Back in Time Today
Hollywood often seems obsessed with youth, but some of the industry’s most powerful performances come from actors in their golden years. These veteran performers bring decades of experience to their roles, creating characters with depth and nuance that younger actors simply can’t match. From action heroes to dramatic powerhouses, these 19 actors over 70 aren’t just working—they’re thriving, booking major roles, and often delivering the best performances of their careers.
1. Robert De Niro: The Ageless Gangster
At 80 years old, Robert De Niro remains one of Hollywood’s most formidable talents. His recent Oscar-nominated turn in “Killers of the Flower Moon” showcased his ability to transform into complex, morally ambiguous characters with the same intensity he brought to roles decades earlier. What’s remarkable about De Niro isn’t just his longevity but his willingness to evolve. From comedies like “Meet the Parents” to crime epics like “The Irishman,” he continues to surprise audiences with his range. Despite health challenges, including a recent bout with COVID-19, De Niro shows no signs of slowing down. His upcoming mob drama “Alto Knights” reunites him with director Francis Ford Coppola, bringing his career full circle.
2. Helen Mirren: From The Queen to Action Star
Helen Mirren defies every Hollywood stereotype about aging actresses. At 78, she’s commanding roles in blockbusters like “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” while maintaining her reputation for dramatic excellence. Her career renaissance began with her Oscar-winning performance in “The Queen” at age 61. Rather than resting on her laurels, Mirren surprised everyone by pivoting to action films, performing her own stunts in the “RED” franchise well into her 60s. Beyond her versatility, Mirren brings a fearless attitude to aging in an industry obsessed with youth. “I think the great advantage of getting older is that you let go of certain things,” she once said, embodying the confidence that makes her performances so magnetic.
3. Morgan Freeman: The Voice That Launched a Thousand Films
That distinctive, authoritative voice has made Morgan Freeman, now 86, one of Hollywood’s most recognizable presences. Freeman didn’t achieve stardom until his 50s with “Driving Miss Daisy,” proving that acting careers can blossom at any age. His recent performance in “A Good Person” shows he hasn’t lost his ability to convey wisdom and gravitas with the smallest gesture. Directors continue to seek him out for roles that require emotional depth and moral authority. Freeman’s voice has become so iconic that it’s practically a character itself. Whether narrating documentaries or playing God, his measured delivery lends weight to every project he touches. His late-career success remains an inspiration to actors who fear they’ve missed their window of opportunity.
4. Judi Dench: Defying Visual Impairment with Artistic Vision
Dame Judi Dench refuses to let age or health challenges define her career. At 89, despite battling macular degeneration that has severely limited her vision, she continues to deliver powerful performances in films like “Allelujah.” Her approach to acting has necessarily evolved. Unable to read scripts, Dench has friends read lines to her repeatedly until she memorizes them. This adaptation hasn’t diminished her ability to convey complex emotions with remarkable subtlety. Dench’s seven Oscar nominations (with one win for “Shakespeare in Love”) came after she turned 60, proving that artistic prime has nothing to do with youth. Her rumored return to the Bond franchise would mark an extraordinary milestone in a career defined by refusing to accept limitations.
5. Anthony Hopkins: The Oldest Best Actor Winner Still Breaking Records
Sir Anthony Hopkins shattered age barriers when he won his second Best Actor Oscar for “The Father” at 83, becoming the oldest actor ever to receive this honor. His portrayal of a man battling dementia showcased his undiminished ability to disappear into roles with devastating emotional impact. Hopkins’ secret to longevity may lie in his meticulous preparation. He famously repeats his lines 200 times to achieve perfect delivery, a discipline he’s maintained throughout his six-decade career. His recent turn as Sigmund Freud in “Freud’s Last Session” demonstrates his continued willingness to tackle intellectually demanding roles. With his precise diction and penetrating gaze intact, Hopkins proves that the finest actors only grow more compelling with time.
6. Meryl Streep: The Record-Holder Who Keeps Reinventing Herself
With an unprecedented 21 Oscar nominations, Meryl Streep stands alone as Hollywood’s most decorated performer. At 74, she’s embracing new challenges, recently making her first foray into television comedy with “Only Murders in the Building.” Streep’s career defies conventional wisdom about actresses aging out of meaningful roles. Her ability to master any accent, transform her appearance, and bring emotional truth to every character keeps filmmakers creating roles specifically for her talents. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Streep has never experienced a career lull. From her dramatic tour de force in “Sophie’s Choice” to singing in “Mamma Mia!” at 59, she continues to surprise audiences with her versatility. Her upcoming sci-fi thriller “The Gorge” shows she’s still willing to explore new territory.
