1970s Celebrities And Their Kids Photographed At The Same Age

There’s something fascinating about seeing a celebrity and their child side by side. The similarities — or striking differences — tell a story all their own.

In the 1970s, some of our favorite TV stars were not just actors but also parents. Now, decades later, their kids are all grown up.

We’ve gathered photos of these stars and their children at the same age. Let’s see how much they resemble their famous parents and where life has taken them.

Caroll O’Connor and Hugh O’Connor

Carroll O’Connor, famous as Archie Bunker, had a son named Hugh O’Connor. Though they look alike, Hugh was actually adopted at age six while Carroll was filming Cleopatra in Rome.

At 16, Hugh battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Chemo saved him, but painkillers led to a serious drug addiction. Carroll quit smoking at 30, but Hugh’s struggle with drugs lasted his entire life.

In 1995, at age 32, Hugh called Carroll, saying he wanted to end it all. Carroll called the police, but they arrived too late. Hugh had tragically taken his own life.

Lorne Greene and Charles Greene 

Lorne Greene and his son Charles, or Chuck, looked so similar they could have been mistaken for twins. Though they shared the same features, their careers were very different.

Lorne was always the leader on-screen, but Chuck found his passion in nature. After hiking through the stunning Arrow and Pines, he dedicated his life to trail preservation and even helped produce Lorne Greene’s New Wilderness.

Both Lorne and Chuck have passed. Chuck died on May 29, 2024, just shy of 80, after choosing to stop treatment for a terminal illness.

John Ritter & Jason Ritter

John Ritter and his son Jason look nearly identical, right down to the side-swept hairstyle. Jason even made his TV debut as a toddler on Three’s Company with his dad.

Jason’s career blossomed with roles in Gravity Falls and Parenthood, earning him an Emmy nomination. He later married actor Melanie Lynskey after splitting from Mariana Palka in 2023. Melanie starred in The Last of Us, where Jason had a cameo as a zombie.

Jason has struggled with alcoholism, often feeling unworthy of Melanie. She calls their relationship “messy and weird,” but they’ve made it work. Jason credits her for his sobriety.

Ron Howard and Reed Howard

Ron Howard was the face of wholesome 1970s TV, the kind of kid parents wanted their sons to emulate. And while Ron and his son Reed share that iconic red hair, the similarities mostly end there. Their noses, eyes, and even teeth are pretty different.

Reed didn’t follow his dad into acting. Instead, he pursued a passion for golf, sharing tips and tricks on Instagram and YouTube. He’s built his own audience through social media, offering golf content to fans.

While Reed’s teaching golf, Ron was directing Apollo 13 around the same age. But let’s not get into that movie too much—because it’s impossible not to tear up thinking about it.

Michael Landon and Chris, Michael Jr., Josh, and Sean

Chris Landon inherited his dad Michael’s famous smile and wavy brown hair. Their sharp noses and cheekbones match, though Chris’s face is a bit longer. While he resembles his dad, Chris chose a career in horror films like Freaky and Happy Death Day.

Michael Landon Jr. focused more on production, working on projects like Michael Landon, The Father I Knew and When Calls the Heart. He may share his dad’s name, but the wavy hair seems to be their strongest physical connection.

Sean Landon was a toddler when Michael passed, so he never really knew his dad. He became a realtor in Malibu, where their family lived, keeping his connection to his dad through the area they called home.

Burt Reynolds and Quinton Reynolds

Burt Reynolds’ son Quinton, adopted during Burt’s marriage to Loni Anderson, doesn’t look much like him. In 2011, Burt decided to omit Quinton from his will but explained he had already provided for him through a trust.

After Burt’s death in 2018, Loni Anderson and Quinton received a lot of support. Anderson noted how Burt was a big part of their lives, remembering him fondly.

Quinton didn’t follow his dad into the spotlight but pursued acting. He’s known for roles in Ouija: Origin of Evil and Tales of Halloween.

Henry Winkler and Max Winkler

Henry Winkler’s son Max Winkler definitely inherited his dad’s narrow face and similar mouth and eye shape. Max first appeared in Cop and a Half in 1993, marking his acting debut.

Unlike his dad, Max ventured into directing in 2006, starting with Clark and Michael. He later directed episodes of popular sitcoms like Fresh Off the Boat and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

In 2024, Max directed Feud: Capote vs. the Swans. While he didn’t follow Henry’s exact career path, he’s made his mark as a talented TV director.

