45 Actresses You Won’t Believe Are Turning 70 Next Year

Time flies in Hollywood, and many stars who defined the landscape of film and television over the last few decades are reaching a major milestone. The year 1956 was a remarkable one for talent, producing a diverse group of women who have excelled in drama, comedy, and stage performance. These actresses have garnered Academy Awards, Emmys, and global recognition while entertaining audiences for nearly half a century. As we look toward 2026, it is surprising to realize that these enduring icons are preparing to celebrate their 70th birthdays.

Geena Davis

Geena Davis is an Academy Award winner known for her striking presence and versatility in films like ‘Thelma & Louise’ and ‘A League of Their Own’. She began her career with a memorable role in ‘Tootsie’ before cementing her status as a Hollywood lead in ‘The Fly’ and ‘Beetlejuice’. Beyond her acting career, she is a tireless advocate for gender equality in media through her own research institute. Davis continues to influence the industry by highlighting the importance of representation for women and girls.

Kim Cattrall

Best known for her iconic role as the unapologetic publicist Samantha Jones in ‘Sex and the City’, Kim Cattrall has had a prolific career spanning decades. She first gained major attention in 1980s cult classics such as ‘Mannequin’ and ‘Big Trouble in Little China’. Her performance in the hit HBO series earned her a Golden Globe and multiple Emmy nominations, solidifying her place in pop culture history. Recently, she has continued to showcase her range in series like ‘Glamorous’ and ‘How I Met Your Father’.

Linda Hamilton

Linda Hamilton redefined the action heroine archetype with her legendary performance as Sarah Connor in ‘The Terminator’ franchise. Her physical transformation and intense portrayal in ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ set a new standard for women in science fiction cinema. She also captivated television audiences in the beloved series ‘Beauty and the Beast’, earning Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Hamilton remains a celebrated figure at fan conventions and recently returned to her most famous role in ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’.

Imelda Staunton

This powerhouse British actress is revered for her ability to play everything from sympathetic working-class women to terrifying villains. Imelda Staunton gained international infamy as the strict and saccharine Dolores Umbridge in the ‘Harry Potter’ film series. Her dramatic chops were fully displayed in ‘Vera Drake’, a role that earned her a BAFTA and an Oscar nomination. She recently took on the daunting task of portraying Queen Elizabeth II in the final seasons of the acclaimed drama ‘The Crown’.

Sela Ward

Sela Ward became a television staple with her sophisticated performances in hit dramas like ‘Sisters’ and ‘Once and Again’. She has a knack for playing strong, complex women, which won her two Primetime Emmy Awards during her career. Later roles included a tough-as-nails investigator on ‘CSI: NY’ and a brief but memorable tenure as the President in ‘Independence Day: Resurgence’. Her elegance and talent have kept her a favorite among TV viewers for over thirty years.

Dana Delany

Dana Delany first captured hearts as the dedicated army nurse Colleen McMurphy in the gritty Vietnam War drama ‘China Beach’. This breakthrough role earned her two Emmy Awards and established her as a leading television actress. She later found success on ‘Desperate Housewives’ and starred as a brilliant medical examiner in ‘Body of Proof’. Delany is also well-known in the animation world for providing the voice of Lois Lane in ‘Superman: The Animated Series’.

Joan Allen

Renowned for her steely grace and emotional depth, Joan Allen has been a formidable presence on both stage and screen. She received Academy Award nominations for her performances in ‘Nixon’, ‘The Crucible’, and ‘The Contender’. Action fans recognize her as Pamela Landy in the ‘Bourne’ film franchise, where she brought intelligence and gravity to the spy thriller genre. Allen began her career in theater as a member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, winning a Tony Award early in her journey.

Mimi Rogers

Mimi Rogers is a versatile actress who has worked steadily in both independent films and major blockbusters since the 1980s. She gained early recognition for her role in the crime thriller ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’ and later appeared in the ‘Austin Powers’ franchise. Television audiences know her from her recurring role as a high-powered attorney in the series ‘Bosch’. Rogers is also a competitive poker player and has maintained a consistent presence in Hollywood for decades.

Ann Dowd

For years a respected character actress, Ann Dowd achieved massive acclaim later in her career for her role in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Her terrifying yet complex portrayal of Aunt Lydia earned her a Primetime Emmy Award and global recognition. Before this breakout success, she delivered a chilling performance in the independent film ‘Compliance’ that garnered critical buzz. Dowd continues to be one of the most compelling performers working in television today.

