Leif Garrett: The Untold Story Of A Teen Idol’s Rise, Falls, And Comeback

Chances are, if you were a kid—or had one—in the '70s or '80s, there’s a good chance Leif Garrett’s poster was plastered on your bedroom wall. "And I’ve kept every photo or letter that a young fan sent, sharing how they had me on their walls and kissed me goodnight before bed," Leif, now 58, exclusively tells Closer Weekly in its latest issue, now available on newsstands. "It’s surreal, even a little embarrassing, but wow, how flattering! I can’t thank my fans enough because they’ve allowed me to continue doing what I love—and get paid for it," he says with a laugh.

But let’s not forget, beneath the glitter of fame, Leif Garrett faced some serious challenges. Hits like the Top 10 smash “I Was Made for Dancin’” and roles on shows like Family catapulted him to stardom. Yet, those bright lights were often overshadowed by struggles with substance abuse, a tragic car accident that left his best friend paralyzed, and eventually, jail time. As he unveils his new memoir, Idol Truth, Leif opens up to Closer about surviving it all. "Writing about the secrets I’ve held onto for so long has been incredibly freeing. It’s lifted a weight off my shoulders and heart," he shares candidly. "It’s been a deeply cathartic experience."

Scroll down for our exclusive interview with Leif Garrett!

Read also:

The Love Boat A Journey Through The Golden Age Of Tv

How It All Began: Leif Garrett at Age 5

It all started with Leif’s mom, sister, and himself signing with an agent at the tender age of five. "My dad, who recently passed away, was also an aspiring actor. His dream rubbed off on me and my sister, and we got into the industry," Leif recalls. "Honestly, I probably would have gone a different route if it weren’t for him. Maybe sports or art. But hey, life has a way of steering you in unexpected directions."

Leif's First Big Break: Acting at Seven

After landing his first commercial at age five, Leif made his film debut as Dyan Cannon’s son in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice at seven. "It was such a blast! We were just having fun, eating birthday cake, and swimming around," he reminisces with a smile. "Acting was like playing make-believe, and I was hooked. I even had a crush on Dyan back then, and I still cherish her autographed photo."

Was He Too Young to Act?

Despite his early start, Leif insists he never felt forced into acting. "I never experienced any negativity, except for one awkward incident. An assistant director played a cruel joke on me, telling me I had to be naked for a scene. I freaked out, cried, and refused to go on set. They fired me on the spot. That was the only time I ever felt uncomfortable."

Jodie Foster: Leif's First Crush

Leif’s first crush wasn’t just any girl—it was Jodie Foster. "We hung out at each other’s houses, and our moms were friends too. She was more than just a friend; she was family," he says warmly. "We were like siblings growing up in the same world."

A Star-Studded Childhood