Actors You Won’t Believe Are Turning 60 Next Year

Some of the most familiar faces on screens big and small are hitting a milestone next year, and it can be surprising when you line up their debut roles with the characters they play today. These actors have carried comedies, anchored dramas, and headlined action hits while popping up in projects that span indie darlings and blockbuster franchises. Many of them also produce or direct, and a few have built careers that cross into writing and philanthropy. Here are the men celebrating six decades of life with filmographies that just keep growing.

Adam Sandler

Adam Sandler built a comedy empire through sketch work that launched him into star status and a string of box office hits. He expanded his range with acclaimed dramatic turns while continuing to headline crowd pleasing comedies for theatrical and streaming releases. His Happy Madison banner produces films and shows for a rotating circle of collaborators. He also tours regularly with live stand up and music driven sets that sell out large venues.

David Schwimmer

David Schwimmer became a household name through the ensemble of ‘Friends’ and has continued to work steadily across television, stage, and voice acting. He has directed for television and theater, adding behind the camera credits to his career. His voice is familiar to family audiences from the ‘Madagascar’ films and specials. He is also active in advocacy and arts education through various organizations and partnerships.

John Cusack

John Cusack moved from teen comedies into mature dramas and thrillers while maintaining a distinctive on screen persona. He has collaborated with noted directors and writers on projects that range from cult favorites to literary adaptations. His producing work has helped shepherd passion projects to the screen. He frequently appears at film festivals and genre conventions that celebrate his long running catalogue.

Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer Sutherland is closely associated with the action packed real time format of ’24’ where he played an iconic counterterrorism agent. He has alternated television leads with character roles in films that span horror, westerns, and political thrillers. A seasoned stage actor, he has performed in theater productions in London and on Broadway. He also records and tours as a singer songwriter with several albums to his name.

Patrick Dempsey

Patrick Dempsey became a global star as a leading doctor on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and has since balanced television commitments with film roles and endorsements. He appears in romantic comedies, action films, and voice cameos that keep him visible to broad audiences. Off screen he is known for competitive auto racing and participates in major endurance events. He devotes time to charitable work through a foundation that supports cancer patients and their families.

Billy Zane

Billy Zane is remembered for his suave villain in ‘Titanic’ and has continued to pivot between mainstream releases and independent films. He often lends his presence to action and noir inspired projects while taking on art driven collaborations. Zane has produced films and dabbled in visual art with gallery showings. He also makes frequent guest appearances on television series across genres.

Stephen Baldwin

Stephen Baldwin broke out with ensemble crime hit ‘The Usual Suspects’ and has acted in comedies, thrillers, and faith based projects. He has appeared on reality television and talk shows that highlight his personal interests and viewpoints. Baldwin has producing and directing credits on smaller independent ventures. He also participates in public speaking engagements and charitable events.

Jon Favreau

Jon Favreau began as an actor in comedies like ‘Swingers’ and parlayed that into a powerhouse directing and producing career. He helped shape modern blockbuster franchises with ambitious visual effects work while continuing to take on supporting roles. Favreau created the technology forward virtual production approach popularized on ‘The Mandalorian’. He remains a creative force at the intersection of filmmaking, television, and cutting edge production techniques.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Jeffrey Dean Morgan is widely recognized for his charismatic presence on ‘The Walking Dead’ where he portrays a complex antagonist turned ally. He has led network dramas and appeared in comic book adaptations on both film and television. Morgan often works with genre projects that build passionate fan communities. He and his family operate a popular candy store and coffee shop in Rhinebeck, New York.

C. Thomas Howell

C. Thomas Howell rose to fame with ‘The Outsiders’ and has maintained a steady career across film, television, and voice work. He appears in action films, thrillers, and procedurals while also directing smaller projects. Howell frequently attends fan conventions tied to classic coming of age films and cult television. He has embraced streaming era roles with guest spots and recurring parts on popular series.

Jason Patric

Jason Patric broke through with ‘The Lost Boys’ and followed it with gritty dramas and action features. He has built a reputation for intense performances in both independent cinema and studio projects. Patric has worked on stage productions that showcase his dramatic range. He continues to select roles that favor character depth over spectacle.

