This 70s teen idol rose to fame before falling into drug addiction and legal troubles. Check out the photos showing his transformation over the years, which have stunned internet users.
At the height of his fame, the ’70s teen idol was adored for his good looks and carefree charm, gracing magazine covers and inspiring fandom. But behind the glossy image was a struggling young star who eventually spiraled into addiction.
Now, decades after her tumultuous journey, recent photos of the former star with graying hair have stunned the internet. Discover the journey and transformation of the former 70s star over the years.
The rise and fall of the star
The star started out as a child actor in high demand in the early 1970s before he was given the opportunity to record music – a decision that led to extraordinary highs and deep personal lows.
His fame skyrocketed, making him one of the most recognizable faces of the time. The hype surrounding the young star wasn’t just due to his looks; he believed his success was also due to his non-threatening personality that made his fans feel at ease.
He credited his acting career with setting the stage for his musical stardom, selling countless teen magazines like Tiger Beat and gaining a massive fan base.
“Obviously part of success is looks, but if you can’t back that up with some talent, which is why you’re still in the public eye, then you can’t be there just for looks,” he declared.
However, fame comes at a price. His rise to fame was accompanied by jet-setting tours, numerous magazine covers, and exposure to drugs and alcohol from a young age.
His fame, acquired almost overnight, brought him instant success, but also set him on a path to addiction and personal turmoil that followed him for years.
When asked if he lives up to his image as a teen idol, he admits that his fans have always been loyal and have supported him through his ups and downs. “There were a lot of bad decisions. But at the same time, I didn’t get the parental guidance I should have gotten back then,” he declared.
He described his mother as trusting and explained how he spent most of his time on the road without a parent, relying instead on the management team who promised to look after him like a son.
His troubles came to a head with legal troubles, including a 2010 arrest for drug possession. The years of drug use are a blur, but he vividly remembers his worst experience: 90 days in county jail, which served as a rude awakening.
When asked what he was trying to avoid by using drugs, he confessed : “Obviously, I was perpetuating the lie of the musical artist that I was. I was singing, but it wasn’t 100% me.”
“I didn’t feel like I was being heard. Nobody wanted to hear what I had to say. As long as people were buying my records, it didn’t matter,” continues to the star
His record label’s expectations conflicted with his desire to evolve artistically, as he was often pushed to stick to a California surfer image that no longer fit his reality.
He admitted that, given the choice, he would have continued acting rather than be forced into a music career that creatively confined him. He had not anticipated that the decision to record an album would tie him down for years, limiting his options as an actor and putting him in a box from which he had difficulty escaping.
One of the most significant moments in his life was the tragic 1979 car accident that left his friend Roland Winkler paralyzed. Decades later, on a 1999 episode of “Behind the Music,” the star unexpectedly reunited with Winkler, who absolved him of any responsibility for the accident.
“It was as raw and real as it could be. I had no idea that I was going to see Roland and he would tell me that he didn’t blame me, when I blamed myself for this situation and I deserved it,” he declared.
Although the star called the experience enlightening, it’s still emotionally difficult for him to completely let go of his guilt. He acknowledged that Winkler’s understanding was an important step toward his own healing.
The Star’s Life Today – Accepting the Truth and Finding Peace
In November 2019, star Leif Garrett released his memoir, “Idol Truth,” offering an unfiltered look at his life, filled with never-before-told stories, celebrity encounters, and rare personal photos. The book is his way of setting the record straight after years of maintaining a public persona that didn’t always reflect his true self.
Garrett explained that he had harbored painful memories and uncomfortable truths for more than four decades, partly because of the influence of his management, the Scotti Brothers.
He admitted that it took him a long time to share his story, joking that it might have been strategic to publish it when his career was near its nadir. Today, Garrett lives a quieter life, far removed from the dizzying heights of his fame.
“Looking back on my life, I see that I have experienced many things that others have never been able to do. I am grateful for that. I wish things were better. I wish I had made better decisions,” he declared in 2020. Garrett also had to deal with the death of his father, which affected him deeply.
He regrets not having had the chance to get to know his father better and discover the answers to lingering questions. Garrett has stayed busy promoting his memoir and working on renovating his house. He has even reflected on his desire for companionship.
Although he has often joked about his love life and said he looked for love in the wrong places, he stressed that he does not actively seek it out on dating sites or in singles bars, preferring to let things happen naturally.
“I’ve gotten to a point where I’m happy with who I am. First of all, I never want to stop learning. The moment we stop searching and trying new things, we stagnate and we die. There’s physical pain, but mentally, I’m still 18. […] I love it,” he declared and spacious.
In addition to finding happiness, Garrett has naturally changed over the years, showing the inevitable signs of aging that have pleasantly surprised Internet users, who remembered his once very party-loving lifestyle.
“You are beautiful as always! I loved you as a teenager and now in your fifties!!! Be yourself,” commented one of the internet users. Other social media users wrote : “Wow, this is awesome,” “Awesome,” and “I ❤️ hair 🥰.” Another person added : “Leif looks so good.”
Leif Garrett’s journey from ’70s heartthrob to a man who honestly faced his past is a testament to resilience and growth. His transformation, both inside and out, captivated fans, showing that you can embrace life after fame with authenticity, learning from it all and feeling like yourself again.
