Ever wondered what it takes to live a long, vibrant life, full of incredible achievements and unforgettable moments? Well, wonder no more! We’re diving deep into the awe-inspiring journeys of some truly iconic celebrities who didn’t just reach their 90s and 100s, but absolutely *slayed* them. These aren’t just folks who got old; they’re legends who proved that age is truly just a number when you’ve got passion, purpose, and a dash of good humor!
From the dazzling lights of Hollywood’s Golden Age to the halls of power and the stages of Broadway, these stars have not only captured our imaginations but also defied time itself. Reaching, and even surpassing, the centennial mark is a rare feat, but they’ve shown us that fame and vitality can absolutely go hand in hand, long after their first spotlight moment. Their stories are a testament to resilience, creativity, and the sheer human capacity to thrive through the ages.
So, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re about to celebrate the world’s longest-living celebrities. We’ll explore what might have contributed to their remarkable longevity and draw some serious inspiration from their enduring legacies. Get ready to be amazed, because these icons offer more than just trivia – they stand as a vibrant testament to lives built on creativity, community, and commitment. Let’s dive into the first seven incredible individuals!
1. **Norman Lear: The Power of Purpose and Passionate Work**Norman Lear, the iconic screenwriter and producer, truly revolutionized prime-time television. With groundbreaking shows like *Maude* and *All in the Family*, he tackled serious issues through humor, making us laugh while also making us think. He celebrated his milestone 100th birthday on July 27, 2022, and continued to inspire until his passing in December 2023 at the ripe old age of 101 due to cardiac arrest.
What was his secret sauce for such a long, fulfilling life? Norman credited his love for his job! “Some people run. I don’t run. I wake up and do the things that please me. That’s my present to myself. That’s my prayer. That’s everything,” he shared with USA Today as he turned 100. He truly believed in always having something to look forward to, telling the Los Angeles Times, “When I go to sleep at night, I have something that I’m thinking. Among other things, it’s about something I’m doing tomorrow.”
And guess what? Science totally backs him up! There’s evidence suggesting that delaying retirement could actually add years to your life. A 2015 study, published in the journal *Preventing Chronic Disease*, followed 83,000 adults over 65 for 15 years and found that those who worked past age 65 were about three times more likely to report being in good health compared to their retired peers. So, finding a job you love and sticking with it seems like a pretty awesome longevity hack, right?
Read more about: Robert Redford: The Last American Movie Star – An In-Depth Look at a Screen Legend’s Enduring Legacy and Impact
2. **Jimmy Carter: Love, Service, and Unwavering Commitment**Our 39th U.S. President, Jimmy Carter, is truly a living legend. He didn’t just serve his country; he lived a life of profound humanitarian work that continued to shine long after his White House days. Born in 1924, Jimmy Carter lived to be 100, passing away in December 2024, almost three months after his landmark birthday, after a life that truly outshone many political retirements.
So, what did President Carter credit for his incredible lifespan? One person, above all: his amazing wife, Rosalynn. They shared an extraordinary 77 years of marriage before her passing in 2023. He beautifully expressed it to People in 2019: “It’s hard to live until you’re 95 years old. I think the best explanation for that is to marry the best spouse: someone who will take care of you and engage and do things to challenge you, and keep you alive and interested in life.” How sweet is that?
Their bond wasn’t just heartwarming; it was a powerful factor in his longevity. Research suggests that having strong social bonds can genuinely help you live longer. A 2021 meta-review published in the journal *Frontiers in Psychology* found that the link between social support and longevity is just as strong as the link between not smoking and longevity. Talk about relationship goals!
Jimmy Carter’s dedication to service, both in the White House and through his post-presidency humanitarian efforts, also speaks volumes about finding purpose. His story encourages us to stay connected and pursue passions, proving that a life well-lived is often a life filled with love, connection, and a deep commitment to making a difference.
Read more about: Still Kicking It at 100 (and Beyond!): 7 Legendary Celebs Who Totally Smashed the Centenarian Club Goals
3. **Bob Hope: Laughter, Routine, and Lifelong Movement**Bob Hope, the undisputed king of American comedy for decades, was a force of nature! Known for his rapid-fire delivery of jokes and one-liners, his career spanned nearly 80 years. He was famous for his vaudeville acts, acting, and an astounding 19 times hosting the Academy Awards – more than anyone else! He even tirelessly entertained military personnel between 1941 and 1991, earning him the honorary title of veteran of the Armed Forces.
