There’s no set deadline for when a person should “make it” in life. However, it’s uncommon for anyone to continue pursuing a passion that hasn’t yielded them the results they’re looking for by age 30. Once you hit 30, if your dreams haven’t materialized already, the majority of people in your life will try to convince you to give up. They’ll say it’s time to get a real, sustainable job. If you ignore their advice, their words will undoubtedly amplify by the time you reach 40.
It takes a special kind of courage to continue pursuing passions and dreams when you reach a certain age. Many people have a family and are starting to think about retirement by the time they reach their early forties. For celebs like Steve Carrell and Ricky Gervais, their 40s is when they finally got their big breaks on the British and American versions of “The Office.” There’s also the case of transitioning to something new to consider. Taking a leap of faith like Ty Burrell isn’t for folks without faith. Dreamers want something more for themselves and know they only live once, no matter how cliche it might sound.
Typical fans don’t see the work and sacrifices some celebrities have to go through to make it to the top. These stories are inspiring because they give hope to those who don’t have many places to turn. For more details about movies some of these celebs star in, click here to read movies audiences love and critics hate.
To compile this list of celebrities who made it in their 40s, 24/7 Tempo consulted celebrity-centered sources. These include Collider, MovieWeb, ScreenRant, Rolling Stone, and IMDb.
Samuel L. Jackson – 46
Today, almost everyone knows the name Samuel L. Jackson. He built his career in franchises like Star Wars and the MCU. However, Jackson first started out in the theater. He had a few parts here and there in films, but nothing that sent him over the top. This all changed when Jackson got the role of Jules Winnfield in the classic “Pulp Fiction.”
The commercial and box-office success of the movie helped catapult Jackson into bigger film roles and more mainstream success. He led the way in the film alongside the legendary John Travolta. Today, producers know that having Jackson featured in a movie is an honor. Fans know he’s going to bring the intensity whenever he comes on screen.
Peter Dinklage – 42
Not many actors have had the same impact on the industry as Peter Dinklage. He’s broken down dozens of barriers, specifically by being someone people with dwarfism can look up to. It helped that Dinklage was a hugely crucial character in the widely popular series “Game of Thrones” on HBO.
However, he didn’t land that role or receive worldwide praise until he turned 42. Prior to “Game of Thrones,” Dinklage starred in multiple movies, but he wasn’t immediately recognized when he came on screen.
Viola Davis – 46
Another person who achieved success as a star after the age of 40 is Viola Davis. She won numerous Tony awards for her performances, but it wasn’t until “The Help,” where she got nominated for an Academy Award, when her career took off. After this, she quickly started racking up awards for her work. She’s one of the few people in all of Hollywood to complete the EGOT, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.
Martha Stewart – 41
Is there anyone more polarizing people in the world than Martha Stewart? She’s beloved, despite the fact she’s lived through numerous moments that could have gotten her canceled by today’s standards. Stewart has written tons of books and been on TV shows like, “The Martha Stewart Show,” “Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party,” and more. However, this wasn’t an easy road for the famous chef. Her first book “Entertaining” wasn’t published until she was 41.
Vera Wang – 40
Wedding dresses designed by Vera Wang have a blissful reputation for being extremely special and top-tier. Her dresses have been worn by some of the most famous people around the world, but her career didn’t start out that way. Right after graduating, Wang got hired by Vogue to be an editor.
She enjoyed that for a while, which caused her to hold off on launching her brand. It took Wang until her 30s to decide to go off on her own. Her brand didn’t reach star status until she was 40. She famously designed one of Kim Kardashian’s wedding dresses for a whopping $25,000.
Ty Burrell – 42
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 18: Actor Ty Burrell attends iHeartRadio ALTer EGO presented by Capital One at The Forum on January 18, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/Getty Images)
Making it as an actor in various Shakespeare plays is easier said than done. However, it doesn’t provide actors with quite the same level of fame as being bona fide Hollywood stars. Ty Burrell found himself on stage in performances like “Twelfth Night” and “Macbeth.” The fact that he was able to accomplish that was amazing. He was 42 when he was finally cast as Phil Dunphy in “Modern Family.” That role is the reason he’s become recognized the way he is today.
Wendy Williams – 44
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 10: TV personality Wendy Williams attends the 2019 NYWIFT Muse Awards at the New York Hilton Midtown on December 10, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Lars Niki/Getty Images for New York Women in Film & Television)
Hosting shows with other people is a great way to make a name for yourself. Ultimately, Wendy Williams wanted more than that. She started her career off in the Virgin Islands, but didn’t learn as much about radio work as she’d hoped. She starred in a few projects between Washington D.C. and New York City, until she launched her own. She called it “The Wendy Williams Show,” and it premiered when she was 44. Williams knew what she wanted in life and she chased after it until she got it.
Larry David – 42
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 03: Larry David, comedian, writer, actor, and television producer looks on during the game between the New York Knicks against the Los Angeles Lakers game at Madison Square Garden on February 03, 2024 in New York City. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Writing for “Saturday Night Live” is what tons of people aspire to achieve. It’s challenging when the show you’re working with doesn’t use the majority of what you write and pour your heart into, though. Larry David had that experience. He finally decided enough was enough when he pitched the show “Seinfeld” to television executives.
At the time of its release, David was 42 years old. He hadn’t gone out on his own yet, but the leap of faith he took clearly paid off. “Seinfeld” famously ran for nine beloved seasons before coming to an end.
Leslie Jones – 47
Making it in comedy seems easy enough until you realize how many people do standup around the world every single night. Leslie Jones was a female comedian trying to earn her stripes, but nothing came about for many years. She never gave up, though, no matter how crazy it seemed to continue down the same path.
