Actors You Won’t Believe Are Turning 70 Next Year

These familiar faces have anchored classics, carried beloved TV shows, and popped up in more projects than you might realize, and every one of them hits the big seven-zero next year, which is wild when you look at how active they still are across film, television, and voice work.

Tom Hanks

Born on July 9, 1956, Tom Hanks has led box office hits and awards favorites for decades. He first gained wide attention in comedies before shifting into acclaimed dramas. His filmography spans crowd-pleasers like ‘Forrest Gump’ and ‘Cast Away’ and historical dramas such as ‘Saving Private Ryan’ and ‘Apollo 13’. He also voices Sheriff Woody in the ‘Toy Story’ franchise and continues to produce and write.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson, born January 3, 1956, became a global star with action favorites like ‘Mad Max’ and ‘Lethal Weapon’. He later moved behind the camera to direct large-scale historical epics and intimate dramas. His acting work has ranged from gritty thrillers to ensemble pieces. He remains active with roles both in front of and behind the camera.

Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston, born March 7, 1956, built a career across sitcoms, stage, and prestige television. He won widespread recognition for ‘Breaking Bad’ after earlier success on ‘Malcolm in the Middle’. His film roles have included biographical dramas, animated voice work, and thrillers. He frequently returns to the stage and produces projects through his company.

Christoph Waltz

Christoph Waltz, born October 4, 1956, is known for multilingual performances that mix charm with menace. He broke out internationally with roles in ‘Inglourious Basterds’ and ‘Django Unchained’. His credits span espionage franchises, literary adaptations, and animated features. He works across European and American productions in both film and television.

Andy García

Born April 12, 1956, Andy García made his name in crime sagas and character-driven dramas. He earned major attention with ‘The Untouchables’ and ‘The Godfather Part III’. His later work includes ensemble heist hits like ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ and romantic dramas. He also directs, produces, and performs as a musician between acting projects.

Eric Roberts

Eric Roberts, born April 18, 1956, is one of the most prolific actors working today. He broke through with ‘King of the Gypsies’ and earned an Oscar nomination for ‘Runaway Train’. His résumé covers studio films, television arcs, and hundreds of independent features. He regularly appears in genre projects and lends his voice to animation and games.

Keith David

Keith David, born June 4, 1956, brings a distinctive baritone to roles on screen and in the recording booth. He starred in cult favorites like ‘The Thing’ and ‘They Live’. His voice credits include ‘Gargoyles’, ‘Spawn’, and major video games. He continues to alternate between live-action roles, narration, and stage appearances.

William Fichtner

William Fichtner, born November 27, 1956, is a go-to presence for complex supporting roles. He has appeared in ensemble films such as ‘Heat’ and ‘The Dark Knight’. Television audiences know him from shows like ‘Prison Break’ and ‘Mom’. He also writes and directs, expanding his work beyond character acting.

Bruce Greenwood

Bruce Greenwood, born August 12, 1956, has moved easily between Canadian and American productions. He portrayed John F. Kennedy in ‘Thirteen Days’ and captained starships in ‘Star Trek’. His television credits include medical dramas, thrillers, and limited series. He frequently collaborates with filmmakers on character-centric features.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane, born February 3, 1956, is a major figure in theater with a long list of screen roles. Audiences know him from ‘The Birdcage’ and voice work in ‘The Lion King’. On television, he has appeared in procedurals, comedies, and limited series. He continues to balance Broadway commitments with film and TV projects.

Paul Reiser

Paul Reiser, born March 30, 1956, is an actor, author, and comedian with a long TV pedigree. He co-created and starred in ‘Mad About You’ while also appearing in films like ‘Aliens’ and ‘Whiplash’. Recent work includes roles in ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘The Kominsky Method’. He tours as a stand-up and develops new series.

David Alan Grier

David Alan Grier, born June 30, 1956, blends comedy and dramatic chops across stage and screen. He rose to prominence with ‘In Living Color’ and later appeared in films such as ‘Jumanji’. His television work ranges from sitcoms to streaming dramas. He is also a frequent presence on Broadway and in live productions.

Alan Ruck

Alan Ruck, born July 1, 1956, moved from teen classics to modern prestige television. He made an early mark with ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ and returned to wide attention with ‘Succession’. His filmography includes comedies, disaster films, and indie dramas. He continues to work steadily in series and feature roles.

