Have you ever wondered about those famous faces that you used to enjoy seeing on your television screens or in cinemas, who suddenly disappear from popular films and over time, slip from your memory? Often, you may find yourself randomly recalling an actor, prompting you to search their name on Google. To your surprise, you discover that, despite being advanced in age, they are still active and vibrant.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most surprising old celebs who are still with us or who were with us for many years after retirement but many of us just forgot about them. Many of these celebrities have had pretty interesting lives since retiring from the spotlight. You won’t believe how well some of these people still look at their age.
Sophia Loren, 87
You might recognize Sophia Loren as a recipient of the prestigious Academy Award, but are you aware that she is alive and thriving at the age of 87? This stunning Italian actress has maintained a vibrant presence in the entertainment industry for over sixty years, showing no signs of stopping. In parallel with her illustrious movie career, Loren has also tried her hand at television, theatre, and even fashion design. She proudly owns her jewelry and fragrance lines. It’s truly incredible and awe-inspiring that such a remarkable woman continues to shine brightly after all this time.
Anthony Hopkins, 83
It might astonish you to discover that some of your beloved stars from the past are indeed still kicking and in good health.
Anthony Hopkins is one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, with an impressive career spanning over six decades. Although he’s now in his early 80s, Hopkins shows no signs of slowing down. He recently starred in the hit film The Two Popes, and also appeared in another blockbuster, The Father.
It’s always exciting to see Hopkins on screen, and it’s heartening to know that he’s still going strong at such a ripe old age. He’s an inspiration to us all!
Billy Dee Williams 84
Billy Dee Williams is most popularly known for the boastful character of Lando Calrissian in the massively successful “Star Wars” franchise. He has also starred in movies like “The Empire Strikes Back,” “Return of the Jedi,” and “Batman” in 1989. He played Harvey Dent in the Batman movie. Williams is still alive and well at the age of 84. He most recently reprised his most popular role of Lando in the 2018 film “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”. He has been married three times and has three children. He has been active in the industry since 1943 when he was just a small child.
Max Baer Jr. 84
Max Baer Jr. is an American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter. His role of Jethro Bodine in The Beverly Hillbillies made him very popular amongst the fans. Baer was born in Oakland, California, the son of boxer and actor Max Baer and Mary Ellen Sullivan. His father died when he was four years old, and his mother remarried an engineer, with whom she had three children. It wasn’t until Baer was in his early teens that he decided to pursue an acting career. He made his acting debut in Goldilocks and the Three Bears back in 1949. Then he went on to work as an actor with Warner Bros. Studios in 1960 which laid the foundation for his later career.
Tommy Lee Jones, 75
Familiar faces in classic movies such as The Fugitive, Men in Black, and No Country for Old Men might lead you to identify actor Tommy Lee Jones. Since his entry into the Hollywood scene in 1970, Jones has made a powerful mark with performances in over 70 films. A graduate of Harvard University, this accomplished actor has a collection of commendations that include an academy award, a golden globe, and a primetime Emmy award.
Even with a prosperous professional life, Tommy Lee Jones did not escape personal hardships. He has walked down the aisle thrice.
Rosemary Harris 94
The first born of three girls, Rosemary Harris was born on September 19, 1927 in Ashby England. Her father was a Headmaster and her mother a former actress. She began acting while still in school and later attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. After graduation, she worked in Repertory Theater and made her West End debut in 1947. Younger fans might remember her as Peter Parker’s Aunt May in Tobey Maguire’s Spider Man trilogy. Her career started back in 1948 and she is still very active in Hollywood, appearing most recently in the sitcom, Search Party.
Christopher Lloyd 83
Born in 1938, Lloyd is an American actor best known for his role as Doc Brown in the “Back to the Future” franchise. His career has spanned over 60 years, during which he has appeared in numerous television shows and films. Lloyd has been married five times. He has appeared in a plethora of different entertainment mediums including movies, television shows, video games, music videos and his voice even appears on theme park attractions that are themed according to the Back to the Future franchise.
