the 1968 musical. It was during his time with Hair that Tim Curry met Richard O’Brien, a fellow actor, writer, and producer. A few years later, in 1973, O’Brien tapped Curry for a new film he was writing. He wanted Curry to play the role of the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Teri Garr guest-starring on Star Trek in 1968.
Actress Teri Garr appeared in one episode of the original Star Trek television series, but it was not a positive experience. In the episode called “Assignment: Earth”, Garr was cast as a secretary, Roberta Lincoln. Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry had Garr wear an incredibly short skirt for the role. But part the way through filming, Roddenberry called for Garr’s skirt to be made even shorter. Furious, Garr walked off the set in protest. She did eventually return to finish the role but she had such an unpleasant experience that she rarely spoke of her Star Trek appearance.
The Van Dykes on the set of The Van Dyke Show in 1962.
Jerry Van Dyke followed in his big brother’s shoes to become an actor. Jerry was often a guest on The Van Dyke Show, playing, of course, Rob Petrie’s younger brother. In fact, it was this gig that helped launch Jerry’s career. His career, however, was not as successful as his older brother’s. Yes, that was Jerry Van Dyke who starred in My Mother the Car, possibly the worst television sitcom of all times.
George Clooney may have trimmed his bangs himself by the looks of this childhood photo
George Clooney has always been a style icon, and this childhood photo is proof of that! Even though he was only a young boy then, it looks like he had already mastered the art of grooming. He appears to have trimmed his bangs with an old-fashioned pair of scissors—a true sign of his commitment to looking sharp no matter what age! His signature smirk in this picture also tells us about George's youthful spirit and adventurous nature. This vintage snapshot captures all the charm we've come to expect from George Clooney in both his professional life and personal life — timeless coolness and effortless charisma!
Joe Walsh posing on his bike for a photo shoot when he was in the James Gang -1970
Joe Walsh was a rock star in the truest sense. In 1970, he posed for a photo shoot on his bike for the James Gang and oozed coolness from every pore. His leather jacket and aviator shades gave him an air of mystery as he straddled his Harley-Davidson - looking like he was born to ride it. Even though this picture has become iconic, it's hard to capture just how electrifying Joe Walsh's energy was at that moment. He had already made a name for himself with hits like "Funk #49" and "Walk Away." However, there were still so many more musical gems from this legendary guitarist who would go on to shape classic rock forever.
John Wayne dressed in an Easter bunny suit rocking a big pair of rabbit ears in 1969 during an episode of Rowan Martin’s Laugh-In. Don’t ever say the Duke didn’t have a sense of humor
John Wayne was a true American icon and never one to shy away from a laugh. In 1969, he made an unforgettable appearance on Rowan Martin's Laugh-In dressed in an Easter bunny suit, complete with big floppy rabbit ears. He delivered some of his signature lines ("Well pilgrim, what seems to be the problem?") while rocking this hilarious getup - proving that even someone as tough as The Duke had a great sense of humor. His ability to poke fun at himself endeared him even more to fans who already adored him for his larger-than-life presence and cowboy charisma.
Leon Russell and his many hats were legendary
Leon Russell was a musical genius, and his many hats were legendary in the 70s. From Panama hats to fedoras, he wore them all - giving him an unmistakable look that suited his unique style of music. Whether performing solo or with other greats like Elton John and George Harrison, Leon's flamboyant headwear always added a personality to any stage. His signature hats weren't just about fashion, though - they came to represent something much bigger than that: individuality and self-expression. Even today, when someone puts on one of Leon's classic styles, it serves as a reminder to be bold enough to follow your dreams and express yourself without apology!
Lynda Carter and Christopher Reeve having fun together on the Muppets show, 1970s
The 1970s were a time of fun and frivolity, and Lynda Carter and Christopher Reeve embraced it with enthusiasm. On The Muppets show in 1977, these two future superstars had a blast - Lynda singing "Happy Together" while riding on Kermit's bicycle basket with Chris smiling alongside her. It was an unforgettable moment for fans everywhere, who loved seeing these two talented actors having a good time together. Even though their paths would eventually go in different directions (Lynda becoming Wonder Woman while Chris took up the mantle of Superman), this lighthearted performance proves they will always be connected through their shared love of friendship, laughter, and pure joy!
No need for a haircut when you're Joey Ramone, but check out the cheap prices back in the 70's
In the 70s, no one rocked a mop of hair quite like Joey Ramone. While most guys were trying to keep up with the latest trends and get haircuts at least once a month, Joey proudly stepped out in public with his wild mane that seemed to have its own life. His iconic look made him stand out from the crowd and become one of punk rock's greatest legends. He refused to conform to society's standards. He embraced being different.
Pablo Picasso in his studio at his home in France, 1956
In 1956, Pablo Picasso was in his studio at his home in France and creating some of the greatest works of art the world had ever seen. His iconic blue period paintings were on full display while he worked - a sight that must have been breathtaking! But it wasn't just his masterpieces that made this room so special - it was also all the other things tucked away among them. There were books and journals filled with sketches, old photographs, and mementos from travels around Europe; all carefully arranged to create an environment where Picasso could feel inspired to keep pushing boundaries. It's no wonder why people still flock to this place today to experience a little bit of what it must have been like when one of history's greats was busy making magic!
Patty Duke and and her son Sean Astin in 1972, who grew up to be Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy
In 1972, Patty Duke and her son Sean Astin were just two peas in a pod. At the time, no one could have predicted that this young boy would grow up to become Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Even then, there was something special about him - an infectious smile and twinkle in his eye that hinted at a bright future ahead. And while they may not have known it back then, both Patty Duke and Sean Astin went on to make incredible contributions to Hollywood as beloved stars who indeed left their mark on history!
