The wealthy and famous are not immune to the passing of time. Some celebrities, like fine wine, improve (and look better) with age. Although it may be difficult to believe, numerous well-known celebrities born towards the turn of the twentieth century are still alive today. While most celebrities retired, a few are still working and have no plans to retire soon.
Oscar-winning actors and actresses, fashion icons, and a world-renowned violinist are among the long-lived celebrities on this list. Although their lives and careers vary, they all shared that they lived for over a century and had a lasting effect on their respective degrees. Both fans and colleagues hold them in high regard, and they continue to take on hard and remarkable performing parts on both the big and small screens. These professionals have the stamina to last decades in a very demanding job. Regardless of their age, this eclectic group of performers continue to do what they love, which might be the reason that keeps them going. Continue reading to find more about some of the world’s oldest actors who are still performing today.
Loni Anderson | 76
Even at 76 years old, we still know Loni Anderson as Jennifer Marlowe, the iconic receptionist from the CBS sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. She honed her talents early on and excelled as a model while studying art. She competed in many beauty pageants, winning most of them. Anderson soon moved into acting, and her credit made her a sensation.
She went on to become a well-known soap-styled character in mini-movies. All eyes were on her as she vowed to resurrect Marilyn Monroe’s, Jayne Mansfield’s, and Mamie Van Doren’s glossy platinum-blonde attractiveness. In addition, she became engrossed in television adaptations of great films such as Sorry, Wrong Number, and Leave Her to Heaven. Anderson is still living the Hollywood lifestyle, although she isn’t as active on the small screen as she once was. She still walks the red carpet and attends a variety of galas, premieres, and charity events.
Jerry Lee Lewis | 86
When we think back to the ’50s, we can see where rock ‘n’ roll truly began. It was when the first true music kings rose to prominent degrees, demonstrating that music does not have to be monotonous.Few other artists brought as much ego and talent to the party as Jerry Lee Lewis did and lived to tell the tale. Fewer still could successfully channel that fire into their music and succeed in the process like Lewis. Dubbed “The Killer,” he was one of the most controversial and entertaining performers ever to take the stage.
Lewis’ most recent album, Mean Old Man, was published back in 2010, and it was his 40th studio album. It also indicated that he had worked in the music industry for almost 60 years. Lewis is now 86 years old and lives at home with his wife, Judith. He suffered a significant stroke in 2019 while at home in Nesbit, Mississippi, which hampered his mobility, and others speculated that he might not survive. Lewis was able to overcome it, nevertheless.
Jimmy Carter | 97
In comparison to past Presidents, the Plains, Georgia native stands out. Jimmy Carter was the first graduate of the United States Naval Academy to be at the White House. He had a tumultuous four years in government. However, much of his public service came after he moved away from Washington, D.C., in 1981.Born in 1924, Carter left the military to rescue his family’s peanut farm. He also became interested in local politics when he sat on a school board.
His advocacy for civil rights hampered his early political degree in Georgia. He adopted a more moderate image after a dismal performance in the 1966 governor’s race, and he won the election back in 1970. He launched the Carter Center in 1982, which has been active in worldwide human rights and disease prevention problems. He soon earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. At 94 years old, Carter surpassed George H.W. Bush as the longest-serving president of the United States in 2019.
Bob Newhart | 92
It’s beyond excellent to see 92-year-old Bob Newhart still maintaining the same wit, timing, and love for comedy. Those are the same things that made him one of America’s most beloved and revered comedians for over 60 years.Born in Oak Park, Illinois, Newhart worked as a Chicago accountant and advertising copywriter after serving in the Army. He also performed in a local theatrical stock company on occasion.
Newhart and co-worker Ed Gallagher used to pass the time at the ad firm by making long, weird phone calls to one another. They finally began recording as comedy audition tapes. When Gallagher decided to take the job more seriously, Newhart went it alone. He refined his one-person, two-way telephone conversation routines. It soon became his signature stage act. Newhart — untraditionally for his age — regularly handles fan mail, develops new material, and hasn’t lost his charm that made way to his career investments.
Bob Barker | 98
It’s only reasonable that you’d think of Bob Barker when you think about The Price Is Right. He left the famous game show after 35 years as its host back in 2007. He still made appearances, but viewers haven’t seen the adored TV personality in action in a long time.Before Drew Carey, Barker invited competitors to “come on down!” ” He got this credit in 1972 after nearly 20 years as the host of another successful game show, Truth or Consequences.
