Vintage Photos That Will Make You Nostalgic for the 'Good ol' Days'

Who doesn’t love a good trip down memory lane? Science suggests that our feelings of nostalgia have a close relationship to a heightened emotional state, most specifically to our happiest memories. It’s no surprise, then, that when we see old vintage photos, they tend to put us in a great mood.

That’s what we’ve gathered for all you nostalgia-loving folks out there. We’ve collected some rarely-seen photos from decades past that will give you so many, ‘Oh my god, I remember that!” moments. From Raquel Welch’s eye-popping appearance on The Dick Cavett Show to behind the scenes of The Cannonball Run with Burt Reynolds and Farrah Fawcett — as well as the original 007 himself, Sean Connery, goofing around on set with the original ‘Bond Girl,” Ursula Andress — these vintage photos will leave you longing for the good ol’ days. Be sure to SHARE these lovely memories with your friends to see if they remember any of them!

Old-School Flight Attendants

Being a flight attendant (or, as they were commonly referred to in decades past, stewardesses or air hostesses) back in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s was considered one of the most glamorous jobs a woman could have. Unfortunately, the occupation was rampant with discrimination and the exploitation of female sexuality. At times, female flight attendants could not be married and would be fired if they wed when employed. They were also required to wear formfitting 'uniforms,' which were often cleavage-revealing tops and leggy miniskirts. Numerous lawsuits over the years were brought against airlines that had fired flight attendants who turned 35 years of age, exceeded a certain weight, or had wed.

Downtime for 007

On movie sets in between takes, it’s commonplace for the actors to take a breather and step out of character. Take, for instance, Scottish actor Sean Connery — the original James Bond — seen here with the original 'Bond Girl,” Ursula Andress, during the filming of Dr. No. The film was the first in the historic spy franchise. Andress, sporting her classic white bikini, practices handstands on a beach in Jamaica as Connery catches her legs to help her balance. Little did they know, their film would help launch one of the most popular and successful franchises in film history.

Dylan and the Beatles

There are few times when so much talent and star power stands on stage together, but that’s exactly what happened on August 1, 1971, when Bob Dylan took the stage with former Beatles members Ringo Starr (left) and George Harrison (second from left), as well as guitarist Leon Russell (right). The performance was part of a benefit concert at New York City’s Madison Square Garden to aid refugees from East Pakistan.

The Jackson 5

Seen here in this 1972 photo are the youngest Jacksons of the famous music group The Jackson 5; from left are Randy Jackson, Janet Jackson, and Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson would have been 14 at the time the picture was taken. On Michael Jackson’s left is a journalist for Right On! magazine. The youngsters’ first hit, 'I Want You Back,” had topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1970. Between 1969 and 1972, the group released albums at a fevered pace (six studio records). That may be a likely reason why Michael looks worn out in this photo, staring into the distance as his siblings smile for the camera.

Among the Stars...

This vintage photo shows us writer/director George Lucas and Luke Skywalker-actor Mark Hamill on the Tunisian set of the first Star Wars movie. At the time, neither man knew that what they working on a film that would transform not only their lives forever, but also the entire entertainment industry, and truthfully pop culture as a whole.

Cindy Morgan in 'Caddyshack'

When thinking of Hollywood comedy classics, few people would forget to include Caddyshack. Starring Chevy Chase and the immutable Bill Murray in one of his most famous roles, the film was a smash hit for Warner Brothers in 1980. Directed by Harold Ramis (who would write and star with Murray in Ghostbusters), the film’s modest $6 million budget turned into a $38 million box office draw. Of course, few fans could forget Cindy Morgan as Lacey Underall, the promiscuous niece of Judge Smails. Morgan walking through the golf course in her tight golf polo, and the swimming pool scene, are two of the most memorable scenes of the film.

Behind the Scenes on 'The Cannonball Run'

The star-studded affair of 1981’s The Cannonball Run couldn’t help save the film from being panned by critics, but that didn’t mean audiences didn’t eat it up. The film was a huge box office success, topping $100 million on a modest $16 to $18 million budget. With stars like Burt Reynolds, Farrah Fawcett, Dean Martin, Dom DeLuise, Sammy Davis Jr., Adrienne Barbeau, Terry Bradshaw, and Jackie Chan, it’s no wonder people flocked to theaters to see all these stars in one place. Here, DeLuise cracks up Reynolds, Fawcett, and the rest of the cast with his antics behind the scenes.