By the time she turned 47, she was finally cast in “Saturday Night Live.” It’s possible that all of the years of hard work felt worth it for her i that moment. Jones won awards for her work on the show and now has multiple movies to her credit.
Jane Lynch – 43
It’s hard to imagine Hollywood without Jane Lynch. She was such an important cast member on “Glee” along with many other shows. But Lynch didn’t enjoy a straight line to success. She had to work and grind until roles like “Best in Show” and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” catapulted her to fame and international success.
“Best in Show” didn’t happen for Lynch until she turned 43. Prior to that, Lynch made ends meet by snagging smaller roles in tons of commercials to strive for success. She paid her dues for a long time and she’s now reaping the benefits.
Alan Rickman – 42
Beloved by fans around the world, Alan Rickman was the perfect person to land the role of Snape in the Harry Potter franchise. He was the wizarding professor everyone loved to hate. Before that happened, Rickman did whatever he could to make it as an actor. His career didn’t explode for him until age 42 when he was cast as Hans Gruber in “Die Hard.” Rickman’s known for working as a graphic designer before his career on the silver screen took off in a way that could financially support him.
Steve Carrell – 43
ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS - AUGUST 27: Steve Carell poses for a photo with the car of Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage prior to the F1 Grand Prix of The Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on August 27, 2023 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Being associated with someone else’s successful show is great, but not entirely satisfying for everyone. Steve Carrell experienced that when he starred in “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” because he wanted more. After establishing himself in comedy, Carrell was cast in “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy” where he was part of another all-star cast.
Carrell got his first chance to cement himself on his own as an actor at 43 years old. He did so in what’s now considered one of the best sitcoms ever – “The Office.” Carrell desired to show the world he could handle the leading role in a show. Ultimately, he ended up doing so with ease.
Ricky Gervais – 40
Ricky Gervais launched his career at 40 years old on the U.K version of “The Office.” While the show didn’t last as long overseas as it did in America, Gervais used the popularity of the show to land more acting gigs. Before working as an actor, Gervais was a musician who spent time in radio working as a DJ.
Gervais is now known for his comedy routines and ability to make people laugh. Gervais hosted the Golden Globe Awards five times, where he’s proven that he’s not afraid to make jokes at anyone’s dispense. His sense of humor is one of the reasons his fans appreciate him so much.
Kathy Bates – 41
Another cast member from “The Office” who didn’t get started as an actress too early is Kathy Bates. She’s known for playing Jo Bennett in the beloved show. Bates is best recognized for her role in the movie “Misery” where she played Annie Wilkes, though. For that harrowing role, she won a Golden Globe and an Academy Award.
That movie is the reason movie lovers grew familiar with her name – and she was 41 when it hit theaters for the first time. Bates also starred as Molly Brown in the film “Titanic.” Brown is one of the most infamous survivors of the shipwreck who’s story needed to be told. Bates proved that she was the perfect actress to honor Brown’s memory.
Tommy Lee Jones – 47
Roles in movies like “Lincoln” and The Men in Black franchise didn’t always come easy for Tommy Lee Jones. In fact, it took the Oscar-winning actor until he was almost 50 to land his first major role. He was cast in “The Fugitive” when he turned 47. His iconic presence in the movie is the reason he received his first of many Oscar nominations.
The faith and confidence Jones had to keep trying without giving up is impressive. He pressed forward for nearly two and a half decades of only snagging minor roles. His determination shows what can happen if you stay on track and remain hopeful about the future.
Sir Patrick Stweart – 47
Being knighted by the Queen of England is a pretty big deal for people who aren’t part of the royal family. Sir Patrick Stewart was honored that way in 2010 for his influential acting career. Before that happened, Stewart snagged gigs working on stage in England. Like most others on this list with a theater background, Stewart sought after more. His heart was set on making it to the silver screen.
It wasn’t until he turned 47 and got cast in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” that he got what he wanted. Thankfully for fans around the world, Stewart took a leap and became one of the most iconic actors ever. The Star Wars franchise simply wouldn’t be the same without him.
Bryan Cranston – 44
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - FEBRUARY 10: Actor Bryan Cranston attends the 100th Episode Celebration and Reception for Malcolm in the Middle at the Museum of Television & Radio on February 10, 2004 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images).
Being known for one major role is impressive enough. Having two major television roles to talk about is a bit more special. Bryan Cranston is an actor who can proudly claim that accomplishment. Cranston didn’t get his big break until he was 44 years old when he was cast in “Malcom in the Middle.”
While he wasn’t the main character of the show, Cranston did have an impact on viewers. In the quirky fatherly role, he instantly became a fan favorite. That’s what helped him later get the role of Walter White in “Breaking Bad.”
Lucille Ball – 40
Getting roles on television shows in the 1950s and 1960s was hard. Being part of a standout show people around the world can recognize is even harder. Lucille Ball pulled this off when she landed the leading role on “I Love Lucy.” Prior to that moment, Ball was an actress without any titles to her credit of note.
This show helped set the rest of her career up for the better. It didn’t happen until after she turned 40. Interestingly enough, she pursued acting at her age during an era when most women were staying at home t raise little ones. Ball starred in the show with her first husband, Desi Arnaz.
Simon Cowell – 43
Getting complimented by Simon Cowell is something few performers have on their resume. In fact, most of the time he’s harsh and straight to the point with his feelings. His temperament wasn’t known by audiences until he abandoned life as a producer and got in front of the camera at age 43.
Over the years, Cowell has become kinder with how he treats people, but he helped make a name for himself with his brutally honest persona. These actors didn’t achieve success until their 40s, but what if things had moved even slower for them? Click here to discover the 50 most famous actors over 70.