Hollywood’s Veterans: The Beloved Stars of The Golden Age Still Alive & Enjoying Life In Retirement

Clint Eastwood — 1930

With a huge number of hits under his belt, Clint Eastwood was and still is one of the most successful actors ever. He was an icon of sorts in the peak of his career, and his fashion and style were highly imitated by his fans all around the globe. His most notable movies are Man With No Name, Million Dollar Baby, and Dirty Harry. The wild west look was highly popularized during his time. Though his USP was his cowboy hat and cigar, he didn’t even smoke in real life, and hence, we can easily rule out any visit to the rehab. Retirement plans can take a back seat for now because this man, who moved from acting to directing, is now the Mayor of Carmel By The Sea in California.

Dick Van Dyke — 1925


Though Dick Van Dyke is a huge name in Hollywood who had acted in classics like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mary Poppins, Dick Tracy, and Night At The Museum. But, he had launched his career through Broadway productions. Though he had survived a terrible accident, thankfully, there was no surgery involved. However, being in his nineties now, his health is not the same. We hope the right diet and a light workout session will help him stay much better!

Richard Keith — 1950

Richard Keith is a former American child star, best known for his role on I Love Lucy as the beloved “Little Ricky”. Most are unaware of this but Richard Keith is actually not his real name – his original last name, Thibodeaux, a mix between Cajun & French, was found to be too difficult to pronounce to an American audience, so he promptly changed his last name! Richard is the last living regular appearing cast member from the totally iconic and one-of-a-kind show. He represents the legacy of these shows that single-handedly changed the course of American television! Thibodeaux or Keith – we will always remember him as Little Ricky!

RICHARD CHAMBERLAIN — 1934


Richard Chamberlain became a youth icon when he took on the title role of the TV series, Dr. Kildare. He has also acted in several miniseries like Shogun and The Thorn Birds and in movies like The Bourne Identity (as Jason Bourne) and King Soloman’s Mines. He was, in fact, the first man to play Jason Bourne. He appeared alongside Hollywood greats like Katharine Hepburn, Sharon Stone, and Gemma Craven. He is also noted for his acting skills on stage, mainly on Broadway productions. In 2003, he released his autobiography Shattered Love, where he confessed that he was gay. At 83, he is still quite fit, and with his good healthhe keeps working on great projects even now.

Bob Barker — 1923


Bob Barker gained a lot of prominence as the host of The Price Is Right which turned out to be the longest-running daytime game show. He had, however, attended college on a basketball scholarship and later joined the army for a short while. After the war, Barker started his career in media by joining the radio. His voice and style of speaking soon made him a popular host. He retired in 2011, and apart from some minor health issues, he is doing good as of now.

Robert Redford — 1936

Robert Redford, one of the living legends of Hollywood, is famous for his roles in many classic films such as The Sting, The Candidate, Butch Cassidy, and last but certainly not least The Sundance Kid. The gifted actor is also a successful producer and entrepreneur in his own right, having founded the Sundance institute and in turn, the Sundance Film Festival. The Sundance film festival has turned into a highly respected festival for indie-directors and artists alike to showcase their films for an opportunity to expose their product to producers and a larger audience. Redford has many awards behind him and a career spanning nearly 60 years, but one of his most recognizable achievements was his Oscar win in 1981 for the extraordinary film, Ordinary People. He’s currently filming his final and last film before his well deserved retirement, and we can’t wait to see it! Redford has always been a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood and is an inspiration for a number of newcomers.

Morgan Freeman — 1937

Morgan Freeman is one of the most venerated and highest paid stars in the Hollywood film industry. He laid his hands on an Academy Award for his breathtaking performance in the film, Million Dollar Baby. Having $150 million as his net fortune implies he has made all provisions before he contemplates on a retirement plan for himself. He is passionate about flying and even possesses a private pilot’s license since he owns more than two private jets. We guess Freeman doesn’t need to be advised on his insurance plans.

Jack Nicholson — 1937

Do you know who has the highest number of Academy Award nominations? Well, none other than Jack Nicholson! That alone proves how talented he is as an actor. Out of all the films he starred in, he won Academy Awards for As Good As It Gets (Best Actor), Terms of Endearment Best Supporting Actor), and One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (Best Actor). His professional life has been amazing, but his personal life has been a bit messy with a string of relationships and just one marriage. Thankfully, he is a responsible father. Hope he has been responsible for his retirement planning as well and has a good amount of pension planned every month.

