This ’70s teen idol rose to fame as a heartthrob before hitting rock bottom with addiction and legal troubles. See the telling photos of his transformation over the years that stunned social media users.

During the peak of his fame, this ’70s teen idol was adored for his good looks and carefree charm, gracing magazine covers and making fans swoon. But behind the glossy image was a struggling young star, which eventually led to a downward spiral of addiction.

Now, decades after his tumultuous journey, recent photos of the former heartthrob with gray hair and a rugged beard have stunned social media users. Take a look at the former ’70s star’s journey and transformation over the years.

The Star’s Rise and Fall from Fame

The star started as a busy child actor in the early 1970s before he was given the opportunity to record music — a decision that led him to extraordinary highs and deep personal lows.

His fame as a teen idol skyrocketed, making him one of the most recognizable faces of the era. The young star’s appeal wasn’t just about his looks; he believed his success was also due to his non-threatening persona that made his fans feel comfortable.

He acknowledged that his acting career set the stage for his music fame, selling countless teen magazines like Tiger Beat and gaining a massive fan base.

“So obviously part of it was because of the look, but if you can’t back it up with some talent, which is why you’d still be out in the public eye, then you can’t be there for just the way you look,” he shared.

However, fame came at a price. His rise to stardom was accompanied by jet-setting tours, numerous magazine covers, and exposure to drugs and alcohol at an early age.

His celebrity status achieved almost overnight brought instant success but also set him on a path toward addiction and personal turmoil that would follow him for years.

When asked about living up to his teen idol image, he admitted that his fan base had always been loyal, standing by him through his ups and downs. “There was a lot of bad decision-making. But at the same time, I didn’t have the parental guidance that I should have at that time,” he said.

He described his mother as trusting and explained how he spent most of his time on the road without a parent, relying instead on management that promised to look after him like a son.

His troubles came to a head with legal issues, including his 2010 arrest for drug possession. The years of drug use were a blur, but he vividly recalled his worst experience: spending 90 days in county jail, which served as a stark wake-up call.

Reflecting on his struggles with substance abuse, when asked what he was trying to escape by using drugs, he confessed, “Obviously, perpetuating this lie of me being this musical artist. I sang, but it wasn’t me 100 percent.”

“I didn’t feel like I was being heard. No one wanted to hear what I had to say. As long as people were buying my records, it didn’t matter,” the star continued.

The expectations of his record label clashed with his desire to evolve artistically, as he was often pushed to stick to a clean-cut, California surfer image that no longer fit his reality.

He admitted that, given a choice, he would have continued acting rather than being forced into a music career that confined him creatively. He had not anticipated that the decision to record an album would tie him down for years, limiting his options in acting and putting him in a box he found difficult to escape.

One of the most defining moments of 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 was unexpectedly reunited with Winkler, who absolved him of responsibility for the crash.

“That was as raw and real as it gets. I had no idea that I was going to be seeing Roland and that he would tell me that he did not hold me responsible, even though I held myself responsible big time for that and deservingly so,” he shared.

Though the star described the experience as enlightening, it remained emotionally challenging for him to fully let go of the guilt. He acknowledged that Winkler’s understanding was a significant step toward his own healing.

Embracing Truth and Finding Peace

In November 2019, the star, Leif Garrett, released his memoir, “Idol Truth,” providing an unfiltered look at his life, filled with untold stories, wild celebrity encounters, and rare personal photos. The book was 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 held onto painful memories and uncomfortable truths for over four decades, partly due to 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 a strategic move to publish it when his career was nearly at rock bottom. Today, Garrett leads a quieter life, far removed from the dizzying heights of his fame.

“I look back at my life and there are many things I got to experience that other people never get to do. And I’m grateful for that. I just wish it could have been a better situation. I wish I had made better decisions,” he reflected in 2020. Garrett also had to navigate his father’s passing, which deeply affected him.

He expressed regret over not having the chance to know his father better and uncover the answers to unresolved questions. Garrett remained busy promoting his memoir and working on remodeling his house. He even reflected on his desire for companionship.

Although he often joked about his love life and said he looked for love in all the wrong places, he emphasized that he was not actively seeking it through dating sites or single bars, preferring to let things happen naturally.

