Buzz
A few years ago, I hit the fifty-year mark. Whenever I start feeling the weight of age, I think about the movie, music, and television stars from my childhood who are still going strong in the 21st century. The artists featured here have been working for over four decades, some even longer, and remain active today. I've listed them in no specific order, so if there's anyone I missed, don't hesitate to let me know in the comments.
10. David McCallum
David McCallum became a household name when he began his role as Illya Kuryakin in the 1964 television series “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” The spy craze fueled by the James Bond movies was in full swing, and McCallum appeared on teen magazines, comic books, records, ViewMaster reels, posters, and toy boxes. After the show wrapped up, he did mostly guest appearances, but he earned new recognition as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on the hit series “N.C.I.S.” In one memorable episode, when asked what Dr. Mallard looked like as a young man, series star Mark Harmon replied, “Illya Kuryakin.” McCallum's co-star on “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” Robert Vaughn, also deserves mention for his role in the British soap opera “Coronation Street.”
9. Bill Cosby
William Henry Cosby started his career as a stand-up comedian, making appearances on “The Tonight Show” in the early Sixties. In 1965, actor and producer Sheldon Leonard saw Cosby's stand-up act and cast him in the spy series “I-Spy.” He continued making appearances on “The Tonight Show,” eventually guest-hosting the program. In 1967, Cosby released the hit song “Li’l Ole Man,” which was inspired by a riff from Stevie Wonder. Cosby has remained active, still performing stand-up and making appearances on “The Tonight Show.” He is most famously known for “The Cosby Show,” his iconic sitcom that aired on NBC from 1984 to 1992.
8. Clint Eastwood
Eastwood started his acting career with small roles in the Fifties, landing a prominent role in the western TV series “Rawhide” in 1958, which ran until 1963. After the show wrapped up, he became the star of the Italian spaghetti western “A Fistful of Dollars” in 1964. This film, followed by its sequels “For A Few Dollars More” and “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly,” propelled Eastwood to international fame during the Sixties. Despite early criticism of his wooden, squinty-eyed acting, Eastwood found continued success in Hollywood. In 1971, he made his directorial debut with “Play Misty for Me,” which earned both critical praise and box-office success. He has continued acting and directing, with his most recent acting role in “Gran Torino” in 2008, and his direction of “J. Edgar” in 2011 starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
7. Robert Wagner
Wagner’s career in film began in the Fifties, and he became a well-known actor in hit films like “The Pink Panther” and “Harper.” His popularity grew when he transitioned to television in 1968 with the series “It Takes a Thief.” Following that show’s end, Wagner continued to find work in both television and film. He appeared in all three of the popular “Austin Powers” films with Mike Myers. More recently, he has guest-starred on “Two and a Half Men” and “N.C.I.S.,” portraying the father of agent Tony DiNozzo. Wagner can also be seen regularly in commercials for a company that promotes reverse mortgages for seniors.
6. Cher
Cher began her career as a backup singer on Phil Spector’s produced tracks in the early Sixties. She first achieved major recognition in 1965 with her husband Sonny Bono through their hit single “I Got You Babe.” Other notable songs from the Sixties include “The Beat Goes On” (with Sonny) and her solo hit “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down).” After facing a dip in their popularity, Sonny and Cher made a comeback with the hit TV show “The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour” in the Seventies. Though she had been acting in films since the Sixties, her acting career flourished in the 1980s, when she won the 1987 Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Loretta Castorini, a bookkeeper from Brooklyn, in the film “Moonstruck.” In 2003, she embarked on a farewell tour but continued performing in Las Vegas and starred in the film “Burlesque” in 2010.
5. Mick Jagger
Sir Michael Philip “Mick” Jagger achieved worldwide fame in the Sixties when “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” became the Rolling Stones’ first number one hit. From the outset, the press began referring to the band as “Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones.” Famous for his wild off-stage persona as much as for the band’s music, Jagger and the Stones have not toured this decade, though they have yet to announce their retirement. In February 2012, Jagger performed solo at The White House during a “Blues at the White House” event hosted by President Barack Obama, alongside B.B. King, Trombone Shorty, Jeff Beck, and other legends.
4. Betty White
3. Paul McCartney
Sir James Paul McCartney reached almost legendary status, becoming as widely adored as Jesus during the peak of Beatlemania in the 1960s. It's difficult for those who didn't experience it firsthand to fully grasp the profound impact the Beatles had on global culture between 1964 and 1965. They dominated the top five spots on Billboard’s Hot 100 and had seven additional songs featured on the chart. Beatles-themed products like wigs, lunch boxes, and even record players flooded the market. Radio stations shifted their formats, teenagers embraced longer hairstyles, and a slew of imitation bands surfaced. Initially, other artists mocked them until it became clear that the Beatles were driving record sales and boosting the careers of emerging acts like The Supremes. Meanwhile, older artists struggled as the music industry shifted its focus to younger audiences. McCartney has remained a popular live performer well into the 21st century, continuing to tour and record new material. A nod of appreciation also goes to his bandmate Ringo Starr, who still tours with his All-Star Band.
2. Stevie Wonder
As the 1960s unfolded, Stevie Wonder's popularity soared. He first burst onto the scene with 'Fingertips' in 1963, and by the release of 'For Once In My Life' in 1969, he had solidified his reputation as a musical virtuoso. Wonder also made appearances in two iconic 'beach party' films alongside Annette Funicello, performing a number in each. His success continued through the 1970s and 1980s, where he achieved global superstar status. He won a Grammy Award for his 2005 collaboration with Tony Bennett on a new version of 'For Once In My Life,' and also performed at Whitney Houston's funeral.
1. Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett was a celebrated figure in the 'vocalist' era from the early Fifties to the early Sixties. His career reached new heights in 1962 with the release of the iconic 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco.' However, like many of his peers, his sales began to decline when the Beatles, the British Invasion, and newer rock and roll acts took over the music scene. Despite these changes, Bennett remained a regular on various variety shows during the Sixties. The Seventies proved to be a difficult time for him, as he struggled to stay relevant and felt that his music was no longer in demand. But in 1979, his son Danny Bennett assumed control of his father's career and reintroduced him to younger audiences through appearances on 'Late Night with David Letterman' and the emerging MTV network. This sparked a major comeback, which continues today. Bennett went on to release two duets albums with contemporary artists, with the first earning him two Grammy Awards. He also appeared in his own PBS special to promote his 'Duets II' album, which included collaborations with Lady Gaga, Norah Jones, the late Amy Winehouse, and more.