Bob Hope celebrated his 100th birthday in May 2003, before passing away just two months later in July due to pneumonia. His impressive longevity wasn’t just about good genes; he had some practical habits up his sleeve. Back in the ’80s, when he was a spry 78, he made sure to walk two miles every single day, no matter where he was, as reported by Men’s Health.
He actually learned this wisdom from his grandfather! Hope recounted, “When he was 96 years old, he walked two miles to the local pub every day to get a drink. He died within a month of his 100th birthday, and he remained mentally sharp till the very end.” It seems like daily movement was a family secret to a long and mentally acute life.
Science backs up the Hope family method! A 2024 study in the *British Journal of Sports Science* analyzed extensive health data and predicted that people who walk around 160 minutes a day live an average of five years longer than their sedentary peers. They even speculated that if the least active Americans added an extra 111 minutes of walking daily, they could live up to 11 years longer! So, keep moving, folks – it’s a comedian-approved path to longevity!
4. **Dolores Hope: The Joyful Path to a Century**If you thought Bob Hope’s 100 years were impressive, get this: his incredible wife, Dolores Hope, actually managed to outlive him! A talented singer in her own right, Dolores received numerous honors throughout her lifetime for her work. She celebrated her 100th birthday with friends on May 27, 2009, and continued to grace the world with her presence until she passed away from natural causes on September 19, 2011, at the remarkable age of 102.
While Dolores herself didn’t publicly spill all her longevity secrets, her daughters had some pretty brilliant ideas about what kept their parents going strong. Her oldest daughter, Linda, who is now in her 90s herself, told ABC7 in 2009: “Laugh a lot. Laughter is something that’s been part of our lives, and I have to think that is a large part responsible for their happiness and for their long lives.” How absolutely perfect is that?
It makes so much sense, doesn’t it? A lighthearted approach, full of humor and positivity, can truly lower stress and bolster resilience. The context even points out how this mindset, exemplified by Bob Hope, contributes to remarkable lifespans. The Hope household was clearly a place of joy, and that joyful spirit might just be one of the best prescriptions for a long and happy life!
5. **Olivia de Havilland: The Mind-Body Connection in Golden Age Glamour**Get ready for a Hollywood legend who truly defied time! Olivia de Havilland, the iconic star of *Gone with the Wind* and a winner of two Academy Awards for Best Actress (*To Each His Own* and *The Heiress*), lived to an astonishing 104 years old. She was honored by The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, on her 100th birthday, proving her enduring legacy. She passed away from natural causes in July 2020.
De Havilland had a beautiful philosophy for her incredible longevity, crediting the “three Ls”: love, laughter, and light. But she also had a brilliant daily routine for keeping her mind super sharp! In a 2016 interview with Vanity Fair, she revealed that she did The New York Times crossword puzzle every single day. Talk about a commitment to mental fitness!
And, yet again, science is here to confirm her genius! A 2022 study published in the journal *NEJM Evidence* involved adults with mild cognitive impairment who engaged in an intensive web-based crossword program. The authors found that a significant portion of participants in the crossword groups improved their cognitive function. So, Olivia was on to something huge – keeping your brain active is just as important as keeping your body moving!
Her story encourages us to pursue passion and engage daily in activities that ignite curiosity and joy, just as she did with her acting career and her daily mental exercises. Olivia de Havilland reminds us that true glamour comes from a vibrant spirit and a mind that never stops exploring.
6. **Kirk Douglas: Humor, Empathy, and the Meaning of Love**Another absolute titan of Hollywood, Kirk Douglas, known for his unforgettable roles in films like *Spartacus* and *20,000 Leagues Under the Sea*, also lived to an incredible 103! The father of actor Michael Douglas, he celebrated his milestone 100th birthday in December 2016. Despite suffering a severe stroke in 1996, he continued to inspire until his passing from natural causes in February 2020.
Kirk Douglas shared some profound wisdom about growing old in an essay for Newsweek in 2008, when he was 91. He wrote, “Humor helps longevity.” He believed that a lighthearted approach, full of humor and positivity, could lower stress and bolster resilience, a sentiment perfectly aligned with the common threads found in centenarian lifestyles.