“I’m at the point where I am happy with who I am. I never want to stop learning, first of all. The moment we stop trying to investigate and try new things, we stagnate and die. There are physical aches and pains, but mentally I still feel 18. […] I love that,” he said with a laugh.

In addition to finding happiness, Garrett has naturally changed over the years, showing the inevitable signs of aging that pleasantly surprised social media users, who remembered his once hard-partying lifestyle.

“You look amazing ~as always! Loved you in my teen years and now in my 50s!!! Stay the course,” one person commented. Other social media users typed, “Wow, how awesome,” “Awesome,” and “I ❤️ the hair 🥰.” Another person added, “Leif looking so very fine.”

Leif Garrett’s journey from a ’70s heartthrob to a man who has honestly faced his past is a testament to resilience and growth. His transformation, inside and out, captivated fans, showing that one can embrace life after fame with authenticity, lessons learned, and a renewed sense of self.

A Caregiving Journey and Personal Loss

In recent years, Garrett has become more open about his family life and the toll it has taken on him. After years of sporadic activity on social media, he reemerged with deeply personal posts, sharing details about his family and caregiving responsibilities.

Garrett spent over 12 years caring for his parents full-time, a role he described as the most difficult responsibility he has ever taken on. He explained that the work was relentless and isolating, but he felt it was his duty.

He also noted that he carried the weight of these responsibilities largely on his own, with little to no assistance from his siblings. In one of his posts he clarified that aside from his “full sister,” Dawn, he has a half-sister and a brother.

In addition to caregiving, Garrett has faced multiple family hardships, including the loss of both parents and a cousin, as well as his sister Dawn undergoing brain surgery.

These events, combined with the emotional toll of caregiving, have significantly shaped his recent years. Since his parents’ passing, Garrett took on the task of sorting through their belongings, a process he described as overwhelming.

While keeping items of sentimental value, he began parting with the rest, enlisting the help of a friend to manage and sell memorabilia through a business venture.

These updates on social media have given fans a clearer picture of his private life, including his family dynamics, his grief over losing his parents, and his efforts to move forward after years of personal sacrifice.

Reconnecting with Fans

Since sharing these personal updates, Garrett has been more active on Facebook, regularly posting videos and engaging with fans. On October 23, 2024, he posted a video encouraging his viewers to vote, showcasing his continued involvement in civic matters.

Then, on November 10, 2024, he shared another video promoting his merchandise, a project tied to his downsizing efforts and his new business venture with Tim Lee.

Fans have responded with overwhelming positivity, leaving comments like, “You look great!! And healthy!” and “Post more videos. You’re wonderful.” Others praised his resilience and expressed their admiration for how far he’s come.

The relentless wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles have destroyed homes, displaced thousands, and left a lasting emotional impact on many residents — including some of Hollywood’s most beloved stars.

California’s wildfire seasons have grown increasingly destructive in recent years, with Los Angeles frequently at the center of these devastating events.

Now, some of the world’s most famous names have seen their homes reduced to ashes or faced last-minute evacuations. From cherished family estates to newly purchased dream homes, celebrities like Jeff Bridges and Jennifer Love Hewitt have all been impacted by these raging infernos.

1. Jeff Bridges

Jeff Bridges experienced a heartbreaking loss when his family’s beloved Malibu property was destroyed during the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

The home, perched on a scenic hillside with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, had been in the Bridges family for generations. Initially owned by his parents, the property was passed down to Jeff, his brother Beau Bridges, and their sister.

The fire tore through the iconic Malibu neighborhood, reducing the four-bedroom residence to rubble. While the loss of a property can be replaced, the emotional impact of seeing a family heirloom go up in flames was profound.

2. Milo Ventimiglia

Milo Ventimiglia, best known for his role in “This Is Us,” faced a deeply personal tragedy when he and his wife were forced to evacuate their Malibu home as fires approached.

The couple then watched in horror as flames engulfed their property via their home’s security cameras. Ventimiglia reflected on the devastation, sharing how the loss hit him on a profound emotional level.

“You start thinking about all the memories in the different parts of the house and whatnot. […] Your heart just breaks,” the actor said. To make matters even more emotional, the couple is expecting their first child.

