Actresses Who Celebrated Their 100th Birthday

The history of cinema is filled with legendary performers who dedicated their lives to the art of storytelling across film and television. Reaching the milestone of a century is a rare feat that few individuals in the entertainment industry achieve while leaving behind a lasting legacy. These actresses navigated the evolution of the medium from the silent era to the modern age of digital production. Their longevity provides a unique perspective on the changing cultural landscape and the enduring power of classic performances.

Olivia de Havilland

Olivia de Havilland became a legend of the Golden Age of Hollywood through her roles in iconic films like ‘Gone with the Wind’ and ‘The Adventures of Robin Hood’. She won two Academy Awards for Best Actress for her performances in ‘To Each His Own’ and ‘The Heiress’. Beyond her acting career de Havilland was known for a landmark legal battle against the studio system that resulted in the De Havilland Law. This regulation significantly increased the rights and freedoms of creative professionals in the film industry. She lived to be one hundred and four years old while maintaining a residence in Paris for several decades.

Marsha Hunt

Marsha Hunt was a prominent figure in the nineteen forties who appeared in numerous films such as ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘The Human Comedy’. Her career faced a significant setback when she was blacklisted during the McCarthy era for her involvement in liberal causes. Despite this challenge she transitioned into television and theater where she continued to showcase her talent for many years. Hunt dedicated much of her later life to humanitarian efforts including advocacy for world hunger and the United Nations. She celebrated her one hundredth birthday in twenty seventeen and remained active in her community until her passing.

Luise Rainer

Luise Rainer achieved historical significance as the first person to win consecutive Academy Awards for ‘The Great Ziegfeld’ and ‘The Good Earth’. The German born actress was known for her emotional depth and her ability to portray vulnerable characters with great sensitivity. She eventually moved away from the Hollywood studio system because she felt it restricted her artistic growth and personal life. Rainer spent many of her later years in London where she occasionally appeared in television roles and documentaries. She reached the milestone age of one hundred and four before her death in twenty fourteen.

Mary Carlisle

Mary Carlisle was a silent film star and musical comedy actress who worked extensively with Bing Crosby in the nineteen thirties. She appeared in movies such as ‘College Humor’ and ‘Double or Nothing’ which helped establish her as a popular leading lady. Carlisle was known for her wholesome image and blonde curls which became her signature look during her time at Paramount Pictures. She retired from acting in the early nineteen forties and pursued a successful second career as a manager of a luxury beauty salon. She lived to the remarkable age of one hundred and four and was one of the last living links to the early sound era.

Gloria Stuart

Gloria Stuart enjoyed a lengthy career that spanned from the early sound era to the modern blockbuster period. She is best remembered for her role as the elder Rose in the nineteen ninety seven film ‘Titanic’ which earned her an Academy Award nomination. Stuart was a founding member of the Screen Actors Guild and appeared in classic movies like ‘The Invisible Man’ during the nineteen thirties. She remained an active artist and printmaker in her later years while continuing to accept occasional acting roles. The actress reached her one hundredth birthday in July of twenty ten just months before she passed away.

Connie Sawyer

Connie Sawyer was often recognized as the oldest working actress in Hollywood during her later years. Her career began in vaudeville and transitioned into film and television where she appeared in ‘Pineapple Express’ and ‘When Harry Met Sally’. She became a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences later in life and was known for her sharp wit. Sawyer published an autobiography that chronicled her experiences in the entertainment industry over eight decades. She celebrated her one hundred and fifth birthday before passing away in early twenty eighteen.

Lupita Tovar

Lupita Tovar was a Mexican actress who achieved international fame for her role in the Spanish language version of ‘Dracula’ filmed in nineteen thirty one. She was discovered by a Hollywood talent scout and became a central figure in the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Tovar starred in ‘Santa’ which was the first Mexican film to feature synchronized sound and music. She was married to high profile agent Paul Kohner and was the mother of actress Susan Kohner. Tovar lived to the age of one hundred and six and is celebrated for her contributions to bilingual film history.

Janis Paige

Janis Paige gained fame as a musical theater star and a leading lady in Hollywood films during the nineteen forties and fifties. She starred in the original Broadway production of ‘The Pajama Game’ and appeared in movies such as ‘Silk Stockings’. Her career included extensive work in television with guest appearances on shows like ‘General Hospital’ and ‘Eight Is Enough’. Paige was known for her versatile singing voice and her ability to perform in both comedic and dramatic roles. She reached the age of one hundred and one and left behind a legacy of vibrant performances on stage and screen.