But his advice went even deeper than just humor. Kirk also emphasized the importance of connection and altruism. “Try to think of others, try to help them. You will be amazed how that lessens your depression. That satisfaction is priceless,” he advised. He also beautifully concluded, “The greatest dividend to old age is the discovery of the true meaning of love.”
His words truly encourage us to cultivate positivity and foster relationships, embracing gratitude and a growth mindset to navigate life’s challenges. Kirk Douglas showed us that an incredibly full life isn’t just about personal achievements but about sharing joy, offering help, and cherishing the love that surrounds us.
7. **Gloria Stuart: Drive, Ambition, and Defying Illness**Remember Rose from James Cameron’s *Titanic*? Well, the actress who brought that character to life, Gloria Stuart, shared a remarkable similarity with her role: she lived to become a centenarian! Gloria’s Hollywood career spanned more than 70 years, and she even continued to work into her 90s before retiring in 2004. Her big moment came with *Titanic*, earning her an Oscar nomination at 87, making her the oldest-ever acting nominee!
Gloria celebrated her 100th birthday on July 4, 2010, before sadly passing away just a few months later, on September 26, due to respiratory failure. So, what fueled her incredible journey through the decades? As her 1999 memoir, *I Just Kept Hoping*, suggests, Gloria used her career and ambition to keep her going strong into her old age. “I was driven then [in the 1930s], and I’m driven now,” she told SF Gate at the time.
Her daughter revealed another fascinating aspect of Gloria’s approach to life after her passing in 2010. NPR host Ari Shapiro shared, “Her daughter says that during her long life, her mother did not believe in illness. She paid no attention to it, and it served her well.” Now, while we definitely believe in doctors, this perspective highlights the power of a positive mindset and sheer will! It’s all about maintaining that spark and purpose, just like Gloria did, continuing to engage daily in work or hobbies that ignite curiosity and joy.
Gloria Stuart’s story is a powerful reminder that aging doesn’t have to mean fading away. Whether through enduring performances or a vibrant personal drive, living longer can mean living richer and more connected to one’s passions. Her legacy truly shines, inspiring us to pursue our passions with gusto, no matter our age!
8. **Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother: Living Life to the Fullest, No Regrets**Talk about a royal who knew how to live! Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, definitely set a high bar, gracing the world with her presence until the age of 101, passing away in 2002. It seems longevity runs in the family, as her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, also lived a remarkably long life, reaching 96 before dying in September 2022. But the Queen Mother wasn’t just about genes; she had a truly unforgettable philosophy that’s pure gold for anyone looking to embrace life fully!
She shared some incredibly frank advice in her official biography that truly makes you pause and think. Imagine this gem: ‘Wouldn’t it be terrible if you’d spent all your life doing everything you were supposed to do, didn’t drink, didn’t smoke, didn’t eat things, took lots of exercise, and suddenly, one day, you were run over by a big red bus and, as the wheels were crunching into you, you’d say, ‘Oh my God, I could have got so drunk last night.’ That’s the way you should live your life, as if tomorrow you’ll be run over by a big red bus.’ Seriously, how iconic is that?!
Her words are a powerful reminder to cherish every moment and live with genuine joy, rather than being bogged down by endless restrictions. It’s all about finding that balance between a healthy life and embracing the pleasures that make it truly worth living. She was, after all, the very first member of the British royal family to reach the magnificent age of 100, showing us that a regal life can also be a truly vibrant and enduring one!
9. **George Burns: The Comedian’s Guide to a Century of Smiles**Next up, get ready to laugh your way to 100 with the legendary George Burns! This vaudeville star and comedian, known for his incredible wit and iconic cigar, didn’t just entertain audiences for decades; he literally wrote the book on living long. Seriously, his book was titled ‘How To Live To Be 100 Or More,’ and he actually reached that milestone, passing away in March 1996 at the age of 100 from heart failure. He truly walked the talk, or rather, joked the talk!
What was his big secret? Burns wisely advised, ‘You’ll be happier and live longer if you find a job you love; that way you avoid stress. Never take stress to bed with you. Work on it in the morning.’ This guy knew that a happy mind leads to a healthy body, and finding passion in your work is a huge stress-buster. Plus, he wasn’t afraid of a little indulgence, famously enjoying ‘two or three drinks a day’ and always having a cigar close by, though he clarified he never inhaled. Smart move, George!
