She was a little bit country. He was a little bit rock and roll. Together, Donny and Marie Osmond brought America a whole lot of sequins, kitsch, and unforgettable costume magic. Through over-the-top musical numbers, campy skits, and sparkling wardrobes, the Donny & Marie Show became one of television’s most colorful time capsules of the late 1970s.
Though the series only ran from January 1976 to May 1979, created by Sid and Marty Krofft of H.R. Pufnstuf fame, it left a lasting impression on pop culture. Featuring celebrity guest stars like Lucille Ball, Betty White, Jerry Lewis, and Milton Berle, the show was part variety hour, part comedy sketch, part concert. But more than anything, it was a fashion spectacle.
When Costumes Outshone Comedy
The show’s scripts and acting were often tongue-in-cheek, but the wardrobe consistently stole the spotlight. Sequined jumpsuits, themed ensembles, and matching outfits became part of the Osmond brand, cementing Donny and Marie as icons of ‘70s variety television.
A Very Osmond Christmas
One of the most memorable wardrobe displays was the 1977 Christmas special, where the entire Osmond family — parents included — dressed in coordinated holiday ensembles. Donny, dressed in a crisp white sweater and slacks with a candy-striped scarf, gave off peppermint-fresh charm, while Marie dazzled in green stretch pants and a coordinating sweater. The sea of matching outfits proved the Osmonds weren’t just a family — they were a carefully styled unit.
Marie’s Birthday Surprise
Another standout moment came during Marie’s 18th birthday episode. The siblings shocked audiences by switching lyrics on their famous “I’m a Little Bit Country, I’m a Little Bit Rock & Roll” number. To mark the occasion, they wore shimmering silver outfits: Donny in faux-western flair and Marie in glam-rock chic, complete with a towering new hairstyle that Donny teasingly dubbed a “hair don’t.”
Superheroes and Alter Egos
Camp hit new highs when Donny became Captain Purple, a superhero decked out in an oversized purple muscle suit and wig. Marie joined the fun as Gnidder Neleh (Helen Reddy spelled backward), donning a fiery orange mini-skirt and wig. These costumes underscored the playful absurdity that defined the show.
Osmonds in Space
No 1970s variety show was complete without a Star Wars parody, and Donny & Marie delivered in full costume. Donny played Luke, Marie took on Princess Leia, and special guests like Redd Foxx and Kris Kristofferson rounded out the cast. While the Osmonds’ take on galactic style sparkled with their trademark flair, it was the shiny C-3PO who ended up stealing the spotlight.
The Wizard of Osmonds
The show’s Wizard of Oz episode remains its costume masterpiece. Marie played Dorothy in red checks and pigtails, Donny appeared as a glittering, eccentric Wizard, and Paul Lynde terrified audiences as the Wicked Witch of the West. The episode featured Lucille Ball as the Tin Man, Paul Williams as the Cowardly Lion, and Ray Bolger — the original Scarecrow — reprising his role. The result was a technicolor fever dream that epitomized the Osmonds’ blend of nostalgia, spectacle, and kitsch.
Why the Wardrobe Still Matters
Looking back, the Donny & Marie Show wasn’t remembered for cutting-edge comedy or unforgettable plots. Instead, it was the costumes — bold, glittery, and unapologetically theatrical — that turned the show into cultural history. Platform shoes, silver jumpsuits, capes, and ice skates weren’t just fashion choices; they became part of the Osmond identity.
Today, no variety show has come close to matching the Osmonds’ wardrobe extravaganza. While some may dismiss it as outdated camp, the show’s costumes remain a testament to a time when television wasn’t afraid to dazzle — sometimes more with sequins than with substance.
