Life at home of 1970s groovy celebs
Seeing inside someone’s home can be like staring straight into their soul. While not everyone has the funds to purchase their dream house, many celebrities get the chance to do just that.
Back in the 1970s, stars had their homes decorated in the grooviest way. There was shag carpeting, linoleum floors, sunken living rooms, and avocado green décor plastered all over the place. These photos show us a glimpse of that era’s most famous celebrities lounging around in their far-out pads.
Anderson Cooper And Gloria Vanderbilt Get Comfy In Bed
Anderson Cooper (right) looks almost unrecognizable in this photo from 1972. He is pictured with his brother Carter and their mother Gloria Vanderbilt in their Southampton, New York home.
Cooper is best known for anchoring his own news show on CNN where he has covered many of history’s most crucial events. His mother was a fabulously famous heiress and socialite. As a child, Vanderbilt was part of the “trial of the century,” which was a custody battle between her parents.
John Lennon And Yoko Ono’s All-White House
Those who’ve seen the “Imagine” music video might not know that it was filmed in John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s home. This photo shows the pair in their English Tittenhurst Park home in July of 1971 and you may notice there isn’t really any furniture.
Lennon and Ono met at one of her performance art shows while he was in the Beatles and they instantly hit it off. After Lennon left the Beatles, the two formed their own music group called the Plastic Ono Band. They were married from 1969 to 1980 and share a son named Sean Lennon.
Diana Rigg With Her Pet Parrot
English actress Diana Rigg, best known for her starring role on The Avengers in the 1960s, can be seen in a quiet moment at her home with her beloved pet parrot, named “Chrome.”
The photo was taken just a year after Rigg played Countess Teresa di Vicenzo in the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Modern-day audiences may remember her as Olenna Tyrell on Game of Thrones.
Blondie Cooks Up Something In The Kitchen
Chris Stein and Debbie Harry of the rock group Blondie were just as happy as could be in their New York kitchen. The space is small, but they obviously added their personal touches including animal oven mitts, an Elvis poster, and a hanging plastic parrot.
Blondie were pioneers in American punk and new wave with several chart-toppers such as “Heart of Glass,” “Call Me,” and “The Tide Is High.” Over the course of their almost 50-year career, they’ve sold over 40 million albums worldwide and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Mick Jagger Struts Out Of His Home
The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger kept things sophisticated as he left his Chelsea, London home in January 1970. Jagger has always showcased his unique, personal style that defies the boundaries of masculinity or femininity.
With a career that has lasted over five decades, he continues to be one of the most popular frontmen in rock history. His energetic live performances are one of the reasons why the Stones’ music has stood the test of time.
Truman Capote’s House Was A Little Fishy
Author Truman Capote is pictured in 1976 in front of a colorful fish painting in his home. His eclectic personality matched his home with bright colors, unusual statues, and of course, a lot of books. Some of his most famous works include Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood.
He had quite a public persona, which included a distinctive, high-pitched voice, offbeat style, and elaborate fabrications. Capote used to make up stories that he was friends with celebrities when he had never met them in person.
Chuck Norris And His Wife Work On Martial Arts
Martial arts icon Chuck Norris is seen practicing some moves on the front lawn of his Palos Verdes home with his wife, Dianne Holechek in 1978.
While Norris is a black belt in multiple martial arts disciplines, this photo captures him taking part in Chun Kuk Do — a discipline that he developed.
Elton John Still Has A Big Spending Streak
Elton John shows off his silly side in this April 1972 photo. He is seen riding a small motorbike and showing off his four luxury cars. John has been a culprit of overspending since the beginning of his fame, whether it be cars, shoes, or sunglasses.
This photo proves that his on-stage persona matches his real life. He is dressed in metallic platforms, velvet bellbottoms, and can always be seen wearing colorful sunglasses. Although it isn’t pictured, there is a giant grand piano inside his home where he writes the music to accompany partner Bernie Taupin’s lyrics.
Jane Fonda Makes A Quick Call
While many celebrity photos of the decade are staged, this photo of actress Jane Fonda at home in the 1970s appears to be candid.