Pink Floyd together hangin in Aarhus, Denmark 1967
In 1967, Pink Floyd was in the middle of a European tour when they stopped in Aarhus, Denmark. They had released their debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, to critical acclaim. They were now gearing up to take things to the next level - but even then, they still knew how to have fun! Their European Tour marked a critical moment for them, as it helped solidify their place in history as innovators who changed music forever.
Ricou Browning played the Creature From the Black Lagoon.(1954)
Ricou Browning was the legendary actor who played the Creature From The Black Lagoon in 1954. His portrayal of the mysterious creature captured audiences worldwide with its unique and captivating performance. He wore a full-body costume made from latex, which gave him an eerily realistic appearance that resonated with viewers everywhere. Ricou's movements were precise and graceful as he swam through murky waters while menacingly chasing after his unsuspecting prey! It was a remarkable piece of cinema that has remained popular to this day - a testament to Ricou's incredible talent as an actor and stuntman!
Robby Benson with his One on One co-star Melanie Griffith in 1970's
Robby Benson and Melanie Griffith made a dynamic duo when they co-starred in the 1970s film One on One. The pair had undeniable chemistry, evident on screen as they played two young people who have to learn how to navigate their newfound relationship. Robby's portrayal of a shy but determined basketball player trying to make his mark in the world was endearing and inspiring. At the same time, Melanie's performance as an independent woman striving for her dreams won over audiences everywhere! Together, these two talented actors created one of the most memorable romances of the 70s - making it clear why this film is still beloved today!
Sigourney Weaver testing out the flame-thrower for the film Alien on the Shepperton Studios backlot lawn in 1978
It was a sight to behold when Sigourney Weaver tested the flamethrower for Alien on the Shepperton Studios back lot lawn in 1978. She looked fearless and determined as she held up the weapon, ready to take on any alien threat coming her way! Her iconic performance as Ripley has become one of Hollywood's most beloved heroines - and it all started with this moment of bravery. It was inspiring to see a woman taking control of her own destiny at a time when female action heroes were few and far between! Watching Sigourney prepare for battle proved that anything is possible if you have courage in your heart.
Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac rockin out on stage for her fans, 1970s
Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac was a force to be reckoned with, rockin' out on stage in the 70s! Her signature style and captivating vocals gave her an electrifying presence that could take any crowd by storm. Her hair whirled around as she danced and sang along to each song. Stevie's performances were always full of emotion and soul - you could feel every lyric deep inside your heart. It's no wonder so many fans followed her everywhere; there was something special about Stevie that made us believe anything is possible if you follow your dreams.
Teenagers dressed as KISS at their high school, 1978.
Take a trip back to 1978 and relive the nostalgia of the iconic band KISS. This photograph captures a group of teenagers dressed as band members at their high school. In the 1970s, KISS was at the height of its fame, and its music and image were synonymous with the era.
This photograph reminds us of the passion and excitement that the band generated among their fans, even at a young age. The picture is a representation of the era; it's a reflection of the cultural changes of the time,
The Doors looking through a door, 1969
The Doors in 1969 were a band like no other. Led by the enigmatic Jim Morrison, they created revolutionary and groundbreaking music - taking rock n' roll to new heights with their experimental sound. They had an electrifying stage presence that could captivate any audience; you couldn't help but be drawn into their world as soon as they started playing! Every song felt alive and vibrant, from Ray Manzarek's soulful keyboard solos to Robby Krieger's energized guitar riffs. The Doors may have disbanded many years ago. However, the impact of their music still resonates today - proving why they remain one of the most beloved bands of all time!
These used to be one of these on almost every street corner
Public payphones were an integral part of life in the 70s. They were everywhere - on street corners, shops, and train stations! People would often be seen chatting for hours as they waited to make their calls; it didn’t matter if you had a phone at home because everyone was connected through these communal phones. It was a time before cell phones became popular when people still relied on landlines to communicate with one another - making conversations more meaningful. The sound of coins clinking against each other as you dial your friends will always bring back fond memories from simpler times!
Who remembers drying your hair in rollers (or your Mom) with this on back in the 70s
In the 1970s, this miracle invention made it easy to get those perfectly-coiffed curls without waiting for hours! This fantastic contraption features adjustable heat and timer settings, so you can customize the amount of time needed for your perfect style - no more waiting forever for your locks to dry! And remember its portability; you could take it anywhere, from sleepovers at friends' houses to vacation trips. In those days, this revolutionary styling tool provided us with endless possibilities - ensuring we always looked our best!
Who remembers riding around in one of these A 1967 Ford Country Squire Wagon
The 1967 Ford Country Squire Wagon was a classic car that had it all: style, comfort, and reliability. It featured a sleek design with chrome accents and woodgrain paneling on the side - an eye-catching combination of modernity and nostalgia. Inside you could find plenty of room for passengers or cargo; its fold-down seats made it perfect for families who needed extra storage space! The wagon also had a powerful V8 engine under the hood that provided terrific performance while still fuel efficient - making every drive smooth sailing! This fantastic car has stood the test of time as one of Ford’s most beloved models - proof that quality never goes out of style!
Who used to listen to the Grease movie soundtrack on the record player over and over again back in the 1980s
Ah, who remembers listening to the Grease movie soundtrack on the record player over and over again back in the 80s? Every time we put on those records, it felt like a magical journey into another world! We would sing along to all our favorite songs while imagining ourselves as Sandy or Danny - living out an epic teenage romance with every spin. The music was so catchy and fun that you couldn’t help but get up and dance around your bedroom! Although times have changed since then, this classic soundtrack still brings us back to those days of nostalgia.
