The short-lived TV show “Shirley” ran for a very limited time, but it still made Peter Barton a star. He was soon cast on a much bigger role in the show “The Powers of Matthew Star.” Barton’s popularity extended well into the 80s and won him numerous fans.
In a weird turn of events, one of his most devoted fans bequeathed him a substantial fortune when he passed away, making him $1.3 million richer. So even though Barton hasn’t really done any acting work for the last few decades, he found himself being financially very fortunate anyway! His last role came in 2005, in the film “Repetition.”
Marie Osmond (1970s)
Believe it or not, some Osmonds were not even in the family band. Marie Osmond became famous as a solo artist in the 1970s. Her most famous song was "Paper Roses," a cover she did of Anita Bryant’s song. She went on to co-host her own show with Donny, her teen idol brother.
Marie gradually transitioned from music to TV. She competed on "Dancing with the Stars" and joined Carrie Ann Inaba, Sharon Osbourne, Sheryl Underwood, and Eve as a regular panelist on the show "The Talk." Marie has been married three times (to two different men) and has a whopping eight kids!
Robby Benson (1970s)
Throw a dart at a big sheet of movies from the seventies, and you're likely to hit Robby Benson. Let's see; he's been in "Jory," "Jeremy," "The Rothschilds," "One on One," and "The Chosen," to name a few. He was also in "Search for Tomorrow," a show running 71-72.
You almost certainly know Benson for the voice-work he did for Disney's "Beauty and the Beast." What character was he? Why the Beast himself! Surprisingly, most of the projects he has worked on in the past two decades don't involve live acting — he makes music, does voice acting, directs, and has even published books!
Lesley Gore (1960s)
Lesley Gore became famous at the tender age of 16 when her hit “It’s My Party” would play non-stop in every radio station possible. With the right look, voice, and attitude, she had the full package, which did not go unnoticed by her many US fans.
Gore had an over 20-year-long commercial success before she decided to turn to music composition. She worked on the soundtracks of famous films such as "Grace of My Heart" and "Fame." The star later came out of the closet and with her partner — a jewelry designer named Lois Sassoon. The two were together for more than 20 years. In 2015, Gore passed away after battling lung cancer.
Ron Howard (1970)
Many child actors are prone to depression or problematic behaviors as adults, but it seems like Ron Howard skipped that part. His acting career started when he starred in "The Andy Griffith Show" as Opie Taylor. He later got another famous role on "Happy Days" as Richie Cunnigham.
In the 1980s, Howard started directing, which brought us other cinematic masterpieces such as "A Beautiful Mind," "Willow," and " Apollo 13." He also recently directed the spinoff Star Wars movie - "Solo: A Star Wars Story." Nearing his 70s, Howard is an inseparable part of America’s acting legacy. And his daughter, Bryce, is also a talented actor/director.