Can You Match These Actors to Their 1970s TV Shows?

By: Khadija Leon
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Match These Actors to Their 1970s TV Shows?
Image: ABC Television via Wiki Commons

About This Quiz

The 1970s have often been called the funniest decade in television history. Trends from that decade included family sitcoms and the rise of female lead characters and comic book character shows, but perhaps the most important change was the transition to colored television. Many of those shows have either been revived sometime after they were canceled or they were the basis for several spin-offs and the inspiration for newer shows as well as movies. 

Some of the most popular shows from that decade include sitcoms like "Laverne & Shirley," "Three's Company" and "The Brady Bunch," medical themed shows like "M*A*S*H," "Emergency," and "Trapper John, M.D.," police dramas like "CHiPs" and "Columbo," as well as a host of other television shows.

How well do you know your 1970s television shows and the actors who starred in them? If you were given pictures of these characters, would you be able to match them to the show that they appeared in? Well, there's only one way to find out, and that is by taking this quiz!

Erik Estrada
NBC Television via Wiki Commons
Which show did this actor star in?
All in the Family
CHiPs
The Dukes of Hazzard
Growing Pains
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Eric Estrada (1949- ) is an American actor who is best known for the role that he played on the television drama series CHiPs from 1977 to 1983. He took on the part of California Highway Patrol officer Francis “Fran” Poncherello alongside Larry Wilcox.

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Barry Williams
ABC Television via Wiki Commons
This person was seen on the show ____________.
Happy Days
Moonlighting
The Brady Bunch
Who's the Boss?
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Barry Williams (1954 - ) is an American actor and singer who is well remembered for playing the role of Greg Brady, the eldest of the blended family, on ABC’s television sitcom The Brady Bunch which aired from 1969 to 1974.

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Ted Lange
ABC Television via Wiki Commons
What show featured the actor shown here?
The Love Boat
The Jeffersons
Magnum P.I.
The Golden Girls
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Theodore “Ted” Lange is an American actor, screenwriter, and director who played the role of bartender Isaac Washington in the 1970’s television drama series "The Love Boat." In 1999, he directed two episodes of the revival series "Love Boat: The New Wave."

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Robert Wagner
ABC Television via Wiki Commons
This actor appeared in which of the following series?
The Wonder Years
M*A*S*H
Switch
Night Court
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Robert Wagner (1930- ) is an American actor who has starred in several television shows throughout the 1960s to the early 2000s, one of which was an adventure detective series called "Switch." Inspired by the 1973 movie "The Sting," it followed a pair of men who opened a Los Angeles detective agency.

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Sherman Alexander Hemsley
Wiki Commons by Zodiac Photographers-New York
This person was seen on which of these popular show?
ALF
Saturday Night Live
The Brady Bunch
The Jeffersons
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sherman Alexander Hemsley (1938 – 2012) was an American actor and comedian who is best remembered for playing the role of George Jefferson on the CBS television series "All in the Family" and the spinoff "The Jeffersons."

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Paul Michael Glaser
ABC Television via Wiki Commons
Which show did this actor appear on?
Charlie's Angels
Family Ties
Starksy & Hutch
L.A. Law
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Paul Michael Glaser (1943 - ) is an American actor and director who played the role of Detective David Starsky on the television series "Starsky & Hutch" alongside David Soul. The popular series was broadcasted on ABC for four seasons from 1975 to 1979.

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James Garner
Warner Brothers Television via Wiki Commons
Which of these shows did this actor appear on?
Good Times
Full House
The A-Team
The Rockford Files
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

James Garner (1928 – 2014) was an American actor who starred in several television shows over throughout his five decades in the business. One of those shows included "The Rockford Files" which aired from 1974 to 1980. Garner starred as a wrongfully convicted man who became a private investigator.

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Gregory Neale Harrison
MGM Television via Wiki Commons
This actor has been linked to which show?
Trapper John, M.D.
Laverne & Shirley
Knight Rider
Married...with Children
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Gregory Neale Harrison (1950 - ) is an American actor who is well-known for starring on the television series "Trapper John, M.D." Airing on CBS from 1979 to 1986, he played the role of the lead character’s (Dr. Trapper John MacIntyre) assistant.