Glynis Johns

Glynis Johns was a celebrated British actress whose career spanned eight decades across film theater and television. She is widely recognized for her role as Winifred Banks in the classic Disney film ‘Mary Poppins’. Johns won a Tony Award for her performance in the musical ‘A Little Night Music’ where she originated the song Send in the Clowns. Her distinctive husky voice and comedic timing made her a favorite among directors and audiences alike. She celebrated her one hundredth birthday in October of twenty twenty three.

Eva Marie Saint

Eva Marie Saint is an Academy Award winning actress known for her classic roles in ‘On the Waterfront’ and ‘North by Northwest’. She worked alongside legendary directors such as Alfred Hitchcock and Elia Kazan during the height of her film career. In addition to her film work she had a prolific career in television and won a Primetime Emmy Award for the miniseries ‘People Like Us’. Saint is respected for her elegant presence and the psychological depth she brought to her characters. She reached the milestone of one hundred years in July of twenty twenty four.

Micheline Presle

Micheline Presle was a legendary French actress who began her career in the late nineteen thirties. She gained international recognition for her performance in the film ‘Devil in the Flesh’ which established her as a major star in European cinema. Presle worked with acclaimed directors including Jean Cocteau and Jacques Demy throughout her long and productive career. She continued to act well into her nineties and appeared in dozens of television and film projects. Presle celebrated her one hundredth birthday in twenty twenty two and lived to the age of one hundred and one.

Danielle Darrieux

Danielle Darrieux was a French screen icon whose career lasted for eight decades and included over one hundred films. She became a major star in the nineteen thirties with films like ‘Mayerling’ and later appeared in Hollywood productions such as ‘The Rich Young and Merry’. Darrieux was known for her sophistication and vocal talent which she showcased in various musical roles. Her later work included the critically acclaimed film ‘8 Women’ where she played the matriarch of a large family. She reached the age of one hundred in twenty seventeen and remains one of the most beloved figures in French film history.

Suzy Delair

Suzy Delair was a prominent French actress and singer who became a star of the musical hall and cinema. She is best known for her roles in films directed by Henri Georges Clouzot such as ‘Quai des Orfèvres’ and ‘The Murderer Lives at Number 21’. Delair was famous for her vivacious personality and her contributions to the operetta genre in France. She also appeared in the classic comedy ‘The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob’ alongside Louis de Funès. She celebrated her one hundredth birthday in twenty seventeen and lived until the age of one hundred and two.

Carla Laemmle

Carla Laemmle was the niece of Universal Pictures founder Carl Laemmle and appeared in several landmark horror films. She had a small role in the nineteen twenty five silent version of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ and spoke the opening lines of the nineteen thirty one ‘Dracula’. Laemmle was a professional dancer and performed in various stage and film productions throughout the early twentieth century. She was a frequent guest at film festivals and shared her unique memories of the silent era with fans and historians. She lived to be one hundred and four years old and remained an ambassador for horror cinema history.

Anita Page

Anita Page was a popular actress of the silent film era who successfully transitioned into sound films during the late nineteen twenties. She starred in ‘The Broadway Melody’ which was the first sound film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Page was known for her beauty and received more fan mail than almost any other actress at the height of her fame. After a long hiatus from the screen she returned to acting in several independent horror films during her later years. She reached the age of one hundred and two and is remembered as one of the last survivors of the silent film age.

Barbara Kent

Barbara Kent was a Canadian born actress who became a star during the late silent and early sound eras of Hollywood. She is best remembered for starring alongside John Gilbert and Greta Garbo in ‘Flesh and the Devil’. Kent also appeared in the early talkie version of ‘Lonesome’ which showcased her transition to sound technology. She retired from the film industry in the mid nineteen thirties and led a private life away from the public eye for several decades. Kent reached the age of one hundred and three before her death in twenty eleven.

Ellen Albertini Dow

Ellen Albertini Dow was a character actress who found significant fame later in her life through memorable comedic roles. She is best known for her performance as the rapping grandmother in the film ‘The Wedding Singer’. Dow studied drama and mime with legendary teachers and spent many years as a director and choreographer for local theater. Her television credits included guest spots on ‘Seinfeld’ and ‘New Girl’ where she often played spunky elderly characters. She lived to be one hundred and one years old and proved that success in Hollywood can happen at any age.