Greg Grunberg

Greg Grunberg is best known for ensemble hits like ‘Heroes’ and for recurring roles in major franchises. He frequently collaborates with longtime friend J J Abrams with appearances in projects that reach wide audiences. Grunberg also hosts and supports charity events, often connected to health causes. He maintains a presence in voice acting and podcasting alongside on screen work.

Toby Jones

Toby Jones is a highly respected character actor with memorable turns in ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ and the ‘Harry Potter’ series. He moves easily between prestige television, theater, and major film franchises. Jones provides distinguished voice performances for animation and narration. He has earned numerous accolades from British and international awards bodies for his versatile work.

Dean Cain

Dean Cain became a familiar face as Clark Kent on ‘Lois and Clark’ and has since worked on a wide array of television movies and series. He appears frequently on talk shows and reality programs that align with his interests. Cain also serves as a host or commentator for sports and entertainment specials. He supports various charitable initiatives and engages with fans at conventions.

Michael Imperioli

Michael Imperioli is celebrated for his layered performance on ‘The Sopranos’ and has continued to shape crime and drama roles on television. He writes and directs, contributing scripts and independent films that highlight his creative voice. Imperioli co hosts a popular rewatch podcast that explores behind the scenes stories with castmates. He is active in theater and often participates in readings and stage projects in New York.

Zahn McClarnon

Zahn McClarnon is known for standout television roles that include scene stealing turns in ‘Fargo’, ‘Westworld’, and ‘Longmire’. He leads ‘Dark Winds’ while also serving as an executive producer on the series. His recent work connects prestige drama with genre projects through appearances in ‘Hawkeye’ and ‘Echo’. He regularly supports Native storytellers and collaborates on productions that center Indigenous perspectives.

Neal McDonough

Neal McDonough built a prolific resume across film and television with memorable work in ‘Band of Brothers’, ‘Yellowstone’, and ‘Desperate Housewives’. He appears in both Marvel and DC projects, including roles tied to ‘Captain America’ and the Arrowverse. McDonough often balances intense antagonists with principled authority figures in procedurals and thrillers. He also produces indie features with frequent collaborators and takes on voice roles in animated titles.

Alexis Denisof

Alexis Denisof is widely recognized for playing Wesley Wyndam Pryce across ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Angel’. He pops up in sitcoms like ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and makes guest appearances in genre shows that reward long time fans. Denisof has stage credits in the UK and the US that complement his on screen work. He regularly joins reunion events and podcasts that explore the legacy of cult television.

Dexter Fletcher

Dexter Fletcher established himself as an actor in British film and TV before moving into high profile directing. He appeared in ensemble hits like ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ and contributed to ‘Band of Brothers’. Behind the camera he delivered acclaimed music driven biopics and stepped in on large scale productions that needed steady leadership. He continues to act while shepherding new projects through his production partnerships.

Jason Flemyng

Jason Flemyng is a go to British character actor with credits in ‘Snatch’, ‘Layer Cake’, and ‘X-Men: First Class’. He works frequently with directors like Guy Ritchie and Matthew Vaughn while moving easily between UK television and Hollywood films. Flemyng speaks French and has performed in multiple French language features. He maintains a steady stage presence and often returns to theater between screen projects.

Vincent Cassel

Vincent Cassel broke out in French cinema before taking on international roles in films like ‘Black Swan’ and the ‘Ocean’s’ series. He earned major awards attention in France and continues to headline auteur driven projects. Cassel alternates between European arthouse dramas and stylish thrillers with global distribution. He also lends his voice and likeness to animation and prestige series work.

Olivier Martinez

Olivier Martinez gained early recognition in French cinema and later appeared in English language hits like ‘Unfaithful’ and ‘S.W.A.T.’. He trained at the Conservatoire national supérieur d’art dramatique in Paris before transitioning to international productions. Martinez splits time between European and US projects with a focus on crime dramas and romantic thrillers. He remains active on television with recurring parts that spotlight his bilingual range.

