Hollywood Actresses Most Likely to Live to 100

Longevity in Hollywood is a rare feat that requires resilience and enduring talent. Many actresses from the Golden Age of cinema continue to thrive well into their eighties and nineties. These women have witnessed the transformation of the entertainment industry while building legacies that have influenced generations. Their sustained presence serves as a testament to their dedication and vitality. This list highlights fifty remarkable actresses who are currently on the path to becoming centenarians.

Eva Marie Saint

Eva Marie Saint stands as one of the few surviving stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her film debut in ‘On the Waterfront’ in 1954. The actress famously starred opposite Cary Grant in the Alfred Hitchcock classic ‘North by Northwest’. Her career spans more than seven decades with significant roles in both film and television. She remains a beloved figure in the industry for her grace and talent.

Lee Grant

Lee Grant overcame the challenges of the Hollywood blacklist to build a highly successful career. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film ‘Shampoo’. Her work extends beyond acting into directing and producing documentaries. She has maintained a strong voice in the industry and continues to be celebrated for her resilience. Grant is one of the oldest living Oscar winners today.

Lisa Lu

Lisa Lu has enjoyed a prolific career in both Hollywood and Chinese cinema. She gained modern recognition for her role as the matriarch in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’. Her earlier work includes significant roles in films like ‘The Joy Luck Club’ and ‘The Last Emperor’. She began her career in the 1950s and has worked consistently for decades. Lu remains an influential figure bridging Eastern and Western cinema.

Estelle Parsons

Estelle Parsons is best known for her Academy Award-winning performance in ‘Bonnie and Clyde’. She played the role of Blanche Barrow and brought a frantic energy to the classic crime film. Television audiences know her for her recurring role as the mother on the sitcom ‘Roseanne’. Her stage career is equally impressive with multiple Tony Award nominations. Parsons continues to perform and stay active in the theater community.

Ann Blyth

Ann Blyth is a celebrated actress and singer from the Golden Age of musical films. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance as the ungrateful daughter in ‘Mildred Pierce’. Her versatile career includes starring roles in musicals like ‘Kismet’ and ‘The Student Prince’. Blyth transitioned successfully to theater and television later in her career. She is one of the last surviving stars from the MGM musical era.

Marion Ross

Marion Ross became a television icon for her role as Marion Cunningham on ‘Happy Days’. She played the quintessential American mother for over a decade on the hit sitcom. Her extensive career includes appearances in ‘The Evening Star’ and ‘Gilmore Girls’. Ross has also done significant voice work for animated series like ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’. Her cheerful public presence has made her an enduring favorite among fans.

Nancy Olson

Nancy Olson is best remembered for her role as Betty Schaefer in the noir classic ‘Sunset Boulevard’. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for that performance. Olson often played wholesome characters in films produced by Walt Disney such as ‘The Absent-Minded Professor’. She retired from full-time acting relatively early but made sporadic appearances over the years. She remains a significant link to the classic studio era.

June Squibb

June Squibb gained widespread acclaim late in her career with her role in the film ‘Nebraska’. That performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She has worked steadily in theater and film for decades before achieving mainstream movie stardom. Recent projects like ‘Thelma’ showcase her ability to carry a film even in her nineties. Her late-career bloom serves as an inspiration for actors of all ages.

Vera Miles

Vera Miles worked closely with Alfred Hitchcock on films like ‘The Wrong Man’ and ‘Psycho’. She played the sister of Janet Leigh’s character in ‘Psycho’ and reprised the role in a sequel decades later. Her career includes a memorable role in the classic western ‘The Searchers’ with John Wayne. Miles retired from acting in the 1990s and has lived a private life since then. She remains one of the most recognizable faces from mid-century suspense films.

Terry Moore

Terry Moore earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in ‘Come Back, Little Sheba’. She was a contract player during the studio era and appeared in films like ‘Mighty Joe Young’. Moore is also known for her highly publicized personal life and business ventures. She has remained active in the public eye and occasionally attends industry events. Her longevity in Hollywood makes her a unique historian of the studio system.

Tippi Hedren

Tippi Hedren is famous for her starring roles in the Alfred Hitchcock films ‘The Birds’ and ‘Marnie’. Her experiences on those sets have become a significant part of Hollywood history and lore. She later became a devoted animal rights activist and founded the Shambala Preserve. Hedren is the matriarch of a successful acting dynasty that includes her daughter Melanie Griffith. She continues to advocate for wildlife protection while maintaining her status as a cinema icon.