Natalie Wood

Who could ever forget Natalie Wood? (And not just for her tragic — and still unsolved — mysterious death.) Wood was a consummate actress throughout her entire career, which spanned nearly four decades before her untimely death. She was nominated for eight Golden Globe Awards, winning three of them, as well as earning three Academy Award nominations. Here’s Wood in a 1960 publicity shoot wearing a lacy nightgown, similar to the one she wore in the film All the Fine Young Cannibals.

Pat Priest, a.k.a. Marilyn Munster

Originally played by Beverley Owen in season one, Pat Priest took over the role of Marilyn Munster after episode 13 on the CBS sitcom The Munsters. Priest became wildly popular for her portrayal, thanks to her adorable blonde bob. The running gag of the show was that Marilyn was the 'plain” or 'ugly” Munster family member, compared to her ghoulish counterparts. Priest is pictured here in a photoshoot for Playboy, posing with the 'Munster Mobile.” The photo became a popular pin-up image for men all across the country.

Barbara Bouchet, circa 1960

Out of all the memorable and extraordinary Bond girls, we wouldn’t be surprised if you had forgotten about young Barbara Bouchet, who played Moneypenny in 1967’s Casino Royale. But we’re pretty sure this picture will make it hard to forget her again. Bouchet is pictured here in 1960 at just 17 years of age, seven years before her turn as a Bond girl and four years before her first major film role in 1964. The actress, born in Czechoslovakia, would end up having an illustrious film career spanning more than 50 years and nearly 100 films.

Still Dreaming of Jeannie?

I Dream of Jeannie is one of the most popular television shows in history, but it wasn’t exactly a hit when it first aired. It wasn’t until syndication that the show really took off in popularity. During its five-season, 139-episode run, Jeannie didn’t get higher than No. 26 in the Nielsen ratings. Still, the sitcom has endured to this day, no doubt thanks to the hijinks and allure of star Barbara Eden. Eden was twice nominated for Golden Globes for her part on the show, but she had actually found great success in film prior to her role on the popular show. Her first film appearance dated back to 1956, nearly a decade before she started granting wish after wish.

Early 'Weekend Update'

Bill Murray may have stole the show in Caddyshack, but the young comedian had by then become a fan favorite on a popular late-night sketch comedy show called Saturday Night Live. (Ever hear of it?) Murray was one of the first comedians to tackle the mainstay 'Weekend Update” sketch. (It was originally created by Chevy Chase.) It’s still one of the most popular segments on SNL, thanks in large part to Murray’s hilarious deadpan delivery, which helped make it popular. We’re pretty sure we don’t need to dive into Murray’s prolific acting resume. You probably have at least three memorable scenes from his movies that pop into your head.

Young Cheech and Chong

During the free love and counterculture movements of the 1970s, perhaps no duo better represented what that meant than Richard 'Cheech” Marin and Tommy Chong. The comedy duo became synonymous with the hippie persona, espousing their love of marijuana and sexuality before the conservatism of the 1980s took back over. Throughout the 70s and 80s, Cheech & Chong had wildly successful stand-up shows, movies, and comedic studio recordings. They were nominated for six Grammy Awards, and won for Best Comedy Recording in 1973.

Raquel Welch

Iconic actress Raquel Welch is one of the most famous pin-up Hollywood sex symbols in history. She became one of the – if not THE – biggest stars in Hollywood in the mid-1960s and carried that success for a decade or more. In 1972, she starred in the roller derby film Kansas City Bomber, and did the rounds on the network talk shows to promote the film. Her appearance on The Dick Cavett Show is arguably more famous than the film itself, as Welch stunned Cavett and the audience in a daring blue plunging dress. We’re pretty sure Cavett’s only thought in this moment was, 'Just keep making eye contact. Just keep making eye contact.”