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John Carroll O'Connor
CBS Television via Wiki Commons
Which show featured this actor?
All in the Family
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Hill Street Blues
The Facts of Life
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

John Carroll O'Connor (1924 – 2001) was an American actor, director, and producer whose career in television lasted over four decades. One of his most famous roles includes that of Archie Justice on the show "All in the Family," which aired on CBS from 1971 to 1979.

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James Brolin
ABC Television via Wiki Commons
On which of the shows did you see this actor?
Three's Company
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Marcus Welby, M.D.
The Cosby Show
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

James Brolin (1940- ) is an American actor, director, and producer who starred in many sitcoms, films and soap operas including Marcus Welby, M.D. where he played the role of Steven Kiley – a part that won him two Golden Globes Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award.

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Randolph-Mantooth
NBC Television via Wiki Commons
What 1970s show made this actor famous?
Maude
Emergency
Miami Vice
M*A*S*H
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Randolph Mantooth (1945 - ) is an American actor whose 40 years in the industry includes numerous television shows, several films as well as documentaries. He is very well known for starring in the 1970s hit medical drama series "Emergency!" as the paramedic John Gage.

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Alan Alda
CBS Television via Wiki Commons
Which of the shows listed below was the actor in the image seen on?
Sanford and Sons
Cheers
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
M*A*S*H
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Alan Alda (1936 - ) is an American actor, screenwriter, director and author who is best known for playing the role of Hawkeye Pierce in the comedy war television series "M*A*S*H," which aired on CBS from 1972 – 1986. The show was based on the 1986 novel "MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors."

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Richard Hatch
NBC Television via Wiki Commons
Which of the following sitcoms was this actor on?
Mork & Mindy
Rawhide
Battlestar Galactica
The Love Boat
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Richard Hatch (1945 – 2017) was an American actor, producer, and writer whose most popular role was that of Captain Apollo in the "Battlestar Galactica" television series which only ran from 1978 to 1979 before being canceled.

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Patrick Duffy
NBC Television via Wiki Commons
Which of these shows did the actor in the image appear on?
The Six Million Dollar Man
Dallas
The Avengers
Murphey Brown
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Patrick Duffy (1949 - ) is an American actor who starred in many television shows including the show "Dallas," which aired on CBS from 1978 to 1991. He played the role of Bobby Ewing, a member of a wealthy family who owned an oil company and cattle ranch.

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John Elroy Sanford aka Red Foxx
Wiki Commons by Robert Garner Attractions
This person appeared in what sitcom?
Welcome Back, Kotter
Sanford and Sons
Perry Mason
Roseanne
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Red Foxx, whose real name was John Elroy Sanford (1922 - 1991), was an American actor and comedian best known for starring in the 1970s sitcom "Sanford and Sons." On the show, he starred as the widower and junk dealer living in an apartment with his son Lamont.

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Michael Landon
NBC Television via Wiki Commons
This actor could be seen on which of these 1970s sitcoms?
Adam-12
Perfect Strangers
Mister Ed
Little House on the Praire
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Michael Landon (1936 – 1991) was an American actor, director, and producer who is known for starring on many television shows, one of which was "Little House on the Praire" from 1974 to 1983. On the show, he took on the role of Charles Ingalls, the father of the family.

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David Soul
ABC Television via Wiki Commons
The actor shown here appeared on which of these shows?
Barney Miller
The Jeffersons
Starsky & Hutch
My Favorite Martian
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

David Soul (1943 - ) is an American-British singer and actor who played the role of Detective Kenneth “Hutch” Hutchinson on the television series "Starsky & Hutch" from 1975 to 1979. The series went on to inspire a film and a video game.

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Judd Hirsch
ABC Television via Wiki Commons
This actor was known for starring on which iconic show?
Taxi
WKRP in Cincinnati
Leave it to Beaver
The Fall Guy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Judd Hirsch (1935 - ) is an American actor who is well remembered for playing the role of Alex Rieger on the 1970 television sitcom "Taxi," which aired on NBC from 1978 to 1983. The role of the cab driver won him two Primetime Emmy Awards and several more nominations.

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Jack Klugman
ABC Television via Wiki Commons
This actor appeared on which of these series?
The Love Boat
The Odd Couple
The Munsters
The Greatest American Hero
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jack Klugman (1922 – 2012) was an American stage and film actor whose role on the sitcom, "The Odd Couple as Oscar Madison" won him two Primetime Emmy Awards. The show ran from 1970 to 1975 and was based on a 1965 Broadway show with the same name.