Despite having numerous appearances in various projects, he is predominantly recognized for portraying Doc Emmett. He is slated to make an appearance in The Mandalorian, a spin-off series from Star Wars.
Nancy Sinatra, 81
Nancy Sinatra is an American singer and actress who first came to prominence in the 1960s with a string of hit songs. She is the daughter of legendary singer Frank Sinatra and remains active in music, film, and television. In recent years, she has been outspoken on political issues, particularly women’s rights. At 81, Nancy Sinatra is still going strong and showing the world that she’s a force to be reckoned with. It is truly amazing to see such a legendary figure still going strong after all these years.
Julie Andrews, 85
Julie Andrews is a legendary actress who is best known for her work in Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music. Even though she’s now in her mid-80s, she’s still going strong. In recent years, she’s done voice work for popular films like Shrek and Despicable Me 2. She’s also been busy writing children’s books and memoirs. It’s clear that age is just a number for Julie Andrews. Her level of high quality work can be judged by the fact that the Queen of England has anointed her as a dame.
Bob Newhart, 92
American actor, comedian, and writer Bob Newhart has had roles in numerous films and TV shows, including prominent ones in The Bob Newhart Show, Elf, and The Big Bang Theory. His contributions to the industry have been recognized with several accolades, including two Grammys and an Emmy.
Bob Newhart, originally from Oak Park, Illinois, was born on 5th September 1929. He ventured into the world of stand-up comedy during the early ’60s. In 1960, he introduced his inaugural comedy album, The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart. The album quickly took off, becoming the top-selling album of that year and was recognized with a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album.
Iris Apfel 100
Iris Apfel is a celebrated fashion aficionado and entrepreneur, recognized as one of the most stylish women in history. Despite being a century old, she still exudes elegance and style. Apfel’s unique fashion sense has consistently caught the eye of prestigious magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Even at her advanced age, she is recognized as a fashion trendsetter and is a familiar face at fashion week events. Not just limited to fashion, Apfel is also the successful founder of her own interior design business running strong for over five decades. She continues to inspire many women, showing them that age should never limit their potential!
Chubby Checker, 79
Chubby Checker is an American singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the early 1960s with his hit song “The Twist.” His real name is Ernest Evans but people mostly know him as Chubby Checker. He is still active today and frequently performs at concerts and events. At 79 years old, he is one of the oldest living celebrities. His career hasn’t been without controversies but his music has stood the test of time. To be honest we are very fortunate that Chubby Checker is still with us.
Angela Lansbury, 95
Angela Lansbury is an English actress, singer and voice artist who has had an extensive career in theatre, film and television. She is best known for her character of Jessica Fletcher in the American television series Murder, She Wrote, and as Mrs. Potts in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (1991). Lansbury has been active in theatre since the 1940s, appearing in a number of West End and Broadway productions. She has also been a voice artist for Disney films such as Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971), and Anastasia (1997). Lansbury is a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
George Hamilton, 82
You might remember George Hamilton as the suave, debonair leading man from classics like “Love at First Bite” and “The Godfather Part III.” But did you know that he’s still alive and well and acting at the ripe old age of 81?
Hamilton has been in show business for over six decades, and though he’s slowed down a bit in recent years, he’s still got a few projects in the works. He is still really active for his age. He recently appeared in 2018 movie “SWIPED” where he played the role of Phil Singer.
Henry Kissinger 99
Henry Kissinger is a German-American politician who served as United States Secretary of State. It is worth noting that Kissinger is one of the few former U.S. Secretaries of State who are still alive. In addition to that he is also the last living member of President Richard Nixon’s Cabinet. He was also a National Security Advisor under the Presidential administrations of two presidents including Gerald Ford and Richard Nixon.
Escaping Nazi Germany as a Jewish refugee with his family in 1938, he eventually managed to graduate from Harvard University. He offered his service to the U.S. Army during the Second World War. When the war ended, he took up consulting roles for multiple businesses before deciding to be part of the Nixon administration in 1969.
