20 Vintage Photos of the Wealthiest Actresses from the 1970s

Written by Mariano Montagna on December 13, 2025

A woman in a white outfit and hat presses her hands into wet cement while photographers, onlookers, and two men in suits kneeling beside her watch and take pictures.

The 1970s were a golden era where glamour met grit, and Hollywood’s leading ladies reigned not only on the silver screen but also in the world of wealth. These 20 actresses weren’t just icons of style and talent, they were power players whose fortunes reflected the shifting tides of fame, feminism, and finance. Each image stands as a timeless capsule of elegance, ambition, and the enduring allure of Hollywood stardom.

1. Shirley MacLaine

A woman with short, wavy hair holds a bouquet of lilies. She is wearing a patterned dress and is looking slightly to the side with a calm expression. The photo is in black and white. — Wikimedia Commons

Shirley MacLaine embodied the free-spirited energy of the 1970s, balancing her acclaimed acting career with a growing reputation as a bestselling author and outspoken personality. Her wealth reflected not only box-office success but also her ventures into writing and spirituality, making her one of the era’s most multifaceted stars.

2. Faye Dunaway

A woman with long blond hair in a white dress sits on a chair by a desk, singing or speaking expressively. There is a glass of brown liquid and a white clutch on the desk beside her. — via youtube.com

With her unforgettable performance in Network and her Oscar-winning role in Bonnie and Clyde, Faye Dunaway became a symbol of Hollywood sophistication. Her sharp features and commanding presence translated into both critical acclaim and financial success, cementing her as one of the decade’s wealthiest actresses.

3. Farrah Fawcett

A woman with feathered blonde hair, wearing a white outfit and green jacket, stands in front of a white car on a sunny day, with people and a stone building in the background. — deleted/reddit.com

Farrah Fawcett’s iconic poster and her role in Charlie’s Angels turned her into a cultural phenomenon. Her beauty and charisma brought lucrative endorsements and television contracts, making her one of the most bankable stars of the late 1970s.

4. Diana Ross

A woman with long, dark hair wearing a dark jacket stands outdoors, holding a large bouquet of flowers. She looks slightly to the side with a calm expression, while a window with curtains is visible in the background. — Wikimedia Commons

Already a music legend, Diana Ross transitioned seamlessly into film with Lady Sings the Blues, earning an Academy Award nomination. Her wealth spanned both industries, as she reigned supreme in music charts and Hollywood glamour alike.

5. Ali MacGraw

A woman in a white outfit and hat presses her hands into a slab as photographers and onlookers surround her. Two men kneel beside her, assisting with the handprint ceremony. The atmosphere appears bustling and celebratory. — Wikimedia Commons

Ali MacGraw’s breakout role in Love Story not only won her critical acclaim but also immense financial rewards. Her effortless style and high-profile marriage to Steve McQueen kept her in the spotlight, making her one of the decade’s most glamorous figures.

6. Audrey Hepburn

A man in a black t-shirt and pants stands next to a woman in a white, long-sleeved, striped dress and white boots. They are standing close together, looking at each other, surrounded by greenery outdoors. — lemmycaution25/reddit.com

Though her peak was in earlier decades, Audrey Hepburn remained a symbol of elegance and wealth in the 1970s. Her humanitarian work and selective film appearances reinforced her timeless allure, ensuring her continued prominence in both cultural and financial circles.

7. Pam Grier

A woman wearing a stylish wide-brimmed hat and a polka-dot blouse sits in a car, gazing thoughtfully out the window. The photo is in black and white. — via youtube.com

Pam Grier redefined stardom with her powerful performances in blaxploitation films like Coffy and Foxy Brown. Her bold presence and groundbreaking roles made her a wealthy trailblazer, opening doors for women of color in Hollywood.

8. Julie Andrews

A woman with short brown hair wearing a green top stands outdoors, holding a yellow rose. She is leaning against a white wall, with blurred plants and flowers in the background. She looks softly at the camera. — AdditionalQuality203/reddit.com

Julie Andrews carried her success from The Sound of Music into the 1970s with films like Victor/Victoria. Her pristine voice and commanding screen presence kept her among the wealthiest actresses, beloved worldwide for her versatility.

9. Sophia Loren

A woman in a black slip sits on a chair by a table, lifting one leg as she puts on a black stocking in a softly lit room with shuttered windows and light-colored walls. — Wikimedia Commons

Sophia Loren’s international fame and enduring beauty made her one of the richest actresses of the era. With a career spanning both European cinema and Hollywood, she embodied the glamour and sophistication that defined the 1970s.