Guess the Famed Actor

We’ll give you a few moments to try and figure out the future Oscar winner pictured above. Here he is at his home in Bayside, Long Island, New York. At just 12 years old, it was clear he already had a love and penchant for entertaining. Using greasepaint, young Ronnie (his birth name) would apply the makeup and perform for friends and family alike. His first credited role actually came two years before this picture was taken, when he played Kevin Acton on The Wonderful John Acton TV series. His biggest role would come more than 20 years later, when he gained widespread critical acclaim for his supporting role in The Deer Hunter. Did that give it away? If you haven’t guessed yet, here ya go. This is Christopher Walken, circa 1955.

A 'Giant' in His Time

The story of James Dean is one of the most memorable and tragic in Hollywood’s long history. Dean’s career had started like many in the profession. He found sporadic work in Los Angeles and then moved to New York City. He landed numerous TV roles for years, but it wasn’t until director Elia Kazan and author John Steinbeck met Dean for the role of Cal Trask in East of Eden that Dean’s career launched into the stratosphere. He would earn an Oscar nomination for the part, becoming the first male actor to earn a posthumous Academy Award nomination. That same year, Dean would become a cultural icon of teen disillusionment in Rebel Without a Cause. It remains Dean’s most famous role, possibly because he had died just one month prior to the film’s release. Dean would get less acclaim for that role than he got for East of Eden — and even for his final role in Giant (pictured above), for which he received a second posthumous nomination for Best Actor. Tragically, Dean passed away on September 30, 1955, more than a year before Giant hit theaters in October 1956.

Victoria Principal

Victoria Principal was one of the main — and most popular — characters of the hit CBS drama Dallas. Principal played Pamela Barnes, the daughter of Digger Barnes. (Although it was later revealed that Pamela was not his biological daughter. What?! Spoiler alert, we know.) Principal, unable to come to a compromise on her contract, departed the show after the season 10 finale, when her character was severely burned in a driving accident. But Principal wasn’t without work following her departure from the show. She launched her own line of self-help and exercise books, which became very popular. Here’s Principal at the 1983 American Booksellers Convention demonstrating some of her exercise techniques.

Staring Contest Against Wonder Woman

Who’s gonna blink first, you or Lynda Carter, a.k.a. Wonder Woman? Carter is still best known for her role as the DC Comics superheroine. The ABC — and then CBS — show was a smash success for the actress. But Carter actually got her start as a model before landing roles on television. The Phoenix, Arizona native gained national attention after winning Miss World USA in 1972, and went on to be a runner-up in the international competition later that year. Carter returned to her modeling roots for this photoshoot in Los Angeles, California in 1985. The iconic swimming pool shot is still replicated today.

'Ohhhhhh Yeah!'

Snap into a handshake, Regis Philbin! During a taping of The Morning Show, popular daytime host Regis Philbin has a funny run-in with World Wrestling Federation’s 'Macho Man” Randy Savage, who at the time was the WWF Champion (if the giant belt didn’t make it obvious). Savage, real name Randy Mario Poffo, is standing beside his then-wife and manager, Elizabeth Hulette, who went by 'Miss Elizabeth” on the wrestling programs. 'Macho Man” would go on to become one of the most popular and legendary wrestling performers, as well as a popular spokesperson for Slim Jim jerky snacks, turning the phrase 'Snap into a Slim Jim” into a universal tagline. Savage passed away from cardiovascular disease in 2011.

Behind the Bradys

Pictured here is a behind-the-scenes shot of Eve Plumb (Jan Brady) and Maureen McCormick (Marcia Brady) rehearsing on the Paramount Studios lot for The Brady Bunch in 1972. The show became a smash success, but not until its original run went off the air and it entered syndication. The afternoon time slot made it perfect for kids to watch after school, and it soon gained a huge cult following. Maybe Marcia knew all along that the show would become a hit. That would explain her coy smile for the camera in this cool set photo.

