Actors With 30+ Years of Continuous Credits (No Big Gaps)

Staying on screen year after year takes discipline, luck, and a knack for choosing the next project, and these men have kept working without long pauses for decades. Their filmographies stretch across eras, formats, and genres, with steady appearances in theaters and on television that make their careers easy to trace from one role to the next. You can follow them through franchise turns, awards runs, and surprising detours, and there is always another credit right behind the last one. Here are fifteen examples of careers that never really took a breather.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks moved from sitcom work to features and never looked back, maintaining a steady stream of roles across comedies, dramas, and historical stories. He anchored cultural touchstones like ‘Forrest Gump’ and ‘Saving Private Ryan’ while voicing Woody throughout multiple ‘Toy Story’ entries. He balances leading roles with producing and directing, which keeps his name in credits even between major releases. Long partnerships with filmmakers such as Robert Zemeckis and Steven Spielberg helped sustain that continuity.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington transitioned from ‘St. Elsewhere’ to headlining films and has kept a reliable output across thrillers, biopics, and action. His work includes ‘Glory’, ‘Malcolm X’, and the ‘The Equalizer’ series, alongside frequent collaborations with director Antoine Fuqua. He alternates between studio projects and character driven dramas, ensuring there is always a new credit on deck. Washington also directs, adding behind the camera credits that further extend his continuous presence.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson appears in multiple films almost every year, ranging from indie dramas to the Marvel saga. His credits include ‘Pulp Fiction’, recurring appearances as Nick Fury, and long running partnerships with Quentin Tarantino. He mixes franchise cameos with leads and supporting turns, which keeps the gaps between releases tiny. Voice roles in projects like ‘The Incredibles’ also contribute to that steady stream.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise has headlined blockbusters and character pieces without any long breaks, often producing his own films to keep momentum. The ‘Mission Impossible’ series provides recurring credits while he slots in other titles like ‘Jerry Maguire’, ‘Minority Report’, and ‘Top Gun’ continuations. He is known for scheduling demanding productions back to back, which shows up in the regularity of his releases. Collaborations with directors like Christopher McQuarrie have reinforced that rhythm.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves moved from early comedies and dramas to action mainstays and has kept the pipeline full across decades. ‘Speed’ and ‘The Matrix’ solidified his status, and the ‘John Wick’ series gave him a consistent run of modern action credits. He often takes parts in smaller projects and voice roles alongside the big titles, which fills out his yearly appearances. Reeves also works in adjacent media like games, adding to his ongoing credit list.

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage has one of the most prolific filmographies in modern acting, with releases landing almost every year. He has credits spanning ‘Leaving Las Vegas’, ‘Adaptation’, and a wide range of genre films that arrive with impressive frequency. The balance of independent productions and studio projects keeps his schedule packed. Voice work in titles like ‘Spider Man Into the Spider Verse’ adds yet another reliable thread.

Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman has maintained steady visibility through character roles, franchise parts, and awards contenders. His credits include ‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula’, ‘The Dark Knight’ trilogy, and ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’, with continuing work in prestige television as well. He frequently teams with directors like Christopher Nolan, which creates recurring opportunities. That mix of supporting and leading roles ensures minimal space between appearances.

Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe works across arthouse and mainstream projects and rarely goes a year without a credit. He shifted from early work with directors like William Friedkin and Oliver Stone to modern runs that include ‘Spider Man’ and ‘The Lighthouse’. International productions and festival favorites keep his calendar dense even outside major studio cycles. He also returns to roles within long running series, adding repeat credits over time.

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt steadily alternates between leading roles and ensemble parts, keeping consistent credits across thrillers, dramas, and comedies. His filmography includes ‘Se7en’, ‘Fight Club’, ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’, and ongoing work through his production company Plan B. Producing adds additional credits in years with fewer acting releases. He often pairs with top directors, which results in a regular cadence of high profile projects.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp has kept a constant presence from television beginnings to blockbuster franchises and smaller character pieces. He is closely associated with ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ while also turning up in ‘Edward Scissorhands’, ‘Donnie Brasco’, and numerous collaborations with Tim Burton. Music projects and international films supplement his screen work. This breadth helps maintain yearly visibility across markets.

Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan has logged credits in Hong Kong cinema and Hollywood for decades, often releasing multiple films within the same calendar year. His work includes the ‘Police Story’ series, ‘Drunken Master’, and ‘Rush Hour’, alongside frequent voice roles in family titles. He produces and directs many projects, which keeps his name in credits beyond acting. International co productions ensure a continuous flow of releases across regions.

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson built a long run that moves from prestige dramas to action thrillers without long pauses. His credits include ‘Schindler’s List’, ‘Taken’, and a recurring role as Qui Gon Jinn in the ‘Star Wars’ universe through voice and cameo appearances. He accepts a mix of mid budget action films and ensemble dramas, which sustains annual output. Voice narration and television lend additional continuity.

Pierce Brosnan

Pierce Brosnan’s steady career covers television, Bond era blockbusters, and diverse character roles. His credits include ‘Remington Steele’, multiple ‘James Bond’ entries, and later work in films like ‘The Ghost Writer’ and ‘Mamma Mia’. He frequently appears in international co productions and streaming projects, which keeps releases regular. Cameos and supporting roles fill in the gaps between larger shoots.