Luis Guzmán

Luis Guzmán, born August 28, 1956, is a versatile character actor with a long list of collaborations. He appears in crime dramas, comedies, and auteur-driven films such as ‘Boogie Nights’ and ‘Traffic’. Television audiences have seen him in ‘Narcos’ and ‘Wednesday’. He often moves between English- and Spanish-language projects.

Michael Biehn

Michael Biehn, born July 31, 1956, became a sci-fi action mainstay. He is known for franchise roles in ‘The Terminator’ and ‘Aliens’. Beyond those hits, he has worked in thrillers, westerns, and television guest arcs. He also directs and produces independent films.

David Caruso

David Caruso, born January 7, 1956, is best known for leading ‘CSI: Miami’ as Horatio Caine. He first drew wide attention on television with ‘NYPD Blue’. His film work includes crime thrillers and action dramas alongside ensemble casts. After stepping back from acting he focused on business ventures and art.

Gary Cole

Gary Cole, born September 20, 1956, built a career that moves easily between comedy and drama. He starred in cult workplace satire ‘Office Space’ and played memorable roles in series like ‘Veep’ and ‘The Good Fight’. Voice audiences know him from animated shows and games. He continues to appear in network and streaming projects.

Richard Kind

Richard Kind, born November 22, 1956, is a prolific character actor across television, film, and stage. He became widely recognized through sitcoms such as ‘Spin City’ and ‘Mad About You’. His voice roles include animated hits like ‘Inside Out’ and ‘A Bug’s Life’. He frequently appears in independent films and Broadway productions.

Tim Daly

Tim Daly, born March 1, 1956, gained early attention starring in ‘Wings’. He later took on political drama with ‘Madam Secretary’. Voice fans know him as Superman in multiple animated projects. He also produces and directs for television while remaining active on stage.

Brett Cullen

Brett Cullen, born August 26, 1956, has appeared in features, limited series, and network dramas. His film credits include ‘Joker’ and ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. Television work ranges from ‘Person of Interest’ to period dramas and westerns. He also works as a producer on select independent projects.

Kevin Dunn

Kevin Dunn, born August 24, 1956, is known for steady supporting turns in both film and television. He appeared in the ‘Transformers’ series and political satire ‘Veep’. His résumé includes biographical dramas, thrillers, and family comedies. He continues to alternate between studio features and prestige TV.

Mark Rolston

Mark Rolston, born December 7, 1956, made his mark in genre films and television. He appeared in ‘Aliens’ and ‘The Shawshank Redemption’. Television roles have included crime procedurals and action series. He is also active in voice acting for animation and games.

Sinbad

Sinbad, born November 10, 1956, parlayed stand-up success into film and television work. He headlined family comedies such as ‘Jingle All the Way’ and starred in the sitcom ‘A Different World’. He has released multiple stand-up specials and toured extensively. He continues to appear on television and in streaming projects.

Arsenio Hall

Arsenio Hall, born February 12, 1956, is a comedian and actor who also hosted a landmark late night show. His film roles include ‘Coming to America’ and its sequel ‘Coming 2 America’. He has appeared in sketch series and voice projects. He remains a frequent presence on stage and screens.

Dwight Yoakam

Dwight Yoakam, born October 23, 1956, balances a music career with notable acting work. He delivered acclaimed performances in films like ‘Sling Blade’ and ‘Panic Room’. Television appearances include dramas and limited series. He continues to act while recording and touring.

Chris Isaak

Chris Isaak, born June 26, 1956, is a musician who built a parallel career in acting. He starred in the dramedy ‘The Chris Isaak Show’ and appeared in films such as ‘Twin Peaks Fire Walk with Me’. His screen work spans guest roles, cameos, and voice performances. He remains active in both entertainment lanes.

Michael Kopsa

Michael Kopsa, born January 22, 1956, worked extensively in Canadian film, television, and voice acting. His credits include ‘Fringe’ and ‘Stargate SG-1’. He voiced characters in animated series and games for major studios. He was a regular in Vancouver’s busy production scene for live action and dubbing.

Anil Kapoor

Anil Kapoor, born December 24, 1956, is a leading figure in Indian cinema with international credits. He appeared in global hits like ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and starred in the Indian adaptation of ’24’. His career covers action, drama, and comedy across hundreds of projects. He also produces films and television series.

Koji Yakusho

Koji Yakusho, born January 1, 1956, is a celebrated Japanese actor known for range and meticulous character work. His films include ‘Shall We Dance’ and ‘Cure’ as well as international productions. He frequently collaborates with top Japanese directors and appears in festival premieres. He continues to lead both studio and art house releases.

