Hollywood has a way of celebrating youth, but some of the industry’s most remarkable talents prove that age is no barrier to creativity, charisma, or impact. From veterans who have shaped film history to trailblazers still inspiring audiences today, these actors continue to work, adapt, and redefine what it means to have a lasting career. Here’s a look at 14 of the oldest living actors who remain active in film and television, showing that experience only adds depth to performance.
14. Glynn Turman
Glynn Turman’s career has spanned more than six decades, beginning as a child on Broadway in A Raisin in the Sun. His work has touched film, television, and theater, with notable roles in Five on the Black Hand Side and HBO’s The Wire, proving his range as a performer.
Beyond acting, Turman has embraced directing, writing, and producing, using his platform to tell compelling stories that honor his heritage. He maintains close ties to his roots, spending time on his family ranch in Georgia and cultivating peaches in California, showing that artistry and everyday life can coexist.
13. Ben Vereen
Ben Vereen’s path to fame was filled with both triumph and personal discovery. Adopted as a child, he later uncovered his true lineage while touring with Sammy Davis Jr. on the London stage. Vereen became a Broadway sensation with standout performances in Jesus Christ Superstar and Pippin, earning a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.
His television work, including the landmark miniseries Roots, earned Emmy nominations and secured his place in entertainment history. Vereen’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of performance, inspiring both peers and fans alike.
12. Frankie Faison
Frankie Faison has become a respected name in acting through decades of consistent work on stage and screen. Known for The Wire, the Hannibal Lecter films, and Banshee, Faison brings a grounded authenticity to each role that resonates with audiences.
Faison’s dedication to craft is rooted in serious academic study, including drama at Illinois Wesleyan University and an MFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. He continues to act in meaningful projects, proving that his talent only grows with experience and time.
11. Billy Dee Williams
Billy Dee Williams achieved legendary status as the charming Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars saga, but his career began even earlier on Broadway at the age of seven. Over the decades, he has appeared in over 100 films and TV roles, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture.
Williams’ rich upbringing exposed him to the arts from a young age, blending opera, theater, and cultural heritage. Today, he remains an icon, reprising his beloved roles and inspiring new generations of fans with his charisma and talent.
10. Ernie Hudson
Ernie Hudson’s rise from Benton Harbor, Michigan, to Hollywood screens exemplifies determination and resilience. Best known as Winston Zeddemore in Ghostbusters, Hudson has appeared in films like Leviathan, The Crow, and Airheads, always bringing warmth and gravitas to his roles.
Despite early challenges, including losing his mother young and leaving the Marines due to asthma, Hudson persevered. His recent work in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire demonstrates that his energy, humor, and skill remain undiminished, even decades into his career.
9. Danny Glover
Danny Glover’s name is synonymous with iconic roles and unwavering social advocacy. From Lethal Weapon to biographical portrayals like Nelson Mandela, Glover has consistently chosen characters and projects with depth and meaning.
Glover has also faced and overcome personal health challenges, including epilepsy, while continuing to champion activism and humanitarian causes. His work resonates both on and off-screen, influencing audiences and communities around the globe.
8. Delroy Lindo
Delroy Lindo’s impressive career spans film, television, and theater. Born in London to Jamaican parents and raised in Toronto, he studied at the American Conservatory Theater before bringing his talent to Hollywood.
From The Cider House Rules to Malcolm X and Get Shorty, Lindo has built a reputation for portraying characters with nuance and strength. His dedication to breaking stereotypes and challenging roles continues to inspire actors and audiences alike.
7. Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson has become one of the most bankable and influential actors in cinema, with his films earning over $27 billion worldwide. From Pulp Fiction to the Marvel Universe, Jackson’s versatility and presence have made him unforgettable.
Overcoming a childhood stutter and embracing his Gabonese heritage, Jackson remains culturally and personally engaged. Recent projects like Argylle, Damaged, and The Garfield Movie prove he shows no signs of slowing down, remaining a dominant force in Hollywood.
6. Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman’s voice alone is enough to command attention, and his performances, ranging from The Shawshank Redemption to Million Dollar Baby, solidify his status as a cinematic icon. His ancestry traces back to West Africa, giving him a rich personal history alongside his professional legacy.
Freeman continues to act in high-profile roles, including My Dead Friend Zoe and Gunner, demonstrating that experience only strengthens his artistry. His calm authority and charisma make him a mentor figure for both audiences and fellow actors.
5. Robert Hooks
Robert Hooks is a pioneering actor and activist whose contributions have shaped representation in Hollywood. Co-founder of The Negro Ensemble Company, Hooks has helped launch the careers of countless Black artists while maintaining a strong presence on stage and screen.
Born into a working-class family and losing his father early, Hooks’ determination fueled his creative pursuits. His roles and advocacy continue to inspire new generations of performers and creators committed to authenticity and inclusion.
4. James Hong
James Hong has appeared in over 600 projects, making him one of the most prolific actors in Hollywood history. From Chinatown to Blade Runner and voice work in Kung Fu Panda, Hong has consistently brought depth and nuance to every performance.
Hong also co-founded East West Players, championing Asian American representation in the arts. His dedication to craft and advocacy ensures his legacy extends far beyond the screen.
3. Mel Brooks
Mel Brooks’ genius in comedy has influenced generations of filmmakers, writers, and performers. With classics like Blazing Saddles and Spaceballs, Brooks’ irreverent humor remains timeless.
A World War II veteran, Brooks began as a writer and comedian before transitioning to directing, ultimately becoming one of the rare EGOT winners. His recent work, including Blazing Samurai and Spaceballs 2, proves he’s still innovating and entertaining audiences worldwide.
2. Eva Marie Saint
Eva Marie Saint’s career began in television in 1946, and she quickly became a star of stage and screen. Her performances in On the Waterfront and North by Northwest earned her an Academy Award and lasting acclaim.
Even in her 90s, Saint continues to work, appearing in recent projects like Winter’s Tale and The Legend of Korra. Her dedication to craft, elegance, and versatility cements her status as one of Hollywood’s most respected living legends.
1. Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood is a towering figure in American cinema, celebrated for his acting, directing, and musical contributions. From classic Westerns to acclaimed dramas, Eastwood’s work often examines morality, human resilience, and complex storytelling.
Even in his 90s, Eastwood continues to direct and star in films, maintaining an active and influential presence in Hollywood. His unmatched legacy and ongoing contributions make him a true icon whose impact spans generations.
Hollywood’s oldest living actors remind us that passion, talent, and curiosity don’t have an expiration date. From award-winning performances to groundbreaking contributions behind the camera, these legends continue to inspire audiences and colleagues alike. Their work proves that great storytelling transcends time and that age is just a number when it comes to making an indelible mark on film and television.