The ’70s were a wild time.
The world was introduced to disco music, political protests filled the streets, and it was dubbed the ” Me Decade .”
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It was also a golden age of movies and television thanks to these 10+ actors . The best part is, they’ve only gotten better with age.
Here’s why they’re the GOAT!
1. Meryl Streep
You know we had to start the list with her!
She’s one of the most accomplished actors of our time. Her first role was in the film, Julia . Since then, the Oscar-winning actress has dazzled in The Devil Wears Prada and Little Women , which she shot in 2019.
2. Burt Reynolds
The iconic actor was a major heartthrob in the ’70s (have you seen that naked bear rug picture?).
He was known for action roles in films like Smokey & The Bandit and Deliverence . He continued to act all the way until his death at 82.
3. Glenn Close
This iconic actress is extremely versatile. She first blew audiences away with her dark performance in Fatal Attraction , opposite Michael Douglas.
Years later, she electrified in 101 Dalmations . Her latest role was in the movie Hilbilly Elegy .
4. John Travolta
The actor has been one to watch for decades.
It all started with Grease in 1978 and has only gotten better ever since with roles in Saturday Night Fever , Hairspray , and Pulp Fiction .
Most recently, he proved that he’s still got it when he appeared The People v O.J. Simpson .
5. Jack Nicholson
Few don’t know the actor’s name. He’s appeared in countless films that are still iconic today, such as The Shining and One Few Over the Cuckoo’s Nest , which he won an Oscar for in 1975.
6. Michael Douglas
Despite coming from a famous father, the actor has managed to forge his own path. His career got started with TV roles in The Streets of San Francisco and Coma and Running .
Age hasn’t slowed him down, as he has produced Ratched and The Kominsky Method , among others.
7. Al Pacino
Age has nothing on this veteran actor! He’s won Oscar, Emmy, and Tony awards during his long career , starting with The Godfather trilogy.
In recent years, he earned a Golden Globe nomination for The Hunters .
8. Betty White
We’d be remiss if we didn’t include Betty! The beloved actress has been acting for eight decades.
Her most iconic roles have been in Golden Girls in the 1980s and The Proposal in 2013.
9. Patrick Stewart
This prolific actor is most known for his role in the Star Trek franchise.
He’s continued to dazzle screens ever since then. The 81-year-old has returned to TV with the CBS All Access series, Star Trek: Picard .
10. Michael Caine
Aside from the late Sean Connery, he’s one of the most notable actors from the James Bond franchise.
In total, he’s appeared in more than 150 films during his career. His latest was Christopher Nolan’s Tenet .
11. Robert De Niro
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t know which critically acclaimed movies he’s been in.
This impressive list includes Taxi Driver , Cape Fear , and The Godfather . It doesn’t stop there; one of his most recent roles was in The Irishmen .
12. Robert Redford
This high-profile actor has starred in several iconic roles , such as in The Sting , The Great Gatsby , and The Candidate .
The 84-year-old still acts today, with roles in The Company You Keep and Captain America: The Winter Soldier .
13. Dustin Hoffman
The actor had his breakout role in The Graduate right on the cusp of the 1970s. From there, he maintained that success with the classic films, Straw Dogs and Papillon .
He’s actually a two-time Oscar winner. He won the Oscar for Best Actor for Kramer vs. Kramer in 1980 and Rain Man in 1989.
The actor continues to act today.
You may have seen him in Little Fockers or heard his voice in Kung Fu Panda .
He also loves to direct, as he made his directorial debut with the film Quartet in 2012.
14. Harrison Ford
The actor’s life was forever changed when he was cast as Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise.
Not much has changed since then, as he’s still a megastar, who knows how to carry a movie with ease.
He’s not a one-trick pony, either.
Ford led the Indiana Jones franchise to stardom. Even now, he still acts in sequels of his older movies, which include Blade Runner and Indiana Jones . What can’t he do?!
15. Gene Hackman
The legendary actor has been acting for decades. It’s why his resume is so impressive. This includes roles in The French Connection , Hoosiers , and The Royal Tenenbaums .
While he’s since retired, he’s found another form of success: working as an author.
16. Anthony Hopkins
Few actors have achieved what Anthony Hopkins has.
The acclaim for his performances started with Silence of the Lambs and has only gotten stronger with time. His most recent achievement was the Oscar for The Father .
The 83-year-old became the oldest person to win that award.
If you thought his acting was prestigious, just wait until you learn that he’s also part royal!
In 1993, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth, which is why you’ll sometimes hear people refer to him as “Sir” Anthony Hopkins.