Mike Nussbaum, 98
Mike Nussbaum is a seasoned American actor, with his portfolio including over 100 theatrical performances and half a century’s worth of TV appearances. He is speculated to have featured in upwards of a thousand professional productions. His most notable work has been on stage, predominantly in Chicago. Nussbaum also has a military background, where he served as the Chief of Message Centre during World War II. Remarkably, even at 98 years old, he continues to pursue his passion. Prior to his entry into the film industry, he was engaged in professional extermination, working alongside his brother-in-law.
Kim Novak, 89
Kim Novak is one of the most beautiful people to ever grace the big screen. She is an American actress who appeared in some of the most popular films of the 1950s and 1960s. She began her career as a model before moving to Hollywood where she starred in such classics as “Vertigo,” “The Man with the Golden Arm,” and “Bell, Book and Candle.” Novak retired from acting in the early 1990s but made a brief comeback in 2006. These days, she lives a quiet life out of the spotlight. It is estimated that she is worth around $15 million.
Clu Gulager, 93
Born on November 16, 1928, Gulager is an American actor, director, and screenwriter. He has been in many films and television series such as “The Virginian”, and “Magnum, P.I.” His had a long and successful career that spanned over 60 years. He married fellow actor Miriam Byrd Nethery. He isn’t that active in Hollywood anymore however he has a left a great legacy. Many people may not remember him but it is amazing that he is still alive and doing well at his age.
Tippi Hedren, 92
You might remember Tippi Hedren from her roles in “The Birds” and “Marnie,” but what you might not know is that she’s still alive and well at 92 years old? Hedren has been married three times and has two children, including actress Melanie Griffith. She’s also been an active animal rights activist, working to protect endangered cats through her Shambala Preserve. Her most recent work was in The Ghost and the Whale as Tippi. It was released in 2017 when Tippi Hedren was around 87 years old.
Richard Chamberlain, 88
You might remember Chamberlain from his breakout role as Dr. Kildare in the 1960s. He later went on to star in The Thorn Birds and Shogun. It’s been a while since we’ve seen him on screen, but he’s still alive and well at 88 years old. If you are looking for some classic content to watch then you should definitely checkout some of the work by Richard Chamberlain. The younger fans might be familiar with Matt Damon being Jason Bourne but you might not know this but it was Richard Chamberlain who was the first person to play Jason Bourne on screen.
John Astin, 92
You might know John Astin from his role as Gomez Addams on the 1960s television series The Addams Family. Fans who have seen him in the Addams Family know that he was perfect for the part of Gomez Addams. Since then, he’s taken on a variety of different roles, both on television and in film. He most recently appeared in Starship II: Rendezvous with Ramses in 2015. It’s great to see that he’s still working at 92 years old! Over the decades he has worked in both television and movies.
Marla Gibbs, 91
Marla Gibbs is an actress and comedian who is best known for her role as Florence Johnston on The Jeffersons. She is currently 91 years old and still alive and well. She has been in show business for over 60 years and shows no signs of slowing down. In recent years, she has appeared in films such as Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness Protection and other television shows such as “In the heat of the night”. She is an inspiration to many and is proof that age is just a number.
Loretta Lynn, 90
At 90 years old, Loretta Lynn continues to uphold her status as a legendary figure in the realm of country music. Her impressive career, spanning over six decades, has seen the release of more than 60 albums, coupled with a plethora of award-winning moments, inclusive of several Grammy Awards. Apart from being an inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, she remains active on global stages with her captivating performances. Undeniably an icon in country music, she shows an admirable lack of complacency as she continues to inspire and entertain a wide range of audience, showcasing her timeless appeal.
Jerry Lee Lewis, 86
One of the founding fathers of rock and roll, Jerry Lee Lewis is still alive and kicking at 85 years old. The “Great balls of fire” singer has had a long and storied career, marked by controversies and comebacks. In recent years, he’s been performing regularly and even released a new album in 2017. He started his career back in 1949 and is still going strong. It is truly amazing to see such a legend still out there entertaining the masses.
