Chances are, if you were around in the '70s or '80s, you had a Leif Garrett poster hanging somewhere in your home—probably on your bedroom wall. “And I’ve kept every single photo or heartfelt letter that a young fan sent me, sharing how my poster was part of their bedtime ritual,” Leif, now 58, exclusively told Closer Weekly in the magazine’s latest issue, available now on newsstands. “It’s honestly surreal and a bit embarrassing, but hey, how flattered can you get? I can’t thank my fans enough because they’ve allowed me to keep doing what I love, and even get paid for it.”
But behind the bright lights of fame, Leif’s journey wasn’t always smooth sailing. The teen idol, known for hits like the Top 10 smash “I Was Made for Dancin’” and roles in shows like Family, faced significant challenges. These included battles with substance abuse, a tragic car accident that left his best friend paralyzed, and ultimately, jail time. Now, as Leif unveils his candid memoir, Idol Truth, he opens up to Closer about surviving it all. “Writing about the secrets I’ve held onto for so long has been an incredible relief, lifting a weight off my shoulders and heart,” he confides. “It’s been a deeply cathartic experience for me.”
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Getting His Start: Leif's Acting Career at Age 5
Leif’s journey into the world of acting started early. “My mom, my sister, and I all signed with an agent at the same time,” he recalls. “My dad, who recently passed away, was also an aspiring actor, and that definitely influenced me and my sister. If it weren’t for him, I might have pursued something completely different, maybe sports or art. But there was something magnetic about the world of acting and singing, and I quickly fell in love with it.”
From Child Actor to Film Debut
Leif’s first commercial at age 5 was just the beginning. By the time he was 7, he was already making his film debut as Dyan Cannon’s son in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice. “It was pure fun,” he reminisces. “We were just playing around, eating birthday cake, and swimming! I remember thinking, ‘This is what acting is? Sign me up!’ I even had a crush on Dyan, and to this day, I still have her autographed photo.”
Was Acting Too Young for Leif?
Despite starting so early, Leif insists he never felt pressured or negative about his career choice. “Not at all,” he says. “The only time I ever felt uncomfortable was when an assistant director played a cruel prank on me. They told me I had to be naked for a scene. Naturally, I burst into tears, refused to go out on set, and got fired. But that was the only time I ever felt out of place.”
Early Crushes and Friendships
Leif’s childhood was filled with Hollywood friendships, including a young Jodie Foster. “Jodie and I used to hang out at each other’s houses,” he shares. “She was friends with me and my sister, and our moms were close too. She was definitely one of my early crushes.”
