While many of us are familiar with actors and actresses from the 90s up to the present day, these older celebrities were the stars of their era. They graced posters on bedroom walls and lit up television screens in the 1950s and 60s. Keep reading to discover if you recognize these icons from decades past.
George Hamilton


George Hamilton launched his acting career in the 1950s. Alongside his roles in television and film, heโs celebrated for his bronzed complexion and debonair demeanor. Notable projects include โWhere The Boys Are,โ โThe Man Who Loved Cat Dancing,โ โThe Little Unicorn,โ โDoc Hollywood,โ and โOnce Is Not Enough,โ among others.
Decades after his debut, Hamilton remains active in the industry. In 2018, he appeared in the film โSwipeโ and made a guest appearance on the popular comedy series โGrace & Frankie.โ
Ann Margaret
Ann-Margret was one of the most celebrated actresses of the 1960s, known for her talents in acting, dancing, and singing. She was even hailed as the female equivalent of Elvis Presley at one point. Her impressive career includes notable roles in films like โGrumpy Old Men,โ โThe Train Robbers,โ and โThe Cincinnati Kid.โ
Margaret remains active in acting. In 2021, she appeared in the film โQueen Beesโ as Margot Clark, showcasing her enduring presence in the industry.


Bob Newhart
Bob Newhart is celebrated for his exceptional comic timing and expressive humor. His diverse career spans memorable roles in projects such as โHot Millions,โ โOn a Clear Day You Can See Forever,โ and โLittle Miss Marker.โ
Newhart also gained acclaim for his own show, โThe Bob Newhart Show,โ which ran for nearly 142 episodes. Today, he continues to entertain audiences with cameo appearances in popular shows like โYoung Sheldonโ and โThe Big Bang Theory.โ


Chubby Checker
Chubby Checker is renowned for popularizing dance styles like the Twist and Pony through his hit songs โThe Twistโ and โPony Time.โ His music spans across genres such as rock and roll and rhythm and blues, with โThe Twistโ notably recognized as the biggest chart hit by Billboard magazine from 1958 to 2008.
Checkerโs musical career continued with his last released single in 2013 titled โChanges.โ


Dick Van Dyke
If youโre a fan of retro comedies, youโve likely seen the classic โThe Dick Van Dyke Show.โ Dick Van Dyke is not only an actor but also a comedian, writer, singer, and dancer. He has a multifaceted career that includes serving in the United States military at one point.
In recent years, Van Dyke released his first solo album in 2017, featuring a duet single with actress Jane Lynch. He also appeared in the television series โThe Kiddingโ in 2020, portraying Hopscotch The Sasquatch.


Eva Marie Saint
Eva Marie Saint has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning over 75 years, beginning with her debut in 1946 on the NBC television show โCampus Hoopla.โ She is one of the earliest winners of an Academy Award still living today.
In recent years, despite being in her 90s, Saint has continued to grace the screen and lend her voice to projects. She starred in the film โWinterโs Taleโ in 2014 and voiced a character on the television series โThe Legend of Korra.โ


John Astin
John Astin is a versatile actor, television director, and voice artist, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Gomez Addams in the classic television series โThe Addams Family.โ His role as Gomez led to various spin-off projects within the Addams Family franchise.
Since 2001, Astin has also made significant contributions as the director of the Theater Arts and Studies Department at Johns Hopkins University. In 2018, he was last seen in the project โStarship II: Rendezvous with Ramses,โ where he portrayed Professor Peabody.