They had just finished preparing the nursery for their baby when the fire consumed the house. The loss of their home — and all the items they had lovingly purchased for their baby’s arrival — added another layer of heartbreak.

3. Anthony Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins joined the growing list of Hollywood stars affected by the devastating wildfires. The Oscar-winning actor lost his recently purchased Pacific Palisades home in the blaze, a property he had bought in 2021 for $6 million.

The colonial-style home, which boasted four bedrooms and five bathrooms, had been intended as a fresh start for Hopkins after selling his longtime oceanfront Malibu home for $10.5 million.

However, the flames left little more than a scorched fence and charred remains of what was once a beautiful retreat. Photos of the destruction captured the heartbreaking aftermath — a stark reminder of how quickly wildfires can obliterate entire neighborhoods.

4. John Goodman

John Goodman’s Los Angeles property wasn’t spared from the wrath of the Pacific Palisades wildfires. The actor’s sprawling home, which he purchased in 2008 for $4.6 million, was reduced to ashes, with only the blackened remains of the backyard swimming pool visible in the aftermath.

Goodman, best known for his role in “Roseanne,” had long cherished the spacious residence, which boasted five bedrooms and five bathrooms.

While it is unclear if the property was his primary residence at the time of the fire — as the actor also owns a home in New Orleans with his wife, Anna Beth Goodman — the loss was a significant blow.

Photos taken after the fire revealed that the once-lively home had been completely destroyed, with not a single room left standing.

5. Tina Knowles

Tina Knowles, mother of global superstar Beyoncé, was among the celebrities affected by the wildfires. Her beloved Malibu retreat, which she called her “sacred Happy Place,” was “all gone.”

The property had been a serene getaway where Knowles would spend quiet weekends, often sharing glimpses of her peaceful sanctuary on social media. In an emotional Instagram post, she expressed her heartbreak over losing the home.

“This is what I was looking at on my birthday this past weekend from my tiny little bungalow on the water in Malibu! It was my favorite place, my sanctuary, my sacred Happy Place. Now it is gone!!” she wrote in part.

Despite her loss, Knowles took time to acknowledge the bravery of firefighters and first responders who risked their lives to battle the flames. “God Bless all the brave men and women in our fire department,” she added.

6. Anna Faris

Anna Faris’s home was among the properties destroyed in the deadly Los Angeles wildfires. The star had purchased the house in 2019 following her divorce from actor Chris Pratt. A representative for Faris confirmed the tragic news, saying, “Anna and her family are safe and very grateful.”

7. Jennifer Love Hewitt

Jennifer Love Hewitt also found herself among the celebrities forced to evacuate as wildfires raged through Los Angeles. The actress, best known for her roles in “Ghost Whisperer” and “Party of Five,” took to Instagram to share her thoughts during the emotional ordeal.

“I have no words. Only prayers and holding as much hope as I can for our home and our kids while we watch everything burn,” she wrote in part, posting a heartfelt message alongside photos of the raging flames.

Hewitt expressed gratitude for the firefighters risking their lives and for the community members who reached out to support her family.

Her words captured the collective heartache of many Californians affected by the wildfires, highlighting both the devastation and the resilience of those determined to rebuild.

8. Cary Elwes

Cary Elwes, widely recognized for his role in “The Princess Bride,” experienced firsthand the terror of the Los Angeles wildfires. On January 9, the actor took to Instagram to update his followers about the dangerous situation.

He revealed that he evacuated his home at 10:30 p.m. PST as flames closed in on their neighborhood. Elwes shared a harrowing clip of the fires raging in the distance, capturing the intensity of the disaster.

Then, he provided a somber update. His heartfelt message confirmed the tragic news — his family’s home had not survived the fire. “Sadly, we did lose our home but we are grateful to have survived this truly devastating fire,” he shared in part.

He extended his sympathy to other families impacted by the tragedy and thanked first responders and law enforcement for their bravery and tireless efforts.

Elwes also expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support they received during this difficult time. “We want to thank everyone for the incredible outpouring of support. It really means a great deal to us,” he concluded.

The devastating Los Angeles wildfires spared no one — not even some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. From losing treasured homes to enduring tense evacuations, these celebrities experienced firsthand the destruction nature can bring.