Reaching the age of 100 is a remarkable achievement, and becoming famous while doing so is even more extraordinary. Out of every 5,000 people, only one will celebrate their 100th birthday. This list celebrates ten exceptional individuals from the 20th century who not only achieved fame in their fields but also lived to be 100 years old or more.
These centenarians include actors, philanthropists, comedians, and even a U.S. president! Living to 100 often involves a mix of good genes, healthy eating habits, physical activity, managing stress, and sometimes, a bit of good fortune. However, what truly sets these individuals apart is their impact on the world. Some dedicated their lives to public service, while others contributed through philanthropy and used their talents to bring joy and laughter to others.
Here are ten famous centenarians whose contributions have earned them a spot in history. Get ready to be inspired!
Estelle Winwood (1883–1984): A Century on Stage and Screen
Estelle Winwood’s life would make an outstanding movie. Born in London in 1883, she began her acting career at the age of 20. She moved to New York City in 1916 to pursue Broadway. Estelle divided her time between London and New York, dedicating herself to theater. Later in life, she reluctantly transitioned to film and television.
Winwood was a true star, charming and witty, which drew people toward her. She formed friendships with famous actors like Tallulah Bankhead. She’s celebrated for her long career in entertainment, performing well into her 90s. At 93, she appeared in Murder by Death. A murder mystery film written by Neil Simon.
At 96, she was the oldest working actor in the U.S. She lived to 101 while keeping her sense of humor. When asked how it felt to live so long, she joked, “How rude of you to remind me!” Winwood remained relevant throughout her entire life. [1]
Gloria Stuart (1910–2010): From Golden Age Starlet to Titanic Icon
Gloria Stuart’s career included roles in 1930s classics like The Invisible Man (1933) and her role in Titanic (1997). After a 30-year break from Hollywood, she came back as the older Rose in Titanic, earning an Oscar nomination at 87, the oldest acting nominee ever.
Stuart was known to be resilient, and her role in Titanic showed her strong will. She battled cancer several times and remained active in the arts, including painting and printing. Her role in Titanic was a great ending to a historic life.
Gloria Stuart died in 2010 at 100. She lived a historic life, connecting Hollywood’s start to the end of the 20th century. [2]
Norman Lloyd (1914–2021): Nine Decades in Show Business
Norman Lloyd’s nine-decade career linked Hollywood’s early years to modern film. He began in Vaudeville and Depression-era theater, quickly gaining recognition. He rose to prominence in Hitchcock’s Saboteur (1942), starting a long-term collaboration with the director.
Even the 1950s blacklist couldn’t stop him. Hitchcock brought Lloyd back as a producer and director on Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Lloyd continued to work in television, film, and theater, remaining active into his 90s.
Lloyd lived to 106, remembered for his talent, drive, and longevity. [3]
Grandma Moses (1860–1961): The Artist Who Found Fame in Her 70s
Grandma Moses, born Anna Mary Robertson Moses, started her painting career at 78. Arthritis forced her to give up embroidery. She used house paint and scrap wood to capture rural scenes from her childhood memories, leaving out industrial elements for a nostalgic feel.
A New York art collector discovered her work, which led to international exhibits and acclaim. Moses’s work became very loved for its folk-style depiction of a past time.
She took her art career seriously, working on her art for over 20 years. Her paintings were exhibited internationally into her 90s, continuing until her death at 101. [4]
David Rockefeller (1915–2017): The Banker Who Shaped Global Finance
David Rockefeller lived a long life, dedicated to finance and philanthropy. Born into the Rockefeller family, he graduated from Harvard and the University of Chicago. After serving in World War II, he joined Chase National Bank, becoming CEO of Chase Manhattan Bank in 1969.
Rockefeller specialized in international banking. He built relationships with world leaders, promoting peaceful cooperation. In 1973, he created the Trilateral Commission to address globalization’s challenges.
He lived to 101, leaving global influence and philanthropy. In his final years, Rockefeller donated millions to the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller University. He loved art, supported environmental conservation, and promoted land preservation projects. [5]
George Burns (1896–1996): A Century of Laughter and Success
George Burns entertained laughter and lived a long life doing it. He started as a child in Vaudeville and gained fame with his wife, Gracie Allen. Together, they starred in radio, television, and film, becoming famous through The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show.
After Allen retired in 1958, Burns struggled. He came back when he starred in The Sunshine Boys (1975) at 80, winning an Academy Award. People also loved his performance as God in the 1977 comedy Oh, God!
Burns’s career continued until his death at 100. He performed in nightclubs and commercials into his 90s, being remembered for his wit, cigar, and his impact on comedy. [6]
Bob Hope (1903–2003): 70 Years of Service and Entertainment
Bob Hope was loved in American entertainment for over 70 years. Born in England and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, he found early success in Vaudeville, radio, and film, becoming famous in the 1940s and ’50s. His jokes and partnership with Bing Crosby in the “Road” films made him a household name.
Besides his comedy, Bob Hope is remembered for his loyalty to the U.S. military. He performed for troops during World War II and continued his USO tours to Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf. In 1997, Congress named him the first honorary veteran.
Hope remained active, performing into his 90s. He died at 100, but his comedy and service inspire entertainers today. [7]
Kirk Douglas (1916–2020): The Relentless Legend
Kirk Douglas’s Hollywood career and his famous children make him seem larger than life. Born to Russian Jewish immigrants, Douglas overcame early struggles to become a star. His career rose with an Oscar-nominated role in Champion (1949), and films like Spartacus (1960) and Paths of Glory (1957).
Douglas was known for his roles. He was also known for his conscience. For example, Douglas fought the Hollywood blacklist by hiring blacklisted screenwriters for Spartacus. Despite a stroke in 1995, he continued acting into his 80s.
Douglas died at 103, and he left two powerful legacies: as a film pioneer and free speech advocate. [8]
Olivia de Havilland (1916–2020): A Star Who Redefined Hollywood for Five Decades
Olivia de Havilland’s career began in the 1930s, and continued for five decades into the 1980s. She was best known for her role as Melanie in Gone with the Wind (1939). De Havilland won two Academy Awards for To Each His Own (1946) and The Heiress (1949).
Besides acting, de Havilland impacted Hollywood by challenging the restrictive studio system. Her legal battle impacted Warner Bros. which led to a ruling that limited contracts to seven years, empowering future actors.
De Havilland continued acting into the 1980s, earning awards later in life. When she died at 104 in Paris, she left a legacy of artistic success and labor rights. [9]
Jimmy Carter (1924–Present): A Generational Public Servant
Jimmy Carter was only president for four years, but he committed to public service after leaving office in 1981. Elected as the 39th president in 1976, Carter focused on human rights, energy policy, and international diplomacy. His administration is remembered for brokering the Camp David Accords, a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, in 1978.
After leaving office, Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, devoted themselves to humanitarian efforts, founding the Carter Center in 1982. Carter worked on global health, conflict resolution, and election monitoring. His commitment earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
In 2024, Carter became the longest-living U.S. president. In his later years, he’s remained active with Habitat for Humanity, continuing to help those in need into his 90s. Carter is a role model for public service. [10]
These ten individuals have demonstrated that age is just a number. Through their talent, determination, and service, they left a lasting impact on the world, proving that it’s possible to achieve greatness at any age.
Which of these stories inspired you the most? Leave a comment below!
