Robby Benson
Throw a dart at a big sheet of movies from the seventies, and you’re likely to hit Robby Benson. Let’s see, he’s been in “Jory,” “Jeremy,” “Ode to Billy Joe,” “Wait Until Dark,” “The Rothschilds,” “Death Be Not Proud,” “Lucky Lady,” “One on One,” “The Death of Richie,” “The End,” “Ice Castles,” “Die Laughing,” “Tribute,” and “The Chosen.” He was also in “Search for Tomorrow,” a show running 71-72.
You almost certainly know Benson for the voice-work he did for Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” What character was he? Why the Beast himself! He’s also written a bestselling novel, “Who Stole the Funny?: A Novel of Hollywood,” which came out in 2007.
Lance Kerwin
With an acting coach for a father and a talent manager for a mother, Lance Kerwin almost had no choice but to go on screen. His talent, backed by the skills and professions of his parents, landed him the leading role in the late '70s drama "James at 15". His career went from strength to strength until he decided to give up acting in the '90s.
After tumbling down the infamous road of substance dependencies, Kerwin did his best to free himself from it and was even reported to be working in a program that helps people do the same. Sadly, he relapsed, which led to his unfortunate death in early 2023 at the age of 62.
Bonnie Langford
Bonnie Langford's name is more famous in the UK than it is in the US. We would expect nothing else from someone who had major roles in "Just William," "Doctor Who," and the famous British soap opera "EastEnders." Lnagford's career goes beyond the screen, as she is a well-known name on Broadway and on the West End.
She has appeared in productions like "Peter Pan," "Cats," and more, where she could show off her dancing skills too. After decades in the industry, this star is still showing audiences how it's done as a theater regular. This is one child star who managed to beat some worrying statistics.
Marie Osmond
While the single Osmond sister was never part of the band, Marie found fame of her own just by relation. She would gain her own true success when she began to release country-pop songs and had a huge hit with “Paper Roses.” She was also known for her popular variety show with brother Donny.
Marie still performs music and appears on television. She's been very candid about her struggle with postpartum depression and has also written a book about it. Marie has seven children, so we imagine she has plenty to say about it. She publicly supports LGBTQ rights.
The Tragedy of Marie Osmond
Like many stars that have come out of her era, Marie Osmond has seen tragedy. Her adopted son Michael has struggled mightily with depression and substance abuse and was checked into a rehab center in 2007. Unfortunately, the rehab center proved not enough.
In 2010, at only eighteen years old, Michael took his own life when he jumped from a building. He left a note detailing his struggle with depression. The Osmond family was deeply affected, and Marie stayed out of the public eye for some time.