Still Stars at 90+: Hollywood's Longest-Working Veteran Actors

The Most Senior Stars: Actors Still Thriving in Their Golden Years

In the fast-paced world of entertainment, where youth and beauty often seem to reign supreme, we don't always hear about the seasoned performers who continue gracing our screens well into their twilight years. However, there are a number of actors who have enjoyed decades-long careers in the spotlight, remaining vibrant and active as they celebrate their 90th, 95th, and even 100th birthdays.

Pushing 100: Stars Who Turned the Century Mark While Still in Front of the Camera

For most people, their 100th birthday marks a major milestone - especially if they can celebrate it while still working! A select few celebrities have achieved that remarkable feat, as these ultra septuagenarian stars demonstrate:

• Legendary actor Kirk Douglas acted steadily into his 90s, appearing in films like It Runs in the Family in 2003 (at age 87) and providing voice work as late as 2008 when he voiced his son Michael Douglas' character in King of California (at age 92). He passed away in 2020 at 103 years old.
• Novelist and actor Norman Lloyd enjoyed an over 80-year career in entertainment spanning theater, film, and television. He continued working past his 100th birthday, including guest starring on shows like Modern Family. He died in 2021 just shy of his 107th birthday.
• trailblazing actor Sidney Poitier made history as the first Black performer to win the Oscar for Best Actor in 1964. Still sharp as a tack well into his 90s, his memorable voice was heard in animated films like The Simpsons Movie in 2007 (at age 90) and he received an honorary Oscar in 2002 at age 75 for his body of work.

Nonagenarian Notables: Actors Still Shining in their 90s

While reaching the age of 100 while still acting regularly is rare, there's a sizeable list of venerable stars who haven't quit at 90 years old. On that roster of senior celebs are such seasoned professionals as:

• Prolific actor William Shatner became a pop culture icon as Captain Kirk on the original Star Trek series in the 1960s. He continues taking on eclectic roles, including a recent guest spot playing himself on NBCs The Blacklist at age 92.
• Legendary TV producer Norman Lear is still going strong at 100 years old, serving as executive producer and narrator for ABCs recent live remake of his 1970s hit The Jeffersons.
• Character actor Eli Wallach enjoyed a career that spanned over 60 years across stage and screen. He co-starred in films like The Ghost Writer with Ewan McGregor as late as 2010 at the vibrant age of 94.

Octogenarian Stars: Veterans Still Acting in their 80s

Though no spring chickens by Hollywood standards, octogenarian stars have also amassed some of the longest, most illustrious acting careers around today. While perhaps not racking up as many hours as they did in their prime, such lionized performers as these continue gracing our screens well into their twilight years:

• Screen legend Sophia Loren captured our hearts way back in the 1950s and won an Oscar for her work in Two Women in 1962. She came out of semi-retirement in 2020 to star in the short film The Life Ahead at age 86.
• The indefatigable actor Morgan Freeman has 118 acting credits on IMDB, including roles in 2018s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms and as the host of The Story of God series in 2020, all done in his early 80s.
• Iconic leading man Robert Redford officially announced his retirement from acting in 2018 at age 81 to focus on directing. However, he's still executive producing late into his 80s, including on the 2022 historical drama In Retrospect.

What's the Secret to These Stars' Long-Lasting Success?

While most of their peers have long since left the limelight behind, what keeps these tireless performers going into their 80s, 90s, and even past 100? Though pinpointing the exact reason is impossible, these exceptional stars likely share many of the same key traits that both extend careers and lives:

• A passion for their craft that keeps them engaged and interested
• The talent and reputation to continue landing roles late into life
• Robust health and sharp minds allowing them to meet demanding jobs
• Youthful energy and attitudes despite their chronological ages
• Supportive family and friends to lend perspective and care

While very few performers achieve the longevity of working into their 90s and beyond, we surely haven't heard the last from this collection of senior stars who respect the past but show no signs of slowing their work in the future.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.