This video celebrates Hollywood icons who are not only still with us but continue to inspire, well into their 90s and even beyond 100! These stars, who witnessed the dawn of television and the rise of social media, carry a wealth of history and talent. Let’s take a look at some of these remarkable individuals:
Dick Van Dyke (99): The Ageless Entertainer
Born in 1925, Dick Van Dyke has charmed audiences for over seven decades. His journey began on Broadway, with his Tony-winning role in Bye-Bye Birdie catapulting him to fame. The 1960s saw him become a household name with The Dick Van Dyke Show, where his physical comedy earned him three Emmys. His iconic role as Bert in Mary Poppins (1964) and his enchanting performance in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) further solidified his place in film history.
Even as he approaches 100, Van Dyke’s energy remains infectious. He returned to television in the 70s with The New Dick Van Dyke Show and solved crimes in the 90s on Diagnosis: Murder. Remarkably, at 93, he danced and sang in Mary Poppins Returns. His proudest moments include The Dick Van Dyke Show and the original Mary Poppins. Despite recent travel difficulties, his humor and spirit remain undiminished.
Eva Marie Saint (100): A Study in Grace and Talent
Born in 1924, Eva Marie Saint’s path to Hollywood stardom was different. After working as an NBC page and in radio, she earned the title “the Helen Hayes of television.” Her big break came with her very first film, On the Waterfront (1954), opposite Marlon Brando, for which she won an Academy Award. Despite the psychological tactics used by director Elia Kazan and Brando’s pranks, Saint delivered a powerful performance.
In 1959, Alfred Hitchcock reinvented her for North by Northwest, coaching her on everything from wardrobe to her delivery, resulting in another iconic role. Saint was known for carefully selecting her roles, appearing in about 20 films, including Exodus and The Russians Are Coming the Russians are Coming. Her personal life was equally remarkable, with a 65-year marriage to director Jeffrey Hayden. At 100, she is the oldest living Academy Award winner and a vital link to cinema’s golden age.
Mel Brooks (98): The Enduring King of Comedy
Born in 1926, Mel Brooks has been making audiences laugh for nearly a century. An EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), his comedic genius was recently recognized with an honorary Oscar in 2024. Brooks started as a writer for Your Show of Shows, where he and Carl Reiner created the hit “2,000-Year-Old Man” act. He turned a musical about Hitler into the Oscar-winning film The Producers, later a Broadway sensation.
The 1970s were his golden decade, with releases like Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. Beyond comedy, he founded Brooks Films, producing serious works like The Elephant Man. His 41-year marriage to Anne Bancroft was filled with humor. Nearing 100, Brooks remains active, releasing a memoir in 2021 and History of the World Part Two on Hulu in 2023.
James Hong (95+): A Trailblazer for Asian-American Actors
Born in 1929 to Chinese immigrants, James Hong pursued acting despite an engineering degree. Facing limited and stereotypical roles, he co-founded East West Players, a theater group that became crucial for Asian-American actors. His career took off in the 1950s with supporting roles alongside legends like Clark Gable.
Hong’s versatility became his hallmark. The 1980s brought iconic roles in Big Trouble in Little China and Blade Runner. His distinctive voice graced characters in Mulan and Kung Fu Panda. Even in his 90s, he continued voice work and, at 93, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a SAG Award for Everything Everywhere All at Once. He remains an advocate for young Asian talent.
Elizabeth Waldo (106): A Pioneer in Musical Preservation
Born in 1918, Elizabeth Waldo’s early musical talent led her to tour with the All-American Youth Orchestra, sparking a passion for preserving diverse musical cultures. Her film career included contributions to soundtracks like Doctor Zhivago. Groundbreaking albums like Maracatu and Realm of the Incas showcased her global music passion.
In the 1970s and 80s, she scored films and embraced Chinese music, forming a pan-Asian ensemble. Deeply committed to education, she founded a cultural center in California. Well into her 90s, she continued composing. At 106, she is a living link to Hollywood’s golden age and a pioneer in musical preservation.
Jacqueline White (102): Understated Elegance, Lasting Impact
Born in 1922, Jacqueline White left a distinct mark on 1940s Hollywood. Discovered at 17, she signed with MGM and later RKO. Standout films include Crossfire and Banjo. However, The Narrow Margin (1952) sealed her legacy. Interestingly, she had already left Hollywood when she was brought back for this film, which became a noir masterpiece.
At just 28, White chose family over fame, raising five children in Wyoming and enjoying a marriage of over 50 years. In her later years, rare festival appearances allowed new generations to discover her work. Now 102, her understated yet unforgettable performances continue to captivate, proving that a brief but brilliant career can have a lasting impact.
These remarkable individuals are more than just stars; they are living testaments to enduring talent, passion, and the magic of Hollywood. Their stories remind us that age is just a number when it comes to leaving an indelible mark on the world.
