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Pop Culture Quiz: What Happened In 1977?

1977 Pop Culture, History, and Iconic Moments

1977 was a defining moment in pop culture history, filled with groundbreaking entertainment, unforgettable trends, and major world events. It was a year where innovation met nostalgia, as iconic films and music reshaped the cultural landscape while classic styles and movements maintained their influence. From cinematic milestones to music that continues to inspire, 1977 remains a year that stands out in history.

In entertainment, 1977 saw the release of films that would change the industry forever, captivating audiences and redefining storytelling. The music charts were dominated by emerging genres and timeless legends, reflecting a rich and diverse cultural moment. On television, popular shows captured the hearts of millions, cementing their place in the golden era of small-screen entertainment. Toys, games, and fashion trends from 1977 also hold a special place in the memories of those who lived through the era.

Outside of pop culture, 1977 was a year of significant scientific advancements and political shifts. Space exploration reached new milestones, and key sports events brought underdog stories and thrilling victories to fans around the world. It was a year that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the late 1970s—vibrant, dynamic, and unforgettable.

Think you’re a 1977 expert? Take our trivia quiz to see how much you know about the events, trends, and cultural moments that made this year so iconic. Dive into the pop culture and history of 1977 and relive the magic of this incredible year!

77 Trivia Questions For 1977 History

 (answers)

1. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1977

2. A natural formation near Moorcroft, Wyoming, was featured prominently in this 1979 sci-fi drama. Name that film.

3. What is the name of the natural formation near Moorcroft, Wyoming, featured in Close Encounters of the Third Kind?

4. Name one of Mr. Bill’s nemeses on Saturday Night Live?

5. Invented in Japan in 1975, this carnival game became (and still is) popular whe it was introduced in the US in 1977. Name that smash game.

6. In 1977, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?

7. Name the 2nd Biggest film of 1977.

8. What type of car did Bo “Bandit” Darville (Burt Reynolds) drive in Smokey and the Bandit?

9. Who played the role of Sheriff Buford T. Justice of Texas in Smokey and the Bandit?

10. Bruce Banner is the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but what was his name in the CBS television show and TV movies?

11. Who played the role of the green-skinned Hulk?

12. Who was the biggest Musical Artist of 1977?

13. You get one point for each member of 1977’s Fleetwood Mac you can name.

14. This horse was the Triple Crown Winner in 1977. Name that horse.

15. Made by Fruit of the Loom, this children’s clothing product often feature characters from comic books, cartoons and fantasy/sci-fi. Name that product.
HINT: It was described as “fun to wear.”

16. On the season five premiere of Happy Days, Fonzie did something that seemed a bit “over the top”, giving us a TV/Motion Picture Phenomenon. Name that gimmick.

17. Introduced in 1977, name the mascot of CEC Entertainment Concepts
HINT: He’s a rat.

18. These SNL aliens were Beldar, Prymatt and Connie. Name that extraterrestrial family.

19. What planet did The Coneheads come from?

20. This film sequel featured a group of misfit youths on a baseball team coached by Mike Leak and played by William Devane. Name that movie.

21. This unusual toy first appeared in 1976. It has also been seen and used in other toys, on award shows, and on TV shows up to today.

22. Name the ABC sitcom based on the British sitcom Man About the House.

23. Name the landlords for Jack, Chrissy and Janet on Three’s Company.

24. How many people lived in the World in 1977?

25. How many people lived in the United States in 1977?

26. Airing from 1974 to 1978 on ABC, this television show was based on a 1972 Novel Cyborg. Name that show

27. This film’s screenplay was adapted from a 1976 New York magazine article by British writer Nik Cohn, “Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night”. Name that film

28. John Travolta starred in Saturday Night Fever. What was the name of his character in the film?

29. You get one point for each of the songs that you can list that reached #1 on the Billboard Pop charts from Saturday Night Fever.

30. This Muppet Show character is known for her temperamental diva superstar personality, use of French phrases in her speech, and attempted karate. Name her.

31. Please name the two scientists introduced on The Muppet Show in 1977.

32. We didn’t know this planet had rings around it until March 10, 1977. Name that planet

33. Paul Ruebens is best known as this childlike character. Name him.

34. Either Pee-wee Herman or Paul Ruebens has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Which one has the honor?

35. Name the highest-grossing film of 1977.
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope

36. Name the third-highest-grossing film from 1977.

37. Name the Major League Baseball team that joined the American League (West) in 1977.

38. This rock band used the catchphrase “Gabba Gabba Hey!.” Name the group.

39. Name the CBS television show that featured the phrase “Goodnight, John-Boy.

40. Who was the President of the United States in 1977?

41. Who was the Vice-President of the United States in 1977?

42. Running for 1,006 performances, this musical Broadway review focused on the music from a popular 1960-s band. Name that Broadway show.

