29 Actors Born Before 1950 Who Are Still Performing

Who says you have to retire from the film industry just because you are getting older? There are countless actors over 75 years old who are continuing to make a name for themselves.

Many actors nearing 100 are also still showing off their talents on the big screen. Keep reading to discover 29 actors born before 1950 who are still performing.

• Birthday: July 24, 1949
• Notable Works: "So I Married an Axe Murderer," "Bee Movie," "Coneheads," "Seinfeld," and "Fridays."

Michael Richards has had a long career in the entertainment industry. While he's best known for his role as Cosmo Kramer on the hit series "Seinfeld," he's also starred in "Trial and Error." During his acting career, he also participated in stand-up comedy. Through his many years in the entertainment industry, Richards has won countless awards including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

• Birthday: August 31, 1949
• Notable Works: "Pretty Woman," "Runaway Bride," "American Gigolo," "Chicago," and "Dr. T & the Women"

Richard Gere has always been a swoon-worthy actor, often playing charming and handsome characters. Although he first rose to fame for his role in "American Gigolo," he's especially known for his portrayal of Edward Lewis in "Pretty Woman." Gere has played roles on screen since 1969 and continues to star in them.

• Birthday: October 1 1935
• Notable Works: "Camelot," "My Fair Lady," "Mary Poppins," "The Sound of Music," and "The Princess Diaries"

Born in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England, Julie Andrews is a spectacular actress. She's been working in the entertainment industry since 1945 and, as of 2024, has yet to retire. While Andrews has been active since 1945, her biggest breakthrough came in 1954 in the musical "The Boy Friend." In no time, she was all over movie screens. With so many years of experience, you can't imagine how many awards Andrews has won. Some of these include an Academy Award for Best Actress in "Mary Poppins" and a Grammy for Best Recording for Children.

• Birthday: July 13, 1940
• Notable Works: "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "Moby Dick," "The X-Men," and "Robin Hood: Men in Tights"

Honestly, what hasn't Patrick Stewart been in? This movie legend has starred in comedies, adventure, sci-fi, drama, and Holiday films. Not only did he play a major role in the Star Trek franchise but also in the X-Men series. With almost 70 years of experience in the entertainment field, Stewart has won multiple awards. He was nominated for even more, including an Emmy for his role in "Moby Dick."

• Birthday: September 20 1934
• Notable Works: "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow," "Grumpier Old Men," "Blood Feud," "Sunflower," and "Five Miles to Midnight"

Sophia Loren is an iconic Italian actress with over 70 years of experience in the film industry. She began her acting career during the Golden Age of Hollywood and has only continued acting well into the 21st century. Two of the biggest films she starred in include "Desire Under the Elms" and "Two Women." For her fantastic performance in "Two Women," she won many awards including an Academy Award for Best Actress.

• Birthday: December 11, 1931
• Notable Works: "West Side Story," "Oz," "Jane the Virgin," "The Four Seasons," and "One Day at a Time"

Like Sophia Loren, Rita Moreno is one of the few remaining stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Although active since 1943, Moreno's first big breakout role wasn't until 1961. During this year, she played the incredible role of Anita in "West Side Story." Her performance touched so many people that she became the first Latin American woman to win an Academy Award. She also won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. More recently she's starred in "Fast X," "Family Switch," and "Lopez vs Lopez."

• Birthday: June 1, 1937
• Notable Works: "Million Dollar Baby," "Glory," "Now You See Me," and "The Shawshank Redemption"

Morgan Freeman is a household name for a reason. He's especially known for his distinctive dramatic roles, comedic timing, and deep voice. He's lent his voice to a few documentaries including "The Story of God with Morgan Freeman" and "The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman." Like many stars on our list, Freeman has won awards including a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award.

• Birthday: December 13, 1925
• Notable Works: "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "Night at the Museum," "Mary Poppins," "Bye Bye Birdie," and "Buttons: A Christmas Tale"

Dick Van Dyke is nearly 100 years old, and yet that isn't stopping him from acting. This incredible actor was born in West Plains, Missouri. He entered the acting world in 1947, but became well known after his performance in the musical, "Bye Bye Birdie." Shortly after, he got a role in "Mary Poppins." Unsurprisingly, this Disney legend has won numerous awards. For instance, he won the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.

• Birthday: May 31, 1930
• Notable Works: "Every Which Way but Loose," "Rawhide," "The Outlaw Josey Wales," and "Unforgiven"

Clint Eastwood is a spaghetti Western legend. He dominated Western films and TV series and continues to produce, direct, and act in films. Eastwood was born in San Francisco, California, and is over 90 years old. Don't let his age fool you, though, as he's one of the best actors of the last century. Eastwood also has a political career, as he was the 30th Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.

• Birthday: July 13, 1942
• Notable Works: "Witness," "Star Wars," "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Sabrina," and "The Age of Adeline"

At this point, it's easier to ask what Harrison Ford hasn't been in. This incredible actor managed to woo audience members while playing Han Solo in the "Star Wars" franchise and Indiana Jones in the "Indiana Jones" franchise. He's most recently starred in the Apple TV+ comedy series "Shrinking." With over sixty years in the industry, he's been nominated for about 70 awards and won 34, including a Golden Globe.