Jon Voight
Jon Voight is a highly acclaimed actor known for his standout performances in films like โMidnight Cowboy,โ โDeliverance,โ โThe Rainbow Warrior,โ and โThe Rainmaker.โ His illustrious career has earned him an Academy Award and four Golden Globe Awards, solidifying his place as one of Hollywoodโs most respected talents.
In addition to his impressive filmography, Voight also received a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the Showtime television series โRay Donovan.โ


Julie Andrews
Julie Andrews is synonymous with iconic roles and unforgettable performances, notably in โThe Sound of Musicโ and โMary Poppins,โ which have left enduring impressions on audiences worldwide. Her career spans a diverse range of projects including โCinderella,โ โThe Tamarind Seed,โ โThe Man Who Loved Women,โ and โRelative Values.โ
Beyond live-action roles, Andrews has lent her distinctive voice to beloved animated films such as โShrekโ and โDespicable Me.โ Recently, audiences delighted in her narration as Lady Whistledown in Netflixโs โBridgerton.โ


Marla Gibbs
Marla Gibbs is celebrated for her sharp wit and memorable performances, notably as the maid on the classic CBS sitcom โThe Jeffersons,โ a role that earned her five Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
In addition to her television success, Gibbs has appeared in films like โMadeaโs Witness Protection.โ Recently, she has remained active with appearances in various television projects in 2020, including โScandal,โ โOne Day at a Time,โ and โDays of Our Lives.โ


Max Baer Jr.
Max Baer Jr. is best known for his portrayal of Jethro Bodine in the classic 1960s sitcom โThe Beverly Hillbillies.โ His comedic talent and memorable performance as Jethro earned him lasting recognition.
Beyond โThe Beverly Hillbillies,โ Baer has appeared in other television shows and films including โMacon County Lineโ and โMurder, She Wrote.โ
In his later career, Baer transitioned into real estate and property development. As of today, he is the sole surviving regular cast member from โThe Beverly Hillbillies,โ continuing to be remembered for his contribution to television history.


Mel Brooks
Mel Brooks is a comedic genius whose career has spanned over seven decades, showcasing his talents as an actor, comedian, film producer, director, and screenwriter. He is renowned for his iconic movies including โThe Producers,โ โBlazing Saddles,โ โRobin Hood: Men in Tights,โ and โYoung Frankenstein,โ among others.
In addition to his film work, Brooks co-wrote the successful television comedy series โGet Smart,โ further solidifying his impact on both the big and small screens.
Notably, Brooks is one of the few entertainers to achieve the prestigious EGOT status, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award throughout his illustrious career.


Nancy Sinatra
Nancy Sinatra, the elder daughter of Frank and Nancy Sinatra, made a significant impact as a singer and actress, particularly with her iconic hit โThese Boots Are Made For Walkinโ.โ Her career began in 1967 with appearances on various variety shows, swiftly establishing her as a prominent figure in music history.
Throughout the years, Sinatraโs music has continued to resonate, with her songs featured in films such as โThe Chair,โ โBless the Harts,โ and โCruellaโ in 2021, showcasing her enduring influence and musical legacy.


Paul M. Glaser
Paul Michael Glaser is an accomplished American actor and director, best known for his portrayal of detective Dave Starsky in the classic television series โStarsky & Hutch.โ Beyond acting, Glaser also directed episodes of the show, showcasing his versatility in both roles.
Following his success with โStarsky & Hutch,โ Glaser expanded his career with roles in projects like โThe Cutting Edge,โ โMiami Vice,โ and โKazaam.โ He continued to make notable appearances, including a recurring role in the hit show โRay Donovan.โ
In 2010, Glaser ventured into the art world by organizing his first artwork exhibition, highlighting his creative talents beyond acting and directing.


Richard Chamberlain
Richard Chamberlain is a versatile American actor and singer, recognized for his roles in numerous television shows and movies, including โThe Thorn Birds,โ โThe Bourne Identity,โ and his breakout role as Dr. Kildare in the medical drama series โDr. Kildare.โ
In addition to his acting career, Chamberlain authored his memoir titled โShattered Love: A Memoirโ in 2003, offering insights into his personal and professional journey. He expressed a desire to return to showbiz in 2010, even putting his Maui home on the market to facilitate this comeback.
Chamberlain was seen in the 2019 film โFinding Julia,โ continuing to showcase his enduring talent and presence in the entertainment industry.


