The Golden Age of Hollywood: Where Are They Now?

Barbara Eden's most iconic role was in I Dream of Jeannie. She was Miss San Francisco in 1951, and from there, the former choir and nightclub singer's career took off. She made semi-regular appearances on the Johnny Carson Show and The Millionaire. She was last seen in a guest role on Shimmer and Shine TV show in 2016.

Cindy Williams played roles in legendary films and TV series like American Graffiti and Happy Days. But she's most known for her role as Shirley Feeney in the sitcom Laverne & Shirley. Williams published the memoir that she co-wrote with Dave Smitherman, Shirley I Jest!, in 2015. She's not 74 years old and is just as beautiful as ever.

Christopher Walken is quite a famous face. Even though he started appearing on TV in the ’50s, he initially got praised with The Deer Hunter many years later. Since then, he's been a busy, busy guy. His most recent project was the 2018 movie called The War With Grandpa. Not only is he alive and well at 78 years old, but he is still filming and working.

Best known for her role on The Jeffersons, a famous sitcom that aired from 1975 to 1985, Marla Gibbs is a multitalented actress. Marla is a celebrated actress, singer, comedian, writer, and producer, and has been active since 1973. She had five nominations for a Primetime Emmy Award, for her role as George Jefferson’s maid, Florence Johnston, on The Jeffersons. Marla is still active in Hollywood and, in 2018 she appeared on Please Stand By, Love Jacked, and HeadShop. At 90, she is still making waves.

The Star Wars franchise made Billy Dee Williams a megastar. He played the role of Lando Calrissian and first appeared in The Empire Strikes Back in 1980. While this is undoubtedly Dee’s most famous role, he did work on other notable projects such as Brian’s Song, Lady Sings the Blues, Nighthawks, and Batman. Dee is now 84 and living the dream.

Also called the female Elvis, Ann-Margaret is a Swedish-American singer and actress. On the big screen, she starred in Bye Bye Birdie, Viva Las Vegas, The Cincinnati Kid, Carnal Knowledge, Tommy, Grumpy Old Men, and Grumpier Old Men. Ann-Margaret has won five Golden Globes, two Grammys, six Emmys, and even two Oscar nominations. She also had a recurring role on Ray Donovan and in 2018 was cast on Happy!

Dick Van Dyle is 96 and he has no plans for retirement. With a 7-decade-long career, he is still working and recently reprised his role as Mr. Dawes Jr. on Mary Poppins Returns, in 2018. He gained peak levels of fame with his Dick Van Dyke Show from the ‘60s, but also starred in musicals like Bye Bye Birdie, Mary Poppins, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Van Dyke has five Primetime Emmys, one Tony, and one Grammy award, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Max Baer Jr. is known best as the actor who portrayed Jethro Bodine in the hit comedy show, The Beverly Hillbillies, which ran from 1962 to 1971. Presently, he’s the sole cast member from the show who’s still alive. In the early 2000s, he attempted to develop a hotel/casino that was Beverly-Hillbillies-themed, but the project didn't take off. Now, he's relaxing and enjoying his 80s and his $50M net worth.

We all know Paul Hogan as the man behind the character of Michael J. Dundee from the Crocodile Dundee movies. The films have been released since the ‘80s, and he even made a new one recently, in 2020, titled The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee. Paul is 82 years old right now and worth approximately $20 million. 

From the National Lampoon’s Animal House movie of the ‘70s to The West Wing series of the ‘00s, Tim Matheson wears many hats. Even after all these years in the biz, Matheson is still around and acting surprisingly frequently! In 2019, he began acting in the Netflix series Virgin River, taking on the role of Doc Mullins. 

Bob Newhart is the iconic American king of deadpan comedy. His stand-up routines skyrocketed him into fame. His comedy albums were number one and two on the Billboard charts, selling extremely well to American audiences. He also had two sitcoms and performed in front of audiences worldwide, leading to a whopping $65 million net worth. 

Linda Gray is a famous movie, TV, and stage actress. Her career first began in the ’60s when she worked as a model and appeared in TV commercials. During the ’70s, Linda began acting and landed a role in Dallas, a prime-time TV soap opera. She left the show in 1989 and later starred in other projects like Oscar, Moment of Truth: Why My Daughter?, and Accidental Meeting. Linda’s stage work includes The Graduate, Terms of Endearment, among other productions. Even now, at 81, she's still a stunner.

Jackie Mason was a famous American comedian, known for his controversial jokes and his recognizable voice. He often used his Jewish heritage for jokes and talked a lot about politics and race in his stand-up acts. His shows have amused Broadway audiences for decades as he has performed as a solo act six times in his career. Mason passed in 2021 at the age of 93.

