20 Crushes That Kept Baby Boomers Coming Back

Before social media, before fandoms had names, and long before crushes came with algorithms, Baby Boomers had their own icons pinned to bedroom walls and burned into movie screens. These were the faces that made audiences line up, tune in, and keep coming back year after year. Movie stars, TV legends, and larger-than-life personalities who defined attraction for an entire generation. Some were rugged, some glamorous, some effortlessly cool, but all of them left a lasting impression. These crushes weren’t fleeting trends; they were cultural fixtures. Here are 20 of the stars who kept Baby Boomers swooning, watching, and coming back for more.

Burt Reynolds

The mustache, the charm, and the rugged good looks made Reynolds a heartthrob for the ages—action hero and romantic lead all in one.

The feathered hair, the smile, the poster that defined a generation—Fawcett embodied the ultimate ’70s girl-next-door fantasy.

Tom Selleck

Magnum P.I. wasn’t just a show; it was a testosterone-fueled dream, complete with chest hair and a perfect mustache.

Jane Fonda

From revolutionary roles to iconic aerobics videos, Fonda combined beauty, brains, and attitude that kept Boomers captivated.

Paul Newman

Blue eyes, effortless cool, and that grin that could stop time—Newman was the definition of smoldering charm.

Raquel Welch

Legends are measured in style and impact, and Welch’s fur bikini in One Million Years B.C. sealed her as a pop culture symbol.

Robert Redford

Redford’s classic looks and understated charisma made him a crush across generations, balancing charm with acting chops.

Jaclyn Smith

Angel on Charlie’s Angels, Smith brought glamour and sophistication to every scene—Boomers couldn’t look away.

Al Pacino

Young, intense, and magnetic, Pacino’s energy and edge made him irresistible despite—or because of—his raw, unpolished charm.

Goldie Hawn

Golden hair, mischievous grin, and effervescent energy—Hawn was the embodiment of playful allure.

Harrison Ford

Han Solo, Indiana Jones, and that rugged everyman appeal—Ford was adventure and heart all rolled into one.

Sally Field

From earnest sweetness to undeniable charisma, Field’s charm felt approachable yet captivating.

Clint Eastwood

The squint, the gravelly voice, and the tough-guy persona—Eastwood made danger look irresistibly attractive.

Diane Keaton

Quirky, stylish, and effortlessly cool, Keaton redefined what it meant to be alluring beyond conventional glamour.

John Travolta

Saturday Night Fever made him a dance-floor dream, oozing energy, charm, and the kind of appeal only the ’70s could produce.

Bo Derek

Iconic cornrow braids and beachside glamour made her the ultimate summer crush of the era.

Richard Gere

From American Gigolo to An Officer and a Gentleman, Gere’s smoldering looks and charm made hearts melt.

Pam Grier

Blaxploitation star and icon of empowerment, Grier’s confidence and charisma were magnetic on and off screen.

Sylvester Stallone

Ripped, intense, and ambitious, Stallone became the poster boy for muscle-bound heartthrobs in the ’70s–’80s.

Ali MacGraw

From Love Story, MacGraw was delicate, elegant, and unforgettable—the perfect crush for romantic Boomers everywhere.