This '70s Teen Heartthrob Vanished – People Were Speechless over His Long Gray Hair Years After Battling Addiction

The seasoned actor spoke honestly in a recent interview, revealing he had kept things hidden for years. For him, the moment felt right to face the fall from fame and let go of the burden he had carried.

The teen heartthrob of the '70s quickly made a name for himself in show business. Over time, addiction, brushes with the law, and a near-fatal incident involving himself and a close friend brought his world crashing down.

Take a look at the former child star's journey since his early fame. He got his first taste of acting in the hit film "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice" in 1969, which marked the beginning of his rise in the spotlight. Now in his 60s, fans continue to admire his appearance as he ages with grace.

1970s

During the 1970s, the actor appeared in popular TV shows like "Nanny and the Professor," "Family Affair," "Cannon," "Gunsmoke," and "The Odd Couple."

He appeared in films like "Walking Tall" (1973) and "Peopletoys" (1974) with his sister, Dawn Lyn. In 1975, he starred in "Three for the Road" and later took roles in Westerns, including "God's Gun," "Vengeance," and "Peter Lundy and the Medicine Hat Stallion."

His Western roles kept him busy, but his life soon took a sharp turn in a new direction. In 1978, at just 16, he became a star with the release of his hit song "I Was Made for Dancing." With a single mother and no father around, he entered the spotlight with little guidance.

Touring without supervision, he began using drugs and drinking at a young age. Surrounded by celebrities and treated like royalty, he faced temptations everywhere — parties, women, and dangerous choices that nearly cost him his life.

Trouble continued to follow him as his risky lifestyle spiraled further out of control. In 1979, while driving a leased Porsche in Los Angeles, he rear-ended another vehicle. The car rolled down an embankment, crushing his friend Roland Winkler, who was riding with him.

Years later, Winkler died at 57 due to ongoing health problems linked to the crash. The pain from that day lingered. Before his passing, a surprise reunion arranged by a television show brought them together, during which Winkler told the singer he didn't hold any blame.

Though the guilt remained, hearing those words lifted a heavy burden. Winkler understood the truth — that it could have been either of them, and fate made the choice.

1980s

As the 1980s began, he tried to move forward, but fame kept dragging him into a whirlwind he struggled to manage. After the success of "I Was Made for Dancing," he released three more albums. However, by the early 1980s, he had mostly stopped recording music.

While his music career slowed down, the actor remained active on screen. He stayed in films and became known for his small supporting role in the hit movie "The Outsiders" (1983). After that, his later film projects did not find the same success.

1990s

Though his film roles faded, his passion for performing never left him. In the late 1990s, he found his way back to music with a band named "Godspeed," where he performed songs he had written himself.

As his return to music took shape, his personal struggles remained in the public eye. During that time, he faced repeated drug arrests and periods of relapse.

2000s

Looking back, he shared in an interview, "My mom was very trusting, which was to a fault. I really wish I had more discipline in my life in that area, and I probably wouldn't have gone so much into self-medication."

The child star described feeling lost in his early fame, "The self-medicating came from my pain over not having any control, once I got into the music, over my own life." The absence of his father left a deep mark. "I really was a hurt little boy still because dad left when I was five," he said, adding that he denied those feelings for years.

According to the star, people often fail to grasp the finality of certain moments in life. The public figure admitted that his drug use stemmed from an effort to hide emotional pain, which he often denied.

He believed it was common for someone his age, especially without guidance from a parent or therapist, to lack the tools to ask, "Wait. Why am I feeling like this?"

Only years later did the world learn the full story behind the troubled teen idol, Leif Garrett. When asked in a candid interview if his silence came from being unable to open up to his mother or not realizing how serious things had become, he offered a glimpse into his teenage reality.

2010s

"That's interesting you say that," he responded. He described the challenge of returning home at just 15 after spending time on the road. During that period, he was surrounded by adults, handed a Gold American Express card, allowed into bars, served alcohol, and offered drugs.

The Los Angeles native found it hard to open up to his mother without exposing both the painful and enjoyable parts of his experiences. In 2019, the then 58-year-old admitted that talking to her was difficult due to her own issues and believed each person must choose not to repeat the pain passed down to them.

That same year brought a moment of honesty and clarity. He was sober during that time and opened up in his memoir "Idol Truth." When asked what pushed him to write it, Garrett explained:

"Enough time has passed. I feel people don't really know who I am."

He spoke about long-standing misconceptions and personal struggles that weighed on him. "For years, there are certain things about my life that just didn't sit well with me," he said. "I went through so much as a teen idol. I needed to share those truths."

2020s

Following the release of his memoir, he remained open with fans, using social media to share more of his journey. In a heartfelt Facebook post from September 2024, he reflected on spending over 12 years caring full-time for both of his parents, calling it the hardest job he had ever done.

"It was 24/7 and thankless, but I did it because it was the right thing to do, and what I would want my kids to do for me," penned Garrett. He also expressed disappointment that his sisters hadn't stepped in to help, even once.

Now entering a new chapter, the celebrity shared plans to simplify his life. With the support of a friend and a new business venture, he began sorting through personal items and memorabilia passed down by his parents.

He assured followers that he was keeping what mattered most and thanked them for their ongoing support, promising to stay more connected through social media. The following month, Garrett returned to social media to clarify a few personal details. He shared that in addition to Lyn, he also has a half-sister.

Before Lyn underwent brain surgery, he had already been caring for both of their parents. He ended the message with a warm note, hinting at upcoming plans and promising to stay in touch.

In response to his post, longtime fans shared personal messages and warm sentiments. One follower wrote, "Been going down a rabbit hole for years... would be great to hear from you and how you and your family are doing."

Another added, "Glad to hear you're ok. You and Dawn have been through a lot. Hopefully things are going better for you." A nostalgic supporter shared, "So glad you on here. I use to have the biggest poster of you on my wall lol... wish you and your family the very best [sic]."

Garrett's most recent interview was on the "Dr. Oz" show in June 2025, where he once again spoke openly about his struggles with addiction, the pressures of fame, and reaching rock bottom.

When asked why he chose to speak out now, he explained, "It was the right time. I've lived with these secrets, if you will, for quite a while and I just need to clear my conscience." He also shared that offering guidance to others going through similar battles would bring even more meaning to his story.

Now 63, the Hollywood star appeared with long, graying hair styled in two loose braids. He had a full beard and mustache and wore a black fedora, dark-framed glasses, a navy blazer, and a light mauve shirt.

Viewers reacted warmly to his appearance on the show, with many taking to social media to share their thoughts. Some praised his looks, writing, "He still has a lovely face" and "Still a good looking man!!!" Others noted a positive change, commenting, "Best he has looked in years!" and "Still looks good."

A few acknowledged his journey with messages like "Glad to see he is healing. Seems like a good person." Supporters also sent kind wishes, adding, "God bless and protect him" and "Keep it going Leif!!"

Leif Garrett continues to share pieces of his story with the public through interviews and social media. His decades in the spotlight have included early success, personal setbacks, and moments of public reflection. Despite everything, he remains engaged with his audience and focused on moving forward.