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Globally, only about 1 in 5,000 individuals make it to their 100th birthday, and the odds of becoming famous while reaching this milestone are even more improbable. This list celebrates ten extraordinary people who excelled in their fields and lived to see a century.
Among these centenarians are actors, comedians, philanthropists, and even the oldest president in U.S. history. Reaching 100 is not just about chance: it’s a mix of genetics, lifestyle, physical fitness, stress management, and sometimes, a bit of wealth and privilege. What truly sets these individuals apart is how their legacies have impacted the world. Some contributed through charitable work, others through public service, and many brightened our lives with humor and creativity during tough times.
The fact that these remarkable stories are featured on Mytour is a testament to the lasting impact of their contributions: take a moment to explore the inspiring journeys of the 20th century’s most celebrated centenarians.
10. Estelle Winwood (1883–1984): A Century in Theater and Film
Estelle Winwood's life was full of remarkable moments, and her story could easily have been the basis for a captivating movie. Born in the Lee district of London in 1883, she started her acting career at the age of 20. In 1916, she moved to New York City to launch her Broadway career. Dividing her time between London and New York, she was deeply committed to the theater, though she eventually transitioned to film and, much later, television.
Without question, Winwood was a star whose quick wit and captivating charm won her many admirers, including other renowned actors from the realms of film, television, and theater. She formed close friendships with notable figures such as American stage actress Tallulah Bankhead. Winwood's legacy is marked by her long-lasting presence in the entertainment industry, performing well into her 90s. At the age of 93, she appeared in Murder by Death, a mystery film written by Neil Simon and directed by Robert Moore.
By the age of 96, Winwood became the oldest active actor in the U.S. and lived to be 101 years old. Her humor never left her—when asked about the experience of living such a long life, she quipped, 'How rude of you to remind me!' Winwood is one of the rare few actors who reached the age of 100 and remained a beloved figure in the industry throughout her lifetime.
9. Gloria Stuart (1910–2010): From Golden Age Starlet to Titanic Icon
Gloria Stuart's career spanned over several decades, from her early appearances in classic films such as The Invisible Man (1933) to her iconic role as the elderly Rose in Titanic (1997). After taking a break from Hollywood for 30 years, she made a triumphant return in Titanic, earning an Oscar nomination at 87, making her the oldest acting nominee in history.
Stuart was widely recognized for her resilience, and her triumphant return in Titanic showcased her incredible determination. She battled cancer on multiple occasions and remained deeply involved in the arts, including painting and printmaking. Her performance in Titanic served as a poignant final chapter to a life rich with tales of perseverance and overcoming adversity.
Gloria Stuart passed away in 2010 at the age of 100. Her life was a remarkable journey that bridged the golden age of Hollywood with the final decades of the 20th century.
8. Norman Lloyd (1914–2021): Nine Decades in Show Business
Norman Lloyd’s exceptional career spanned an astonishing nine decades, making him a living testament to Hollywood's evolution from its earliest years to the modern film era. His journey began in Vaudeville and Depression-era theater, where he quickly made a name for himself. His major breakthrough came in Alfred Hitchcock’s Saboteur (1942), marking the start of an enduring collaboration with the legendary director.
Even the Hollywood blacklist of the 1950s couldn’t halt Lloyd’s career. Hitchcock brought him back as a producer and director on Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Lloyd continued to work across television, film, and theater, remaining active in the entertainment industry well into his 90s. He lived to the extraordinary age of 106, leaving behind a legacy defined by his talent, adaptability, determination, and longevity.
7. Grandma Moses (1860–1961): The Artist Who Gained Recognition in Her Later Years
Anna Mary Robertson Moses, better known as Grandma Moses, began her artistic journey at the age of 78, following arthritis that ended her embroidery work. Using materials such as house paint and scrap wood, she painted nostalgic scenes of rural life drawn from her childhood memories, deliberately leaving out modern industrial elements to maintain a sense of simplicity.
Her artwork was spotted by a New York art collector, which led to exhibitions around the world and widespread admiration. Moses’s art became adored for its heartfelt, folk-inspired portrayal of an earlier, simpler time.
Grandma Moses took her artistic endeavors seriously, dedicating over 20 years to perfecting her craft. She exhibited her paintings internationally into her 90s, continuing to create until just before her death at the age of 101.
6. David Rockefeller (1915–2017): The Banker Who Played a Key Role in Shaping Global Finance
David Rockefeller led a remarkable life, blending his passion for finance with a strong dedication to philanthropy. Born into the illustrious Rockefeller family, he earned degrees from Harvard and the University of Chicago. After his service in World War II, he began his career at Chase National Bank, later becoming chairman and CEO of the merged Chase Manhattan Bank in 1969.