43. Who joined Saturday Night Live, replacing Chevy Chase?

44. In 1977, the Energy Research and Development Administration combined with the Federal Energy Administration to form what US Federal Department?

45. Name the television series that took place on series was set on the cruise ship MS Pacific Princess.

46. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1977?

47. Usually yellow, this paper product was accidentally discovered by scientists at 3M. Name that product.
HINT: Most offices use it, and you may have it at home.

48. Over 500 million of this cube puzzle have been sold since 1977. Name that handy toy.

49. Three members of a Southern rock band died in a charter plane crash outside Gillsburg, Mississippi. Name the band.
Lynyrd Skynyrd (Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and Cassie Gaines died in the crash)

50. Created by writer Tony Isabella with artist Trevor Von Eeden, this comic book character was DC’s first African-American superhero to headline his series. Name him.

51. What was the Top-Rated TV Show in the 1976/1977 season?

52. Made by Libby, this product, aimed for children, used the slogan “100% Juice.” Name that drink

53. Starring Bernard and Bianca, this animated film was Disney’s 23rd feature film. Name that movie

54.  Who played the roles of Bernard and Bianca in The Rescuers?

55. This diet and weight loss supplement, described as “a fat-free, carbohydrate-free, animal-based fortified cherry-flavored protein supplement formula” that promised to make purchasers “feel better, cleaner, stronger and healthier is still sold today. Name that drink.

56. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she is Captain Marvel. But name Carol Danvers’s first superhero appearance as the title character of her comic book.

57. What was the best-selling album of 1977?

58. Based on a 1924 comic strip, this Broadway musical starred a character with red hair.

59. Who played the character Roseanne Roseannadanna on Weekend Update in the early seasons of SNL?

60. Welcome Back Kotter’s Vinnie Barbarino was played by what well-known movie star?

61. Name the Sweathog who used the catchphrase “Up your nose with a rubber hose!”

62. Who said “De plane! De plane!” on this long-running TV show?

63. Who was the mysterious man who ran Fantasy Island?

64. What was Mr. Roarke’s catchphrase?

65. This bond villain appeared on both The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979). Name him.

66. Who won the Super Bowl XI?

67. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1977?

68. Who won an Academy Award for Best Original Score for Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope?

69. Name the twin brother and sister superhero duo first appearing in Hanna-Barbera’s American animated television series The All-New Super Friends Hour.

70. Jack, Wendy, and Danny Torrence were the characters in what famous horror novel?

71. Who won the 1977 World Series?

72. Rod Roddy’s iconic opening line, “Confused? You won’t be after this week’s episode of (what)” television show?

73. This creation featured moistened seeds (Salvia hispanica) applied to a grooved terracotta figurine. Name that product.

74. Name the grand touring car manufactured by Porsche AG of Germany from 1978 to 1995.
Porsche 928

75. What was the TRS-80 Micro Computer System (TRS-80), and who sold it?

76. Who starred as James Bond in The Spy Who Loved Me?

77. Who was the “King of Rock and Roll”?

Trivia Team Bonus Questions:

1. Where was Elvis Presley’s funeral held?

2. What was Yoda’s planned name in the original Star Wars draft?

3. Pre-filming Star Wars, what was Luke Skywalker’s planned name?

4. Who was the Pope in 1977?

5. On August 15, 1977, The Big Ear, a radio telescope operated by Ohio State University as part of the SETI project, received a radio signal from deep space. We gave that signal a name. Name that signal.

6. Name the 1977 American romantic comedy-drama film written by Neil Simon and starring Richard Dreyfuss and Marsha Mason.

7. Who was Charlie Brown’s “Little Red-Haired Girl”?

8. Name the American media mogul who won the 24th America’s Cup.

9. The phrase “May the Force be with you” was first spoken by whom?

10. On July 10, 1977, a record high temperature of 48.0 °C (118.4 °F) was noted for continental Europe. In what country was it recorded?