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John Schneider
Wiki Commons by Nick Ares
Which of the following shows did this actor star in?
The Rockford Files
The Brady Bunch
St. Elsewhere
The Dukes of Hazzard
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

John Schneider (1960 - ) is an American actor and country music artist who is best known for playing the role of Beauregard “Bo” Duke in the television comedy series "The Dukes of Hazzard" alongside Catherine Bach, James Best and Tom Wopat.

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Shaun Cassidy
ABC Television
Which show did this actor star in?
Columbo
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries
Murder, She Wrote
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Shaun Cassidy (1958 - ) is an American television producer and former actor who starred in the television series "The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries" for three seasons from 1977 to 1979. The series was based on and often followed the storylines of "The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew" mystery novels.

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Richard Earl Thomas
CBS Television via Wiki Commons
This person was seen on the show ____________.
Fantasy Island
The Waltons
Happy Days
I Dream of Jeannie
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Richard Earl Thomas (1951 - ) is an American actor who is best remembered for playing the role of John-Boy Walton on the CBS drama series "The Waltons," a part that won him an Emmy Award. The series was based on a novel called "Spencer’s Mountain" by Earl Hamner Jr.

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Bill Bixby
NBC Television via Wiki Commons
What show featured the actor shown here?
The Dukes of Hazzard
My Three Sons
Designing Women
The Incredible Hulk
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Wilfred “Bill” Bixby III (1934 – 1993) was an American actor, producer, director and game-show panelist whose most successful role was that of the Marvel character, Dr. David Banner from the CBS drama series "The Incredible Hulk."

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Robin Williams
Wiki Commons by Eva Rinaldi
This actor appeared in which of the following series?
Mork & Mindy
Starsky & Hutch
Get Smart
Dallas
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Robin Williams (1951 – 2014) was an award-winning American actor and comedian who rose to fame as the alien Mork first on an episode of the 1970s "Happy Days" and then on the spin-off sitcom "Mork & Mindy" a few years later.

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Bill Macy
CBS Television
This person was seen on which of these popular shows?
The Bob Newhart Show
Airwolf
Maude
Batman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Bill Macy (1922 - ) is an American actor who is best known for starring on the 1970s television sitcom "Maude" alongside Beatrice Arthur, the title character. He played the role of Walter Findlay, the appliance store owner and fourth husband of Maude’s.

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Gavin MacLeod
CBS Television via Wiki Commons
Which show did this actor appear on?
The Bionic Woman
The Dick Van Dyke Show
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Green Acres
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Gavin MacLeod (1931 - ) is an American film and television actor, author and activist whose career on television lasted over six decades. He played the role of Murray Slaughter on the television show "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" from 1970 to 1977.

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James Carter Walker Jr
CBS Television
Which of these shows did this actor appear on?
Taxi
Good Times
Hogan's Heroes
Bonanza
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

James Carter Walker Jr. (1947 - ) is an American actor and comedian who is known for playing the role of James “J.J.” Evans Jr., a character from the television series "Good Times" which aired on CBS from 1974 to 1979. The role earned him two Golden Globe nominations in 1975 and 1979.

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Henry Franklin Winkler
ABC Television via Wiki Commons
This actor has been linked to which show?
Diff'rent Strokes
The Beverly Hillbillies
Happy Days
Gunsmoke
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Henry Franklin Winkler (1945 - ) is an American actor, director, and author who starred in a series of television series and films during his career. One of his earliest roles was that of Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli, a character from the 1970s sitcom "Happy Days."

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Lee Majors
ABC Television via Wiki Commons
Which show featured this actor?
Little House on the Prairie
Small Wonders
The Six Million Dollar Man
Gilligan's Island
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lee Majors (1939 - ) is an American television and voice actor who is best known for starring as Colonel Steve Austin, an ex-astronaut who has bionic implants, in the science fiction television series "The Six Million Dollar Man."

