Johnny Gilbert | 93
Nobody keeps a crowd as captivated as Johnny Gilbert. The resident performer had a string of investments throughout his career. He performed in nightclubs, made albums, and dazzled cinema and television audiences. So much more than Jeopardy’s voice! He is truly the epitome of a Hollywood showman.Gilbert began his career as a singer in a dance band in his hometown while still in high school. He worked as a comedian, master of ceremonies, and vocalist in a nightclub.
He then got his first television job as an MC and featured vocalist on WDSU in New Orleans. The actor moved to New York to host Music TV’s Bingo and then to Los Angeles to be the master of ceremonies for Words TV’s and Music. Gilbert found his love on Jeopardy! after years in show business. He has his name in the Guinness Book of World Records for 34 seasons as the announcer, and his opening signature line, “This is Jeopardy!” has become a staple of the show.
Judi Dench | 87
Is there anything that Judi Dench can’t do? She has not only defied all of the conventional rules governing the hiring of actresses of a “particular age.” But she has also done most of her cinematic work in her sixties. She has no trouble portraying the grande dame despite her diminutive stature.
Dench made her stage debut with the Old Vic Company back in 1957. She appeared in several of William Shakespeare’s plays during the next few years, including Ophelia, Juliet, and Lady Macbeth. She dabbled in movies, but her main focus was on stage. Throughout the next two decades, Dench proved herself as one of the most important British theater actors. She has garnered several credits and accolades for theater, film, and television work. She is among the most iconic actresses of the postwar period, and she is usually named the leading British actress in surveys.
Kurt Russell | 70
Kurt Russell has been immersed in the entertainment industry since he was a child. He has successfully created an excellent prolific career as one of the fine performers that people will always appreciate. When you consider that he is the son of actor Bing Russell, it’s easy to see how he could develop a passion for acting at such an early age. Russell did not have to wait long to begin his career in the industry, as Walt Disney Studios unexpectedly saw his aptitude and eagerly hired him.
Russell helmed his career investments for the rest of the decade by appearing in a series of Disney films. Though he enjoyed his work at the studio, he was well aware that he had built an image that could jeopardize his future acting career. Fate was kind to him, as he swiftly landed a different role in a Western drama film called Fools’ Parade, and the rest, as they say, is history. Russell has made fewer cinematic appearances in recent years, yet he still found time to participate on Grindhouse. We also saw him in the seventh installment of the Fast and Furious franchise.
Kevin Costner | 67
Kevin Costner has gained a legendary degree in Hollywood after more than three decades in the industry. He is known for his all-American hot demeanor and has appeared in several classic films like Dances with Wolves and The Bodyguard.Costner was born to middle-class parents and attended various schools to complete his education. He became increasingly interested in athletics and artistic pursuits, such as playing the piano and writing poetry.
After an unintentional meeting with actor Richard Burton, Costner began taking acting courses and doing several jobs to support his family. He urged him to pursue acting professionally. After appearing in cameos and minor roles in some of his early films, he finally had his breakthrough back in 1987 with The Untouchables, proving his career-defining performance. Costner followed it up with outstanding performances in films, all of which cemented his reputation as a leading man.
Goldie Hawn | 75
For some celebrities, age seems to be just a vague number, which does not mean a lot. Among them is Goldie Hawn, who, at over 75 years old, can’t stop herself from glimmering in Hollywood. The actress has decorated herself as a stellar Academy Award winning actress for more than 30 years. Recognized as among the top-grossing artists of her time, she has released multiple consistent hits mainly because of her versatility in taking up credits within all genres.
However, it isn’t all rainbows and butterflies for Hawn. She also had quite a few downfalls during her illustrious career but she continued to prove herself over and over again.Hawn’s earliest success was in the television series Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, which paved her way to success. Her other appearances include Cactus Flow, which secured her the Academy and the Golden Globe.
Geena Davis | 65
Geena Davis has had a glamorous and dazzling reputation in the world of show business—even until today at the age of 65. Aside from being a darling in front of the camera, she is also a producer, writer, and is an avid activist for women’s rights. Outside of her appearances in television shows, Davis, before her career took off, was a model. It is also worth noting that she almost made it to the United States Olympic team for archery.
She acquired a degree from Boston University and moved later on to New York to pursue her dream of becoming an actress.Like some celebrities who made it big, Davis’ transition into the world of showbiz was not a walk in the park; she had to employ herself in numerous odd jobs to make ends meet. Davis has an Oscar and a Golden Globe under her belt.
Jerry Lee Lewis| 85
Jerry Lee Lewis has a stellar career. He was referred to as the first great wild man of rock & roll. Lewis was the pioneer of rockabilly music and rock and roll. You might have heard of him being referred to as The Killer during the height of his impressive career. Among his greatest hits were Great Balls of Fire, Crazy Arms, and Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On. However, the star was also involved in some controversies such as marrying his first cousin who was only 13 at the time.
This controversy nearly ended his career as a rock and roll star, but Lewis managed to get back on the saddle. He became a country music singer who had several hit albums to his name. Lewis suffered from a minor stroke that took him five years to recuperate. Although some would say that this was the end of his career, to his credit, Lewis is back recording a new album much to the delight of his family.
Robert Clary | 95
Robert Clary endeared himself to Hollywood with his portrayal of Corporal Louis LaBeau in the hit TV series, Hogan’s Heroes. After his stint in the show, he appeared in other popular soap operas like The Bold and the Beautiful and The Days of Our Lives. Many did not realize that the actor suffered hardships during his teenage years as he grew up in a Nazi concentration camp. It was here when he learned how to entertain to help them cope with their hardships.
Although Clary was wary of talking about his time in the concentration camp, he is speaking out these days. The actor has retired from acting since the ’90s but he has taken a new role in sharing his views about his past. According to Clary, it was his duty to share what he had witnessed and experienced so that people will not forget. Fortunately, the actor has enough investment money put aside to keep him comfortable during retirement.
Estelle Harris | 93
From someone who was born in 1928, Estelle Harris seems to be defying the tyranny of time with her timeless looks! She is best recognized for playing Estelle Constanza, the quirky, seemingly reactive mother in the hit sitcom Seinfeld. She also has credits in movies such as the Toy Story franchise, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, and in Tarzan II.
Harris started acting relatively late in life. As her children approached adulthood, she started to focus on acting; her earliest successes were in numerous television commercials. After years of improving her skills, she eventually landed a role in the movie Looking Up. Subsequent movies followed along with voicing animated characters in shows such as Dave the Barbarian, Kim Possible, The Proud Family, and Family Guy, among others. Moreover, she was married to the late Sy Harris and have three children together.
Chuck Norris | 81
Chuck Norris is considered to be one of the most popular action stars of all time, and if you didn’t know, he is a real-life badass. He is a black belt in several martial arts such as judo, Brazilian jiu jitsu, and Tang Soo Do. During his younger years, he participated in dozens of martial arts tournaments, and in the late-’60s, he would try his hand in the world of Hollywood. His first credited minor role was in the film The Wrecking Crew but his initial breakthrough came in Bruce Lee’s film Way of the Dragon.
His first leading starring role was in the film Breaker! Breaker!. Shortly after, there was no stopping his rise to widespread popularity.Norris is also an accomplished author with published works on exercise, philosophy, martial arts, and even western novels. He is a two-time New York Times Best Selling Author. Although he is already 81 years old, he still does the occasional public appearances, and even appears in some advertisements.