Jon Voight, 82
The Oscar-winning actor is still going strong, appearing in movies and TV shows like ‘Ray Donovan’ and ‘National Treasure.’ He also appeared in a negative role in Mission Impossible. It’s hard to believe he’s in his 80s! Not only is he an acclaimed actor himself but he is also the father of Angelina Jolie. Even though he is 82 he is still working and is also going to appear in a movie called Megalopolis. The movie is being directed by Francis Ford Coppola so you know it’s going to be good.
Tony Bennett, 94
Tony Bennett is an American singer whose career spans over 80 years. He has won 20 Grammy Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, and is known for songs such as “Steppin’ out with My Baby” and “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”. Bennett is still active today, performing regularly and releasing new albums. In 2019, he collaborated with Lady Gaga on the album “Cheek to Cheek”, which won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. Bennett has also been active in philanthropy, working with organizations such as the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity.
Mel Brooks, 95
Mel Brooks, renowned for classic comedies such as “The Producers”, “Young Frankenstein”, and “Spaceballs”, is not only an influential comic genius, but also a nonagenarian who is still actively involved in various projects at 95. Though many are familiar with his legendary works, people might not be aware that Brooks is not only still in good health, but also continues to be professionally active. In the last few years, he has been involved in a Broadway version of “The Producers” and even lent his voice to the 2015 animated movie “Hotel Transylvania 2”.
Dick Van Dyke, 95
Dick Van Dyke is an American icon. He’s been in the entertainment business for over 50 years and shows no signs of slowing down. Van Dyke got his start in the early days of television. At 95 years old, the beloved actor and comedian is still going strong and making people laugh. He was the star of the show “The Dick Van Dyke Show” which premiered in 1961. The show ran for 5 seasons. He has worked in different types of media however he is popular all over the world due to his quality work in television especially in the Dick Van Dyke show.
Bob Barker, 97
You probably remember Bob Barker from The Price is Right, which he hosted for 35 years. He retired in 2007, but he’s still very much alive and well! In fact, he even made a cameo appearance on the show in 2015.Barker is now 97 years old, and while he’s no longer hosting game shows, he’s still active in animal rights activism. He’s a Vegetarian and an outspoken supporter of PETA. In 2010, he even received the “Humanitarian Award” from the group.
Harry Belafonte, 94
Harry Belafonte is a prominent American musician, lyricist, actor, and civil rights champion. He ranks among the highly successful musicians of the 20th century, with over 50 million record sales across the globe. Furthermore, he enlisted himself in the civil rights battle, partnering with significant figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. Despite being 94, Belafonte remains lively and involved. His life has been characterized by consistent performing and advocacy for societal issues. In recent times, he expressed strong criticism towards the Trump administration. In essence, Harry Belafonte is an influential figure who has lived an extended, poignant life.
William Daniels, 95
William Daniels, an acclaimed American actor, director, and writer, rose to fame for his memorable performances as Dr. Mark Craig in St. Elsewhere, a medical drama, and as Mr. Feeny in Boy Meets World, a coming-of-age sitcom. Noting his longstanding presence in the entertainment world since the 50s, Daniels has distinguished himself in both television and film, with notable roles in movies such as The Graduate (1967) and 1776 (1972). His exceptional work on St. Elsewhere not only earned him two Emmy Awards but also a Golden Globe nomination. He has shared marital bliss with actress Bonnie Bartlett since 1951.
Larry Storch 99
Larry Storch was one of the oldest living celebrities. He was born in 1923 and is best known for his roles on the television shows “F Troop” and “Car 54, Where Are You?” In recent years, he has made guest appearances on several shows, including “The Love Boat” and “Fantasy Island”. He currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Even at his advanced years, Larry Storch remains in good health. His career extended over roughly 70 years. His final contribution to the film industry was a documentary known as The Aristocrats. He stepped away from his acting career in 2005.
Eva Marie Saint, 97
Eva Marie Saint is a celebrated icon in Hollywood. Despite being 97 years old, she continues to thrive. She gained popularity for her performances in classics like On the Waterfront and North by Northwest. Her exceptional acting has earned her an Oscar and a Golden Globe, among numerous other nominations throughout her career. Remarkably, she remains involved in the entertainment sector. Saint’s exceptional acting abilities along with her enduring strength and vitality at the age of 97 are truly inspiring. Her involvement in high-quality projects even in her later years is a testament to her unyielding talent and commitment.