Jonathan Silverman

Jonathan Silverman anchored big screen comedies like ‘Weekend at Bernie’s’ and led the sitcom ‘The Single Guy’. He keeps a busy slate of guest roles across network comedies and streaming dramas. Silverman frequently appears in made for TV movies and indie features that tour festival circuits. He also collaborates behind the scenes on projects with longtime friends from his early studio era.

Jason Scott Lee

Jason Scott Lee earned acclaim portraying Bruce Lee in ‘Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story’ and led Disney’s live action ‘The Jungle Book’. He continues to blend action and drama through roles that draw on martial arts training. Lee works across film, television, and voice acting for animated projects. He spends time in Hawaii supporting cultural initiatives and outdoor conservation programs.

Gary Dourdan

Gary Dourdan is best known as Warrick Brown on ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’ and has recurring roles in series across crime and sci fi. He tours internationally with music performances and contributes to soundtracks. Dourdan appears in indie thrillers and European coproductions that keep his filmography varied. He engages with fan conventions and mentoring programs for young artists.

Rainn Wilson

Rainn Wilson became a household name as Dwight Schrute on ‘The Office’ and later expanded into documentaries and podcasts. He leads and produces offbeat comedies while also tackling dramatic guest roles on streaming shows. Wilson writes books on creativity and purpose and co founded a nonprofit focused on education initiatives. He frequently speaks about mental well being and arts access at universities and festivals.

Luke Perry

Luke Perry rose to teen idol status on ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ and later reached new audiences on ‘Riverdale’. His feature film appearances ranged from action and westerns to a final turn in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. Perry’s voice acting included animated series tied to comic book properties. His legacy includes mentorship of younger casts and extensive charitable work remembered by colleagues.

Andy Richter

Andy Richter parlayed his breakthrough as Conan O’Brien’s on air partner into sitcoms like ‘Andy Richter Controls the Universe’ and a steady stream of film cameos. He writes, produces, and hosts podcasts while continuing stand up and panel appearances. Richter’s voice credits include animated favorites and family features. He also guest hosts game shows and specials that tap into his improvisational comfort.

Dean McDermott

Dean McDermott is known for roles in Canadian and US television including a fan favorite turn on ‘Due South’. He hosted ‘Chopped Canada’ and appears regularly in reality and lifestyle programming. McDermott continues to act in holiday movies and crime dramas for cable networks. He also works in cooking and live events that connect entertainment with food culture.

Jamie McShane

Jamie McShane has carved out a niche in gritty series like ‘Sons of Anarchy’, ‘Southland’, and ‘Bloodline’. He appears in the ‘Thor’ and ‘The Avengers’ films as a recurring agent and turns up in ‘Wednesday’ and ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’. McShane’s resume includes ‘Gone Girl’ and award season television that showcases his understated style. He is a frequent presence in procedural dramas where his guest arcs become pivotal to season plots.

Matthew Fox

Matthew Fox led ensemble drama ‘Lost’ and later fronted gritty limited series and thrillers after a break from television. He trained at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and started with modeling and commercials before landing steady TV work. Fox has appeared in survival themed films and Westerns that lean into his intense screen presence. He also supports environmental causes and outdoor charities connected to wilderness preservation.

Mike O’Malley

Mike O’Malley moved from game show hosting to sitcoms and award nominated work on ‘Glee’. He created and showran ‘Survivor’s Remorse’ while continuing to act across network comedies and sports themed dramas. O’Malley is also a playwright whose shows have been staged in regional theaters. He frequently collaborates with Boston sports organizations for charitable events and youth programs.

Toby Huss

Toby Huss is a versatile character actor known for ‘King of the Hill’, ‘Halt and Catch Fire’, and scene stealing roles in dark comedies and thrillers. He has an extensive voice acting resume alongside live action work in indie films and prestige TV. Huss often performs original music and offbeat characters developed during early stage days. He appears regularly at festivals that highlight cult television and comedy.

Peter DeLuise

Peter DeLuise first broke out on ’21 Jump Street’ and later became a key creative force behind ‘Stargate’ series episodes as a director and producer. He has helmed numerous TV movies and genre hours, especially in science fiction and family adventure. DeLuise frequently makes cameo appearances in projects he directs. He also mentors emerging filmmakers through workshops tied to film schools and conventions.

