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The 7 Most Iconic 70s Playboy Models: Where Are They Now And Their Unforgettable Legacy

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The 1970s was a seismic decade for Playboy magazine, moving beyond the polished, restrained aesthetic of the 1960s to embrace a more liberated, outspoken, and culturally significant Playmate. These women were not just models; they were symbols of the sexual revolution, often transitioning into successful careers as actresses, singers, and television personalities. The decade launched some of the most enduring figures in the magazine's history, whose stories—from Hollywood glamour to tragic endings—continue to fascinate pop culture historians today, offering a fresh, current look at their incredible impact.

As of December 2025, the legacy of the 1970s Playmates remains a powerful touchstone for discussions about feminism, celebrity, and the shifting media landscape. This era's models were instrumental in bringing the brand into major motion pictures and mainstream media, cementing their status as cultural icons who defined an era of unprecedented freedom and visibility.

The Defining Faces: 70s Playboy Model Biography & Key Moments

The 1970s produced a roster of women whose careers extended far beyond the pages of Playboy. Here is a look at the most iconic models of the decade, complete with their essential biographical details and lasting contributions:

  • Barbi Benton (Playmate of the Month: March 1970): Born Barbara Lynn Klein (July 31, 1950), she is arguably the most famous non-Playmate of the era, having been Hugh Hefner's girlfriend for eight years (1969–1976). She launched a successful career as a country singer, actress (notably on Hee Haw), and television personality. As of 2024, the 73-year-old Benton lives a quiet life, having stepped away from the spotlight to focus on her family and personal life, a stark contrast to her glamorous past.
  • Claudia Jennings (Playmate of the Year 1970): Born Mary Eileen Chesterton (December 20, 1949), Jennings was one of the decade's most tragic figures. After her Playmate of the Year title, she transitioned into a prolific career as a B-movie actress, starring in exploitation films like Gatorbait and Uncaged. Her life was tragically cut short in 1979 at the age of 29 in a car accident.
  • Marilyn Cole (Playmate of the Month: January 1972): A British Playmate, Cole made history as the first Playmate to pose for a full frontal nude centerfold in the US edition of Playboy. This moment marked a significant shift in the magazine's approach to nudity, directly reflecting the decade's sexual liberation movement.
  • The Collinson Twins (Mary and Madeleine Collinson) (Playmates of the Month: October 1970): The English twin sisters, born in 1952, were the first-ever twins to be featured as Playmates of the Month. Their joint pictorial was a sensational event, highlighting Playboy's flair for unique and attention-grabbing features.
  • Cyndi Wood (Playmate of the Year 1974): Born in 1950, Wood is best known for her appearance in the iconic "Playmate scene" of Francis Ford Coppola's 1979 film Apocalypse Now, alongside Linda Carpenter. Her Playmate of the Year title cemented her place as a major figure in the mid-70s era.
  • Linda Carpenter (Playmate of the Month: August 1976): Carpenter (who was credited as Linda Beatty) was the other real-life Playmate who appeared in the legendary Apocalypse Now scene, where she and Cyndi Wood were flown in to perform for the troops. This cross-over into a major, serious war film is one of the most unique career pivots of any 70s Playmate.
  • Bebe Buell (Playmate of the Month: November 1974): Born Beverle Lorence Buell (July 14, 1953), she is a quintessential 70s rock 'n' roll figure. After her Playmate appearance, she became a prominent model, singer, and muse to numerous rock stars, including Todd Rundgren, Iggy Pop, and Steven Tyler (with whom she had daughter Liv Tyler). She continues to be active in the music and entertainment industry today.

The Cultural Significance of the 1970s Playmate

The 1970s were a period of massive social upheaval, and the Playboy Playmates of this era were a fascinating reflection of the changing times. The magazine's editorial focus evolved, portraying women who were seen as more independent, outspoken, and career-driven than their predecessors.

This shift was a direct response to the burgeoning sexual revolution and the early waves of feminism, even as the magazine itself remained a subject of intense debate. The Playmates of the 70s were often shown not just as objects of desire but as women with aspirations—whether in acting, music, or business—which helped them transition into broader entertainment careers. The Playmate of the Month feature became a highly visible launching pad, granting instant celebrity status that was more easily leveraged in the rapidly expanding world of television and cinema. The Playmates, in a complex way, both challenged and reinforced the gender norms of the time.

The magazine’s willingness to push boundaries, exemplified by Marilyn Cole's barrier-breaking centerfold, positioned it at the forefront of the decade's evolving attitudes toward sexuality. This period cemented Playboy's influence on gender norms and cultural conversations, a legacy that is still discussed in contemporary media analysis.

From the Grotto to the Silver Screen: The Hollywood Connection

One of the most defining trends of the 1970s Playmates was their deep integration into Hollywood and the film industry. Unlike earlier decades, where a Playmate title might lead to minor modeling or club appearances, the 70s saw these women become legitimate movie stars and cult figures.

Claudia Jennings’ B-Movie Reign: Claudia Jennings, Playmate of the Year 1970, became a symbol of the decade's exploitation film circuit. She starred in over a dozen films in a career that lasted less than a decade, becoming a cult icon for her roles in action and horror B-movies. Her filmography, though tragically short, is a testament to the era's fascination with the 'Playmate-turned-actress' trope.

The Apocalypse Now Scene: The most famous cinematic appearance by 70s Playmates is undoubtedly the USO show sequence in Francis Ford Coppola's Vietnam War epic, Apocalypse Now. Playmate of the Year 1974, Cyndi Wood, and August 1976 Playmate Linda Carpenter (along with actress Colleen Camp) were integral to the controversial and unforgettable scene where Playmates are helicoptered in to entertain US troops. The scene, which was filmed in the Philippines, perfectly captured the surreal and chaotic atmosphere of the Vietnam War era. It remains one of the most widely cited examples of a Playmate’s role in mainstream cinema.

The widespread success of these models in film and television demonstrates how the 1970s Playmate became a distinct pop culture entity. They were savvy entertainers who used the magazine as a springboard to diverse and often unexpected careers, from the country music charts (Barbi Benton) to the gritty realism of war cinema (Cyndi Wood and Linda Carpenter).

The Enduring Legacy: Where Are They Now?

The lives of the 70s Playmates post-Playboy are as varied and fascinating as their pictorials. Many, like Barbi Benton, chose a life of relative privacy, focusing on family after marrying wealthy developer George Gradow in 1979. Her decision to exit the fast-paced Hollywood scene in favor of a quiet, luxurious life in Aspen, Colorado, shows a deliberate effort to separate her public persona from her private reality.

Others, like Bebe Buell, remained firmly entrenched in the rock and entertainment world, continually reinventing themselves as artists and authors. Her memoir, Rebel Heart, offers a candid look at her life as a Playmate, model, and rock muse, providing valuable insight into the celebrity culture of the 70s and 80s.

The stories of the 1970s Playmates are more than just a nostalgic look back at a centerfold. They are compelling narratives of women navigating the rapidly changing landscape of media, sexuality, and celebrity. The decade's models defined a new, more visible, and outspoken type of Playmate, leaving an indelible mark on both the magazine’s history and the broader cultural conversation about female empowerment and the price of fame. Their impact continues to resonate, reminding us that the 70s was an era where the line between celebrity and cultural icon blurred forever.

The 7 Most Iconic 70s Playboy Models: Where Are They Now and Their Unforgettable Legacy
70s playboy model
70s playboy model

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