TV Stars From The 70s Accused Of Awful Crimes

We’ve all seen it – a celebrity’s small blunder that reminds us they’re just like everyone else. A stumble here, a wardrobe malfunction there. Harmless stuff that makes them seem human.

But when the line between being human and doing harm gets crossed, it’s a different story. Especially when it’s someone we grew up watching on TV, who we thought we could trust.

In the 1970s, a handful of sitcom stars shocked the world, not with their performances, but with the serious crimes they were accused of. From violent acts to financial scandals, these once-beloved faces were anything but innocent.

1. Robert Wagner 

In the 70s, Robert Wagner was a staple of detective shows like Switch and Hart to Hart. His on-screen charm made him a beloved figure, but reality would soon cast a darker shadow over his legacy.

In 1981, his wife, Natalie Wood, drowned under mysterious circumstances. After a night of drinking with Christopher Walken, the couple had a heated argument. Wood’s body was later discovered in the ocean, marked by bruises and abrasions.

Though Wagner was initially cleared of any wrongdoing, the case was reopened in 2018. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department named him a person of interest, yet to this day, no charges have been filed.

2. Bob Crane 

Bob Crane became a household name in the late 60s and early 70s as the charismatic Colonel Hogan on Hogan’s Heroes. Audiences adored him for his charm and wit, making his murder in 1978 all the more shocking.

When Crane was found bludgeoned to death in his apartment, disturbing details emerged. Investigators uncovered a troubling side of him; he and an associate, John Henry Carpenter, had secretly filmed their sexual encounters with women, maintaining a disturbing library of these acts.

Though Carpenter was tried for the murder, he was acquitted, leaving the case officially unsolved. Crane’s legacy transformed from beloved sitcom star to a figure shrouded in scandal and mystery.

3. Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby was a towering figure in the 70s and 80s, celebrated as one of the biggest sitcom stars. Known for his charm and humor, he became a household name with shows like The Bill Cosby Show and Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids.

His crowning achievement, The Cosby Show, dominated television ratings in the 80s. However, the comedian’s legacy took a devastating turn in 2014 when numerous allegations of sexual misconduct emerged.

Today, over 60 women have accused Cosby of rape or sexual harassment, spanning more than four decades. The fall from grace of this once-beloved star has left a permanent stain on his career and legacy.

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4. Todd Bridges

Diff’rent Strokes premiered in 1978 and quickly became one of America’s most beloved sitcoms. Known for tackling tough issues like racism and child abuse, it launched the careers of its young stars, including Todd Bridges.

Bridges portrayed Willis Jackson, captivating audiences alongside Gary Coleman. However, the weight of sudden fame, compounded by personal struggles, took a toll on him. He faced both physical and mental abuse, leading to substance addiction.

In 1989, Bridges was arrested in connection with a drug dealer’s shooting death. Fortunately for him, high-profile attorney Johnny Cochran represented him, resulting in an acquittal. In the end, the dark chapter of his life took a surprising turn.

5. Mackenzie Phillips

In the mid-70s, Mackenzie Phillips was riding high as the star of One Day at a Time. Earning nearly $250,000 a week in today’s money, she seemed to have it all. But the glamorous life quickly unraveled.

Exposed to a rock and roll lifestyle from childhood, thanks to her father, John Phillips of The Mamas and the Papas, Mackenzie began using drugs early on. After two near-fatal overdoses, she was fired from the very show that propelled her to fame.

Following her father’s death, Mackenzie revealed a shocking secret: at 19, she had been involved in an incestuous relationship with him. This dark chapter included a pregnancy and abortion, marking the end of nearly a decade of turmoil.

6. Paul Lynde

Paul Lynde was a comedic force, renowned for his roles as Uncle Arthur on Bewitched and as the Center Square on Hollywood Squares. Mel Brooks once remarked he could make anyone laugh, even reading a phone book. His charm captivated audiences throughout the 70s.

However, behind his humor lay a troubled personal life. Lynde struggled with his sexuality, fearing that coming out would ruin his career. This anxiety led him to cope with alcohol, often resulting in violent outbursts.

In 1965, a tragic incident occurred when a young lover fell eight stories from a hotel window after a night of drinking. Although Lynde was never formally charged, the circumstances raised suspicions about his involvement, casting a shadow over his comedic legacy.

7. Redd Foxx 

As Fred Sanford on Sanford and Son, Redd Foxx delighted audiences with his sharp wit and outrageous antics. Known for his comedic talent, he became a top earner, making around four million dollars a year.

Unfortunately, poor management led to a rapid decline in his fortune. While losing money isn’t a crime, failing to pay taxes on that income is. Soon, Foxx found himself in serious trouble with the IRS.

In 1983, the government placed liens against him totaling over $750,000. By the time of his death in 1992, it was estimated he owed the IRS more than three million dollars. But as he might have said, you can’t take it with you!

8. John Travolta

John Travolta first rose to fame as Vinnie Barbarino, the charismatic leader of the Sweat Hogs on Welcome Back, Kotter. His charm made him a standout star in the 70s, setting the stage for a long and varied career.

While Travolta has never faced serious criminal accusations, his involvement in Battlefield Earth raised eyebrows. He not only funded and produced the film but also starred in what many consider one of the worst movies ever made.

Critics and audiences alike have lamented the travesty that is Battlefield Earth. Those who endured it might argue that a gruesome punishment for all involved wouldn’t be out of line.