Top 10 New Wave Hollywood Heartthrobs of the '70s & '80s

#10: Richard Roundtree

When this actor graced the silver screen as the smooth-talking detective John Shaft in “Shaft”, it marked a turning point in the representation of Black men in cinema. Richard Roundtree, who is widely recognized as ‘the first Black action hero’ in Hollywood, was dripping with charisma. His effortless style – leather coats, turtlenecks, and all – made him a fashion icon, too. Roundtree’s success with “Shaft” spawned a series of sequels as well as an eponymous TV series, establishing him as a prominent star in the seventies. He went on to gain much acclaim for his roles in shows like “Roots” and “Generations” as well, proving his versatility. Needless to say, fans either wanted to be him or be with him.

#9: Patrick Swayze

Hollywood in the eighties was head over heels for action and dance films. That’s when Patrick Swayze glided onto the big screen and swept the ladies off their feet. He first gained prominence for being a part of the star-studded cast of “The Outsiders” and leading the action flick “Red Dawn”. However, it was “Dirty Dancing” that made him a household name. His portrayal of the tough but tender Johnny Castle made him the man of everyone’s dreams. His moves alone were enough to steal hearts, but with his otherworldly good looks, he became unstoppable. If that wasn’t enough, he could sing too! From then on, Swayze remained highly sought-after well into the nineties, when his career soared with hits like “Ghost” and “Point Break”.

#8: Richard Gere

In his heyday, this actor was seduction incarnate. Richard Gere started his acting career in theater and entered Hollywood in the mid-1970s. After a few years in the business, his career took off with the 1980 erotic thriller “American Gigolo”. With his suave sensuality on full display as Julian Kay, Gere established himself as a prominent leading man capable of drawing huge crowds of swooning fans. His follow-up project, “An Officer and a Gentleman”, in which he played Zack Mayo, made him even more of a matinee idol. These characters, which embodied irresistible allure with a streak of melancholia, resonated strongly with viewers looking for emotional complexity. You couldn’t help but think, ‘I can fix him,’ and this appeal served him very well for years.

#7: John Travolta

The Oscar-nominated star’s heartthrob status transcended generations. It all started when he made disco a global phenomenon with “Saturday Night Fever”. Then, he set hearts aflame as bad boy Danny Zuko in “Grease”, which went on to become one of the greatest musical movies of all time. Travolta’s off-screen persona was just as endearing, which only added to his popularity. He was booked and busy throughout the seventies and eighties, with films like “Urban Cowboy” and “Blow Out” earning high praise. He enjoyed another major boost to his career with “Pulp Fiction” in 1994. Decades have passed, but the actor continues to be the epitome of sexy cool.

#6: Harrison Ford

This icon went from mostly getting supporting roles in the first few years of his career to becoming one of the most profitable actors in Hollywood history. Harrison Ford rose to stardom after he was cast as Han Solo in the “Star Wars” franchise. His portrayal of the roguish space smuggler enchanted audiences, who couldn’t get enough of him. Hot on the heels of “Star Wars”, Ford joined the “Indiana Jones” franchise as the titular character, impressing fans with his rugged appeal. He achieved further critical and commercial success in the eighties as Rick Deckard in “Blade Runner”. The earthy charm, swagger, and wit of these characters established Harrison Ford as a dashing leading man who made bank and won hearts everywhere he went.

#5: Sean Connery

Who can rival the fatal charm of 007? Sean Connery made his screen debut in the fifties, but his first decade in the industry wasn’t smooth sailing. Then, in the sixties, he originated the role of James Bond on the big screen with “Dr. No”. Over the next two decades, he released six Bond movies, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with – an intense, unshakable, smoldering force. He was the very definition of debonair sophistication – immensely desirable, yet unattainable, boasting a commanding presence both on and off-screen. He closed out the eighties with an Oscar for “The Untouchables” and the title of “Sexiest Man Alive”, conferred by People magazine, set to reign over Hollywood for years to come.

#4: Burt Reynolds

This mustachioed megastar rose to fame in the sixties, with TV shows like “Gunsmoke” and “Hawk”. However, his popularity skyrocketed in the seventies with classics like “Deliverance” and “Smokey and the Bandit”. By that time, he was already a sex symbol, thanks in part to his legendary nude photoshoot for Cosmopolitan, which graced the magazine’s centerfold in April 1972. However, besides his physicality, he was also known for his easy charm and sense of humor, which made him relatable. After all, his brand of masculinity, though rugged, was not the brooding kind. You can think of him as the New Hollywood version of the internet’s boyfriends of today. No wonder he was both highly bankable and incredibly beloved.

#3: Warren Beatty

This legend entered Hollywood in the sixties and got a Golden Globe for his very first film, “Splendor in the Grass”. Soon after, he played the titular hero of one of New Hollywood’s most defining films, “Bonnie and Clyde”, which he also produced. This film, along with “Shampoo”, made Beatty an icon of romance on screen, which mirrored his playboy image in real life. In the seventies and eighties, Beatty came to be known as an auteur. He helmed the direction, scripting, and production of the Oscar-winning films “Heaven Can Wait” and “Reds”, in which he also starred. The latter even earned him an Academy Award for “Best Director”! Being poster boy pretty and a creative genius secured him a permanent place in fans’ hearts.

#2: Paul Newman

He had the face of an angel, a Greek god’s physique, and ocean eyes we could drown in. These factors definitely contributed to Paul Newman’s heartthrob status, but it was his exceptional acting range and commendable philanthropic efforts that made him a luminary. By the time the sixties ended, the actor was already well-established with multiple Oscar nominations to his name. In the seventies, Newman continued to captivate audiences. His intoxicating charm in “The Sting” and heroic gravitas in “The Towering Inferno” made fans admire his versatility. Newman’s ever-growing popularity was augmented by his auto racing career, which added to his inherent coolness. Finally, his first Oscar win came in 1986 for “The Color of Money”, solidifying his position as a master of his craft.

#1: Robert Redford

He was Hollywood’s favorite golden boy, but not just for his striking good looks, adventurous but grounded personality, and undeniable charisma. He was a true visionary. After “Barefoot in the Park” launched him into the spotlight, he didn’t want to be typecast or objectified. So, in the seventies, through films like “Jeremiah Johnson”, “The Sting”, and “All the President's Men”, he presented a new type of leading man – mesmerizing but complex. His transition from dreamboat to socially conscious, serious artist was further supported by his Oscar-winning directorial debut with “Ordinary People”. He was also dedicated to human rights activism and environmentalism, and promoted independent filmmaking through the Sundance Institute, which he founded in 1981. As today’s kids would say, Robert Redford was the blueprint.

Which New Hollywood leading man was the most underrated? Share your picks in the comments down below!