17 Of The Oldest Living Celebrities To Celebrate In 2026

Hollywood has seen countless stars rise and shine, but only a rare few have reached legendary status by celebrating life well into their second century.

These remarkable individuals have not only entertained us for decades but continue to inspire with their longevity and passion.

Take a look at which icons of entertainment are celebrating milestone birthdays in 2026.

1. Jacqueline White – Turning 104

Jacqueline White - Turning 104
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

Classic Hollywood glamour comes alive when you look at the career of this stunning actress who graced the silver screen in the 1940s.

Her most memorable role came in the noir thriller “The Narrow Margin,” where she captivated audiences with her talent and beauty.

Though her film career was relatively brief, she left an indelible mark on cinema history. After retiring from acting, she embraced life away from the spotlight with grace.

2. Ray Anthony – Turning 104

Ray Anthony - Turning 104
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

Imagine leading a big band for over eight decades! That’s exactly what this legendary trumpeter and bandleader accomplished throughout his incredible career.

Born in 1922, he rose to fame during the swing era and became one of the most popular bandleaders of the 1950s.

His orchestra delivered hit after hit, including “The Bunny Hop” which became a dance craze. Beyond music, he appeared in films and television shows, showcasing his versatile talents.

3. Eva Marie Saint – Turning 102

Eva Marie Saint - Turning 102
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

An Oscar winner at 30, this luminous actress has remained a symbol of elegance and talent for seven decades.

Her unforgettable performance opposite Marlon Brando in “On the Waterfront” earned her that Academy Award and cemented her place in film history.

Alfred Hitchcock personally chose her to star alongside Cary Grant in “North by Northwest,” creating one of cinema’s most iconic pairings.

4. Brigitte Auber – Turning 101

Brigitte Auber - Turning 101
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

French cinema brought us this captivating actress who starred in Alfred Hitchcock’s “To Catch a Thief” alongside Grace Kelly and Cary Grant.

Her portrayal of Danielle Foussard added European charm and mystery to the Riviera-set thriller.

Working with one of cinema’s greatest directors at the height of his powers gave her an unforgettable place in movie history. She brought authenticity and allure to her roles throughout her career.

5. Lee Grant – Turning 101

Lee Grant - Turning 101
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

Blacklisted during the McCarthy era yet ultimately triumphant, this powerhouse performer won an Oscar, an Emmy, and two additional Academy Award nominations.

Her resilience in the face of Hollywood’s darkest period showcases incredible strength and determination.

After being barred from film and television for twelve years, she returned with a vengeance, delivering memorable performances in “Shampoo” and “Voyage of the Damned.”

6. Peggy Webber – Turning 101

Peggy Webber - Turning 101
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

Radio drama’s golden voice belongs to this versatile performer who dominated the airwaves before television took over America’s living rooms.

Her work on shows like “Escape” and “Suspense” thrilled millions of listeners who hung on her every word.

Transitioning seamlessly to television and film, she appeared in numerous productions while also building a successful career as a dialogue director. Her contributions to voice acting helped shape the industry.

7. David Attenborough – Turning 100

David Attenborough - Turning 100
Image Credit: Nick.Thirteen, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Nature documentaries would be unimaginable without the soothing, authoritative voice of this broadcasting legend.

For nearly seven decades, he’s brought the wonders of our planet into homes worldwide, from “Life on Earth” to “Planet Earth” and “Blue Planet.”

His passion for conservation and wildlife education has inspired countless people to care about our environment. Knighted for his services to broadcasting, he’s become a global treasure.

8. Mel Brooks – Turning 100

Mel Brooks - Turning 100
Image Credit: User:Caulfieldh – it:User:Lucas, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Comedy genius doesn’t even begin to describe this EGOT winner who turned parody into an art form.

From “The Producers” to “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein,” he created some of cinema’s most quotable and beloved comedies.

His fearless approach to satire broke boundaries and influenced generations of comedians. Beyond directing, he’s been a successful writer, actor, and composer who revolutionized American humor.

