A small number of entertainers have managed to reach 100 years old, an extraordinary milestone in an industry known formuch shorter careers and harsher pressures. These stars remained active, sharp, and beloved for decades, leaving behind work that still resonates with audiences today. George Burns, born January 20th, 1896, first rose to fame as a vaudeville act with his wife Gracie Allen, dominating radio, television, and film for decades. After Gracie’s death, he reinvented himself late in life, winning an Oscar at the age of80 for *The Sunshine Boys*.
He continued performing nearly until his death on March 9th, 1996, at age100. Bob Hope, born May 29th, 1903in England, became one of the most beloved stars of the 20th century. Known for the *Road to* pictures with Bing Crosby, hosting the Oscars 19 times, and spending decades entertaining American troops on USO tours, he stayed active well into his 90s. Hope died on July 27th, 2003, just over a month after turning100 that
Kirk Douglas, born December 9th, 1916, was one of Hollywood’s most durable leading men, starringin *Spartacus*, *Paths of Glory*, and *Lust for Life*.
He also played a key rolein breaking the Hollywood blacklist. Even after suffering a major stroke late in life, he remained vibrant and productive. Douglas died on February 5th, 2020, atthe remarkable age of103that
His contemporary Olivia de Havilland, born July 1st, 1916, is best remembered as Melanie Hamiltonin *Gone with the Wind*. She won two Academy Awards and fought a landmark legal battle against Warner Bros.
That case, decided in her favorin 1943, effectivelyended the studio system’s ability to suspend actors’ contracts indefinitely, changing Hollywood forever. She died on June 26th, 2020, at104年
British actress Glynis Johns reached the same milestone. Best known worldwide as Mrs. Banksin Disney’s *Mary Poppins*, she also built adistinguished stage career and won a Tony Award for *A Little Night Music*.
She died on January 4th, 2024, at100年
Television creator Norman Lear transformed American culture by redefining the sitcom. Born July 27th, 1922, he created groundbreaking series including *Allin the Family*, *Maude*, *The Jeffersons*, and *Good Times*, tackling race, class, politics, and family conflict in ways television had rarely attempted此前. He remained engagedand outspoken until the endand died on December 5th, 2023, at101年
Actress Gloria Stuart had early success inthe 1930s but later became known to a new generation when she made acomeback at age87 as the elderly Rosein James Cameron’s *Titanic*. Her performance earned her an Oscar nomination, making her the oldest acting nominee in Academy history atthat time.
She died on September 26th, 2010, at100年
Composer Irving Berlin wrote some of America’s most enduring songs, including”White Christmas,” “God Bless America,” and”There’s No Business Like Show Business. ” Born in Russiaon May 11th, 1888, he died on September 22nd, 1989, at101年
Marsha Hunt, born October 17th, 1917, appeared in more than100 films and television shows during Hollywood’s Golden Age. She was also a respected activist who spoke out against the Hollywood blacklist, living a long, principled life. She died on December 7th, 2022, at104年
June Lockhart, born June 25th, 1925, became an American television icon playing the wholesome motherin *Lassie* and later as Maureen Robinsonin *Lost in Space*.
Her career spanned nearly nine decadesbefore her death on October 23rd, 2025, atage100that
Some centenarian entertainers are still alive. Band leader Ray Anthony, born January 20th, 1922, is currently104 and is the last surviving member of the original Glenn Miller Orchestra, having played with Miller from 1940 to1941 before leadinghis own successful big band. Actress Eva Marie Saint is currently101, and Dick Van Dyke, bornin 1925, recently turned100 these, are among those who continue carrying thetorch.
These remarkable figures entertained millions across generations, and for many, their work lives on even after their long lives come toa close.