Julie Gibson

Julie Gibson was an actress and singer who worked extensively in radio film and television during the nineteen thirties and forties. She is well known for appearing in several films with the Three Stooges including ‘Three Smart Saps’ and ‘Sock a Bye Baby’. Gibson also worked as a vocal coach and dialogue director for various television series later in her career. Her film credits include titles such as ‘The Feminine Touch’ and ‘Hail the Conquering Hero’. She lived to the age of one hundred and six and was one of the oldest living performers from the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Mary Ellis

Mary Ellis was an American born actress and singer who achieved great success on the London stage and in British films. She originated the role of Rose Marie in the nineteen twenty four Broadway production of the musical ‘Rose Marie’. Ellis appeared in several classic films such as ‘The Magic Bow’ and ‘The 39 Steps’ while maintaining a prolific career in the West End. She was also a talented writer and published her autobiography titled Those Dancing Years. She reached the age of one hundred and three and was highly respected for her contributions to musical theater.

Sheila Mercier

Sheila Mercier was a British actress best known for her long running role as Annie Sugden in the soap opera ‘Emmerdale’. She appeared on the show from its first episode in nineteen seventy two and remained a central character for over twenty years. Before her television success she had a distinguished career in theater and worked with her brother who was the actor Brian Rix. Mercier was known for her portrayal of strong and relatable rural characters which made her a favorite among viewers. She celebrated her one hundredth birthday in early twenty nineteen and passed away later that year.

Dorothy Janis

Dorothy Janis was a silent film actress who appeared in several productions during the late nineteen twenties. She is most famous for her performance in the film ‘The Pagan’ where she starred opposite Ramón Novarro. Janis was known for her striking features and was often cast in exotic roles that were popular during the era. She retired from acting shortly after the introduction of sound films and spent the rest of her life in private. She lived to be one hundred years old and remained one of the few surviving links to the silent film era.

Patricia Morison

Patricia Morison was a star of stage and screen who was best known for her role in the original Broadway production of ‘Kiss Me Kate’. She possessed a powerful soprano voice and a commanding presence that led to roles in films like ‘The Song of Bernadette’ and ‘The Fallen Sparrow’. Morison also starred in ‘The King and I’ on stage and made numerous guest appearances on classic television shows. She was a talented painter and continued to create art long after her retirement from performing. She celebrated her one hundredth birthday in twenty fifteen and lived to the age of one hundred and three.

Frederica Sagor Maas

Frederica Sagor Maas was a screenwriter and actress who worked during the silent film era and the early days of sound. She wrote scripts for stars like Clara Bow and Norma Shearer while occasionally appearing in minor roles. Maas published a candid memoir about her experiences in Hollywood that provided a critical look at the industry during the nineteen twenties. She remained active in film history circles and was often interviewed about the pioneers of the studio system. She lived to the incredible age of one hundred and eleven and was one of the oldest residents in California.

Claire Du Brey

Claire Du Brey was a prolific character actress who appeared in over two hundred films throughout her career. She worked with some of the biggest stars of the silent era including Lon Chaney and Mary Pickford. Du Brey was known for her versatility and played a wide range of roles from elegant socialites to mysterious villains. Her career continued into the sound era with appearances in films like ‘The Devil Is a Woman’ and ‘Jesse James’. She lived to the age of one hundred and was a respected member of the early Hollywood acting community.

Estelle Winwood

Estelle Winwood was a British actress who enjoyed a remarkably long career that spanned nearly eight decades on stage and screen. She was known for her distinctive appearance and comedic timing in films such as ‘The Producers’ and ‘Murder by Death’. Winwood was a close friend of Tallulah Bankhead and was a prominent figure in the New York and London theater scenes. She became the oldest active member of the Screen Actors Guild and continued to work into her nineties. She reached the age of one hundred and one and was celebrated for her enduring talent and wit.

Marge Champion

Marge Champion was a legendary dancer and actress who served as the physical model for Disney characters like Snow White and the Blue Fairy. She performed in numerous film musicals alongside her husband Gower Champion including ‘Show Boat’ and ‘Lovely to Look At’. Champion was a pioneer of dance on television and won an Emmy Award for her choreography in the special ‘Queen of the Stardust Ballroom’. She continued to teach dance and remain active in the arts community well into her senior years. She reached the milestone of one hundred years in twenty nineteen and lived to the age of one hundred and one.