9. William Daniels – Turning 99

William Daniels - Turning 99
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

“Fee-hee-hee-ny!” If you recognize that call, you know this actor’s most iconic role as Mr. Feeny from “Boy Meets World.”

But his career encompasses so much more, including voicing KITT in “Knight Rider” and winning two Emmys for “St. Elsewhere.”

His distinctive voice and commanding presence made him perfect for authority figures and wise mentors.

10. Bonnie Bartlett – Turning 97

Bonnie Bartlett - Turning 97
Image Credit: Louise Palanker from Los Angeles/Santa Barbara, USA, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Emmy Awards came in pairs for this talented actress who won back-to-back trophies for her role as Ellen Craig on “St. Elsewhere.” Her nuanced performances brought depth and authenticity to every character she portrayed.

Married to fellow actor William Daniels for over seven decades, they’ve become one of Hollywood’s most enduring couples.

She continued acting well into her eighties, appearing in shows like “Boy Meets World” and “Girl Meets World.”

11. James Hong – Turning 97

James Hong - Turning 97
Image Credit: Eric Chan, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

With over 650 acting credits, this hardworking performer holds one of the longest careers in Hollywood history.

From “Blade Runner” to “Big Trouble in Little China” and “Kung Fu Panda,” he’s been a familiar face across generations.

Breaking barriers for Asian American actors, he co-founded the East West Players theater company to create opportunities for underrepresented performers.

12. Clint Eastwood – Turning 96

Clint Eastwood - Turning 96
Image Credit: Raffi Asdourian, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Go ahead, make his day by celebrating this iconic actor and director who defined the tough-guy persona for multiple generations.

From spaghetti westerns to “Dirty Harry” and Oscar-winning films like “Unforgiven” and “Million Dollar Baby,” his influence is immeasurable.

Still directing films in his nineties, he shows no signs of slowing down. His gravelly voice and steely gaze became synonymous with American cinema itself.

13. Tippi Hedren – Turning 96

Tippi Hedren - Turning 96
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

Alfred Hitchcock discovered this stunning model and transformed her into a star in “The Birds” and “Marnie.”

Though her relationship with the director was complicated, her performances remain haunting and powerful decades later.

After Hollywood, she became a passionate animal rights activist, founding the Roar Foundation and Shambala Preserve. Her dedication to protecting big cats has saved countless lives.

14. Robert Duvall – Turning 95

Robert Duvall - Turning 95
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

From “The Godfather” to “Apocalypse Now” and his Oscar-winning performance in “Tender Mercies,” this actor brought intensity and authenticity to every role.

His portrayal of Tom Hagen remains one of cinema’s most memorable consigliere characters.

With seven Academy Award nominations and countless other accolades, he’s remained selective about his projects, always choosing quality over quantity.

15. William Shatner – Turning 95

William Shatner - Turning 95
Image Credit: Super Festivals from Ft. Lauderdale, USA, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Space, the final frontier, became forever associated with this actor’s iconic portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk in “Star Trek.”

His dramatic pauses and unique delivery style became instantly recognizable and frequently parodied. Beyond the Enterprise, he enjoyed success in “Boston Legal,” winning Emmy and Golden Globe awards.

He even became the oldest person to travel to space at age 90 aboard Blue Origin!

16. Barbara Bain – Turning 95

Barbara Bain - Turning 95
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

Three consecutive Emmy Awards for “Mission: Impossible” established this actress as a television powerhouse in the 1960s.

Her portrayal of Cinnamon Carter combined intelligence, beauty, and strength in ways rarely seen for female characters at that time.

She later starred in “Space: 1999” alongside her then-husband Martin Landau, continuing to break ground for women in science fiction.

17. Rita Moreno – Turning 95

Rita Moreno - Turning 95
Image Credit: John Ferguson, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

EGOT status belongs to this Puerto Rican powerhouse who conquered every major entertainment award.

Her electric performance as Anita in “West Side Story” earned her an Oscar and cemented her place in film history forever.

Breaking barriers for Latina performers, she refused to accept stereotypical roles and fought for dignity and respect throughout her career.

Similar Posts