Beyond the laughs and the occasional drink, George also had a surprisingly disciplined routine. He made sure to do 45 minutes of exercise every single day, followed by a ‘brisk 15-minute walk around the neighborhood.’ Talk about staying active! Science totally backs him up, with a 2022 study published in the *British Journal of Sports Medicine* finding that folks who did regular aerobic exercise and strength training were 41% less likely to die from any cause in the seven to 10 years after.
And in true comedic style, he had a playful take on health advice: ‘I don’t believe a lot of this medical stuff. They say everything you eat and drink causes cancer. Don’t pay too much attention to that,’ Burns famously added. While we definitely encourage listening to your doctor, his lighthearted attitude surely helped him navigate life with less stress and more joy!
10. **Eva Marie Saint: Active Living and Cherished Connections**Prepare to be inspired by a true Hollywood gem, Eva Marie Saint! This incredible actress, an Academy Award winner for her unforgettable performance in *On the Waterfront*, is not only still with us but celebrated her magnificent 100th birthday on July 4, 2024. Can you believe it? She’s one of the few stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age still inspiring with her grace and timeless presence.
So, how does she keep that sparkle shining bright after a century? Saint shared some of her secrets with People ahead of her 100th birthday: ‘I continue to take walks out in the fresh air, like watching baseball — especially the Los Angeles Dodgers, and enjoy time with my family and friends.’ It sounds wonderfully simple, right? It’s all about embracing the everyday joys and keeping those connections strong.
And guess what? Science totally agrees with Eva Marie Saint! A 2023 study published in *BMC Medicine* found a pretty stark connection between social isolation and longevity: never being visited by friends and family was associated with a whopping 39% increased risk of early death. So, her dedication to family and friends isn’t just heartwarming; it’s a powerful longevity hack!
Her story reminds us that living a long, fulfilling life doesn’t require outlandish routines. Sometimes, it’s the quiet, consistent habits—like enjoying nature, cheering on your favorite team, and surrounding yourself with loved ones—that truly add years and zest to your journey. Eva Marie Saint is living proof that a life rich in connection and simple pleasures is a life well-lived, and well-lengthened!
11. **Caren Marsh Doll: Dancing Through the Decades with Grace**Step right up and meet Caren Marsh Doll, a living piece of Hollywood history! This extraordinary dancer and actress, who was Judy Garland’s dance double in the iconic *The Wizard of Oz*, is still twirling through life at an incredible 105 years old! Yes, you read that right – 105! She’s truly one of the last surviving cast members from that beloved film, carrying her early Hollywood magic into her second century.
What’s her secret to such enduring vitality? Well, her career as a dancer and actress certainly points to a lifetime of physical activity and creative engagement! Imagine the energy and precision required for those dance numbers. It’s no wonder she’s been able to maintain such a vibrant spirit. Staying active, both physically and mentally, is a huge part of the longevity puzzle, and Caren has been doing it with style for over a hundred years.
The context highlights how remaining mentally stimulated through creative work, like composing music or, in Caren’s case, dancing and acting, appears common among centenarians. Her life is a beautiful testament to the idea that passion for one’s craft can fuel purpose and vitality, regardless of how many candles are on your birthday cake! She’s not just a survivor; she’s an inspiration to keep moving, creating, and shining.
Caren Marsh Doll’s journey reminds us that the arts aren’t just about performance; they can be a fountain of youth! Her dedication to dance and her craft from a young age clearly created a foundation for a life filled with movement, expression, and continuous engagement. She truly embodies the spirit of dancing through the decades with grace, proving that passion never truly ages.
12. **Vladimir Zeldin: A Lifetime on Stage, Defying Time**Prepare to be amazed by the incredible story of Vladimir Zeldin, a Soviet-Russian star who was literally dubbed ‘the world’s oldest working actor!’ This legend appeared on stage and in film for an astounding *eight decades*, truly living out his passion until he passed away in 2016 at the remarkable age of 101. Talk about dedication to your craft!
Zeldin’s enduring career is a powerful example of how continuous engagement and pursuing one’s passion can contribute to an incredibly long and vibrant life. He didn’t just dip his toes into acting; he immersed himself in it, making it his life’s work for nearly a century. This kind of lifelong commitment keeps the mind sharp, the spirit engaged, and provides a profound sense of purpose that researchers often link to longevity.