Fonda, wearing an oversized pair of glasses, glances at the photographer as she makes a phone call, surrounded by notes and paperwork.
Christopher Knight Didn’t Really Live At The Brady Bunch House
Most people likely know Christopher Knight for his role as the middle brother, Peter, on The Brady Bunch. Although the show wasn’t a fan-favorite when it originally aired, it garnered a massive young fan base when it went into syndication.
Here, Knight is pictured in his San Fernando Valley, California home with his pet dog near an interesting fountain. As he grew up, he distanced himself from acting and worked as a businessman. He now owns and operates a furniture company called Christopher Knight Home.
Freddie Mercury, Coming Up With A New Hit Song
Queen’s frontman, Freddie Mercury, kept music with him at all times. This photo was taken in his Shepherds Bush flat in London and featured many posters of his musical influences.
Mercury kept a guitar close by in case something inspiring popped into his head. Queen was one of the most influential rock groups of the 1970s with hits including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Somebody To Love.” Mercury was a firecracker performer with spectacular costumes, booming energy, and powerful vocals.
William Shatner On New Year’s Eve
The first year of the 1970s was almost complete when this photo of William Shatner was snapped on December 31st, 1970.
At the time, Shatner was a household name thanks to his star turn in the original Star Trek series, which concluded its successful run in 1969. While Shatner would take part in innumerable projects over the coming decades, he’s still best remembered as Captain Kirk.
Get A Kick Out Of Chuck Norris’ SoCal Home
One of the most iconic martial arts actors in movie history is Chuck Norris. Norris is also an accomplished screenwriter and did a lot of writing at his desk (pictured) in his Palos Verdes home.
The office is adorned with martial arts awards and features some classic ’70s wood paneling. Norris’ claim to fame was opposite Bruce Lee in 1972’s Way of the Dragon. His student and friend, Steve McQueen, encouraged him to take acting lessons, which launched his long film career.
Lauren Bacall Makes An Emphatic Point
One of the most iconic actresses of the midcentury years, Lauren Bacall, was photographed in her New York apartment in 1979.
Bacall (born Betty Joan Perske) spent much of her life in New York. While the peak of her film career was firmly in the past by the late ’70s, she would go on to perform on stage and screen until her death in 2014.
Joan Jett Rocks Out On Her Guitar
It’s striking how much Joan Jett’s personality is reflected in her bedroom. The portrait of Jett playing guitar was taken around 1976 or 1977 in her family home in Canoga Park, California.
Posters of rock stars line the walls and her record player is draped by dozens of records out of their covers. Jett is most famously known as the frontwoman for The Runaways and was one of the first women who tapped into the punk rock genre.
David Hasselhoff: A Star In The Making
This is a classic photo of actor David Hasselhoff in 1979. He is quite the multi-tasker by engaging in a telephone call, reading a script, and finishing the novel Semi-Tough in his Hollywood Hills home. His velvet blanket and boldly patterned bed frame are the epitome of late ’70s interior design.
Around this time, he set the Guinness World Record for being the most-watched man on TV with parts in The Young and The Restless, Knight Rider, and Baywatch. Fans of “The Hoff” may not know that he is a professional singer and is still releasing music today.
A Young Jennifer Aniston
One of the most iconic stars of the ’90s, Jennifer Aniston, was photographed at home at the age of six in this 1975 photo.
While Aniston’s film and TV career was well in the future at this point, she was photographed as part of a series focusing on her parents, actors John Aniston and Nancy Dow.
Donna Summer Warms Up By The Fire
This ’70s photo of Donna Summer in her living room looks so cozy. She’s seen relaxing on her couch right next to a lit fireplace. Some unique features in the room include her metal bird statues, wooden plant beams, and colorful artwork.
During her heyday, Summer was referred to as the “Queen of Disco” with influential works including “Love to Love You Baby” and “Hot Stuff.” Before she succumbed to lung cancer in 2012, she sold over 100 million records worldwide, won five Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Ethel Merman At Her New York Apartment
Musical comedies have gone by the wayside in recent decades, but in their heyday, Ethel Merman was perhaps the biggest female star in the game.