The Answers:

77 Trivia Answers For 1977 History

1. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1977?
Tonight’s The Night by Rod Stewart

2. A natural formation near Moorcroft, Wyoming, was featured prominently in this 1979 sci-fi drama. Name that film.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind

3. What is the name of the natural formation near Moorcroft, Wyoming, featured in Close Encounters of the Third Kind?
Devil’s Tower

4. Name one of Mr. Bill’s nemeses on Saturday Night Live?
Sluggo (also Mr. Hands)

5. Invented in Japan in 1975, this carnival game became (and still is) popular when it was introduced in the US in 1977. Name that smash game.
Whac-A-Mole

6. In 1977, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
Men – 69.4 years, Women – 76.8 years

7. Name the 2nd Biggest film of 1977.
Smokey and the Bandit

8. What type of car did Bo “Bandit” Darville (Burt Reynolds) drive in Smokey and the Bandit?
1977 Pontiac Trans Am

9. Who played the role of Sheriff Buford T. Justice of Texas in Smokey and the Bandit?
Jackie Gleason

10. Bruce Banner is the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but what was his name in the CBS television show and TV movies?
Dr. David Banner

11. Who played the role of the green-skinned Hulk?
Professional bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno

12. Who was the biggest Musical Artist of 1977?
Fleetwood Mac

13. You get one point for each member of 1977’s Fleetwood Mac you can name.
Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Christine McVie, John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood.

14. This horse was the Triple Crown Winner in 1977. Name that horse.
Seattle Slew

15. Made by Fruit of the Loom, this children’s clothing product often features characters from comic books, cartoons, and fantasy/sci-fi. Name that product.
HINT: It was described as “fun to wear.”
Underoos

16. On the season five premiere of Happy Days, Fonzie did something that seemed a bit “over the top”, giving us a TV/Motion Picture Phenomenon. Name that gimmick.
Jumping the Shark

17. Introduced in 1977, name the mascot of CEC Entertainment Concepts
HINT: He’s a rat.
Chuck E. Cheese

18. These SNL aliens were Beldar, Prymatt, and Connie. Name that extraterrestrial family.
The Coneheads

19. What planet did The Coneheads come from?
Remulak

20. This film sequel featured a group of misfit youths on a baseball team, coached by Mike Leak and played by William Devane. Name that movie.
The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training

21. This unusual toy product first appeared in 1976. It has also been seen and used in other toys, on award shows and TV gameshows, up to today.
Slime

22. Name the ABC sitcom based on the British sitcom Man About the House.
Three’s Company

23. Name the original landlords for Jack, Chrissy, and Janet on Three’s Company.
Stanley and Helen Roper, played by Norman Fell and Audra Lindley.

24. How many people lived in the World in 1977?
4,215,772,490

25. How many people lived in the United States in 1977?
220,239,425

26. Airing from 1974 to 1978 on ABC, this television show was based on a 1972 Novel Cyborg. Name that show.
The Six Million Dollar Man

27. This film’s screenplay was adapted from a 1976 New York magazine article by British writer Nik Cohn, “Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night”. Name that film.
Saturday Night Fever

28. John Travolta starred in Saturday Night Fever. What was the name of his character in the film?
Tony Mareno

29. You get one point for each song you can list that reached #1 on the Billboard Pop charts from Saturday Night Fever.
Stayin’ Alive, Night Fever (both by the BeeGees), and If I Can’t Have You by Yvonne Elliman. Jive Talkin by the Bee Gees reached #1 in 1975 and was featured on the soundtrack but not the film.

30. This Muppet Show character is known for her temperamental diva superstar personality, use of French phrases in her speech, and attempted karate. Name her.
Miss Piggy

31. Please name the two scientists introduced on The Muppet Show in 1977.
Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker

32. We didn’t know this planet had rings around it until March 10, 1977. Name that planet
Uranus

33. Paul Ruebens is best known as this childlike character. Name him.
Pee-wee Herman

34. Either Pee-wee Herman or Paul Ruebens has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Which one has the honor?
Pee-wee Herman

35. Name the highest-grossing film of 1977…
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope

36. Name the third-highest-grossing film from 1977.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind

37. Name the Major League Baseball team that joined the American League (West) in 1977.
The Seattle Mariners

38. This rock band used the catchphrase “Gabba Gabba Hey!.” Name the group.
The Ramones

39. Name the CBS television show that featured the phrase “Goodnight, John-Boy.”
The Waltons

40. Who was the President of the United States in 1977?
Gerald Ford (August 9, 1974 – January 20, 1977)
Jimmy Carter (January 20, 1977 – January 20, 1981)

41. Who was the Vice-President of the United States in 1977?
Nelson Rockefeller (December 19, 1974 – January 20, 1977)
Walter Mondale (January 20, 1977 – January 20, 1981)

42. Running for 1,006 performances, this musical Broadway review focused on the music from a popular 1960s band. Name that Broadway show.
Beatlemania

43. Who joined Saturday Night Live, replacing Chevy Chase?
Bill Murray

44. In 1977, the Energy Research and Development Administration combined with the Federal Energy Administration to form what US Federal Department?
United States Department of Energy

45. Name the television series that took place on series was set on the cruise ship MS Pacific Princess.
The Love Boat

46. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1977?
Montreal Canadiens

47. Usually yellow, this paper product was accidentally discovered by scientists at 3M. Name that product.
HINT: Most offices use it, and you may have it at home.
Post-it notes