Sophia Loren
Sophia Loren, the renowned Italian actress, captured hearts worldwide with her timeless beauty and charisma. Her showbiz journey began at the age of 16, starting with minor roles until she secured a significant five-film contract with Paramount Pictures.
Lorenโs talent and magnetism propelled her to become an international celebrity and revered style icon. Her illustrious filmography includes memorable performances in movies such as โIt Started in Naples,โ โHouseboat,โ โThe Pride and the Passion,โ โSunflower,โ and the 2020 film โThe Life Ahead,โ where she portrayed Madame Rosa.


Tippi Hedren
Tippi Hedren is a versatile actress, animal rights activist, and former model who gained fame for her roles in Alfred Hitchcockโs classic films โThe Birdsโ and โMarnie,โ the latter of which earned her a Golden Globe award. Her acting career spans across various shows and movies, including โI Heart Huckabees,โ โCitizen Ruth,โ and โA Countess From Hong Kong.โ
In 1983, Hedren founded her non-profit organization, The Roar Foundation, dedicated to animal rescue and wildlife conservation. She has also been actively involved in global relief programs.
Even at nearly 90 years old, Hedren remains active and made headlines in 2018 when she starred in a fashion campaign for the prestigious Gucci brand.


Tommy Lee Jones
Tommy Lee Jones is a highly regarded American actor and film director, recognized for his standout performance in the 1993 film โThe Fugitive.โ His versatile career includes roles in acclaimed projects like โNo Country for Old Men,โ โMan of the House,โ โCaptain America: The First Avenger,โ and โAd Astra,โ among others.
In 2020, Jones appeared in the movie โThe Comeback Trail,โ continuing to showcase his enduring talent and presence in the film industry.


Anthony Hopkins
Anthony Hopkins is a distinguished film director, actor, and producer renowned for his extensive accolades. In 1993, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his significant contributions to the arts.
Hopkins is celebrated for his iconic portrayal of serial killer Hannibal Lecter in โThe Silence of the Lambs,โ a role that solidified his place in cinematic history. He has also delivered memorable performances in films like โLegends of the Fall,โ โThe Remains of the Day,โ โNixon,โ and โAmistad.โ
In 2022, Hopkins appeared โThe Sonโ and โArmageddon Timeโ.


William Daniels
William Daniels is a seasoned actor known for his roles in films and television shows such as โThe Graduate,โ โCaptain Nice,โ and โTwo for the Road.โ His career began after formal drama studies and included a stint as a disc jockey at an army radio station.
Danielsโ versatility has been showcased in recent years with appearances in popular dramas like โGreyโs Anatomy.โ In 2020, he lent his voice to the character KIIT in the movie โSuperintelligenceโ.


Billy Dee Williams
Billy Dee Williams is a renowned actor and novelist, born in 1937. He is best known for his iconic role in the Star Wars franchise, where he portrayed Lando Calrissian. Williams holds the distinction of being the only actor to have portrayed the character over the longest period in the history of the franchise.
In addition to his Star Wars fame, Williams has lent his voice to Lando in video games and appeared in popular television shows such as โGeneral Hospital,โ โDynasty,โ and others. He also participated in the reality show โDancing With the Starsโ in 2014.


Kim Novak
Kim Novak launched her career with Columbia Pictures in 1954 and swiftly rose to become one of Hollywoodโs top A-listers, propelled by a series of successful box office hits. Her notable films include โPal Joey,โ โThe Man With the Golden Arm,โ โKiss Me, Stupid,โ and โStrangers When We Meet,โ among others.
Novakโs popularity soared with her memorable role in Alfred Hitchcockโs โVertigo,โ solidifying her status as a leading actress. However, after a challenging filming experience in 1991, she announced her decision to retire from show business.


Rosemary Harris
Rosemary Harris, born in 1927, has had a remarkable career that began on stage in 1948. The talented British actress is celebrated for winning nine Tony Awards for her outstanding performances both on and off Broadway.
In addition to her stage success, Harris has starred in acclaimed BBC television productions in the UK. To younger and American audiences, she is perhaps best known for her role as Aunt May in Sam Raimiโs Spider-Man trilogy, starring Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man.