Merman was known for her powerful voice and comedic chops, and appeared in not just stage productions, but also a string of successful movies from the ’30s to the ’60s.
Karl Lagerfeld’s Art Deco Paris Apartment
Designer Karl Lagerfeld didn’t have his signature white ponytail yet in the ’70s, but he sure knew how to live in style. He is pictured in his study in September of 1974 at his Paris apartment.
It may not be too visible, but the brown and beige daybed in the foreground was designed by the famous French architect Michel Roux-Spitz. His entire apartment was decorated in the Art Deco style. Lagerfeld spent his days as the creative director of Chanel and Fendi and also had his own fashion label.
Miles Davis’ Soothing Living Room
Sunken living rooms were a staple of ’70s décor and jazz musician Miles Davis had one of the all-time best. He is pictured holding his trumpet in a room that looks as if it could be his personal jazz studio.
Davis was considered to be one of the greatest performers in history and the most recognized jazz musician of his era. He was also called an “arbiter of style” in both his attitude and fashion.
Wayne Newton Gets Ready
Wayne Newton has been a steady presence in Las Vegas since the early days of the city’s casino era, and helped set the template for Vegas acts in the years to follow.
This 1972 photo shows a 30-year-old Newton as he slips on a pair of stylish boots to prepare for yet another one of his signature shows.
Frank Zappa In His Music Room
Music was extremely important to Frank Zappa, so he kept it with him everywhere he went. Here, he is seen strumming on his guitar at his house in 1971. His piano with plenty of sheet music stands in the background.
Zappa was recognized as one of the most talented guitar players in history with many of his live performances filled with intricate and improvised solos. He composed music in a wide array of genres that ranged from rock, pop, jazz, jazz fusion, orchestral, and more.
Sophia Loren Looks Immaculate
Italian icon Sophia Loren became internationally famous in the 1950s thanks to a five-picture contract with Paramount Pictures, a film career that would eventually lead to an Oscar win for Best Actress in 1960.
In the years that followed, Loren became just as known for her glamorous off-screen presence, which conveyed a confident, sultry, and exotic charm. She remains one of the most notable stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Billy Crystal Puts On A Happy Face
Comedian and actor Billy Crystal’s career has spanned many decades. This photo was taken when he was barely starting out in the business in October of 1977 at his West Hollywood home.
It’s fun to see him with a Marx Brothers poster because they’re most likely one of his many comedic influences. His shirt is a reference to his claim to fame as Jodie Dallas on the sitcom Soap. It was a nighttime parody of daytime soap operas. In recent years, Crystal is a frequent host of Saturday Night Live.
John Cleese Having A Good Ol’ Time
John Cleese was a founding member of the British comedy troupe Monty Python, who were especially popular in the ’60s and ’70s. This photo was taken in November of 1970 and features Cleese in his Holland Park garden.
As he sits under a tree playing a guitar, he is joined by his cat and various stuffed animals. During the mid-1970s Cleese co-wrote and starred on the sitcom Fawlty Towers as Basil Fawlty. Also, Cleese has a home on the Royal Crescent, which is one of the most famous Georgian architecture sites in the United Kingdom.
Billy Joel In Front Of Some Of His Awards
The piano man himself, Billy Joel, is seen here in front of several awards he won over the years. The photo was taken in his New York home in 1978. Known as the “Piano Man” by some fans, that’s also the title of one of his most famous songs, which was about his ex-wife and manager Elizabeth Weber Small.
Joel has become one of the best-selling musicians of all time with over 150 million records sold worldwide. He is in the top three most popular solo acts in the United States and is known for his frequent concerts at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
Joanne and Paul Newman Relax at Home
After finalizing his divorce from wife Jackie Witte in 1958, actor Paul Newman was quickly remarried the same year, to actress Joanne Woodward. The couple married and moved in together in an apartment in Greenwich Village.
Both actors managed busy schedules and dedicated time to studying scripts and memorizing their lines. Yet, whenever they could, they spent time together relaxing at home.