His performances weren’t just long-running; they were enduring, captivating audiences across generations. Imagine the energy and mental stamina required to consistently deliver compelling performances well into your hundreds. Vladimir Zeldin truly defied time, proving that the stage can be a powerful elixir, keeping you alive and sparkling in the spotlight for decades.
His legacy is a beautiful reminder that finding something you love to do and sticking with it can be one of the greatest secrets to a long life. Whether it’s acting, writing, or any other creative pursuit, the act of continuous engagement can keep you feeling young at heart, no matter your chronological age. Vladimir Zeldin didn’t just have a long life; he had a lifetime on stage, and what an act it was!
13. **Norman Lloyd: A Century of Craft and Continuous Engagement**Hold on to your hats for Norman Lloyd, a true titan of Classic Hollywood whose career literally lasted for almost a *century*! This Emmy-nominated actor, regarded as the longest-lived male actor from Classic Hollywood, turned 100 in November 2014 and kept working, with his final film, *Trainwreck*, released in 2015. He ultimately passed away in his sleep in May 2021 at the incredible age of 106. Now that’s what we call a grand finale!
Norman Lloyd’s story is a masterclass in continuous engagement. From his early days in theater and film to his later roles, he never really stopped. This relentless pursuit of his craft and his willingness to embrace new projects, even into his hundreds, speaks volumes about the power of purpose. Remaining mentally stimulated through creative work is a common thread among centenarians, and Norman embodied this completely.
His life exemplifies how a passion for one’s craft can truly fuel vitality, even as the years stack up. It wasn’t just about showing up; it was about contributing, evolving, and engaging with the ever-changing landscape of entertainment. This kind of mental and creative activity is like a workout for the brain, keeping it agile and resilient, contributing to both a longer and a richer life experience.
Norman Lloyd’s incredible journey reminds us that true artistry knows no age limit. He didn’t just witness the evolution of Hollywood; he was an active, vibrant part of it for over a hundred years. His legacy encourages us all to find our passion and commit to it wholeheartedly, proving that a century of craft can indeed lead to a century (and then some!) of continuous, inspiring engagement.
14. **Doris Eaton Travis: The Last Ziegfeld Folly and the Spirit of Performance**And finally, let’s talk about a dazzling star who danced her way into history: Doris Eaton Travis! She was a beloved member of the famous troupe of chorus girls known as the Ziegfeld Follies, performing on Broadway and in film. What’s even more incredible? She was the *last living member* of this iconic troupe, bringing their legendary spirit to life for over a century!
Doris Eaton Travis truly embodied the ‘spirit of performance’ throughout her life. She continued to perform well into her old age, even gracing the stage for her final performance just a month before she passed away from an aneurysm in May 2010 at the astonishing age of 106. Her story is a powerful testament to the idea that passion and artistic expression can keep you vibrant and engaged for an incredibly long time.
Her life underscores how pursuing passion and engaging daily in work or hobbies that ignite curiosity and joy can lead to extraordinary longevity. For Doris, that was dancing and performing. The physical activity, the mental challenge of remembering routines, and the social connection of being part of a troupe all likely contributed to her remarkable lifespan. She literally danced through a century!
Doris Eaton Travis’s legacy is a shining example that age is truly just a number when it comes to living passionately and purposefully. She not only lived a long life but one that was continuously filled with the joy of performance and the magic of the stage. Her story urges us to find our own ‘follies’—the activities that bring us immense joy and keep our spirits soaring—and embrace them wholeheartedly, no matter our age!
Wow, what an incredible journey through the lives of these phenomenal centenarian celebrities! From the comedic genius of George Burns to the royal wisdom of the Queen Mother, and the enduring artistry of Norman Lear and Doris Eaton Travis, these legends have shown us that a full, vibrant life is absolutely possible long after blowing out 90, or even 100, candles. They didn’t just get old; they *mastered* aging, proving that passion, purpose, community, and a good dose of humor are truly the ultimate longevity hacks. Their inspiring stories are more than just amazing trivia; they’re an invitation to embrace every single day, chase our dreams, connect with our loved ones, and keep that spark of curiosity burning bright. So go ahead, live it up, laugh often, and maybe even take a page or two from their extraordinary books – because life’s an adventure, and these icons show us how to make it a super long, exciting one!