He has won 19 Emmy Awards in his long career, including five Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host. The renowned host is charismatic, personable, and always at ease in front of an audience. He contributed to the show’s success and has kept the bidding and negotiation going for over three decades. Barker is doing quite well as he approaches his late 90s. So, what is Barker’s formula for living a long and healthy life? It’s his vegetarian diet, which he’s been following for more than 40 years.
June Lockhart | 96
June Lockhart is most known for playing two legendary television mothers, but she’s had far more parts in her nine-decade career. From 1958 through 1964, Lockhart acted as Ruth Martin, the mother of Lassie’s companion. Then, from 1965 through 1968, she played Dr. Maureen Robinson, the family matriarch on Lost in Space. In the years afterward, she worked on a variety of projects. Outside of work, Lockhart has become a mother and grandmother.
Lockhart has starred in Bewitched, Magnum, P.I., Beverly Hills, 90210, and has appeared in over 40 episodes of General Hospital. Her most recent credits include an episode of Gray’s Anatomy, Holiday in Handcuffs, and The Remake. Moreover, we also saw her in a 2019 episode of To Tell the Truth. At 95, she had an open invitation to White House press briefings. Lockhart’s ready to continue inspiring people. Her dynamic personality already helps.
Harrison Ford | 79
Harrison Ford has been one of Hollywood’s most prolific performers throughout his more than 50-year career. He is a legend of American cinema and one of the highest-grossing box office earners of all time.Ford has participated in some of the most famous film franchises, from his role as Han Solo in five Star Wars films to his portrayal as Indiana Jones in four episodes.
He has also shown his acting talents to other well-known projects such as Clear and Present Danger, Blade Runner, and Patriot Games. Ford left his degree in the business in the late ’60s. After years of speculation, Disney confirmed in December 2020 that Ford would return in the unnamed fifth edition of Indiana Jones and that pre-production had begun. In addition, Disney executives confirmed that this would be the final Indiana Jones film. At 79, Ford shows no indications of slowing down any time soon.
Jack Nicholson | 84
Maybe more than any other actor of his time, Jack Nicholson left a lasting effect. He gave a series of outstanding performances for several decades. Though he began his career in the late ’50s with low-budget king Roger Corman, the actor rose to prominence with a memorable supporting role in Easy Rider.
Nicholson began a prolific decade of work that ultimately established his position in cinematic history thanks to that Oscar-nominated performance in Five Easy Pieces. Soon enough, he cemented his reputation as a legend with Chinatown. He followed his legendary performance in The Shining with films like The Witches of Eastwick and Batman. Every film in his resume cemented his place at the top of the Hollywood pantheon. Given his film investments, Nicholson is one of the greatest actors to grace our screens and an icon in the Hollywood firmament.
Jennifer Connelly | 51
Jennifer Connelly has been a Hollywood stalwart for a long time. She has devoured most of her life in front of the camera to some degree. She started as a child model before transitioning to acting and receiving her big break in Labyrinth. Connelly has had a promising career throughout her life. She appears to have found the perfect work-life balance, continuing to act while spending time with her family.
Connelly entered the entertainment industry as a model after a family friend advised her parents to take her to an audition. She proved her modeling potential when she signed to the Ford Agency. She developed a name as a model, appearing in both magazines and television commercials. She launched her acting career by starring in Once Upon a Time in America. Connelly had already been acting when she earned her role in 1986’s Labyrinth, but the film would be a watershed point in her career.
James Earl Jones | 91
Some people remember him as one of the country’s best theater actors, tackling playwrights like William Shakespeare and Eugene O’Neill. Others recognize his booming bass voice as the terrifying Darth Vader in the blockbuster film Star Wars. Yet, we know him as a television star who gives clichéd character layers of compassion. For more than 40 years, James Earl Jones has been one of the most respected actors, fitting all of these qualities and more.
After being discharged from the military, he made his Broadway debut and went on to have a brilliant stage career that earned him numerous prizes and credits. He is famous for playing diverse roles in his films, including Dr. Strangelove, and he has also appeared in many television shows. Jones emphasized that he did not intend to leave the theater entirely; he only wanted to devote more time to other endeavors.