Clint Eastwood Working Out In His Sleek Pebble Beach Pad
Although Clint Eastwood has been a huge Hollywood movie star for decades, he doesn’t choose to live there full-time. This 1978 photo shows Eastwood in the kitchen of his masterfully designed home in Pebble Beach, California.
He loves the area so much that he served as the mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea for a couple of years in the mid-1980s. He owns a ton of other properties including a mansion in Bel-Air, a ranch in Burney, an apartment in Burbank, a house in Idaho, and an oceanfront manor in Hawaii.
Liberace Lived A Life Of Luxury
There isn’t anything more glamorous than seeing Liberace in his $55,000 marble bathtub. He is surrounded by monogrammed towels, gold candelabras, and a giant crystal chandelier. Bubbles fill the air as Liberace shows off his bejeweled rings on every finger.
He was most famously known for being a pianist and singer with a long career that included concerts, TV specials, movies, and endorsements. From the 1950s to the 1970s, Liberace was the highest-paid entertainer in the world and made sure to spend his life living like a king.
Cher And Gregg Allman Having A Lazy Day
In 1977, this photo was snapped of Cher and rock guitarist Gregg Allman. It looks as though they are having a lazy afternoon in a hammock at their home in Beverly Hills, California.
The Goddess of Pop and the rock star were married in 1975. They had one son together, Elijah Blue.
Tommy Moore At Home With His Family
A lot of people might not remember, but Tommy Moore was the original drummer for The Beatles. He played with the band from May to June 1960 before going back to a more steady job.
Here, he is hanging out at home with his family, his wife Veronica (Vera) Hughes, and his two children.
Robert Redford Strolling Outside His Apartment
Robert Redford was an actor during the Golden Age of Hollywood, having starred in numerous motion pictures. Some of his more famous works include Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Way We Were, and All The President’s Men.
Here he is spotted outside of his New York City apartment in 1978.
Elton John Playing The Piano
Elton John has been on the map since the 1960s, releasing hit after hit such as “Rocket Man,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “I’m Still Standing,” and so many more.
Here, Sir Elton John is doing what he does best, playing the piano. Instead of on a grad stage, though, he is in the comfort of his own home wearing a bathrobe.
Freddie Mercury When He Wasn’t On Stage With Queen
Freddie Mercury was the lead singer of Queen, notable for his four-octave vocal range; he is often cited as one of the greatest rock singers in history. During his heyday, it might have been hard for fans to think of Mercury as a normal person, lounging in his yard.
Yet, here is a picture of then rock star doing just that!
Jane Seymour Enjoying Breakfast On The Balcony
Throughout the 1970s, Jane Seymour made a name for herself as the lead actress in the television series The Onedin Line, as well as a Bond Girl in the 1973 film Live and Let Die.
Here, the Golden Globe-winning actress is enjoying a relaxing morning on her balcony with some breakfast.
Clint Eastwood With His Daughter
Clint Eastwood first found success in various Western television shows. Soon, he became a prominent face on the silver screen in Hollywood, starring in movies such as Million Dollar Baby, Unforgiven, and Every Which Way but Loose.
Here, he is taking a break from the spotlight to enjoy a day with his daughter at home in Pebble Beach near Carmel, California.
David Cassidy Hanging Out With His Mom And Dog
David Cassidy was a meg-star during the 1970s. First, as one of the leading members of the musical-sit com The Partridge Family and then as a pop singer. During the decade, he was pretty much a teen idol!
But even teen idols need downtime. Here, Cassidy is relaxing at home with his mom, Evelyn Ward, and their dog.
Jane Fonda Studying Lines At Home
The 970s were a huge time for Jane Fonda. In 1971 she won an Academy Award for Best Actress for Klute and again in 1978 for Coming Home. Besides Hollywood, though, Fonda was a stage actress.
Here, she was photographed sitting at home studying lines for an upcoming Broadway play.
Time For Tea With Paul McCartney And Wife Linda
The 1970s was a time where Paul McCartney was relearning how to live life after the breakup of the Beatles.