Zhang Fengyi

Zhang Fengyi, born September 1, 1956, is a prominent Chinese actor with major historical and contemporary roles. International audiences know him from ‘Farewell My Concubine’ and the epic ‘Red Cliff’. His work spans film, television series, and stage appearances. He remains active in large scale productions and period dramas.

Tim McInnerny

Tim McInnerny, born September 18, 1956, became widely known through British television and stage. He broke out with the period comedy ‘Blackadder’ and later appeared in films such as ‘Notting Hill’ and ‘101 Dalmatians’. His screen work spans thrillers, historical dramas, and contemporary comedies. He continues to balance feature roles with theater and high-end TV productions.

John Bedford Lloyd

John Bedford Lloyd, born January 2, 1956, has built a steady career in film and television. Audiences have seen him in titles like ‘Philadelphia’ and ‘The Bourne Supremacy’ alongside recurring roles on dramas and limited series. He often portrays professionals and authority figures across genres. His résumé includes Broadway and regional theater credits in addition to on-screen work.

Michael Wright

Michael Wright, born April 30, 1956, drew attention with early roles in ensemble dramas. He appeared in cult favorites like ‘The Wanderers’ and ‘V’ while also working in crime and action films. Television credits include recurring parts on network series and miniseries. He continues to appear in independent features and stage productions.

Michael Rady

Michael Rady, born August 20, 1956, works across network television and made-for-TV films. Viewers know him from romance dramas and ensemble series with recurring roles. His film appearances include independent features and festival titles. He also produces select small-screen projects.

Matt Frewer

Matt Frewer, born January 4, 1956, became internationally known as the face of ‘Max Headroom’. He has appeared in science fiction, comedy, and drama across film and television. Credits range from ‘Watchmen’ and ‘Honey, I Shrunk the Kids’ to limited series and animated voice roles. He remains active in North American and UK productions.

Treat Williams

Treat Williams, born December 1, 1956, moved between stage, film, and television for decades. He starred in the family drama ‘Everwood’ and appeared in features like ‘Prince of the City’ and ‘Once Upon a Time in America’. His work included musicals, historical pieces, and contemporary thrillers. He also authored books and taught master classes in performance.

John Ashton

John Ashton, born February 22, 1956, is known for memorable turns in action comedies and crime dramas. He played a key supporting role in ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ and its sequel while appearing in numerous television series. His filmography includes westerns, thrillers, and indie projects. He has also worked in regional theater and on the festival circuit.

Peter Greene

Peter Greene, born October 8, 1956, often portrays intense or enigmatic characters. He appeared in ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘The Mask’ and later worked in gritty independent features. Television roles include guest spots on crime and prestige dramas. He continues to collaborate with indie directors on character-driven projects.

Chris Cooper

Chris Cooper, born July 9, 1956, established a reputation for nuanced character work. He appeared in films such as ‘American Beauty’ and ‘Adaptation’ along with historical dramas and thrillers. Television work includes limited series and special presentations. He is also active in regional theater and audiobook narration.

David Morse

David Morse, born October 11, 1956, began on stage before breaking out on television. He starred in the medical series ‘St. Elsewhere’ and appeared in films including ‘The Green Mile’ and ‘The Hurt Locker’. His television credits span prestige miniseries and recurring roles on crime dramas. He regularly returns to stage productions between screen projects.

Bill Camp

Bill Camp, born October 22, 1956, is a respected stage and screen actor known for grounded performances. He appeared in ‘Joker’, ’12 Years a Slave’, and limited series like ‘The Night Of’. His work often includes literary adaptations and historical pieces. He remains active on Broadway and in high-profile television dramas.

Miguel Sandoval

Miguel Sandoval, born November 16, 1956, has a long career in film and television. He appeared in ‘Clear and Present Danger’ and had a central role on ‘Medium’ while guesting on numerous series. His work includes independent cinema and festival favorites. He also directs episodes of television dramas.

Vincent Perez

Vincent Perez, born June 10, 1956, is a Swiss-born actor and director with a career across European and international productions. He led romantic dramas and historical epics and later moved behind the camera for features and shorts. English-language audiences know him from ‘The Crow: City of Angels’ and period films. He continues to alternate acting with directing and photography projects.

Ken Stott

Ken Stott, born October 19, 1956, is a Scottish actor recognized for television crime dramas and stage work. He led the series ‘Rebus’ and appeared in films including ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy and contemporary thrillers. His theater résumé spans Shakespeare, modern classics, and new writing. He often headlines UK television dramas and limited series.

Share your favorite performances from this group in the comments and tell us who surprised you most.