There is something especially unique about watching the career of a Hollywood legend, not only success through the years, but also sticking around to see history speak highly of them. These are the stars who lived the majority of their lives, and in most cases, they kept on making us laugh, cry, and have a good time till their last breath. So, why don’t we reminisce about the legends who have been with us for a very long time, both on the small and big screens, and what their amazing lives have to say about aging with laughter, purpose, and dignity?
10. Norman Lear (101)
Not only did Norman Lear change the face of television, but he was also active for over 100 years. The person who created All in the Family and Good Times stayed on and made audiences both laugh and reflect till his last day, when he died at 101. As a vibrant promoter of democracy and free speech, Lear’s suggestion was straightforward: Do the job you like. In his own words, “I get up and do the things that I like. That is my gift to myself.”
9. Kirk Douglas (103)
There were not many men who were “legendary” better than Kirk Douglas. Most notably as Spartacus, Douglas defied doctors’ orders by turning 103, celebrating birthdays with friends, relatives, and the occasional celebratory drink. He often jokingly referred to humor and philanthropy as the real secret to a long life and tagged laughter and acts of charity as gifts with no price.
8. Gloria Stuart (100)
Gloria Stuart had one of Hollywood’s longest career paths, from starring in 1930s movies to an Oscar nomination at 87 for Titanic. She lived to 100, still working through the 90s. Her daughter at one point said Stuart simply refused to accept illness, keeping a spirit of resilience and optimism to the very end.
7. George Burns (100)
Comedy legend George Burns was sharp (and funny) through the second century of his life. Renowned for his cigar and wisecracks, he planned to celebrate his 100th birthday with Las Vegas performances. Although illness forced cancellation, his sense of humor never left him. His philosophy: “If you love your job, you avoid stress and stress is what’ll get you.”
6. Bob Hope (100)
Bob Hope was Hollywood’s greatest entertainer, hosting the Oscars more often than anyone and amusing U.S. troops around the world. He reached 100 years of age, a feat he accomplished by sticking to morning strolls, rain or shine. His family attributed it not just to the exercise, but to a life of laughter that kept him in good health.
5. Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mother (101)
Even not an actress herself, the Queen Mother was a global icon and lived to the ripe age of 101. She believed in famously living each day as if it were your last, i.e., never missing out on the fun or the little things that make life exciting.
4. Eva Marie Saint (100 and counting)
One of the most amazing film phenomena of all time, Eva Marie Saint, winner of the Oscars for On the Waterfront and North by Northwest, had a 100th birthday that was more like turning 100 years young in 2024, and did not at all give the impression that she was going to decelerate. She is still very much involved with attending baseball games, visiting her family, and taking her daily walks. “I certainly don’t feel 100,” she proclaimed, suggesting that the best age-defier might be the right mindset.
3. Ellen Albertini Dow (101)
Ellen Albertini Dow, who was most notably known as the “rapping granny” from The Wedding Singer, had a beloved stage and screen career she created in her later years, especially in her 90s. She went on to live up to 101 years old and passed away, leaving behind a comedic legacy that included appearances from Seinfeld to The Wedding Crashers.
2. Glynis Johns (100)
The worldwide audiences could easily spot Glynis Johns the very moment they saw her as Mrs. Banks in Mary Poppins. She left this world at 100 in 2024. Through her charm and quick wit, she used to say, “For each age I was very good looking,” and she was not far from the truth.
1. Jimmy Carter (100)
Jimmy Carter is mainly remembered for being the U.S. president, but his life outside the White House turned him into a cultural icon way beyond politics. He celebrated his 100th birthday in 2024 with concerts and testimonials, although he was under hospice care. Throughout his life, he was resolute in his commitment to service, faith, and the future, a heritage bigger than any office.
The Real Secret to Longevity
Not everything that Hollywood says about aging is true. The investigation into the Wizard of Oz “Munchkin” performers ended the confusion that their short stature meant that they died younger. What were the things that actually made a difference? Purpose, positivity, love, humor, and maybe a bit of luck.
Those moments lead us to think that the length of life is not just the years but also the quality one possesses. Laughter, through their misery, and their belief in the arts, they had learned the message that the greatest performance is a life well-lived.