This photo shows him and wife Linda living on a farm in Nashville, Tennessee. They loved the country life with bare feet and rocking chairs and made time for an afternoon cup of tea.
David Bowie Lounges In The Living Room
David Bowie’s home shows how much music was part of his everyday life. He is sitting in his home in Kent, England with a piano and guitar in plain view.
Bowie went on to become one of the best-selling artists of all-time with hits such as “Starman” and “Changes.” One of his lyrics was even featured in the opening credits of The Breakfast Club.
John Travolta Kept His Memorabilia
Actor John Travolta rose to fame in the 1970s after starring in classic hits such as Welcome Back Kotter, Saturday Night Fever, and Grease.
Here, he is sitting on a shag carpet in his Los Angeles home as portraits of himself line the walls. He is even pictured in a Vinnie Barbarino shirt, which was his character on Welcome Back Kotter.
Olivia Newton-John Pets Her Dog
Olivia Newton-John was a breakout star of the 1970s after starring as Sandy in Grease alongside John Travolta.
This photo shows her in the garden of her Hertfordshire, England home petting her dog. Newton-John went on to be a successful solo artist with hits such as “Physical” and “A Little More Love.”
Barbra Streisand Powders Her Nose
During a party at Barbra Streisand’s New York City townhouse, she snuck away to touch up her makeup.
Streisand got her big break in the ’60s on Broadway and soon became a movie star with roles in Funny Girl, Hello, Dolly!, and A Star is Born. Streisand is one of the richest performers of her generation with a net worth of over $400 million.
Sally Field Relaxes In Her Room
One actress who has been in the entertainment industry for several decades is Sally Field. She first got recognition on the 60s show called The Flying Nun.
Field later became a serious actress with roles in Mrs. Doubtfire, Steel Magnolias, and Forrest Gump. She went on to receive two Academy Awards. Here, Field is seen relaxing in her New York home.
Clint Eastwood Kicks Back At Pebble Beach
Clint Eastwood became a major star in the 1970s, following up his ’60s spaghetti Western roles with a successful run of Dirty Harry films.
This 1978 photo captures Eastwood as he lounges at his home in Pebble Beach, Carmel, California. Eastwood’s association with the region would culminate in him being named mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea in 1986.
Bob Hope Gets Some Puppy Love
Actor and comedian Bob Hope loved spending time with his dog at his Toluca Lake, California home.
Hope was actually from London, England and started doing vaudeville acts in the 1920s and 30s. His self-deprecating performances later revolutionized modern stand-up comedy. Over the course of his career, he was in 70 TV shows and movies with him being the star in 54 of them.
Louis Armstrong Shows Off His Trumpet
Louis Armstrong was a world-renowned jazz musician and he kept his love for music close to his heart. He is pictured in his Corona, New York den showing off his trumpet and other memorabilia.
Nicknamed “Satchmo,” “Satch,” and “Pops,” Armstrong’s career spanned over five decades with hits such as “What a Wonderful World” and “We Have All the Time in the World.”
Joni Mitchell Chills At A Party
Joni Mitchell is one of the most influential folk singers of her generation with songs such as “The Circle Game,” “California,” and “Both Sides Now.”
Mitchell was often seen at Los Angeles parties during the 1960s and 70s. This is her at a house party on September 21, 1972. Other guests included the members of The Mamas & The Papas and John Denver.
Meat Loaf & Jim Steinman Share A Laugh In Their Loft
Musicians Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman are seen in their New York City loft sharing a laugh on November 10, 1977.
The two were frequent collaborators with Steinman writing the music and lyrics and Meat Loaf performing. This photo was taken just a month after Bat Out of Hell was released.
Diana Ross and Gene Simmons Walking on 3rd Avenue
Bet you forgot these two dated huh? Diana Ross and Gene Simmons briefly dated after Ross’s split from Bob Silberstein.
Supposedly Simmons urged Ross to break away from her record company Motown who was underpaying her. She later signed with RCA, cashing in on her mega popularity.