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Pat Harrington Jr
CBS Television via Wiki Commons
On which of the shows did you see this actor?
Taxi
One Day at a Time
Remington Steele
Bewitched
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pat Harrington Jr. (1929 – 2016) was an American voice and television actor whose most successful role was as Dwayne Schneider. The show titled "One Day at a Time," which aired on CBS, was a sitcom that followed a divorced mother raising two teen daughters in Indianapolis.

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John Ritter
ABC Television via Wiki Commons
What 1970s show made this actor famous?
Three's Company
Gunsmoke
The Andy Griffin Show
Mr. Belvedere
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

John Ritter (1948 – 2003) was an American actor who played the role of Jack Tripper on the ABS sitcom "Three’s Company," which aired from 1977 to 1984. The part won him a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. He also appeared on the spin-off - "Three’s a Crowd."

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Peter Falk
NBC Television via Wiki Commons
Which of the shows listed below was the actor in the image seen on?
The Partridge Family
Hawaii Five-O
Columbo
Doogie Howser, M.D.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Peter Falk (1927 – 2011) was an American actor whose most prominent role was that of Lieutenant Colombo on the over three-decade long-running television series "Columbo." The part won the actor four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award.

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John Travolta
Wiki Commons by Richard Goldschmidt
Which of the following sitcoms was this actor on?
Rhoda
Welcome Back, Kotter
Barney
Head of the Class
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

John Travolta (1954 - ) is an American producer, dancer, and singer who is also one of Hollywood’s most successful actors. One of his first roles was that of Vincent “Vinnie” Barbarino in the 1970s show "Welcome Back, Kotter," which aired from 1975 to 1979.

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Hal Linden
ABC Television via Wiki Commons
Which of these shows did the actor in the image appear on?
The Facts of Life
Alias Smith and Jones
Silver Spoons
Barney Miller
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hal Linden (1931 - ) is an American actor, director, and musician who, after joining the US Army, landed the role of Barney Miller, the title character of a 1974 television comedy series. The role earned him several Primetime Emmy Awards.

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Gary Sandy
KOLN/KGIN-TV via YouTube
This person appeared on what sitcom?
The Waltons
The Beverly Hillbillies
Seinfeld
WKRP in Cincinnati
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Gary Sandy (1954 - ) is an American actor who is well remembered for the role that he played as the program director, Andy Travis, on the 1970s television series "WKRP in Cincinnati." His character is the subject of the show’s theme song and was meant to be the lead character.

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David Doyle
ABC Television via Wiki Commons
This actor could be seen on which of these 1970s sitcoms?
Kojak
Charlie's Angels
Dallas
Friends
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

David Doyle (1929 – 1997) was an American actor whose most successful role was playing John Bosely, a man who worked alongside the angels on the 1970s television series "Charlie’s Angels."

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David Leonard Lander
ABC Television
The actor shown here appeared on which of these shows?
The Odd Couple
The X-Files
Laverne & Shirley
Wonder Woman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

David Leonard Lander (1947 - ) is an American actor, comedian, and musician, and one of his many roles was playing Andrew “Squiggy” Squiggman on the 1970s television series "Laverne & Shirley" and for one episode on "Happy Days."

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Ricardo Montalbán
ABC Television via Wiki Commons
This actor was known for starring on which iconic show?
Fantasy Island
The Carol Burnett Show
Doctor Who
The Simpsons
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ricardo Montalbán (1920 – 2009) was a Mexican actor whose career lasted over seven decades. One of his most popular roles in the television realm was that of Mr. Roark on the television series "Fantasy Island," which aired on ABC from 1977 to 1984.

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George Bob Newhart
Wiki Commons by Alan Light
This actor appeared on the series _____________.
CHiPs
The Bob Newhart Show
The Muppet Show
The Fresh Prince of Bel Air
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

George “Bob” Newhart (1929 - ) is an American actor and comedian who played the role of Dr. Robert Hartley on the 1970s television series "The Bob Newhart Show" – a role that was said to skyrocket the actor’s career.

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Robert Reed
ABC Television via Wiki Commons
Which of the following shows did this actor star in?
Saturday Night Live
Emergency
Frasier
The Brady Bunch
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Robert Reed (1932 – 1992) was an American actor who had many successful roles in his acting career, one of which being Mike Brady on the 1970s ABC sitcom "The Brady Bunch." He went on the reprise the role in several of their reunion shows and programs.

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ABC Television via Wiki Commons