There have been many famous icons from the past who were particularly well-known during their era. However, as time has progressed, newer icons have appeared, meaning Gen Z has no clue about them. Here are 20 famous icons that boomers loved but Gen Z has no clue about.
Sonny & Cher
Biography writes, “Cher and Sonny Bono, who found fame singing ‘I Got You Babe’ to each other in 1965, are one of the 20th century’s most iconic couples.” The pop duo would have been prominent while many boomers were growing up, making them hard to forget. They were known for their many TV appearances and unique style.
Farrah Fawcett
Farrah Fawcett was the epitome of 1970s style, thanks to her iconic feathered hair. She was considered a force on the screen and was constantly setting new fashion and beauty trends. She became a symbol of the 1970s era thanks to her widespread influence.
Ricky Nelson
Ricky Nelson was seen as a heartthrob by many boomers. He had a velvety voice and sleek looks, and this is what caused the generation to be attracted to him. Many fans saw his songs as a personal serenade to them. Now, in modern times, we have new heartthrobs that Gen Z can say the same about.
Mary Tyler Moore
A true icon of the boomer generation, Mary Tyler Moore became a well-known figure of female empowerment on television. The older generation loved both her talent and infectious smile. She used to be a household name that resonated with many different people.
Dick Van Dyke
According to Britannica, Dick Van Dyke was an “American actor and comedian known for his affable charm, comedic timing, and loose-limbed physical comedy.” Dick Van Dyke brought joy to many households through his performances, especially when he was tap dancing. He was seen as a true entertainment gem of the era.
Linda Ronstadt
Legendary for her melodious voice, Linda Ronstadt sang many emotional songs and was seen as having raw and untouched talent. She used her music as a way to tell stories that made people feel nostalgic. This was why she was loved by so many in the boomer generation.
Burt Reynolds
If there was one thing Burt Reynolds was known for, it was his mustache. During the boomer era, this mustache helped to symbolize his manly charisma. Reynolds was known for his Smokey and the Bandit swagger, which was a much-loved film he featured in. He defined the ‘70s with his roles and personality.
Bob Newhart
Bob Newhart was considered a shining jewel in the role of comedy. He was loved for his impeccable timing and clever scripts. While he may have brought genuine chuckles to the boomer generation, he’s still largely unknown to Gen Z, even though he’s been in top films such as Elf.
Donny & Marie Osmond
Donny and Marie Osmond were siblings and had an 11-year residency in Las Vegas. The duo was considered to be musical perfection thanks to their complementing harmonies. Their energy brought a widespread appeal to the boomer generation, and they were often played during many gatherings.
Debbie Reynolds
If there was one thing Debbie Reynolds was known for, it was her classic Hollywood elegance. CBS News writes that she was “known in the 1950s as ‘America’s Sweetheart’ and later as a show biz trooper and ‘triple threat’ dancer, singer, and actress.” She left a lasting impression on boomers with her incredible talent.
Charlton Heston
Charlton Heston was known for his acting and political activism. He had an epic screen presence and played many complex characters in his roles, which made him loved by many. His performances made audiences yearn for the golden days of cinema, allowing him to become a man of stature in Hollywood.
Bette Davis
As an American actress, Bette Davis was loved for her drama, allure, and intensity. She starred in a wide variety of films, especially during the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s. She was considered to be in a league of her own when it came to cinema.
Paul Anka
Paul Anka was a singer and songwriter who stole hearts with his crooning voice. He released many emotional songs and created magic with his performances, which also made him loved by the boomer generation. Paul Anka became the soundtrack for many cherished memories, just not any with Gen Z.
Carol Burnett
This comedy queen was loved for her sketches and the way she was able to make the audience think in a fun way. Carol Burnett’s impact has been everlasting in the world of entertainment. Because of her comedic talent and insight, Burnett will never be forgotten by the boomer generation.
James Dean
The official James Dean website writes, “James Dean had one of the most spectacularly brief careers of any screen star. In just more than a year, and in only three films, Dean became a widely admired screen personality.” Even today, he’s considered more than just an actor and will always be seen as a legend.
Donna Summer
Known as the “Queen of Disco” in the 1970s, Donna Summer has some of the most electrifying tunes of the decade. She was able to make every night feel like a party thanks to her dazzling presence. The ‘70s were seen as a time to dance and shimmer and Donna Summer fully embodied this.
Johnny Carson
Johnny Carson was able to redefine late-night television with his wit and humor. His shows created many memorable moments for the boomer generation. This was mainly due to his witty remarks and impeccable humor. He’s still remembered today for his iconic lines by the older generation.
Doris Day
If there was one thing Doris Day could do, it was brighten anyone’s mood with her charm. She was both an actress and a singer, making her a double threat in the industry. She was loved by boomers for her delightful films and her musical talent. Many considered her to be an escape when life became too gloomy.
John Wayne
John Wayne was considered the epitome of Hollywood masculinity. He became legendary for his distinct voice and signature walk, but if you ask someone from Gen Z who he is, they most likely wouldn’t know. Wayne was loved for his movies, making him iconic in cinema.
Lucille Ball
IMDb writes that Lucille Ball was “the woman who will always be remembered as the crazy, accident-prone, lovable Lucy Ricardo.” She introduced boomers to a new era of TV comedy thanks to her impeccable timing. Ball created moments that are still remembered today, thanks to her iconic performances.
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