Dusty Anderson

Dusty Anderson was an actress and model who appeared in several films during the nineteen forties. She is best known for her role in the musical ‘Cover Girl’ where she appeared alongside Rita Hayworth and Gene Kelly. Anderson was a popular pin up girl for soldiers during World War Two and appeared on the cover of numerous magazines. She was married to director Jean Negulesco and retired from acting to focus on painting and her family life. She lived to be one hundred and two years old and spent many of her later years in Spain.

Patricia Wright

Patricia Wright was an actress who appeared in several films and television shows during the nineteen fifties. Her credits include roles in movies such as ‘The Trail of the Lonesome Pine’ and ‘The Rose of Cimarron’. Wright was known for her classic beauty and often played roles in westerns and dramas that were popular at the time. She eventually moved away from acting to pursue other interests but remained a member of the Hollywood community. She reached the age of one hundred and one and is remembered for her contributions to the mid century film industry.

Franca Valeri

Franca Valeri was an Italian actress and screenwriter who was a pioneer of female comedy in her home country. She was known for creating satirical characters that poked fun at the social conventions and lifestyle of the Italian bourgeoisie. Valeri appeared in numerous films directed by legends like Federico Fellini and Alberto Sordi including ‘The Sign of Venus’. She was also a talented opera director and wrote several books and plays throughout her long career. She celebrated her one hundredth birthday in Rome in twenty twenty and passed away shortly after reaching the milestone.

Viola Richard

Viola Richard was an actress who appeared in several silent comedy shorts during the nineteen twenties. She is best remembered for her work with the legendary comedy duo Laurel and Hardy in films like ‘Sailors, Beware!’ and ‘Should Married Men Go Home?’. Richard was known for her comedic timing and her ability to hold her own alongside some of the era’s biggest comedy stars. After retiring from acting she lived a private life and was later rediscovered by film historians and fans of silent comedy. She lived to be one hundred years old and remained a beloved figure among slapstick cinema enthusiasts.

Barbara Barondess

Barbara Barondess was an actress who appeared in several films during the nineteen thirties including ‘Devil and the Deep’ and ‘Rasputin and the Empress’. She worked with iconic stars like Gary Cooper and Tallulah Bankhead before transitioning into a career as an interior designer and fashion entrepreneur. Barondess founded her own design firm and became a successful businesswoman who was recognized for her creative talent. She published an autobiography titled One Life Is Not Enough which detailed her journey through the entertainment and design industries. She reached the age of one hundred and three and lived a multifaceted life as both a performer and creator.

Miriam Nelson

Miriam Nelson was a dancer choreographer and actress who had a prolific career in Hollywood musicals and television specials. She appeared in films such as ‘Cover Girl’ and ‘The Jolson Story’ while also providing choreography for stars like Judy Garland and Gene Kelly. Nelson worked extensively on television and contributed to shows like ‘The Red Skelton Hour’ and numerous Academy Award ceremonies. She was known for her technical skill and her ability to create memorable dance sequences for both the stage and screen. She lived to be one hundred and one years old and was a respected member of the professional dance community.

Jean Kent

Jean Kent was a British actress who was a major star of the Gainsborough melodramas during the nineteen forties. She appeared in popular films such as ‘The Wicked Lady’ and ‘Caravan’ where she often played spirited and rebellious characters. Kent also had a successful career on the stage and appeared in various television productions in her later years. She was honored for her contributions to British cinema and was a frequent guest at film retrospectives and events. She lived to the age of one hundred and two and remains a key figure in the history of mid century British film.

Ivy Bethune

Ivy Bethune was an actress known for her work on television and her long career in theater. She had a recurring role as Abigail on the daytime soap opera ‘General Hospital’ and appeared in shows such as ‘The Waltons’. Bethune was also an activist who was involved in various social causes throughout her life including civil rights and labor unions. She continued to act in independent films and stage productions well into her nineties and was admired for her dedication to the craft. She celebrated her one hundredth birthday in twenty eighteen and lived to the age of one hundred and one.

Please share which of these remarkable actresses has the most impressive legacy in the comments.