Bo Derek

Bo Derek became an instant international icon and sex symbol with her breakthrough performance in the 1979 film ’10’. Her slow-motion running scene and braided hair defined a specific era of pop culture style. She subsequently starred in films directed by her late husband John Derek, including ‘Tarzan, the Ape Man’ and ‘Bolero’. In recent years, she has appeared in the ‘Sharknado’ franchise and remains an active animal rights activist.

Rita Wilson

While she is a successful actress in her own right, Rita Wilson is also a prolific producer and singer-songwriter. She appeared in movies like ‘Sleepless in Seattle’, ‘Jingle All the Way’, and ‘Runaway Bride’, often bringing warmth and humor to her roles. As a producer, she was the driving force behind the massive hit ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’. Wilson continues to tour as a musician and acts in various film and television projects.

Maureen McCormick

Maureen McCormick is forever etched in television history as the eldest daughter Marcia Brady on the sitcom ‘The Brady Bunch’. Growing up on screen, she became one of the most recognizable teen idols of the 1970s. She has since appeared in numerous reality shows, famously winning accolades on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!’. McCormick continues to engage with her fanbase and celebrate the enduring legacy of the show that made her famous.

Cherry Jones

A titan of the American stage, Cherry Jones has won multiple Tony Awards for her work in Broadway productions like ‘The Heiress’ and ‘Doubt’. She translated her theatrical command to television with her Emmy-winning role as President Allison Taylor in ’24’. Recently, she has appeared in prestige dramas such as ‘Succession’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Jones is widely respected by peers for her intense dedication to the craft of acting.

Delta Burke

Delta Burke charmed audiences as the beauty queen Suzanne Sugarbaker in the hit sitcom ‘Designing Women’. Her comedic timing and portrayal of the self-absorbed but lovable character earned her two Emmy nominations. Throughout her career, she has been open about her personal struggles, becoming an advocate for mental health and weight inclusivity. Burke has also guest-starred on numerous shows and remains a beloved figure in television comedy history.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph is experiencing a major career renaissance with her Emmy-winning role as Barbara Howard on ‘Abbott Elementary’. She originally broke through in the original Broadway production of ‘Dreamgirls’, earning a Tony nomination for her performance as Deena Jones. Her extensive career includes roles in ‘Moesha’ and ‘Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit’. Ralph is celebrated not just for her acting but also for her decades of activism in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Lisa Eilbacher

Lisa Eilbacher is best remembered for her roles in some of the biggest hits of the 1980s. She played the female lead in ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ alongside Eddie Murphy and appeared as a naval officer in the romantic drama ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’. Although she stepped away from the limelight in the mid-90s, her performances remain staples of 80s cinema. Eilbacher started her career as a child actor, appearing in classic shows like ‘Gunsmoke’ and ‘Bonanza’.

Stephanie Zimbalist

Stephanie Zimbalist became a household name starring opposite Pierce Brosnan in the popular detective series ‘Remington Steele’. Her portrayal of the intelligent and resourceful Laura Holt gained her a loyal following during the 1980s. She is part of an acting dynasty, being the daughter of famed actor Efrem Zimbalist Jr. Throughout her career, she has remained active in theater, performing in plays across the United States.

Mel Harris

Mel Harris is best known for her role as Hope Murdoch in the groundbreaking drama ‘thirtysomething’. Her performance as a calm and centered woman balancing career and family resonated with a generation of viewers. In 1989, she was named one of America’s most beautiful women by Harper’s Bazaar. Harris has continued to act in television movies and series, including credits on ‘Shut Eye’ and ‘Imposters’.

Catherine Hicks

Catherine Hicks is widely recognized for her role as Annie Camden, the matriarch on the long-running family drama ‘7th Heaven’. Before that, she played the marine biologist in ‘Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home’, a favorite among sci-fi fans. She also famously portrayed the doll-buying mother in the original horror classic ‘Child’s Play’. Hicks has enjoyed a steady career in television movies and remains a familiar face to audiences of all ages.

Lesley Manville

A frequent collaborator with director Mike Leigh, Lesley Manville is an acclaimed British actress known for her incredible range. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role as the formidable Cyril in ‘Phantom Thread’. Manville also delighted audiences as the joyful fairy Flittle in ‘Maleficent’ and portrayed Princess Margaret in ‘The Crown’. Her stage work is equally impressive, having won an Olivier Award for her performance in ‘Ghosts’.

Juliet Stevenson

Juliet Stevenson is a celebrated British actress known for her emotionally resonant performances in film and theater. She garnered BAFTA nominations for her breakout role in ‘Truly, Madly, Deeply’, acting alongside Alan Rickman. Her career includes memorable roles in ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ and ‘Emma’. Stevenson is also a renowned voice actor, having narrated numerous audiobooks and documentaries throughout her career.