Rockefeller was a specialist in international banking, using his extensive network to form relationships with global leaders and foster peaceful international cooperation. In 1973, he founded the Trilateral Commission to tackle the challenges of globalization.
Living to the impressive age of 101, Rockefeller's legacy endures through his global influence and philanthropic contributions. Even in his final years, he remained deeply involved in charitable activities, making substantial donations to the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller University. His legacy also includes his dedication to the arts, environmental conservation, and land preservation.
5. George Burns (1896–1996): A Lifetime of Laughter and Triumph
George Burns possessed two incredible gifts: the ability to make others laugh and to live a long life while doing so. He began his career as a child performer in Vaudeville, and later gained fame alongside his wife, Gracie Allen. The duo's success in radio, television, and film made them beloved household names, especially through their iconic show, The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show.
Following Allen's retirement in 1958, Burns faced a brief period of difficulty, but he made an extraordinary comeback. At the age of 80, he starred in The Sunshine Boys (1975), earning an Academy Award for his performance. Audiences also fell in love with his portrayal of God in the 1977 comedy Oh, God!
Burns’s career spanned until just before his death at 100. He continued to perform in nightclubs and commercials well into his 90s, forever remembered for his sharp wit, ever-present cigar, and monumental contributions to the art of comedy.
4. Bob Hope (1903–2003): A Legacy of 70 Years in Entertainment and Service
Bob Hope was a cherished figure in American entertainment for over seven decades. Born in England and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, he rose to fame in Vaudeville, radio, and film, becoming a household name throughout the 1940s and ’50s. His rapid-fire delivery and famous partnership with Bing Crosby in the “Road” films solidified his place in entertainment history.
In addition to his comedic genius, Bob Hope is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to the U.S. military. He performed for troops during World War II and continued his USO tours through the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Persian Gulf War. In 1997, he became the first honorary veteran named by Congress.
Hope remained active well into his 90s, continuing to entertain and inspire audiences. He passed away at 100, but his comedic legacy, exceptional talents, and dedication to his craft continue to influence entertainers around the globe.
3. Jimmy Carter (1924–Present): A Lifelong Champion of Public Service
Jimmy Carter served as the 39th president of the United States for a single term, but his commitment to public service extended far beyond his presidency, which ended in 1981. Elected in 1976, he focused on human rights, energy policy, and diplomacy, with his administration most famously securing the Camp David Accords, a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, in 1978.
After his presidency, Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, dedicated themselves to humanitarian work, founding the Carter Center in 1982. They concentrated on global health, conflict resolution, and election monitoring, and Carter’s lifelong dedication to these causes was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
By 2024, Carter had become the longest-living U.S. president. In his later years, he remained actively involved with Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes for those in need well into his 90s. His lifelong devotion to public service has made him an enduring symbol of humanitarian commitment.
Olivia de Havilland (1916–2020): A Hollywood Icon Who Shaped the Industry for Over Fifty Years
Olivia de Havilland's remarkable journey began in the 1930s and spanned an impressive five decades, with her most famous role as Melanie in Gone with the Wind (1939). Her acting prowess also earned her two Academy Awards for her performances in To Each His Own (1946) and The Heiress (1949).
Beyond her acting career, de Havilland made a profound and enduring influence on Hollywood by challenging the stringent and often unfair studio system. Her victorious legal battle against Warner Bros. resulted in a landmark decision that capped studio contracts at seven years, empowering future generations of actors.
De Havilland remained active in her acting career well into the 1980s, accumulating numerous prestigious accolades in her later years. Upon her passing at the age of 104 in Paris, she left behind a dual legacy of artistic brilliance and a commitment to labor rights advocacy.
Kirk Douglas (1916–2020): The Unyielding Legend of Hollywood
Kirk Douglas’s remarkable career in Hollywood and his well-known children have elevated him to legendary status. Born to Russian Jewish immigrants, he faced many hardships in his early years but rose to become one of the biggest stars in cinema. His breakthrough came with an Oscar-nominated performance in Champion (1949), which was followed by iconic roles in films such as Spartacus (1960) and Paths of Glory (1957).
Douglas was celebrated for his powerful, often intense performances, but he was equally admired for his strong moral compass. A notable example of his integrity was his fight against the Hollywood blacklist, where he took a stand by hiring blacklisted screenwriters for the production of Spartacus. Even after a stroke in 1995, he remained active in acting well into his 80s.
Douglas lived to the age of 103, leaving behind two significant legacies: first, as a trailblazer in cinema, and second, as a passionate advocate for free speech.