Norman Lear 98
Norman Lear, a highly esteemed American television producer and writer, gained prominence for creating hit sitcoms like All in the Family, Sanford and Son, and The Jeffersons. Despite being 98 years old, he remains hale and hearty, continuing to contribute significantly to the industry as a noteworthy writer and producer. Recently, his creative inputs can be seen in shows like Black-ish and One Day at a Time. As an influential figure in the chronicles of television, it’s heartening to note that Lear is still gracing us with his presence.
Carole Cook 98
Carole Cook is an American actress and singer who has appeared in numerous stage, film, and television productions over the course of her career. The 98-year-old is one of the last surviving stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age, and she continues to perform occasionally despite her advanced age. In recent years, Cook has been celebrated for her longevity and impressive career, and she remains an active member of the entertainment community. Even at her advanced age, Carole Cook is still a force to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment.
Paul Michael Glaser 79
Paul Michael Glaser is one of the best actors to ever grace the big screen. He has also worked as a director and producer. His role of David Starsky boosted his popularity and career. He played the role of this Detective Starsky on the hit TV show, Starsky & Hutch from 1975 to 1979. Glaser has appeared in movies like The Great Houdini, The Cutting Edge, and The Running Man. He has directed episodes of television shows like Miami Vice. He married two times however both marriages ended up in a divorce. He has three children. Glaser is still alive and relatively somewhat active in the industry. He resides in Los Angeles, California.
Ann Margret 80
Ann-Margret stands as a symbol of legendary status in the acting world from her era. She began making her mark in the early 60s with impactful performances in movies such as Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas. She maintained this momentum over her career, featuring in later films like Grumpy Old Men and The Insider. Remarkably, almost six decades since entering the industry, she continues to work, a testament to her enduring talent and relevance. For those aspiring to tread the path of acting, Ann-Margret continues to be a beacon of inspiration.
Kris Kristofferson, 85
Kris Kristofferson, a renowned American actor, singer, and songwriter remains intact even at the age of 85. Born in Texas, Kris is a retired celebrity but still known for his work in more than 70 films and TV series. Often recognized as one of the greatest songwriters in country music, he has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Despite three marriages, Kris is the father of eight children. Even in his early 80s, he sustained his involvement in music before retiring in 2020.
Marsha Hunt, 104
Marsha Hunt is a renowned American thespian, vocalist and former model. She gained notable recognition in the 50s and 60s, featuring in movies like The Diplomatic Passport, No Place to Hide and Fear No Evil. Hunt also thrived in the modeling industry, gracing the front page of prestigious fashion publications. In her twilight years, she retains an active performance career in TV shows, films and documentaries. Doing philanthropy has been a significant part of her life, even beyond her consequential career. Now at 104, she embodies a life exceptionally lived.
Nehemiah Persoff 102
Born in Jerusalem on August 2, 1919, Nehemiah Persoff is an American actor known for his extensive career in television and film, with over 150 appearances to his name.
In recent years, Persoff has retired from acting, but he still made some occasional appearances at public events. With such an amazing career and so many movies and shows under his belt, it is safe to say that Persoff’s career and his popularity will long outlive him. Persoff passed away in April 2022 however many people were unaware that the veteran actor was still alive way after he was done with movies and shows. He was a centurion and lived a great life.
Jack Rader, 101
Seasoned celebrities who continue to live on usually boast intriguing life narratives. One such personality is Jack Rader, currently 101 years old, who has navigated an extraordinary life. Born in the year 1919 in a quaint Ohio town, Rader’s life has been a sequence of consistent hard work, beginning as a farm aid and eventually flourishing as a prosperous entrepreneur. He has always been energetically engaged in life and believes his longevity stems from healthy eating, remaining active, and nurturing a positive attitude. Rader stands as a beacon of hope and confirmation that it’s never beyond one’s reach to lead a fulfilled and joyous life.