'That Girl'

From 1966 to 1971, Americans loved That Girl. That 'girl” was Marlo Thomas, who played 'girl-in-the-big-city” Ann Marie, an aspiring actress who moved to New York City in search of fame. The show followed Ann Marie as she jumped from various temp jobs. While the show was never a huge ratings draw for ABC, Thomas was nominated for four Emmy Awards. She won the Best TV Star – Female award in 1967 at the Golden Globes and, that same year, the sitcom landed a Best TV Show nomination as well. This funny behind-the-scenes photo shows Thomas hugging costar Ted Bessell as a flock of pigeons swirl around them in New York’s famous Times Square.

Steven Spielberg

Most would recognize film director Steven Spielberg’s shaggy beard-look that he’s sported for decades, but this behind-the-scenes look at Spielberg from the set of Jaws shows a younger, clean-shaven Spielberg. Spielberg is seen sitting atop the animatronic head of the famous, monstrous great white shark. The climactic attack on Quint’s fishing boat still terrifies beachgoers to this day. The film was a critical smash hit, earning composer John Williams an Academy Award and Golden Globe for the famous score, and Spielberg himself earned a Golden Globe nomination for directing.

Madeline Smith

Pictured above is gorgeous English actress and model Madeline Smith during the filming of The Magnificent Seven Deadly Sins in 1971. Smith is most notable for her roles in the James Bond film Live and Let Die — Roger Moore, who played Bond, recommended her for the role — Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?, The Vampire Lovers, and The Bawdy Adventures of Tom Jones. Smith was married to actor David Buck until 1989, when he sadly died from cancer. Smith stopped acting in the mid 1980s, though she did make an appearance in a British soap opera in 2011.

Leonardo DiCaprio Having a Hair Day

Leonardo DiCaprio is one of Hollywood’s most iconic modern stars. He resume is full of both box office smashes and critically acclaimed masterpieces alike, and he’s earned oodles of awards including three Golden Globes and an Oscar win among many nominations. All of which makes this old photo of Leo with super-spiked, Goku-like hair all the funnier.

'I Wanna Hold Your Paw'

To many, John Lennon was the leader of The Beatles, and his work with the band, combined with his prolific solo career and untimely assassination, have made him a cultural icon for several generations now. So suffice to say, a photo of him with an adorable cat is pretty much cat-nip (no pun intended) for meme fans.

John Travolta Living His Best Life

John Travolta was on top of the world in the 1970s, thanks to his dual-superstar roles on television’s Welcome Back Kotter and the film adaption of Grease. Maybe that’s why he’s having such a lovely time in this vintage shot.

The King Meets the King of the Ring

It can be argued that there were no more famous individuals in the 1970s that Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali. The former was the iconic King of Rock & Roll, who was still packing concert halls across the world while the latter was the outspoken, political, and supremely talented boxing champion. Suffice to say, the two of them together – with Ali wearing Elvis’s stage robe no less – is iconic image to millions. However, it’s not the only vintage photo featuring Ali and iconic rock stars…

The Greatest vs The Fab Four

A few years before his meeting with Elvis, Ali also had a photo-op with the other arguable kings of rock- The Beatles. These iconic photo see Ali faux-knocking out the Fab Four (see above), as while as more jovial photos including Ali and the band 'squaring up” to fight, and the champ lifting John Lennon in the air.

Star (Wars)-Crossed Lovers

Staying behind the scenes of the original Star Wars films, here we have a glimpse of Harrison 'Han Solo” Ford and Carrie 'Princess Leia” Fisher. The duo had incredible romantic chemistry on-screen, which led to their characters becoming romantically involved by the second and third film. That wasn’t all however, as Fisher revealed that she and Ford had romantic affair during this period in a moire published shortly before her death.

70s Superstars

There are backstage concert pictures, and then there are BACKSTAGE CONCERT PICTURES. This image of KISS (in their full makeup and costumes) and Elton John (in his full 1970s regalia) definitely falls into the latter category.

From All-Stars to Hall of Famers

This vintage image, from the First Annual Rock N Roll Sports Classic, finds future Rock -n- Roll Hall of Fame members Michael Jackson (seen with his name on his jacket) and Rod Stewart (seen in yellow to the far right of the image) playing a quick game of soccer (or football as Rod with call it) behind the scenes.

Rock and Roll Royalty

Paul McCartney. Mick Jagger. Bill Wyman. What else could you want in a vintage rock photo?