Fans of the Dennis the Menace sitcom are sure to recognize Gloria Henry by her role as Dennis’ mother, Alice Mitchell. After moving to Los Angeles, Gloria debuted on The Sport of Kings, and soon after appeared in movies, such as Miss Grant Takes Richmond and Rancho Notorious. After the show had ended, she appeared occasionally on TV, but her career slowed down. In 2012, she had a guest appearance on Parks and Recreation. Gloria passed away in April 2021 at the age of 98.

Jane Birkin fans rejoiced when the 75-year-old singer-songwriter released a new album titled Oh! Pardon Tu Dormais in February 2021, her first album release in over a decade. Fun fact: The fashionable Hermès Birkin bag is named after this iconic beauty. Although she garnered international recognition for her musical and romantic partnership with Serge Gainsbourg between 1968 and 1980, she had already been in the acting scene before they even met. She has been in remission from leukemia for many years now, but at 75, the toll treatment took on her physically still lingers.

Barbara Mandrell is an actress and musician. She had her own prime-time show on NBC which had a hand in helping her skyrocket to fame. Her last concert was held in 1997 at the Grand Ole Opry before Mandrell officially retired. In 2009, she had the honor of becoming a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee. Even now that she is retired, she’s still a Grand Ole Opry member.

Actor Wilbert Francisco Cobbs, professionally known as Bill Cobbs, is a Cleveland, Ohio native. He actually pursued his career quite late in his life, deciding to begin his acting career at 36. Some of the parts Cobbs played were in One Tree Hill, Oz the Great and Powerful, and Night at the Museum. Although he hasn’t announced his retirement officially, Cobbs’ appearances on television and movies are rare since he is now 87 years old.

Who could ever forget Anthony Hopkins’ masterful role in the Hannibal franchise? Furthermore, he’s one of the best actors in his generation, with an impressive resume. Films such as Meet Joe Black and Fracture are iconic. Hopkins’ latest project is Netflix's The Two Popes. Unsurprisingly, the controversial film seems to be a success, and Hopkins’ performance is, as always, magnificent. At 83, nothing is stopping him.

If you’re a country music fan, then this lady needs no introduction. Loretta Lynn is the most highly awarded female country singer/songwriter with a 60-year-long career. She has sold over 45 million albums worldwide. Today at age 89, her voice still enchants her fans all over the world. She's a musical icon.

Hailing from Brazil, José Mayer saw his name in lights playing in movies like House of Shadows in the mid-70s and The Promise in the ‘80s. Today, Mayer is 72 years old. Up until 2017, he was playing in the Wounded Past series. His collaboration with the show was cut short after he was accused of an indecent assault, though.

Gene (short for Eugene) Hackman, is a former American actor and novelist. After announcing his retirement from acting in 2004, he focused on his writing skills. He authored fictional novels like Wake of the Perdido Star, Justice for None, and Escape from Andersonville. Today, he has a wealth of $80 million. At 91 years old, we think he's doing alright.

Tommy Lee Jones is a talented actor who is best remembered for the performances he had in The Fugitive, Batman Forever, and the Men in Black films. His performance in The Fugitive earned him an Academy Award and a Golden Globes in the ’90s. He's been a busy actor for most of his career. His most recent roles were in the films Ad Astra, Wander, and The Comeback Trail.

Debbie Harry is best known as the face of the group Blondie. Their top album was Parallel Lines, and they had major hits like Heart of Glass, Call Me, Rapture, and The Tide Is High. Debbie Harry is credited as being the first female rapper to chart # 1 in the U.S. and Blondie topped lists and charts all over the world during the ‘70s. 

Chuck Yeager joined the army as a pilot at a young age. Chuck was the first person ever who officially broke the sound barrier and flew faster than the speed of sound—an amazing feat. He served in the army for many years and retired with many honors. He passed away in 2020 at the late age of 97.

With an impressive 7-decade-long career, Eva Marie Saint has more movie roles under her belt than we could count. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in North by Northwest, by Alfred Hitchcock. She also starred in Raintree County, Exodus, The Russians Are Coming, and in a few movies in the new millennium, like Superman Returns and Winter’s Tale. Eva had a beautiful and long marriage with Jeffrey Hayden, which lasted for 65 years, until his death in 2016. Eva is now 97 years old.

Since 1952, Queen Elizabeth has ruled over the United Kingdom, as well as other countries, such as New Zealand, Australia and Canada, and other Commonwealth nations. Since her reign started, most Commonwealth countries have gained independence, yet she is still a constitutional monarch. As Queen, she still appears in speeches and official openings and ceremonies daily. With a net worth of about $600 million, she's sitting pretty.