Mel Brooks — 1926

Mel Brooks happens to be one of those lucky ones who had the honor of winning all four important awards – Academy, Grammy, Emmy, and Tony. It was his directorial ventures which turned out to be more successful, and he was known for movies like Twelve Chairs, The Silent Movie, and High Anxiety. Married to actress Anne Bancroft, the two were together until her death. Mel Brooks is a busy grandfather now, and grandfathers can’t really retire, can they? Instead, they look for anti-aging pills to catch up with their grandchildren!

Nehemiah Persoff — 1919

Nehemiah Persoff has ample to boast of in a 50-year-old career, having starred in over 200 films, television shows, and plays. His performances in movies such as The Greatest Story Ever Told and Some Like It Hot earned him accolades and appreciation from several quarters. His television shows include The Untouchables, Hawaii Five-O, and Route 66. However, his health deteriorated with time, and he eventually took a retirement in 1999. He has developed a keen interest in painting, and that itself seems to derive his health insurance from the beautiful colors around him.

Leo Rossi — 1946


Eminent actor Leo Rossi is famous for his character-based roles. He has over 100 credits to his name already and is still working with no signs of retiring. His best-known movies are Halloween II and Maniac Cop 2. He also appeared in television alongside Johnny Depp in 21 Jump Street, and later in ER, JAG, and In Cold Blood. Being active in his profession must have worked as the best anti-aging method for this prolific actor.

Jon Voight — 1938

Actor Jon Voight achieved fame when he starred in the 1969 film Midnight Cowboy. He’s won multiple accolades; among those are an Academy Award and four Golden Globes. He’s also the father of A-list actress and philanthropist Angelina Jolie and her brother James Haven. Voight made a comeback in the late 90s after being inactive for over 10 years. Some of his work during this time included films like Heat, Mission: Impossible, Enemy of the State, and Rainmaker. Currently, he stars in the crime drama TV show Ray Donovan and he’s working on the upcoming legal drama film Roe v. Wade, based on a landmark decision made by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Ernest Lee Thomas — 1949


Ernest Lee Thomas will always be known for his performances in the TV shows What’s Happening!! and Everybody Hates Chris. But before honing his skills for TV, his career actually started on Broadway. Despite his eye condition called amblyopia, he got tremendous success in the entertainment industry and continues to wow his fans even now. His career investments worked quite well, and it is safe to assume that if he plans to retire now, he can have a great lifestyle.

Vivian Pickles — 1931


After starting her career as a child artist, Vivian Pickles rose to fame with her performance as Alice in a BBC production of Alice In Wonderland. Unlike many child artists, Vivian bagged meaty roles even in her adulthood. Aside from that, she also acted a lot on stage, and then banking on her amazing acting skills, she ventured into the world fo films — Isadora Duncan and The Biggest Dancer In The World got her several awards. She has not retired officially and is perfect health even now at the age of 87.

Joe Turkel — 1927


Ninety-one-year-old Joe Turkel has had quite a career! Having acted in movies like The ShiningPaths of Glory, and The Killing, Joe Turkel became a well-known name in the industry. He also claimed fame with the character Dr. Eldon Tyrell from Blade Runner. He had started his career with the army, and when he came back from the war, he pursued a career in Hollywood. He wrote screenplays and acted in movies, finally left Hollywood in 1998. It is safe to assume that he is spending his days in his retirement home now, reminiscing about his golden past.

Joanne Woodward – 1930

Joanne Woodward was a beauty ever since her teenage days. In fact, she became a beauty queen and attracted a lot of attention. Later, she ventured into theaters and finally starred in movies. She was a  brilliant actress who won the Oscar for the movie The Three Faces Of Eve. Later in her life, she, along with husband Paul Newman, set up a camp to help children suffering from cancer. Looks like not all celebrities use the millions in their banks for buying houses and cars!

Mitzi Gaynor – 1931

Mitzi Gaynor gained prominence as a singer and dancer, so she got a lot of roles in musicals. Her noteworthy movies are There’s No Business Like Show Business, and South Pacific, to name a few. At the age of only 17, she signed a contract with 20th Century Fox. She also got a lot of success in the small screen in and as Mitzi. She has been showered with honors and awards because of her brilliant performances throughout the decades. Let’s hope she has made tons of investments in life insurance policies, ensuring a comfortable life for the rest of her days.

Joan Collins – 1933

Actress, columnist, and author Joan Collins had the creative genes in her blood. Even her sister was no exception to that inheritance — Jackie Collins, Joan’s sister, is a well-known author! She made her stage debut in A Doll’s House, and later on, she went on to act in Rally Round The Flag Boys! and The Girl In The Red Velvet Swing. Her portrayal of Alexis Colby in the TV soap opera Dynasty got her the Golden Globe. Even though she is 85, she is still active. We would love to know what kind of anti-aging method she uses to keep herself looking fit and fine!