Adam Sandler

Adam Sandler has maintained a near annual presence through studio comedies, dramatic turns, and a long running production pipeline. His credits range from ‘Happy Gilmore’ and ‘The Waterboy’ to ‘Uncut Gems’, while his company produces projects that feature him and his collaborators. Multi picture deals with streamers add reliable releases to the calendar. Occasional voice work in ‘Hotel Transylvania’ keeps his name on family titles as well.

Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan has appeared in a continuous string of Hindi films for decades, spanning leading roles, character parts, and narrator credits. He anchored classics like ‘Sholay’ and ‘Zanjeer’, then transitioned into elder statesman roles while staying consistently active. Television hosting and guest appearances add to his yearly credits. He also voices key roles and takes special appearances that maintain uninterrupted visibility.

Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro kept up a steady presence from early crime dramas to later prestige and commercial projects. His credits span ‘Taxi Driver’, ‘Raging Bull’, and ‘Goodfellas’ through to franchise and ensemble turns. He mixes starring roles with supporting parts in films like ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ and ‘Joker’. Producing and frequent collaborations with Martin Scorsese contribute to an unbroken run of appearances.

Al Pacino

Al Pacino moved from early breakout roles to a long career that includes crime sagas, courtroom dramas, and character studies. His credits include ‘The Godfather’ series, ‘Scarface’, and ‘Heat’, along with later television work. He alternates between lead roles and high profile supporting turns. That rhythm has kept him visible in both theatrical releases and streaming projects.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman has maintained consistent credits across narration, dramas, and big budget thrillers. His filmography includes ‘The Shawshank Redemption’, ‘Se7en’, and ‘Million Dollar Baby’ alongside franchise entries like ‘The Dark Knight’. Documentary narration and television appearances fill any gaps between features. He continues to work in ensemble casts that release on a regular cadence.

Anthony Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins pairs celebrated character work with steady film and television appearances. He is known for ‘The Silence of the Lambs’, historical dramas, and later prestige television. Supporting roles and cameos in large franchises maintain visibility between major parts. Painting and composing sit alongside the acting, but screen credits have remained continuous.

Michael Caine

Michael Caine has been a constant presence in British and international cinema with roles across comedies, dramas, and blockbusters. His credits stretch from early social realism to franchise work like ‘The Dark Knight’ series and he often appears in Christopher Nolan films. He balances leading roles with mentor and ensemble parts. Voice work and occasional television appearances help sustain the yearly output.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford has maintained a consistent pipeline through adventure series, science fiction, and dramas. He is closely tied to ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Indiana Jones’ while turning up in titles like ‘Blade Runner’ and ‘Witness’. Later career credits include franchise returns and television projects. Producing and ongoing collaborations keep the schedule active.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone has kept working through action franchises, writing credits, and television. He created and starred in ‘Rocky’ and ‘Rambo’, then extended that continuity with ‘Creed’ and ensemble hits like ‘The Expendables’. Guest turns and streaming series add to the annual appearances. He frequently produces or co writes, which ensures consistent credit lines.

Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan built a continuous string of Hindi film releases across romance, action, and thrillers. His credits include ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, ‘Chak De India’, and later action vehicles that dominated box offices. Cameos and special appearances in other productions help maintain constant visibility. He also produces, which keeps his name present even between leads.

Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar is known for a rapid release pace in Hindi cinema across action, comedy, and social dramas. His credits include ‘Hera Pheri’, ‘Baby’, and a long list of festival and holiday window titles. He frequently works on multiple productions in a single year. That strategy has produced a long, uninterrupted run of screen appearances.

Andy Lau

Andy Lau has one of the most prolific careers in Hong Kong cinema with constant roles and music projects. His filmography includes ‘Infernal Affairs’, historical epics, and contemporary thrillers. He alternates between leading roles and strategic supporting parts in regional co productions. Concert films and soundtrack work add further credits to an already dense output.

Tony Leung Chiu-wai

Tony Leung Chiu-wai has maintained steady work in Hong Kong and international films. His credits include ‘In the Mood for Love’, ‘Infernal Affairs’, and later entries in large scale productions. He collaborates frequently with Wong Kar Wai and appears in both arthouse and commercial projects. That range has produced consistent releases across many years.

George Clooney

George Clooney moved from television to features and kept the credits flowing as an actor, director, and producer. His work includes ‘ER’, ‘Ocean’s Eleven’, and a string of political and journalistic dramas. He often alternates acting with directing, which keeps his name on screens even between starring roles. Partnerships through his production companies contribute to that continuity.

Matt Damon

Matt Damon has sustained a steady presence through franchises, prestige dramas, and ensemble features. His credits include the ‘Bourne’ series, ‘Good Will Hunting’, and ‘The Martian’ along with frequent collaborations with directors like Steven Soderbergh. Cameos and supporting parts in high profile films keep his yearly slate active. Producing adds another thread of continuous credits.