Adriana Barraza

Adriana Barraza is a distinguished Mexican actress and acting coach who achieved international fame for her work with director Alejandro González Iñárritu. Her powerful performance in the film ‘Babel’ earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She has appeared in major productions like ‘Thor’ and ‘Drag Me to Hell’ while continuing to work in Latin American television. Barraza operates her own acting school in Miami, training the next generation of talent.

Debbi Morgan

Debbi Morgan made history as the first African American actress to win a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role in ‘All My Children’. She played the beloved character Angie Hubbard for decades across multiple soap operas. Beyond daytime TV, she garnered critical acclaim for her role in the film ‘Eve’s Bayou’. Morgan continues to act in primetime series, recently appearing in ‘Power’ and ‘Our Kind of People’.

Janet Hubert

Janet Hubert is famously known for her role as the original Vivian Banks on the hit sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’. Her portrayal of the strict but loving aunt was integral to the show’s early success and chemistry. After years of controversy regarding her departure, she recently reconciled with Will Smith during the show’s reunion special. Hubert has since returned to television with roles in ‘Love Life’ and ‘The Last O.G.’.

Jackée Harry

Jackée Harry became the first African American to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in ‘227’. Her portrayal of the glamorous and humorous Sandra Clark made her a breakout star of the 1980s. She later introduced herself to a new generation as the adoptive mother on the sitcom ‘Sister, Sister’. Harry continues to be a fixture on television, currently starring in the soap opera ‘Days of Our Lives’.

Jerry Hall

Jerry Hall rose to fame as one of the most successful supermodels of the 1970s before transitioning into acting. She appeared in Tim Burton’s ‘Batman’ as the Joker’s girlfriend and had stage roles in productions like ‘The Graduate’ and ‘Bus Stop’. Her high-profile relationships, including her long partnership with Mick Jagger, often kept her in the headlines. Hall remains a style icon and occasionally appears on the runway and in television specials.

Cynthia Rhodes

Cynthia Rhodes is best known for her dynamic dance roles in some of the most popular films of the 1980s. She played the instructor Penny Johnson in ‘Dirty Dancing’ and appeared in ‘Flashdance’ and ‘Staying Alive’. She was also the lead singer of the pop group Animotion for a brief period. Rhodes retired from acting and music in the early 1990s to focus on raising her family but remains a beloved figure for fans of dance cinema.

Laura Zapata

Laura Zapata is a legendary figure in Mexican telenovelas, often typecast as the villain due to her intense screen presence. She is the sister of the singer Thalía and has appeared in classic soaps like ‘Maria Mercedes’ and ‘Rosa Salvaje’. Her career has also included extensive work in theater and reality television in Mexico. Zapata remains a controversial and outspoken figure in the entertainment industry.

Ana Alicia

Ana Alicia gained fame for her role as the scheming heiress Melissa Agretti on the prime-time soap opera ‘Falcon Crest’. Her character became the show’s “love to hate” villainess, appearing in over 170 episodes. Before her breakout role, she appeared in ‘Halloween II’ and various television movies. She has largely retired from acting to focus on her family and personal life.

Robin Riker

Robin Riker is a veteran television actress who has appeared in a wide variety of sitcoms and dramas. She is perhaps best known for her role on the comedy series ‘Get a Life’ and her recurring role on the soap opera ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’. Riker has guest-starred on countless shows, including ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Malcolm in the Middle’. She comes from a theatrical family and has written a book on survival in the acting industry.

Patti D’Arbanville

Patti D’Arbanville was a model and Warhol superstar before transitioning to a successful acting career. She starred in 1970s films like ‘Bilitis’ and ‘Big Wednesday’ before moving into television roles. She is well known for her role on the police drama ‘New York Undercover’ and appearances in ‘The Sopranos’. D’Arbanville famously inspired songs by Cat Stevens, whom she dated in the early 70s.

Kathleen Beller

Kathleen Beller became a star in the late 1970s and 1980s, receiving a Golden Globe nomination for ‘Promises in the Dark’. She is best recognized by TV fans as Kirby Anders on the hit prime-time soap ‘Dynasty’. Beller also appeared in ‘The Godfather Part II’ in a small role early in her career. She largely stepped back from acting in the 1990s to focus on her family life in England.