Joanne Woodward

Joanne Woodward won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of three personalities in ‘The Three Faces of Eve’. She was frequently paired with her husband Paul Newman in films such as ‘The Long, Hot Summer’. Her career includes acclaim for her work in television movies and directing. Woodward has largely retired from the public eye due to health reasons but remains a revered figure. Her artistic partnership with Newman is considered one of the most successful in Hollywood history.

Mamie Van Doren

Mamie Van Doren was one of the famous blonde bombshells of the 1950s alongside Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield. She starred in cult classics like ‘Untamed Youth’ and ‘High School Confidential’. Van Doren was known for her provocative image and rock and roll movies. She later became an author and maintained a strong online presence. She is the last surviving member of the major “Three M’s” blonde icons.

Carroll Baker

Carroll Baker rose to fame with her Oscar-nominated performance in the controversial film ‘Baby Doll’. She later moved to Europe and became a star of Italian thrillers known as giallo films. Her career saw a resurgence in Hollywood with roles in movies like ‘Ironweed’ and ‘The Game’. Baker wrote a successful autobiography detailing her experiences in the studio system. She remains a respected figure for her daring role choices.

Leslie Caron

Leslie Caron is a dancer and actress who starred in the Best Picture winner ‘An American in Paris’. She also played the title role in the musical ‘Gigi’ which won nine Academy Awards. Caron earned two Oscar nominations during her career for ‘Lili’ and ‘The L-Shaped Room’. She has continued to act in television and film well into her later years. Her contributions to the musical genre are legendary.

Barbara Eden

Barbara Eden is globally recognized for her starring role in the sitcom ‘I Dream of Jeannie’. She played a genie alongside Larry Hagman for five seasons. Her career includes numerous films and television appearances beyond her signature role. Eden has remained very active on the convention circuit and theater stage. She maintains a youthful energy and frequently engages with her fanbase.

Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno is one of the few entertainers to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. She won her Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for the original ‘West Side Story’. Moreno continues to work constantly in television series and films. She returned to the ‘West Side Story’ franchise in the 2021 adaptation with a new role. Her energy and versatility have kept her in high demand.

Marla Gibbs

Marla Gibbs is a television legend known for her role as Florence Johnston on ‘The Jeffersons’. She later starred in her own hit sitcom ‘227’. Her comedic timing and delivery made her a fan favorite for decades. Gibbs has continued to make guest appearances on modern sitcoms and dramas. She remains a beloved figure in the history of African American television.

Ellen Burstyn

Ellen Burstyn is a powerful dramatic actress known for films like ‘The Exorcist’ and ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Alice’. Her career has seen a resurgence with acclaimed roles in ‘Requiem for a Dream’ and other dramas. She continues to take on challenging roles that explore complex themes. Burstyn is a long-time leader at the Actors Studio.

Kim Novak

Kim Novak was a top box office star in the 1950s and is best known for ‘Vertigo’. She worked with legends like Alfred Hitchcock and Billy Wilder during her prime. Novak left Hollywood at the height of her fame to pursue other artistic interests like painting. She occasionally resurfaces for interviews and retrospectives about her film work. Her performance in ‘Vertigo’ is often cited as one of the greatest in cinema history.

Carol Burnett

Carol Burnett is a comedy pioneer who hosted the groundbreaking variety program ‘The Carol Burnett Show’. She has won numerous Emmy Awards and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Her career spans Broadway, film, and television sketch comedy. Burnett continues to perform and recently appeared in the series ‘Palm Royale’. She is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in television history.

Joan Collins

Joan Collins achieved global fame as the villainous Alexis Carrington on the prime-time soap ‘Dynasty’. Her career began in the golden age of British and Hollywood cinema. She has written several best-selling books and tours with one-woman shows. Collins is known for her glamorous public image and indefatigable work ethic. She continues to act in films and television projects internationally.

Shirley MacLaine

Shirley MacLaine has been a major movie star since her debut in ‘The Trouble with Harry’. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for the family drama ‘Terms of Endearment’. Her filmography includes classics like ‘The Apartment’ and ‘Steel Magnolias’. MacLaine is also known for her spiritual beliefs and numerous autobiographies. She continues to work on screen with the same charisma she had decades ago.

Sophia Loren

Sophia Loren is an international film icon who found massive success in Hollywood. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for the Italian film ‘Two Women’. Her beauty and talent made her one of the most photographed women in the world. Loren recently starred in the film ‘The Life Ahead’ directed by her son. She remains a symbol of elegance and resilience in the film industry.

