Animal-based movies and TV shows like “Flipper” were incredibly trendy back in the 1960s. We don’t know why exactly – they just were. And then “Jaws” came along in the ’70s – but we digress. The franchise “Flipper” was maybe named after the dolphin, but Luke Halpin was definitely the star playing the role of Sandy Ricks.
Halpin stuck with the character for the rest of the franchise as well as the TV show. He kept acting until shifting into stuntwork in the 1980s. Now well into his 70s, Halpin and his wife live in Florida. Unfortunately, he is battling both stage five neck and head cancer (in remission) and Alzheimer’s disease.
Scott Baio (1970s-1980s)
You're likely to remember Baio from "Happy Days," but he was also one of the title characters on the spin-off "Joanie Loves Chachi." He also had the lead role in "Charles in Charge." He went on to have other cinematic roles in films like "Baby Talk," "Perry Mason and the Case of the Fatal Fashion," and "Very Mean Men."
Baio is not only an actor but also a philanthropist — when his daughter Bailey has been diagnosed with a couple of severe health problems; he founded the Bailey Baio Angel Foundation to provide financial aid to families in similar situations.
Jack Wild (the 1960s-1970s)
Jack Wild made his acting debut as Dodger in the musical "Oliver!" in England in 1968. He was 16 at the time and was already nominated for an Oscar for that role. His stature in the industry at the time sent him to the US for a role in the kids' show "H.R. Pufnstuf" — a role which paid him $1 million!
Success took its toll on Wild, who smoked and drank regularly. At 24 years old, the problem became so severe he could no longer act. After an extensive rehab process, he regained enough strength for short on-screen performances. He passed away in 2006 after battling aggressive cancer.
Annette Funicello (1950s)
We all know that stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera started out in the Mickey Mouse Club, but the show has been creating stars long before those two icons were even a thought in the world. In fact, this is how '50s teen star Annette Funicello got her claim to fame.
Funicello was adored by the fans and by Walt himself, who gave her the role of Anita Cabrillo in "Zorro," the TV show. By the 1980s, Funicello had a well-established career as an actress and musician, but it came to an abrupt end when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. In 2013, Funicello passed away.
Frankie Avalon (1950s-1960s)
Frankie Avalon had the eyes of many young women on him in the ‘50s after singing "Venus." Other hits were just up ahead, topping charts left and right. Wanting to appeal to teens and adults alike, he didn't want to be categorized as a teen idol.
He later starred alongside Annette Funicello in the "Beach Party" movies. Avalon tried to appeal to different audiences in the 1970s with the song "Beauty School Dropout" from the "Grease" soundtrack. Now in his 80s, he doesn't perform much apart from small guest appearances. He did, however, release a cookbook! We can't help but wonder what dishes he has come up with.