Stepfanie Kramer

Stepfanie Kramer is best known for her role as the tough detective Dee Dee McCall on the hit series ‘Hunter’. The show ran for seven seasons and made her a prominent female action star on television. She is also a talented singer and composer, having performed musically in several of her acting projects. Kramer has continued to act sporadically in television movies and series over the years.

Chloe Webb

Chloe Webb delivered a searing, critical hit performance as Nancy Spungen in the biopic ‘Sid and Nancy’. Her portrayal of the troubled punk figure opposite Gary Oldman is considered a classic of the genre. She later appeared in the comedy ‘Twins’ alongside Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Most recently, she gained new fans playing the erratic Monica Gallagher in the hit series ‘Shameless’.

Dinah Manoff

Dinah Manoff is widely recognized for her role as Pink Lady Marty Maraschino in the musical film ‘Grease’. She won a Tony Award for her performance in Neil Simon’s ‘I Ought to Be in Pictures’, a role she reprised in the film version. Television audiences loved her as the neurotic Carol Weston in the long-running sitcom ‘Empty Nest’. Manoff has since transitioned into directing and teaching acting.

Arnetia Walker

Arnetia Walker is a stage and screen actress known for her role in the sitcom ‘Nurses’, which aired in the early 1990s. She also appeared in the popular movie ‘College Road Trip’ and has had guest spots on numerous shows like ‘The Steve Harvey Show’. Walker began her career on Broadway, starring in the original production of ‘Dreamgirls’ as an understudy and eventual lead. She continues to work in television, recently appearing in ‘Hacks’.

Melody Thomas Scott

For over four decades, Melody Thomas Scott has played the role of Nikki Newman on the soap opera ‘The Young and the Restless’. She is one of the longest-serving actors in the genre, having grown up on the show since taking over the role in 1979. Before her soap stardom, she was a child actress appearing in Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Marnie’ and ‘The Shootist’. Her enduring popularity has earned her multiple awards and a dedicated fan following.

Patricia Kalember

Patricia Kalember is a familiar face to television viewers, known for her roles in dramas like ‘Sisters’ and ‘thirtysomething’. She also starred in the cult film ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ alongside Tim Robbins. Kalember has maintained a steady career with recurring roles on series such as ‘Law & Order: SVU’ and ‘Power’. She continues to work frequently in New York theater and television productions.

Jennifer Dale

Jennifer Dale is a celebrated Canadian actress who has appeared in numerous films and television series since the 1970s. She is often referred to as Canada’s answer to the classic Hollywood femme fatale due to her alluring screen presence. Her credits include the cult horror film ‘Of Unknown Origin’ and guest roles on shows like ‘Schitt’s Creek’. Dale is the sister of fellow actress Cynthia Dale and remains active in the industry.

Phyllis Logan

Phyllis Logan achieved global fame later in her career as the stern but kind housekeeper Mrs. Hughes in ‘Downton Abbey’. Before this role, she was already a well-established actress in the UK, known for her long-running part in the series ‘Lovejoy’. She won a BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer for the film ‘Another Time, Another Place’ in 1983. Logan has reprised her beloved ‘Downton’ role in the franchise’s recent feature films.

Cecilia Roth

Cecilia Roth is an Argentine actress and a “muse” of the acclaimed director Pedro Almodóvar. She won the Goya Award for Best Actress for her lead role in the masterpiece ‘All About My Mother’. Her career spans decades of work in both Spanish and Argentine cinema, where she is considered a screen legend. Roth remains highly active in film and television, delivering powerful dramatic performances.

Robin Mattson

Robin Mattson is a soap opera icon, best known for playing villainous characters on ‘General Hospital’ and ‘Santa Barbara’. Her portrayal of the unstable Heather Webber made her a fan favorite and earned her multiple Daytime Emmy nominations. She also had a memorable role on the sitcom ‘Guiding Light’. Mattson is also a chef and has hosted her own cooking show.

Paige O’Hara

Disney fans know Paige O’Hara as the speaking and singing voice of Belle in the animated classic ‘Beauty and the Beast’. A Broadway veteran, she starred in productions like ‘Show Boat’ and ‘Les Misérables’ before landing the role that defined her career. She has been honored as a Disney Legend for her contribution to the studio’s history. Today, O’Hara is also an accomplished painter, creating art often inspired by her famous character.

Lisa Niemi

Lisa Niemi is a writer, director, and actress, perhaps best known for her creative partnership with her late husband, Patrick Swayze. She directed and starred in the film ‘One Last Dance’, based on their experiences in the dance world. Niemi also appeared in ‘Steel Dawn’ and directed episodes of the series ‘The Beast’. She continues to advocate for pancreatic cancer awareness in honor of her husband.

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