Ann Margret is mostly known as the sweet girl singing “Bye Bye Birdie” in a high-pitched-yet-pleasant voice. Her part in the film became an iconic cultural reference that stuck around for decades. Margret went on to star in more films in the 1960s, establishing herself as an it-girl. But that wasn’t all.
In the 1970s, Ann was involved in a horrible accident after which she needed extreme facial reconstruction. Thankfully, the surgery was successful, and she was able to bounce back from one for many would have been a career-ending moment. In her case, she continues to act, most notably in shows like “Law & Order” and “CSI.”
Julie Dawn Cole (1970s)
Julie Dawn Cole got her start as the extremely spoiled child Veruca Salt in "Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory." Now that's one cool film to get a headstart in. However, her character's image stuck, and she was later cast to play roles of snobbish mean girls quite frequently. Talk about being typecast!
Julie now has a drama school for children and works as a psychotherapist. She is a mother of two and leans on her background as Veruca Salt to aid in parenting. Whenever her daughter, Holly, would do something bratty, Julie would say, "Is there a problem, Veruca?" which always slowed the girl's roll.
Roy Orbison (1950s-1960s)
Roy Orbison is mostly known for his hit single "Oh, Pretty Woman," which became the theme song for the successful movie of the same name. However, the Big O signed his first record contract long before that in 1956. His first big hit was "Ooby Dooby," which was recorded with his college friends.
Orbison became influential to many famous artists such as The Rolling Stones, and he even toured with the Beatles in 1963. His popularity took a dip in the 70s and resumed in the 80s. He passed away from a heart attack in 1988 at 52 years old.
Paul Petersen (1950s-1960s)
"The Donna Reed Show" propelled many actors to stardom. Paul Petersen, a child star at the time, played teenager Jeff Stone on the show from 1958-1966, much to the enjoyment of his growing fanbase. Eight years - now that's a long time for a kid of his age.
He was pursued by many record labels after singing "My Dad" and "She Can’t Find Her Keys" on the sitcom. Over the years, he was discovered as an author as well, writing novels and an autobiography. Now, as he approaches his 80s, he campaigns for child actors' welfare. He has been married on three separate occasions and has three children.
Johnny Crawford (1950s-1960s)
Johnny Crawford is another star who became famous at a young age thanks to the "Mickey Mouse Club." To be fair though, it was very long before Britney, Christina, Ryan, and Justin were even alive! Mouskateers of our time are nothing new, but Crawford was one of the firsts.
He later came to his own at 12 years old (!), playing the role of Mark McCain in the western series, "The Rifleman." He proved himself as an actor and a singer (five top-40 singles!), and his popularity knew no bounds. He led a long, fruitful career, and unfortunately passed away in 2021.