Judi Dench

Judi Dench is a revered British actress who became a major Hollywood star later in her career. She won an Academy Award for her brief but powerful role in ‘Shakespeare in Love’. Audiences also know her as M in the James Bond film franchise. Her career on stage and screen is marked by critical acclaim and numerous accolades. She continues to work despite dealing with macular degeneration.

Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews is the beloved star of family classics ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘The Sound of Music’. She won an Academy Award for her film debut in ‘Mary Poppins’. Her career experienced a revival with ‘The Princess Diaries’ and voice work in ‘Despicable Me’. Andrews has also become a successful author of children’s books and memoirs. Her voice and presence remain comforting to audiences around the world.

Vanessa Redgrave

Vanessa Redgrave is part of a legendary acting dynasty and an acclaimed performer in her own right. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for the film ‘Julia’. Her career includes iconic roles in ‘Blow-Up’ and ‘Howards End’. Redgrave is also known for her passionate political activism throughout her life. She continues to perform on stage and in film with great distinction.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda has been a major star for over sixty years with two Academy Award wins. She starred in classics like ‘Klute’ and ‘Coming Home’ before becoming a fitness mogul. Her recent work includes the hit series ‘Grace and Frankie’ and several comedy films. Fonda is also a prominent activist for climate change and social justice. She remains one of the busiest and most visible actresses of her generation.

Marlo Thomas

Marlo Thomas broke ground for women in television with her series ‘That Girl’. She played a single woman pursuing a career which was a novelty at the time. Her work includes extensive philanthropy for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Thomas has continued to act in theater and television guest spots. She is an enduring symbol of female independence in media.

Liv Ullmann

Liv Ullmann is a Norwegian actress who gained international acclaim through her work with Ingmar Bergman. She received Academy Award nominations for ‘The Emigrants’ and ‘Face to Face’. Ullmann also directed films and acted in Hollywood productions. Her expressive acting style made her a favorite of critics and cinephiles. She remains an active and respected figure in the global film community.

Ali MacGraw

Ali MacGraw became an instant icon with her role in the romantic tragedy ‘Love Story’. She also starred in the action thriller ‘The Getaway’ with Steve McQueen. MacGraw left the industry for long periods but returned for occasional acting roles and theater work. She is also known for her work in animal welfare and yoga. Her natural style influenced fashion trends in the 1970s.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin began her career on ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In’ with memorable characters like Ernestine. She starred in the hit film ‘9 to 5’ alongside Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton. Her recent success includes the series ‘Grace and Frankie’ where she reunited with Fonda. Tomlin acts on stage and screen and is known for her sharp wit. She continues to tour with her one-woman comedy shows.

Katharine Ross

Katharine Ross starred in two of the biggest hits of the 1960s with ‘The Graduate’ and ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’. She became a symbol of the counterculture era in Hollywood. Her career includes cult favorites like ‘The Stepford Wives’ and ‘Donnie Darko’. Ross is married to actor Sam Elliott and they have worked together on screen. She continues to make occasional appearances in film and television.

Faye Dunaway

Faye Dunaway defined the New Hollywood era with films like ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ and ‘Chinatown’. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Network’. Her intense performances made her one of the most acclaimed actresses of the 1970s. Dunaway has continued to work in independent films and television projects. She remains a powerful presence in cinema history.

Ann-Margret

Ann-Margret rose to fame as a singer and actress in musicals like ‘Bye Bye Birdie’. She starred opposite Elvis Presley in ‘Viva Las Vegas’ and became a sex symbol of the era. Her dramatic work in ‘Carnal Knowledge’ earned her an Oscar nomination. She has maintained a steady career in film and television for decades. Ann-Margret is also an accomplished live performer and recording artist.

Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand is a superstar in multiple fields including music, film, and directing. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her first film ‘Funny Girl’. Streisand later directed and starred in dramas like ‘Yentl’ and ‘The Prince of Tides’. She has largely retired from acting but remains a major cultural force. Her perfectionism and talent have made her a legend.