Christian Bale

Christian Bale’s career runs from early roles to major franchise and awards season projects without long pauses. He is known for ‘American Psycho’, ‘The Dark Knight’ trilogy, and transformative performances in films like ‘The Fighter’. He balances big studio work with character driven dramas. This mix has kept new credits arriving on a regular schedule.

Donnie Yen

Donnie Yen has maintained continuous credits in Hong Kong and international action cinema as an actor, choreographer, and producer. His work includes the ‘Ip Man’ series, martial arts showcases, and appearances in global franchises. He often serves as action director, adding technical credits between starring roles. That behind the scenes and on camera blend keeps the filmography consistently active.

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood transitioned from television westerns to a steady run of film roles before expanding into directing while continuing to appear on screen. His credits span ‘Dirty Harry’, ‘Unforgiven’, and later projects where he often serves as actor producer director. He maintained visibility through collaborations with longtime crew and recurring work with Warner Bros. Even when acting less frequently, directing and producing kept his name in credits year after year.

Michael Keaton

Michael Keaton sustained a continuous presence from early comedies to later superhero and prestige titles. His filmography includes ‘Beetlejuice’, ‘Batman’, and a return to caped roles alongside biographical and ensemble projects. He alternates between features and limited series, which keeps release gaps tight. Voice roles and producer credits add to the steady flow of appearances.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman maintained uninterrupted credits through franchise work, musicals, and dramas. He is closely associated with ‘X Men’ while also headlining films like ‘The Greatest Showman’ and taking on stage to screen projects. He balances international productions with voice work and television specials. Regular tours and filmed performances contribute additional entries to his filmography.

Russell Crowe

Russell Crowe moved from Australian television to a continuous string of international features. His credits include ‘Gladiator’, ‘A Beautiful Mind’, and a mix of thrillers, historical epics, and action films. He often takes supporting roles between leads, which keeps annual output consistent. Directing and music related screen projects provide additional credits.

Ewan McGregor

Ewan McGregor has kept working steadily across independent films, studio releases, and limited series. His credits include ‘Trainspotting’, ‘Moulin Rouge’, and recurring appearances in the ‘Star Wars’ universe. He alternates feature roles with television and voice work for animation. International co productions help maintain a regular release cadence.

Jude Law

Jude Law’s career shows consistent activity through leading parts, ensemble films, and television. His filmography features ‘The Talented Mr Ripley’, franchise roles in ‘Sherlock Holmes’, and later television work in high profile limited series. He takes supporting turns between headlining projects to avoid long gaps. Voice roles and producer credits round out his continuous presence.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. sustained a long run of screen credits across comedies, dramas, and major franchises. His body of work includes ‘Chaplin’, multiple turns as Tony Stark in ‘Iron Man’, and ensemble appearances that bridge larger releases. He frequently produces, which keeps credits active alongside acting. Cameos and voice roles contribute to the consistency of his annual output.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker maintained steady appearances in films, television, and documentaries. His credits include ‘The Last King of Scotland’, roles in ‘Star Wars’ projects, and ongoing work as a producer. He often participates in festival bound features between studio releases. Narration and guest television roles ensure very few blank years.

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne kept up a continuous stream of credits from early television work to blockbuster franchises. His filmography includes ‘Boyz n the Hood’, ‘The Matrix’, and recurring roles across television drama and anthology series. He appears in voice roles for animation and video games. Producing and stage to screen projects help fill the calendar.

Patrick Stewart

Patrick Stewart has sustained an unbroken presence through theater to screen transitions, science fiction series, and films. His credits include long running work in ‘Star Trek’ alongside roles in the ‘X Men’ franchise. He continues to appear in television projects that extend existing characters. Voice acting and documentary narration keep annual credits active.

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen’s career features consistent work across stage adaptations, fantasy franchises, and contemporary dramas. He is widely associated with ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘X Men’, while also appearing in television and limited series. He contributes voice performances and documentary appearances in years between large productions. Frequent collaborations with British filmmakers support a steady release pattern.

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg has maintained continuous credits through action, comedy, and true story adaptations. His filmography includes ‘The Departed’, sports dramas, and recurring collaborations with longtime directors. He often produces films and television series, which adds additional credits each year. Brand and docu series projects further stabilize the schedule.

Gérard Depardieu

Gérard Depardieu has appeared regularly in French and international cinema over several decades. His credits include ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’, historical epics, comedies, and television miniseries. He works across multiple languages and markets, which increases the number of annual releases. Cameos and supporting roles keep the gaps between major parts minimal.

Antonio Banderas

Antonio Banderas sustained a continuous output across Spanish and English language productions. His credits include ‘Desperado’, collaborations with Pedro Almodóvar, and ongoing voice work in the ‘Puss in Boots’ line. He balances leading roles with character parts in thrillers and biographical films. Stage performances captured for screen add to the flow of credits.

Mohanlal

Mohanlal has kept up a steady run in Malayalam cinema with frequent releases and cross industry appearances. His credits cover action, drama, and historical films, along with television hosting and special cameos. He regularly headlines festival season titles and joins ensemble casts in other Indian languages. Producer roles and guest turns maintain continuity between major projects.

Share the names you think belong here next, and tell us which long running careers you have followed in the comments.