10. Jacqueline Bisset

Black and white photo of a woman with long, straight hair, wearing a sleeveless top, looking thoughtfully into the distance. There are blurred figures in the background, suggesting an outdoor setting. — JumpySignature5588/reddit.com

Jacqueline Bisset’s roles in films like The Deep showcased her elegance and talent, while her striking beauty made her a fashion icon. Her career flourished internationally, securing her wealth and status as one of the decade’s most admired stars.

11. Susan George

A man in glasses and a collared shirt sits closely beside a woman with long blonde hair, both looking intently forward. They appear serious, framed by a blue-and-white checkered curtain on the left. — Fluid_Ad_9580/reddit.com

Susan George captivated audiences with her daring role in Straw Dogs, which brought her both fame and fortune. Her bold choices and striking looks made her a standout in the 1970s, ensuring her place among the wealthiest actresses of the time.

12. Ann-Margret

A woman with long red hair wearing a maroon sweater sits on grass, hugging her knees and looking at the camera. The background is filled with green foliage and trees, suggesting a forest or park setting. — via instagram.com

Ann-Margret’s electrifying performances in films and stage shows made her a household name. With her fiery red hair and dynamic presence, she combined acting, singing, and dancing into a career that brought her immense wealth and enduring stardom.

13. Barbara Streisand

A person wearing a deep red turban, black dotted veil, and a large, plush maroon fur stole sits indoors in a vintage setting. — bgekk/reddit.com

Barbra Streisand dominated both music and film, with A Star Is Born cementing her dual talents. Her wealth reflected her unparalleled versatility, as she conquered Broadway, Hollywood, and the recording industry with equal brilliance.

14. Goldie Hawn

A woman in a long dress smiles at the camera while standing on the steps of an Air France airplane at an airport, with the terminal building and vehicles visible in the background. — anonymous/reddit.com

Goldie Hawn’s bubbly personality and comedic timing made her one of the most beloved stars of the 1970s. Her roles in films like Shampoo and Foul Play brought her box-office success and financial security, while her charm made her a cultural icon.

15. Raquel Welch

Wikimedia Commons

Raquel Welch’s sultry image and commanding screen presence made her one of the most bankable stars of the decade. With roles in adventure films and comedies, she built a fortune while redefining Hollywood’s standards of beauty.

16. Jane Fonda

A woman with long brown hair speaks at a press conference, sitting behind microphones and a nameplate that says "Jane Fonda." The background features part of a sign that reads "VIETNAM. — Wikimedia Commons

Jane Fonda combined critical acclaim with political activism, making her one of the most influential women of the 1970s. Her Oscar-winning performances and fitness empire contributed to her wealth, while her outspoken voice made her a cultural force.

17. Charlotte Rampling

Black and white portrait of a woman with medium-length hair, parted to the side, looking directly at the camera with a calm expression, outdoors with a blurred natural background. — Wikimedia Commons

Charlotte Rampling’s enigmatic presence in European and Hollywood films gave her a unique allure. Her wealth grew alongside her reputation as a daring actress, unafraid to take on complex and provocative roles that defined the era’s artistic edge.

18. Liza Minelli

A woman wearing a beret and striped scarf poses in front of a backdrop with large lights spelling out "LIZA." The photo is in black and white. — Wikimedia Commons

Liza Minnelli’s Oscar-winning role in Cabaret solidified her as one of the decade’s brightest stars. Her wealth came from both film and stage, as she carried the legacy of her mother Judy Garland while carving out her own dazzling career.

19. Elizabeth Taylor

A woman with dark hair in a yellow top, blue jeans, and layered necklaces sits on a metal chair, leaning forward to adjust her shoe. She looks toward the camera, with other people standing nearby. — via instagram.com

Elizabeth Taylor remained one of Hollywood’s richest and most glamorous figures in the 1970s. Her legendary beauty, high-profile marriages, and savvy business ventures, including her perfume empire, ensured her enduring wealth and influence.

20. Catherine Deneuve

A woman with blonde hair in an elegant gold dress and tall crown looks to her left, standing in front of a rustic, dark stone background. — via youtube.com

Catherine Deneuve epitomized French elegance, captivating audiences worldwide with her performances in films like The Last Metro. Her wealth reflected her international success, as she became a symbol of sophistication and timeless beauty in the 1970s.

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