7. Ian McKellen: From Gandalf to Shakespeare at 85
Sir Ian McKellen became a global icon as Gandalf in his 60s, but at 85, he’s not content to rest on his blockbuster laurels. Between filming “The Critic” and other screen projects, he regularly returns to his first love—the stage—performing physically demanding Shakespearean roles that would challenge actors half his age. McKellen’s career renaissance is remarkable considering he didn’t become internationally famous until relatively late in life. His portrayal of Gandalf in “The Lord of the Rings” and Magneto in the “X-Men” series introduced his classical training to new generations. Despite his knighthood and legendary status, McKellen maintains a work ethic that puts younger actors to shame. “Acting is a muscle that needs to be exercised,” he often says, demonstrating this philosophy by tackling King Lear at 82.
8. Harrison Ford: The Action Hero Who Won’t Quit
Harrison Ford strapped on Indiana Jones’s fedora one more time at age 80 for “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” performing stunts that would be impressive for an actor decades younger. His physical commitment to his roles defies expectations about aging action stars. Ford’s career longevity stems from his ability to balance iconic franchise roles with character-driven dramas. Between adventures as Han Solo and Indiana Jones, he’s delivered nuanced performances in films like “The Age of Adaline” and “Blade Runner 2049.” His recent casting as Thunderbolt Ross in upcoming Marvel films represents yet another career reinvention. An avid pilot who still flies his own planes, Ford embodies the adventurous spirit of his most famous characters both on and off screen.
9. Maggie Smith: The Dowager Countess of Hollywood
Dame Maggie Smith’s withering one-liners as the Dowager Countess in “Downton Abbey” introduced her to a new generation, but at 89, she continues to seek challenging dramatic roles. Her recent one-woman show in “A German Life” required her to memorize a 100-minute monologue—a feat that would intimidate performers of any age. Smith began her career on the British stage in the 1950s and has never stopped working. When asked about retirement, she famously replied, “I’ll retire when they stop asking.” Her distinctive voice and impeccable timing make her equally effective in comedy and drama. Despite her age and battling cancer in 2007, Smith maintains a work schedule that would exhaust actors decades younger, bringing her trademark precision to every performance.
10. Samuel L. Jackson: Hollywood’s Highest-Grossing Actor Still Dominating
Samuel L. Jackson holds the Guinness World Record as the highest-grossing actor of all time, with his films earning over $27 billion worldwide. At 75, he continues to be Hollywood’s hardest-working star, recently reprising his role as Nick Fury in “The Marvels.” Jackson’s late-blooming career serves as inspiration for struggling actors everywhere. He didn’t land his breakthrough role in “Pulp Fiction” until age 46, proving patience and persistence pay off. With over 200 acting credits to his name, Jackson’s work ethic is legendary. His instantly recognizable voice and commanding screen presence ensure he remains in demand across all genres. From indie films to blockbusters, Jackson brings the same intensity to every project, refusing to phone in performances despite his packed schedule.
11. Jane Fonda: Actress, Activist, and Aerobics Queen Still Making Waves
Jane Fonda has reinvented herself more times than most people change careers. At 86, she’s simultaneously starring in films like “80 for Brady,” producing hit television shows, and getting arrested for climate activism—proving that age is no barrier to making an impact. Her seven-decade Hollywood career spans from sex symbol in “Barbarella” to two-time Oscar winner to fitness guru whose workout videos sold millions. Rather than fading away, Fonda has embraced her elder statesman status while refusing to be sidelined. Fonda’s recent work in “Grace and Frankie” helped change Hollywood’s perception of older women, showing they could headline successful series. Between film projects, she continues her lifelong activism, using her platform to fight for causes she believes in with undiminished passion.
12. Michael Caine: The British Icon Who Refuses to Retire
Sir Michael Caine famously announced his retirement after completing “The Great Escaper” at age 90, then promptly walked it back. “You don’t retire from movies,” he clarified. “Movies retire you when nobody offers you a script.” Caine’s distinctive Cockney accent and understated acting style have made him a fixture in British cinema since the 1960s. From “Alfie” to his collaborations with Christopher Nolan, he’s remained relevant across six decades. What sets Caine apart is his lack of pretension about his craft. “The trick to acting is to not get caught doing it,” he once said, embodying this philosophy with naturalistic performances. His recent portrayal of a World War II veteran who escapes his care home to attend D-Day commemorations in France demonstrates his continued ability to move audiences.
13. Lily Tomlin: Comedy Legend Still Getting Laughs
Lily Tomlin broke barriers for female comedians in the 1970s with her gallery of unforgettable characters on “Laugh-In.” At 84, she continues to showcase her impeccable timing in films like “Moving On,” where she reunited with longtime friend Jane Fonda. Tomlin’s career has spanned variety shows, Broadway, film, and television. Her nine-year run on “Grace and Frankie” introduced her to younger viewers while allowing her to explore the comedy of aging with honesty and heart. Despite her age, Tomlin maintains the physical comedy skills that made her famous. Her rubber-faced expressions and full-body commitment to character haven’t diminished with time. “I always wanted to be somebody,” she once quipped, “but now I realize I should have been more specific.” That self-deprecating wit remains her signature.