Marion Ross
Marion Ross, originally born Marian Ross, changed her name at the age of 13 because she felt it would look better on a marquee with the letter โo.โ She began her acting career in 1953, but her breakthrough came when she landed the role of Marion Cunningham in the hugely popular television series โHappy Days.โ
Ross reprised her role as Marion Cunningham multiple times over the years, including in animated series like โFamily Guy.โ She also had a notable career as a voice actress, lending her voice to characters in shows such as โSpongeBob SquarePants,โ โKung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness,โ and โScooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster,โ before retiring in 2018.


Jerry Adler
Jerry Adler started his career behind the scenes as a stage manager in the 1950s before transitioning to acting in 1991. He quickly gained recognition, particularly for his role as Herman โHeshโ Rabkin in the critically acclaimed series โThe Sopranos.โ
Despite starting his acting career relatively late, Adler remains remarkably active in the industry. He has appeared in recent productions such as โThe Good Wife,โ โMozart in the Jungle,โ and the acclaimed 2019 film โDriveways.โ Known for often portraying Jewish characters, Adler humorously notes that he once played a cardinal in full regalia.


James Hong
James Hong, born in 1929, has had a prolific career spanning over six decades with appearances in over 600 shows and movies since the 1950s. He is known for his versatility as both a dramatic and comedic actor, with notable roles including a detective on โThe New Adventures of Charlie Chanโ and guest appearances on various police procedurals.
Hongโs distinctive voice has also made him a memorable figure in animation, voicing characters like Chi-Fu in โMulanโ and Mr. Ping in โKung Fu Panda,โ among others. Despite his extensive career, he remains active in the industry, recently starring alongside Michelle Yeoh in the 2022 box-office hit โEverything Everywhere All at Once.โ


Joan Plowright
Joan Plowright, known not only as Laurence Olivierโs widow but also as a distinguished actress in her own right, has enjoyed a career spanning six decades on both stage and screen. While younger audiences may recognize her from films like โThe Spiderwick Chronicles,โ โDennis the Menace,โ and โ101 Dalmatians,โ Plowrightโs contributions extend far beyond these roles.
Throughout her career, she has been involved in numerous stage-to-TV movie productions and has starred alongside Olivier in the British National Theatreโs TV adaptation of โThe Merchant of Veniceโ.


Jacqueline White
Jacqueline White had a relatively short but impactful career in Hollywood, active from 1942 to 1952 during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She gained prominence as the leading lady in several popular B movies and also played significant roles as the second lead in A films under her contract with RKO Studios.
White is best remembered for her roles in films like โCrossfireโ and โThe Narrow Margin.โ Despite her time off-screen after retiring from acting, renewed interest in her films has led to appearances at conferences and fan conventions, where she continues to be celebrated for her contributions to classic Hollywood cinema.


Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood, born in 1930, is undoubtedly one of the most iconic actors in Hollywood history. He gained widespread fame for his portrayal of tough and stoic characters, notably in the Dirty Harry series where he starred as the iconic detective Harry Callahan.
Beyond his role in Dirty Harry, Eastwoodโs career has spanned decades with numerous acclaimed performances in action blockbusters and dramas. Some of his notable films include โThe Good, the Bad and the Ugly,โ โEscape from Alcatraz,โ โGran Torino,โ and โMillion Dollar Babyโ.


Kris Kristofferson
Kris Kristofferson is an incredibly talented American actor, musician, and songwriter. He has skillfully penned soulful songs such as โFor The Good Times,โ โHelp Me Make It Through The Night,โ and the evocative โMe and Bobby McGee,โ each imbued with heartfelt emotion and lyrical depth. In 1985, Kris was a pivotal member of the revered country music supergroup The Highwaymen, alongside the legendary Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and the charismatic Waylon Jennings.
Before an unfortunate injury altered his path, Kristofferson passionately pursued sports such as boxing, rugby, and football, infusing his life with a dynamic energy that mirrored his artistic pursuits. Now in his late 80s, Kris has gracefully transitioned from the bustling music scene to a serene and contemplative life, where he savors quiet moments and reflects on a legacy rich with musical brilliance and enduring impact.


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