Blythe Danner

Blythe Danner is a Tony Award-winning actress known for her distinct voice and presence. She gained mainstream popularity playing the mother in the ‘Meet the Parents’ film franchise. Her career includes frequent work in television movies and guest roles on sitcoms. Danner is also the mother of actress Gwyneth Paltrow. She continues to act in film and television projects.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor has had a distinguished career in theater and television. She won an Emmy Award for her role in ‘The Practice’ and starred in ‘Two and a Half Men’. Taylor wrote and starred in a one-woman play about Governor Ann Richards. Her recent work includes a role in the series ‘The Morning Show’. She remains a sharp and sophisticated performer.

Mia Farrow

Mia Farrow is best known for her starring role in the horror classic ‘Rosemary’s Baby’. She appeared in numerous films directed by Woody Allen during the 1980s. Her career also includes films like ‘The Great Gatsby’ and ‘Death on the Nile’. Farrow is a committed humanitarian and activist for children’s rights. She appears occasionally in film and television roles.

Goldie Hawn

Goldie Hawn won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for ‘Cactus Flower’ early in her career. She became a major comedy star with films like ‘Private Benjamin’ and ‘Overboard’. Hawn took a long hiatus from acting but returned for films like ‘The Christmas Chronicles’. She is also known for her foundation which promotes mindfulness for children. Her bubbly persona remains iconic.

Bette Midler

Bette Midler is a dynamic performer known as “The Divine Miss M” on stage and screen. She starred in hit films like ‘The Rose’, ‘Beaches’, and ‘Hocus Pocus’. Midler won a Tony Award for her lead role in the revival of ‘Hello, Dolly!’. Her career blends comedy, drama, and music seamlessly. She continues to act and release music.

Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton defined a fashion style and a comic persona with the film ‘Annie Hall’. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for that role. Her career includes hits like ‘The Godfather’, ‘Baby Boom’, and ‘Something’s Gotta Give’. Keaton is also a director and photographer with several books to her name. She remains a top choice for leading roles in comedies.

Cher

Cher has conquered the music and film industries over a career spanning six decades. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for the romantic comedy ‘Moonstruck’. Her filmography includes acclaimed dramas like ‘Silkwood’ and ‘Mask’. Cher continues to record music and perform for live audiences. She is known for her constant reinvention and longevity.

Susan Sarandon

Susan Sarandon is an acclaimed actress known for her roles in ‘Thelma & Louise’ and ‘Bull Durham’. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for playing a nun in ‘Dead Man Walking’. Her career includes a wide range of characters in both independent and studio films. Sarandon is also a vocal activist for various social and political causes. She works consistently in film and television series.

Sally Field

Sally Field began her career as a television actress in ‘Gidget’ and ‘The Flying Nun’. She successfully transitioned to serious film roles and won two Academy Awards for Best Actress. Her wins were for ‘Norma Rae’ and ‘Places in the Heart’. Field continues to take on complex roles in theater and film. She remains one of the most respected actresses in the industry.

Glenn Close

Glenn Close is widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses to have never won an Oscar. She has received numerous nominations for films like ‘Fatal Attraction’ and ‘Dangerous Liaisons’. Her work includes iconic villain roles such as Cruella de Vil in ‘101 Dalmatians’. Close is also a major star on Broadway with several Tony Awards. She continues to deliver powerful performances in film and television.

Kathy Bates

Kathy Bates won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her chilling performance in ‘Misery’. She has since had a diverse career with roles in ‘Titanic’, ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’, and ‘American Horror Story’. Bates often plays strong and eccentric characters. She recently starred in the reboot of the legal drama ‘Matlock’. Her versatility keeps her in high demand.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is often cited as the best actress of her generation with three Academy Awards. Her career includes legendary performances in ‘Sophie’s Choice’, ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, and ‘The Iron Lady’. She holds the record for the most Oscar nominations of any actor. Streep continues to challenge herself with diverse roles in musicals and comedies. Her ability to master accents and characters is unmatched.

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver became the first female action hero to earn an Oscar nomination for ‘Aliens’. She starred as Ellen Ripley in the groundbreaking ‘Alien’ franchise. Her career includes hits like ‘Ghostbusters’, ‘Avatar’, and ‘Gorillas in the Mist’. Weaver works steadily in major blockbusters and independent films. She remains a commanding presence on screen.

Pam Grier

Pam Grier became a cinema icon in the 1970s as the star of blaxploitation films like ‘Foxy Brown’. She experienced a major career resurgence with Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Jackie Brown’. Her work includes the series ‘The L Word’ and numerous action movies. Grier is celebrated for her strength and charisma on screen. She continues to act and preserve her legacy as an action pioneer.

Tell us which of these legendary actresses is your favorite in the comments.