48. Over 500 million of this cube puzzle have been sold since 1977. Name that handy toy.
Rubik’s Cube

49. Three members of a Southern rock band died in a charter plane crash outside Gillsburg, Mississippi. Name the band.
Lynyrd Skynyrd (Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and Cassie Gaines died in the crash)

50. Created by writer Tony Isabella with artist Trevor Von Eeden, this comic book character was DC’s first African-American superhero to headline his series. Name him.
Black Lightning

51. What was the Top-Rated TV Show in the 1976/1977 season?
Happy Days

52. Made by Libby, this product, aimed at children, used the slogan “100% Juice.” Name that drink
Juicy Juice

53. Starring Bernard and Bianca, this animated film was Disney’s 23rd feature film. Name that movie.
The Rescuers

54. Who played the roles of Bernard and Bianca in The Rescuers?
Bob Newhart and Eva Gabor

55. This diet and weight loss supplement, described as “a fat-free, carbohydrate-free, animal-based fortified cherry-flavored protein supplement formula” that promised to make purchasers “feel better, cleaner, stronger and healthier is still sold today. Name that drink.
SlimFast

56. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she is Captain Marvel. But name Carol Danvers’s first superhero appearance as the title character of her comic book.
Ms. Marvel

57. What was the best-selling album of 1977?
Rumours by Fleetwood Mac

58. Based on a 1924 comic strip, this Broadway musical starred a character with red hair.
Annie

59. Who played the character Roseanne Roseannadanna on Weekend Update in the early seasons of SNL?
Gilda Radner

60. Welcome Back Kotter’s Vinnie Barbarino was played by what well-known movie star?
John Travolta

61. Name the Sweathog who used the catchphrase “Up your nose with a rubber hose!”
Vinnie Barbarino

62. Who said “De plane! De plane!” on this long-running TV show?
Tattoo, played by Hervé Villechaize on Fantasy Island.

63. Who was the mysterious man who ran Fantasy Island?
Mr. Roarke (played by Ricardo Montalbán)

64. What was Mr. Roarke’s catchphrase?
“Smiles, everyone! Smiles!”

65. This bond villain appeared on both The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979). Name him.
Jaws (played by Richard Kiel)

66. Who won the Super Bowl XI?
Oakland Raiders

67. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1977?
The Silmarillion by J. R. R. Tolkien and Christopher Tolkien

68. Who won an Academy Award for Best Original Score for Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope?
John Williams

69. Name the twin brother and sister superhero duo first appearing in Hanna-Barbera’s American animated television series The All-New Super Friends Hour.
The Wonder Twins (Jayna and Zan)

70. Jack, Wendy, and Danny Torrence were the characters in what famous horror novel?
The Shining, by Stephen King

71. Who won the 1977 World Series?
New York Yankees

72. Rod Roddy’s iconic opening line, “Confused? You won’t be after this week’s episode of (what)” television show?
Soap

73. This creation featured moistened seeds (Salvia hispanica) applied to a grooved terracotta figurine. Name that product.
Chia Pet

74. Name the grand touring car manufactured by Porsche AG of Germany from 1978 to 1995.
Porsche 928

75. What was the TRS-80 Micro Computer System (TRS-80), and who sold it?
The computer by Tandy Corporation through their Radio Shack stores

76. Who starred as James Bond in The Spy Who Loved Me?
Roger Moore

77. Who was the “King of Rock and Roll”?
Elvis Presley (January 8, 1935August 16, 1977)

Trivia Team Bonus Answers:

1. Where was Elvis Presley’s funeral held?
Graceland, his estate in Memphis, Tennessee

2. What was Yoda’s planned name in the original Star Wars draft?
Buffy

3. Pre-filming Star Wars, what was Luke Skywalker’s planned name?
Luke Starkiller

4. Who was the Pope in 1977?
Paul VI (June 21, 1963August 6, 1978)

5. On August 15, 1977, The Big Ear, a radio telescope operated by Ohio State University as part of the SETI project, received a radio signal from deep space. We gave that signal a name. Name that signal.
The “Wow! signal.”

6. Name the 1977 American romantic comedy-drama film written by Neil Simon and starring Richard Dreyfuss and Marsha Mason.
The Goodbye Girl. It was the first Rom-Com to earn $100 million at the box office.

7. Who was Charlie Brown’s “Little Red-Haired Girl”?
Heather

8. Name the American media mogul who won the 24th America’s Cup.
Ted Turner

9. The phrase “May the Force be with you” was first spoken by whom?
General Dodonna in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)

10. On July 10, 1977, a record high temperature of 48.0 °C (118.4 °F) was noted for continental Europe. In what country was it recorded?
Greece