Diedrich Bader

Diedrich Bader balances on screen comedy with prolific voice work in superhero animation and family series. He has starred in workplace comedies and contributed memorable turns in cult favorites like ‘Office Space’ and ‘Napoleon Dynamite’. Bader regularly voices iterations of Batman across animated shows and films. He supports arts education programs that bring acting and improv to public schools.

Mark Gatiss

Mark Gatiss co created ‘Sherlock’, wrote multiple ‘Doctor Who’ episodes, and acts across stage and screen in everything from period dramas to horror anthologies. He began with the comedy troupe behind ‘The League of Gentlemen’, which led to BAFTA winning work. Gatiss publishes fiction and non fiction with a focus on Victorian and Gothic themes. He also directs theater productions at major London venues.

Gary Anthony Williams

Gary Anthony Williams is a staple of animation and improv known for ‘The Boondocks’, ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway’, and a steady stream of sitcom guest roles. He appears in live action comedies and genre projects while voicing characters in games and feature cartoons. Williams is a regular at improv festivals and teaches workshops on character building. He frequently supports charity shows that raise funds for community arts.

Matthew Lillard

Matthew Lillard jumped from breakout teen movies to enduring genre status with ‘Scream’ and long running voice work as Shaggy in ‘Scooby Doo’ projects. He co founded a tabletop gaming company and often appears at gaming conventions. Lillard directs and produces indie features along with episodic television. He engages with fans through charity streams and community fundraisers.

Paul Blackthorne

Paul Blackthorne built a television career on procedural and fantasy series with leads in ‘The Dresden Files’ and a long run on ‘Arrow’. He began in commercials and British television before moving to US network dramas. Blackthorne’s photography exhibits have raised funds for conservation and humanitarian causes. He frequently participates in charity soccer matches and fan events tied to superhero shows.

Toby Stephens

Toby Stephens is known for stage acclaim with the Royal Shakespeare Company and screen roles in ‘Die Another Day’ and ‘Black Sails’. He fronts action adventure series and period dramas while maintaining a steady theater schedule. Stephens records audiobooks and high profile radio plays. He often works on productions alongside family members who are prominent in British theater.

John Carroll Lynch

John Carroll Lynch is a respected character actor with memorable turns in ‘Fargo’, ‘Zodiac’, and ‘The Founder’. He alternates between film, prestige TV, and limited series true crime projects. Lynch has directed features and stage productions that focus on psychologically rich characters. He is active in actor training programs and film festival juries.

Mark Dacascos

Mark Dacascos blends martial arts expertise with acting roles in action thrillers and television, and he’s recognizable as the Chairman on ‘Iron Chef America’. He performs complex fight choreography and often serves as a second unit action director. Dacascos appears in international productions across Europe and Asia. He supports youth martial arts programs and anti bullying initiatives.

Coby Bell

Coby Bell became a familiar face on ‘Third Watch’ and later co led ensemble hits like ‘Burn Notice’ and ‘The Game’. He appears regularly in superhero and procedural series with recurring law enforcement roles. Bell also works as a producer on independent projects. He mentors young actors through workshops and charity organizations.

Kevin Corrigan

Kevin Corrigan is a go to character actor with credits across indie gems and mainstream comedies, including ‘Pineapple Express’ and ‘Superbad’. He began in New York’s independent film scene and has maintained long term collaborations with notable directors. Corrigan plays recurring roles on acclaimed television dramas and comedies. He is also a musician who performs in small venues and collaborative projects.

Alessandro Nivola

Alessandro Nivola moves between prestige dramas and crime stories with roles in films like ‘American Hustle’ and ‘The Many Saints of Newark’. He produces independent features with his partner and appears frequently on Broadway and Off Broadway stages. Nivola’s work includes art house projects alongside studio releases. He is active in arts education efforts that connect theater programs to public schools.

Share your picks in the comments and tell us who else surprised you by hitting the big six zero next year.