Leif Garrett: A Teen Idol’s Rise and Fall

Leif Garrett captured the hearts of millions when he began his career as an actor. Later, he transitioned to music and became one of the most famous teen stars of his era.

Early Acting Career

Garrett made his film debut at just five years old in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969). This film was a box office hit, ranking as the sixth highest-grossing film of that year. His impressive performance set the stage for a promising career.

Shortly after, he starred in Walking Tall and its sequels. In 1983, he joined a cast of teen sensations, including Matt Dillon and Patrick Swayze, in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders. Additionally, Garrett appeared in various TV series, such as Family, The Odd Couple (1974), Wonder Woman (1978), and CHiPs (1979).

Musical Success

As Garrett’s acting career flourished, he ventured into music. His self-titled debut album, released in 1977, quickly gained popularity. Tours followed, and he felt on top of the world.

In a 1979 interview with the New York Daily News, Garrett shared, “I was on a public appearance tour in Sydney, Australia. They flew me in by helicopter and I jumped into an armored car to drive into the theater. Fans almost tipped over the limo. It’s a weird adrenaline rush.”

Challenges in Adulthood

Despite his success, Garrett faced significant challenges. Transitioning into adulthood proved difficult. He expressed regret over missing out on singing lessons and criticized the production process. “There’s a particular track that doesn’t even sound like me at all,” he noted, comparing it to the Milli Vanilli scandal.

Substance abuse began to take a toll on his career. In 1979, a car accident left his friend Ronald Winkler paraplegic.

Influences and Maturity

Garrett started mingling with rock legends, including Freddie Mercury of Queen. He reflected, “I was not a mature 16-year-old. I was treated like an adult, but I was still a child.” He struggled with the pressures of adulthood and the influence of substance use.

“I probably have the greatest fan base ever. They have supported me through thick and thin,” he stated. Yet, he acknowledged his poor decision-making and lack of parental guidance.

Legal Troubles and Rehab

Garrett faced legal issues and repeatedly entered rehab. He later participated in the VH1 reality show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, which he claimed led to a relapse for dramatic effect. “They wanted footage of me using,” he recounted to the LA Times, “but I hadn’t been using.”