14. Bill Murray: The Deadpan Master Entering the Marvel Universe
Bill Murray has evolved from “Saturday Night Live” comedian to indie film darling to unexpected Marvel villain in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” at age 73. His deadpan delivery and unpredictable personality make him as in-demand as ever. Murray’s career trajectory defies conventional Hollywood paths. After establishing himself in comedies like “Ghostbusters,” he reinvented himself with melancholic performances in films like “Lost in Translation,” earning an Oscar nomination at 53. His legendary off-screen antics add to his mystique. Murray doesn’t have an agent or manager—filmmakers who want to work with him must call a mysterious unlisted number and leave a message. This unorthodox approach hasn’t hurt his career; his return to the “Ghostbusters” franchise in the upcoming “Frozen Empire” proves his enduring appeal.
15. Al Pacino: The Method Actor Who Became a Father at 83
Al Pacino made headlines in 2023 not just for his performances but for becoming a father again at 83. This personal milestone mirrors his professional longevity—Pacino continues to bring the same intensity to roles in films like “The Instigators” that he did as Michael Corleone half a century ago. Pacino’s legendary status wasn’t immediately secured. Despite iconic performances in the 1970s, he didn’t win an Oscar until age 52 for “Scent of a Woman,” delivering his famous “Hoo-ah!” that’s become his signature. Unlike many actors who age into supporting roles, Pacino continues to command lead parts. His recent collaboration with Martin Scorsese in “The Irishman” showcased his willingness to embrace de-aging technology while delivering a performance of remarkable emotional depth.
16. Rita Moreno: The EGOT Winner Still Dancing at 92
Rita Moreno made history as the first Latina to win an Oscar for “West Side Story” in 1962. Six decades later, at 92, she’s stealing scenes in action blockbusters like “Fast X,” bringing her signature spark to a franchise built around stars half her age. Moreno belongs to the elite EGOT club, having won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards. Rather than resting on these laurels, she continues to seek challenging roles across genres. Her boundless energy defies stereotypes about aging. At 90, she performed a dance number on stage that would wind performers decades younger. When asked about retirement, Moreno laughs: “What for? This is the most exciting time of my career!” Her recent involvement in Spielberg’s “West Side Story” remake brought her career full circle.
17. Jeff Goldblum: The Quirky Charmer With a Jazz Career
Jeff Goldblum’s distinctive speech patterns and lanky physical presence have made him one of Hollywood’s most recognizable character actors. At 71, he continues to bring his eccentric charm to films like Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City” while pursuing a parallel career as a jazz pianist. Goldblum’s approach to aging in Hollywood seems refreshingly uncalculated. Rather than chasing youth or reinventing himself, he’s leaned harder into his quirky persona, becoming more Goldblum-like with each passing year. Between film projects, he performs regularly with his jazz ensemble at clubs in Los Angeles. This musical side career reflects his philosophy about aging creatively: “I’m not interested in being younger,” he once said. “I’m interested in being better.” His cult following among younger generations proves his timeless appeal.
18. Angela Bassett: Making Marvel History After 60
Angela Bassett shattered a major barrier in 2023 when she became the first actor in a Marvel film to receive an Oscar nomination for her powerful performance in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” At 65, she’s taking on physically demanding roles in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise that actresses half her age would struggle to perform. Bassett’s career longevity can be attributed to her refusal to accept Hollywood’s limited vision for Black actresses. “I can’t just sit at home and wait for the perfect role,” she once said. Her advocacy for better parts has paid off with a career renaissance in her 60s. Her recent Honorary Oscar recognized not just her performances but her role in expanding opportunities for women of color. With her regal bearing and emotional depth intact, Bassett continues to command the screen in every project.
19. Sylvester Stallone: The Action Icon Reinvented for Streaming
Sylvester Stallone created two of cinema’s most enduring characters—Rocky Balboa and John Rambo. At 77, instead of retiring these physically demanding roles, he’s found new ways to reinvent himself, recently headlining the streaming series “Tulsa King” as a displaced mafia capo. Stallone’s career has experienced more comebacks than Rocky himself. After being written off numerous times, he’s repeatedly returned to relevance through sheer determination. His appearance in “Expend4bles” at 77 showcases his continued appeal in the action genre he helped define. Behind his tough-guy image lies a thoughtful artist. Stallone wrote the original “Rocky” script and has maintained creative control over many of his projects. His upcoming directorial effort on a drama titled “Samaritan” reveals his desire to be taken seriously as a filmmaker in his golden years.