Dick Van Dyke and Barry and Christian

Dick Van Dyke’s son Barry and grandson Christian share some family resemblance, though it’s subtle. While they don’t look exactly alike—Barry’s nose and brow differ from Dick’s—the jawline does show a family connection.

Barry took on acting, writing, and directing, with credits in shows like Wonder Woman and Mork & Mindy. His son, Shane, followed in his footsteps as an actor, director, and screenwriter.

Christian, with his white hair and distinct nose, shows a clearer resemblance to Dick. He started his career on The Dick Van Dyke Show and later faced tragedy with the loss of his daughter, Jessica, to Reye Syndrome. Despite the heartache, Christian eventually supported his dad’s marriage to Arlene, calling it a blessing.

Larry Hagman and Preston Hagman

Preston Hagman had long, free-flowing hair, making it tricky to see the resemblance to his father, Larry. While Preston’s face is longer and rounder, you can still spot some family features.

Larry Hagman, known as the infamous J.R. Ewing, was a TV icon with unforgettable cliffhangers. Preston, in contrast, took on a quieter role, avoiding the drama of Dallas and instead appearing in the show himself in 1978.

Larry Hagman passed away in 2012, and Preston has kept a low profile since then. We wish him well as he continues to stay out of the spotlight.

Dick York, Chris and Matthew

Chris and Matthew York don’t quite mirror their dad, Dick York’s, unique features. His face had a distinctive quality that’s hard to see in his children. Despite this, the York family remains notable.

Dick York, best known for his role on Bewitched, faced a tragic end to his career due to an injury. Through his struggles, his wife Joan was his steadfast support. His memoir, The Seesaw Girl and Me, reflects his deep affection for her.

Chris and Matthew didn’t pursue acting careers, but they honor their father’s legacy in other ways. Their efforts are highlighted in recordings shared by David L. Pierce, author of The Bewitched History. It’s worth checking out for more insights.

Tony Randall and Jefferson Randall

Tony Randall and his son Jefferson look quite different, with Jefferson sporting a band-worthy look and Tony resembling a blend of Elvis and James Bond. Their dissimilar features highlight how different they are in appearance.

Tony Randall, who lost his high school sweetheart to cancer, married Heather Harlan when she was 25 and he was 75. They had Jefferson Salvini, named after comedian Joseph Jefferson and Italian actor Tommaso Salvini.

Jefferson, known for his artsy Instagram posts, recently showcased his writing in The Perch, with a fiction piece titled Shoot the Freak. He also plays in a band called The Rosenbergs, which just released their debut EP. Check out his music and see how Tony Randall’s son is making his own mark.

Dan Blocker, Dirk, and David

Dan Blocker’s sons, Dirk and David, both show a strong family resemblance. Dirk shares his father’s larger-than-life presence and started acting young, even appearing with Dan in a 1964 car commercial.

Dirk’s career took off quickly with roles in classics like MASH*, Little House on the Prairie, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. His comedic portrayal of Hitchcock in Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a standout.

David, on the other hand, pursued a career in production. While he resembles Dan around the eyes and jawline, he focused on producing, with notable work including Don King: Only in America. David also acted in Ray Meets Helen in 2017.

Danny Bonaduce and Count Dante Jean-Michael Valentino Bonaduce

Danny Bonaduce and his son Count Dante John Michael Valentino Bonaduce have quite different hairstyles, but they share similar face shapes and eye colors. The most noticeable difference is in their noses.

Danny, known for his role on The Partridge Family, saw his son born on February 14, 2001, with a name that stands out: Count Dante John Michael Valentino Bonaduce. Dante is working on his own entertainment career, focusing on music.

While Dante has kept a low profile, especially during Danny’s recent health issues, his sister Countessa Isabella is more active on social media. Dante, who took up guitar around age 16, seems poised to carve out his own path in music, showing a promising future ahead.

David Cassidy and Beau Cassidy

David Cassidy and his son Beau Cassidy share striking similarities with their stylish brown waves, sharp features, and bright eyes. It’s clear that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.

David Cassidy, known for his teen idol fame, faced a turbulent personal life with rocky marriages. Beau’s mother, Sue Shiffrin, is a songwriter, so it’s no surprise that Beau inherited musical talent. The Cassidy family is also musically inclined, with Uncle Sean and Grandpa Jack adding to the mix.

While Beau has a few acting credits, including the 2016 TV film Written By, he’s mostly keeping a low profile in his early 30s. At the same age, David was dealing with his second divorce, but his fan club was strong enough to name a star in his honor, proving just how dedicated his fans were.