Walter Mirisch 100
Walter Mirisch, born in 1921, has established a long-standing career in Hollywood lasting for more than six decades. He is widely recognized for his contributions to the Pink Panther series and West Side Story. Recently, he has remained active, working as a consultant and producer on different projects. Being still active in his profession at the age of 100, he stands as one of the oldest celebrities in Hollywood.
Walter Mirisch continues to be an active participant in the Hollywood scene despite many of his peers having already retired. He may have stopped producing films but his contributions remain significant. With more than 60 films under his belt, including some of the most memorable and cherished ones in cinema history, Mirisch’s career has certainly been illustrious.
Ray Anthony 100
Ray Anthony used to be a very skilled and thus very popular bandleader, actor and composer. He used to be part of the Glenn Miller Orchestra. He is the last living member of the respective Orchestra. Anthony was born in Bentley, Louisiana and began playing trumpet at age eight. He moved to Los Angeles with his family in 1933, and began working as a professional musician in 1935. He worked with Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, and Glenn Miller during the 1930s and 1940s. Anthony served in the US Army Air Forces during World War II, and after the war he formed his own band. His orchestra had a hit with the song “Peter Gunn” in 1958. Anthony has appeared in several films and television shows, and he was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. He is still active as a musician, and continues to perform regularly.
Joan Copeland, 99
Joan Copeland left us at the onset of 2022, at the age of 99, just shy of her centenarian milestone. Her sudden departure shocked her fans, many of whom were unaware that the elegant actress was alive. It was only after her demise that many began to grasp her true age. Copeland’s career spanned the 1940s and 1950s, with her contributing to both films and television prolifically. Even in her advanced years, she remained active in a variety of roles and projects.
Bert Gordon, 99
Bert Gordon is widely recognized for his contributions as a visual effects artist and filmmaker. He married Flora Lang and the pair were blessed with three children. However, their marriage ended in divorce after nearly 35 years together. Gordon’s notoriety stems largely from his work in the film industry, where he consistently created productions featuring gigantic monsters wreaking havoc on humanity. At 99 years old, he is still quite active. This seasoned filmmaker is set to celebrate his 100th birthday in September 2022, cementing his place as the oldest existing filmmaker in the annals of cinema history.
Bert Gordon’s most notable work is The Amazing Colossal Man (1957), The King Dinosaur (1955), and Earth vs. the Spider (1958).
Jacqueline White, 99
Jacqueline White is a 99 year old retired actress who is still alive and living in Los Angeles, California. She was born in 1922 and began her acting career in the 1940s. She appeared in dozens of films and television shows over the course of her career, including Crossfire and Night Song. White retired from acting in the early 1950s, but she has continued to make occasional public appearances over the years. White is one of the last surviving members of Hollywood’s “Golden Age.” It’s estimated that she is currently one of the oldest living celebrities in the world.
Joyce Randolph, 96
Joyce Randolph is 96 years old and still going strong. She began her career in the early days of television, appearing on shows like The Honeymooners and The Jackie Gleason Show. In recent years, she has made guest appearances on such modern classics as Seinfeld and 30 Rock. Joyce is an inspiration to all who know her, proving that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. She retired from acting in the year 2000. The professional baseball player Tim Redding is the great nephew of Joyce Randolph.
John James 65
John James is an actor best known for his role on the television series “Dynasty.” He has appeared in a number of made-for-TV movies and guest starred on popular shows like “Pacific Blue” and “Touched by an Angel.” He has been in the industry since 1977 and still has a few projects going on. You might not see him on the television that much anymore and he might not take that many producer jobs these days as well but he is still relatively active in the industry.
Shecky Greene 96
Shecky Greene is a renowned comedian and actor from America. Born in 1926 in Chicago, Illinois, his professional journey commenced in the 1950s, marked by appearances on popular television shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show. He gained fame in the 1960s through his stand-up comedy routine, known for its comedic takes on famous individuals. He made a reputation primarily through his performances in Las Vegas nightclubs. Over the years, Greene has been featured in numerous television shows and films, including but not limited to, History of the world part 1 and Splash.