George Lazenby – 1939

Born in New South Wales, Australia, George first carried out his duties as a military unarmed combat instructor for the Australian Army Special Forces and went on to become an actor in advertising. He became the highest paid model at that time, raked in huge bucks into his bank account, and successfully maintained a safe distance from bankruptcy attorneys. Although his role of James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service received much praise from several quarters, his career failed to skyrocket. He is close to 80 now and was last seen in the 2014 television series, Legit, and Gregory Hatanaka’s Hunter in 2015.

Robert Fuller — 1933

Robert Fuller is best known for his acting in TV shows with a Western theme. He also appeared in two movies, namely The Brain from Planet Arous and Teenage Thunder. In the 70s, he also gained prominence for his role in the medical drama Emergency. He is also a noted musician who recorded songs in Germany once. By the 90s, he had largely retired from the film world, and now, he is enjoying his retired days in his ranch in Texas. His good health must have enabled him to enjoy life to its fullest even though he is 85 now.

Stacy Keach – 1941

The highly talented actor has portrayed many a dramatic role in a career that has encompassed more than 50 years. People still remember him as Mike Hammer, the fictional detective created by Mickey Spillane, a role which led him to be nominated for a Golden Globe Award in 1984. His other works include Nice Dreams, Prison Break, Titus, Lights Out, and American Greed. The 77-year-old actor is still alive and kicking, and throughout his life, he got hitched four times but unfortunately, had to hire a divorce lawyer in three of them.

Lynn Hamilton – 1930

Having attained fame with her debut portrayal in Shadows, she went on to carve a niche for herself as Donna Harris in Sanford and Son, a television sitcom. After finishing her college education, she pursued acting from the famous Goodman Theatre and stepped into community theatre to build up a Broadway career. Aside from appearing as Judge Fulton in The Practice, Hamilton also starred in a number of sitcoms, soap operas, and miniseries like Port Charles and Dangerous Women. At 88, Lynn still has a lot to give to this industry.  

Gale Sayers – 1943

The former professional footballer rose to fame when he became the youngest player to get inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The retired Chicago Bears running back plied for his trade for the University of Kansas before being picked up by the Chicago Bears in 1965 and went on to be named as the Rookie of the Year. After finishing his footballing career, he was appointed as the athletic director of the popular Southern Illinois University over a period of five years, from 1976 to 1981, and that was enough for him to build up an enviable credit score.

Jane Withers — 1926

Jane Withers’ career started when she was still a baby, and so obviously, she used to the glaring spotlight of Hollywood. As she grew up, she found herself being handed one project after another, and she peaked during the 30s and 40s where she acted in a lot of movies. Her most prominent performance was in the movie Bright Eyes, where she acted opposite Shirley Temple. She also had a presence in the small screen especially for the commercial for Comet cleanser as Josephine The Plumber. She was not just a brilliant actress who got a lifetime achievement award but also an accomplished musician. She has a number of her songs recorded which proves what a talented person she was. At 91, we hope she is spending her days peacefully in retirement.

Terry Kilburn — 1926

Terry Kilburn is best known for his portrayal of Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol. As a child star, he got a lot of success and ruled the 30s and 40s. He did plenty of roles on the small screen as well, and as an adult, he acted on various Broadway productions. In 1969, he decided to retire from Hollywood as a screen actor, but he continued to work otherwise. As a gay man, he dated actor Charles Nolte for 50 years until his death in 2010. At present, he resides in Minnesota, and it is safe to assume that his long career has ensured that he stays away from bankruptcy.

Gloria Henry — 1923

Gloria Henry started her career in her late teens by doing radio shows and commercials. Gloria Henry’s claim to fame was playing Dennis’s mother in the CBS sitcom Dennis The Menace. However, her career didn’t take off, and she ended up getting B-grade movies and small stints as guests in regular shows. Her career slowed down even more in the later years, compelling her to take retirement in 2005, only to make a short comeback in 2012. However, we hope that even after paying her insurance premiums, the veteran actress leads a comfortable life.

 Marilyn Knowlden — 1926

Marilyn Knowlden was a child actress who debuted at the age of 4 and worked with the likes of Bette Davis, Katherine Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, and many other big names in Hollywood. She appeared in 39 movies and acted throughout the 30s and 40s. She took a break only to go to college and major in music, after which she got married to Army Captain Richard Goates. Her film career was over by this time, but she couldn’t keep herself from joining the entertainment business. When she had to move to China after her husband was posted in this country, she became a radio announcer. Later, she came back to USA and became an accomplished musician. At the age of 70, she was back to where it all started and got a role in My Fair Lady. Now at 92, she is hopefully fit and in good health!