• Birthday: April 26, 1933
• Notable Works: "Annie," "Pete 'n' Tillie," "The Four Seasons," "The Carol Burnett Show," and "Palm Royale"

Carol Burnett is hilarious. This incredibly talented comedian and actress has been involved in the entertainment industry since at least 1955. Prior to her experience in Broadway and television, she performed in nightclubs in New York City. In no time, she became a household name. Burnett has starred in amazing shows like "The Carol Burnett Show." Her comedic talent helped her win the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2013.

• Birthday: January 5, 1931
• Notable Works: "The Godfather," "The Judge," "The Conversation," "Widows," "The Apostle," and "The Great Santini"

Even at 93 years old, Robert Duvall continues to dominate the acting world. While one of his first breakout roles was "The Godfather," he's only continued to wow audiences. Duvall has won so many awards for his acting skills. A few of these include an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in "Tender Mercies" and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture in "Apocalypse Now."

• Birthday: December 7, 1932
• Notable Works: "Same Time, Next Year," "The Exorcist," "Flowers in the Attic," "Pieces of a Woman," and "How to Make an American Quilt"

Ellen Burstyn is a jack of all trades that only continues to surprise and awe audience members. Not only has she played complex roles in drama films and TV series, but also in horror. She's also one of the few people to achieve the "Triple Crown of Acting." As of 2024, Burstyn has been nominated for 203 awards and won 67.

• Birthday: April 25, 1940
• Notable Works: "The Godfather," "Scarface," "…And Justice for All," "Angels in America," and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"

Al Pacino was born a decade before 1950 and has been active in film since 1967. However, his biggest breakout role was as the tough Michael Corleone in "The Godfather." Excelling in this role, he continued acting, starring in films like "Bobby Deerfield," "Dick Tracy," and "Carlito's Way." His list of awards is extensive. Al Pacino has been nominated for 150 awards and won 40. Although he's won four Golden Globes, Pacino has been nominated for 19.

• Birthday: July 30, 1947
• Notable Works: "The Terminator," "The Running Man," "Predator," "Conan the Barbarian," and "Kindergarten Cop"

Arnold Schwarzenegger has had an interesting life. He isn't just an actor, but a former politician and the 38th Governor of California. When he isn't involved in politics, Schwarzenegger stars in tough and rough roles like the Terminator in the "Terminator" franchise. Before he dove into the acting world, Schwarzenegger was a high-achieving bodybuilder. He won the Mr. Olympia title seven times and Mr. Universe at only 20 years old.

• Birthday: August 23, 1931
• Notable Works: "I Dream of Jeannie," "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea," "How to Marry a Millionaire," and "Harper Valley PTA"

Barbara Eden is another actor born before 1950 who is still acting. She is best known for her role as Jeannie in "I Dream of Jeannie." She played this vibrant and iconic character from 1965 to 1970 and starred in 139 episodes. Her career continued to thrive after "I Dream of Jeannie" was over. After this, she went to work on the series, "Harper Valley PTA."

• Birthday: December 21, 1937
• Notable Works: "Barefoot in the Park," "On Golden Paw," "Cat Ballou," "Monster-in-Law," and "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?"

Jane Fonda is another Hollywood legend born before 1950. She was born in New York City and rose to fame quickly, starring in multiple movies and shows in different genres. Interestingly, she is also an activist and was very active during the Vietnam War. This made it hard for her to work, but she continued her activism. Although she was blacklisted for a short while in Hollywood for her activism, she's received the Honorary Palme d'Or and the AFI Life Achievement Award.

• Birthday: December 31, 1937
• Notable Works: "The Silence of the Lambs," "Nixon," "The Elephant Man," "The Mask of Zorro," and "The Lion in Winter"

Anthony Hopkins has been acting since 1960, but really grew in notoriety in "The Elephant Man." Still, his biggest role has to be his portrayal of Dr. Hannibal Lecter in "The Silence of the Lambs." Before this, he mainly acted in television films like "Victory at Entebbe," "The Bunker," and "Othello." With so many years in the film and TV industry, it isn't surprising to know that Anthony Hopkins has been nominated for 145 awards and won 55 including two Academy Awards.

• Birthday: December 9, 1934
• Notable Works: "Notes on a Scandal," "Shakespeare in Love," "Chocolat," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and "Angelina Ballerina"

Judi Dench has played so many wonderful roles in TV and film since 1957. She started her entertainment journey in live theater playing many characters with the Old Vic Company. She played major roles including Juliet in "Romeo and Juliet" and Lady Macbeth in "Macbeth." So far, she's been nominated for 204 awards but won 56. In 2000, she won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Mini-Series or Television Film for her role in "The Last of the Blonde Bombshells."

