Half a century of excellence
At 11 years old, Melissa Sue Anderson gained fame for her portrayal of Mary Ingalls on 'Little House on the Prairie.' She was the only member of the cast to be nominated for an Emmy.
Anderson has continued her acting career, however, she has struggled to replicate the success she experienced as a child. Since 2002, she has been living in Montreal, Canada.
From 1964 to 1966, Butch Patrick portrayed the lovable werewolf Eddie Munster in 'The Munsters.' Prior to achieving recognition at the young age of 11, Patrick had minor roles in 'The Untouchables' and 'General Hospital,' along with other shows.
Patrick temporarily stepped away from the entertainment industry from 1974 to 1991, but subsequently made a comeback to pursue acting. His latest portrayal was in the 2022 film 'The Munsters,' which draws inspiration from the '60s sitcom.
Jerry Mathers gained fame for his part in the sitcom 'Leave It to Beaver,' which aired from 1957 to 1963. He later returned to the role in 'The New Leave It to Beaver' from 1983 to 1989.
During his time in high school, he temporarily paused his acting career to serve in the Air Force. Afterwards, he pursued further education at UCLA before making a comeback in the industry.
Hammond, renowned for his portrayal of the spirited Friedrich in 'The Sound of Music' (1965), had Broadway experience prior to landing the iconic musical role.
He continued to make frequent appearances in various shows and also played the role of Spider-Man in the '70s TV series 'The Amazing Spider-Man.' Since the 1980s, he has been living in Australia and regularly appears in television shows there.
Debbie Turner, who was born in California to Canadian parents, gained recognition for her portrayal of Marta von Trapp in the film 'The Sound of Music.'
After the movie's release, Turner left the entertainment industry and returned to education. She relocated to Minnesota, where she raised four daughters alongside her husband.
Jon Provost became famous for playing the role of Timmy Martin in 'Lassie' from 1957 to 1964, which brought him to stardom.
Provost left his acting career to pursue studies at Sonoma State University. He subsequently ventured into the real estate field, while occasionally making appearances in films and TV shows.
Well-known for his portrayal of Kurt von Trapp in 'The Sound of Music,' Chase also appeared in the family movie 'Follow Me, Boys!' (1966), playing a minor character.
In 1969, he joined the Forest Service and obtained a degree in geology. The former actor now lives near Seattle.
Cartwright, who was born in England, made her acting debut at the tender age of three in the film 'Somebody Up There Likes Me' (1956), portraying Paul Newman’s daughter. However, it was her portrayal of Brigitta von Trapp in the timeless classic 'The Sound of Music' that brought her the most recognition.
In addition to her photography work, she continues to perform in smaller acting roles. Her older sister is the well-known actress Veronica Cartwright.
Marc Copage played the role of Corey Parker on the influential series 'Julia' between 1968 and 1971. The show was notable for featuring a black woman in a non-stereotypical lead role.
Copage's most recent role was in the 2018 film 'The Meg'. Prior to that, he appeared in 'The Kid' in 2000. Instead of pursuing acting, he dove into jazz music.
Mary Badham gained fame for her portrayal of Scout Finch in the acclaimed 1962 film 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' The role, which she played at the tender age of 10, led to her receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress, making her the youngest nominee in the category.
At the age of 14, she decided to shift from acting to art restoration. Nonetheless, in 2005, she made a comeback and starred in the film 'Our Very Own.'
Kym Karath is most famous for her role as Gretl in 'The Sound of Music' (1965). She began her acting career at the age of four in 'Spencer's Mountain' (1963) alongside Henry Fonda.
Karath completed her studies at USC, earning a humanities degree. Subsequently, she relocated to Paris, tied the knot, and became a parent. Later on, she returned to the US and resumed her acting career.
Susan Dey began her acting career on the sitcom 'The Partridge Family,' portraying the character Laurie Partridge from 1970 to 1974.
After joining the cast of 'L.A. Law' from 1986 to 1992, she achieved success in her acting career. Her portrayal of Grace Van Owen resulted in three Emmy nominations, six Golden Globe nominations, and one Golden Globe victory. She eventually retired from acting in 2004.
Johnny Whitaker portrayed the character Jody Davis in the television show 'Family Affair' from 1966 until 1971. Additionally, he achieved the main role in 'The Littlest Angel' in 1969 and took on the role of Tom Sawyer in the musical adaptation of 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer'
released in 1973.
Following his successful youth in the entertainment industry, Whitaker went on to work as a computer consultant for CBS. Although he faced challenges with addiction as an adult, he managed to overcome it and became a certified drug counselor. Additionally, he occasionally continues his acting pursuits.
Erin Murphy gained recognition for her role as the young Tabitha Stephens in the TV show 'Bewitched' from 1964 to 1972. Following the series, she made guest appearances in 'Lassie' and featured in several commercials.
Murphy has pursued various roles beyond acting, such as casting director, makeup artist, fashion stylist, acting teacher, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur.
Ralph Carter achieved success by obtaining the part of the youngest child in the television series 'Good Times.' He participated in the show from 1974 to 1979. Prior to his television career, he portrayed Travis Younger in the Broadway musical 'Raisin,' which resulted in a Tony nomination for Best Supporting or Featured Actor in a Musical.
Carter, in addition to his acting pursuits, embarked on a musical venture and released a record titled 'When You're Young and in Love' in 1975. He continues to work in music, albeit under the radar.
Sources: (Insider) (New York Post) (It's Rosy)
See also: Famous babies—Where are they now?
While some of these young performers remained in show business, others chose to leave Hollywood behind for good. Are you curious about the whereabouts of your favorite child stars from the '60s and '70s? Click through the gallery to find out where they ended up.
Where are the most popular child actors of the '60s and '70s today?
Many decided to leave the entertainment industry
CELEBRITY Child actor
The '60s and '70s introduced audiences to a plethora of captivating series and movies that still evoke nostalgia today. The unforgettable films from this era, such as 'The Sound of Music' (1965), as well as beloved TV shows like 'Leave It to Beaver' and 'Lassie,' drew families into the lives of fictional characters that became cultural icons. These productions also showcased talented child stars who made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
While some of these young performers remained in show business, others chose to leave Hollywood behind for good. Are you curious about the whereabouts of your favorite child stars from the '60s and '70s? Click through the gallery to find out where they ended up.