• Birthday: March 10, 1940
• Notable Works: "The Way of the Dragon," "Breaker! Breaker!," "Lone Wolf McQuade," and "The Expendables 2"

Chuck Norris is a lot more than just an actor. Before he rose to fame for his dramatic roles in action films, he was a famous martial artist, winning countless competitions. Interestingly, he didn't dive into the world of Hollywood for his acting skills but instead trained celebrities in martial arts for films. He got his first role because of a recommendation from his friend, Bruce Lee. He was almost immediately successful.

• Birthday: August 8, 1937
• Notable Works: "Hook," "Wag the Dog," "Kramer vs. Kramer," "Stranger than Fiction," and "The Lost City"

Dustin Hoffman doesn't seem like he's going to stop acting anytime soon. Although he's close to reaching 90, he continues to act. He first came into the film and entertainment scene in 1960 but grew quickly after he starred in "The Graduate." This was his first major role, and he received an Academy Award nomination for it. One of his more successful films is "Rain Man." For his role in "Rain Man," he won an Academy Award for Best Actor.

• Birthday: June 28, 1926
• Notable Works: "The Muppet Movie," "Spaceballs," "Robin Hood: Men in Tights," and "History of the World, Part II"

Although Mel Brooks makes our list of actors born before 1950, he's a lot more than an actor. Long before he began starring in large films, he mainly wrote screenplays. He started his writing career creating sketches on "Your Show of Shows." Aside from acting and writing, he also directs films. One of his most successfully directed films was "The Producers." For this film, he won an Academy Award for Best Story and Screenplay – Written Directly for the Screen.

• Birthday: April 24, 1934
• Notable Works: "The Apartment," "The Trouble with Harry," "Steel Magnolias," "Noelle," and "Shirley's World"

Active since 1952, Shirley MacLaine is another one of the last female living stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Although already 90, she continues to act in both films and TV series. Apart from a long and incredibly successful acting career, MacLaine is also a writer. She's written over a dozen books including "Don't Fall Off the Mountain," "The Camino," and "Out on a Limb."

• Birthday: November 20, 1927
• Notable Works: "Bonnie and Clyde," "Roseanne," "Watermelon Man," and "The Conners"

Age won't stop Estelle Parsons from acting. This hilarious actress has an acting career that spans over seven decades. Not only did she star in countless movies and popular TV series, but also directed and acted in Broadway shows. Before she dove into the entertainment world, she studied law and even became a singer. She's especially known for her role as Bev Harris in the show, "Roseanne."

• Birthday: May 25, 1939
• Notable Works: "The Lord of the Rings," "The Hobbit," "Six Degrees of Separation," and "Gods and Monsters"

Ian McKellen is an English actor with international success. Anyone who's seen the "The Lord of the Rings," "The Hobbit," or the "X-Men" franchise knows Ian McKellan. This fantasy icon started his career in theater, acting in shows like "Richard II," "The Alchemist," and "The Promise." For his roles, he's been nominated for 64 awards, winning 31. This includes six Olivier Awards.

• Birthday: July 26, 1945
• Notable Works: "The Queen," "The Madness of King George," "Red," "Fast X," and "Shazam! Fury of the Gods"

In her decades-long acting career, Helen Mirren has played so many different roles. She's starred in dramas, science fiction films, comedies, and action movies. She's a versatile actor who doesn't seem to want to stop anytime soon even while nearing 90. Mirren has not only starred in many of the films in the "Fast and Furious" franchise but also played the narrator in the recent film, "Barbie." Her long acting career and hard work have earned her three Golden Globes and five Emmy Awards.

• Birthday: September 1, 1939
• Notable Works: "The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe," "Flirting with Disaster," "Tea with Mussolini," and "A Prairie Home Companion"

Lily Tomlin is one of the funniest actors to rise from the 1960s and '70s. Before she starred in movies and TV series, she wrote comedy sketches and stand-up skits. Her first big role was in the theater show, "The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe." Her incredible acting won her the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play. One of her more recent roles is on the show, "Grace and Frankie," where she stars next to Jane Fonda.

• Birthday: June 22, 1949
• Notable Works: "Julia," "The Deer Hunter," "The Devil Wears Prada," "Mamma Mia," and "Only Murders in the Building"

Meryl Streep is timeless. She also barely makes our list as she was born in 1949. Streep has been acting in TV and film for nearly five decades and has won a massive amount of awards and recognition. She has a natural talent that allows her to excel in musicals, dramatic roles, and comedic ones too. One of her most popular films is "Mamma Mia." The biggest recognition she's ever received was the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014.

• Birthday: July 22, 1946
• Notable Works: "Lethal Weapon," "Saw," "Sorry to Bother You," and "The Color Purple"

Last but not least is Danny Glover, an American actor with over five decades of experience in the film industry. He continues to act with his most recent roles being "The Naughty Nine" and "American Dreamer." His list of acting credits seems almost endless, which is why it's not surprising to see his list of awards. So far, he's been nominated for five Emmy Awards and won one Academy Award.