Loretta Swit is best known for starring in M*A*S*H and winning two Emmys for her performance on the show. Swit started as a theatre actress before transitioning to TV in 1969. After M*A*S*H, she also starred in Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and Hollywood Squares. Swit made a comeback in the 2019 film Play the Flute. She's now 84 and enjoying her retirement.

Christopher Plummer is probably most famous for his work in The Sound Of Music, but he had a long and successful acting career that spanned 50 years. He was awarded the Canadian Screen Award for Lifetime Achievement. He even won an Academy Award at the ripe ol' age of 82, the oldest actor to do so. Plummer passed away in February of 2021 age 91.

Angela Lansbury has appeared on the screen many, many times, with highlights such as Murder, She Wrote, Sweeney Todd, and Gypsy. She enjoyed a very successful career in Hollywood and now sits on a $70 million net worth. Though others may think of retirement planning at her age, she still graces theaters all over the world at the age of 96.

Jerry Lee Lewis is a real rock ’n roll artist who rose to fame with his big hit "Great Balls of Fire." After facing some controversy, he made a country comeback, earning him a $15 million net worth. His artistry didn’t go unnoticed, and his music still enjoys critical acclaim. He's had an interesting past, though, having been married 7 times, and was once arrested for allegedly trying to shoot Elvis Presley. At 86, it seems like he's settled down.

Beverley Cleary is one of the most widely-read authors of young fiction in America. Her writing career has known great successes, as she wrote many books and created characters that are well-loved by children everywhere. Cleary is a recipient of the National Book Award and a Newbery Medal, and she was worth about $20 million. Cleary passed away in 2021 at the ripe ol' age of 104!

To say that Bruce Springsteen is a famous musician, would be a massive understatement. He first joined the scene in 1975 with the release of Born to Run. It’s almost impossible to believe that he is now 72. But he is still very much active in the biz, having released his 20th studio album, Letter to You, just in 2020. It's estimated that The Boss brings in nearly $80 million in income every year and is already worth a whopping $500 million. 

Mel Brooks is one of the most famous Hollywood entertainers still alive today, with an almost 7-decade long career. Best known for his blend of humor and parodies, Mel appeared in TV and movies and became one of the top directors in the biz. His works include Young Frankenstein, Silent Movie, History of the World, Part I, Spaceballs, and countless others. Mel is also a proud member of the coveted EGOT winners list, for people who won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and a Tony Award. Brooks most recently returned to Hotel Transylvania, as the voice of Dracula’s father, Vlad.

Hal Holbrook was a critically acclaimed actor, who appeared on screen and in theaters. Holbrook performed in many films such as Hercules, The Fog, and Into The Wild. He received a Tony and five Emmy Awards, as well as a National Humanities Medal awarded to him by the President. He passed away in 2021 at the age of 95.

June Lockhart is another American actress who was very big in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Her most famous performances were in Lassie and Lost in Space, but she has also appeared on Broadway, winning a Tony Award for her performance. Lockhart’s talents were recognized with not one, but two stars on the famous Hollywood Boulevard. 

Robert Clary survived the Nazi concentration camps as a young boy, entertaining soldiers with his voice. His singing kept him alive and when he was released he became popular in France and the US. On Broadway, he starred in musicals before making a huge break in Hogan’s Heroes. Clary now lives out his retirement days painting and speaking to people about the Holocaust. With a net worth of $16 million, he is resting easy.

Tony Bennett’s unbelievable voice has made him one of the most successful singers in America. His career spans many decades. After his military service, he became an absolute hit machine, entertaining audiences with his show tunes and jazz standards. Bennett’s improvisational skills made him a unique singer. He still sings and performs, sometimes with current pop stars such as Lady Gaga. 

Caren Marsh-Doll started working as a dancer from a young age. Her resemblance to Judy Garland landed her the part of dance double in The Wizard of Oz and Ziegfeld Girl. For the former, she was gifted the famous ruby slippers to thank her for her hard work, for which she wouldn’t get a film credit. The actress continued working as a dancer and actor, but an airplane crash led to devastating results. After the crash, she began instructing dance instead. She's still alive today at the age of 102.

Marge Champion started dancing at a young age, following in the footsteps of her older sister who was already in show business. Champion actually modeled for Disney as they worked on Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Her movements and dancing were used to create the princess. She went on to perform in many musicals and even got her own program on television. She passed away in 2020 at the age of 101.

Alan Alda famously portrayed the iconic Captain Hawkeye in the ‘70s comedy series  M*A*S*H. Alda went on to be featured in critically acclaimed shows like 30 Rock and The West Wing and starred in the films The Four Seasons, Crimes and Misdemeanors, and Marriage Story. He has also racked up awards along the way, including six Emmys and a Golden Globe. Alda has released three publications, and he’s earned a long list of honorary degrees from various educational institutions as well.

Paul Anka is behind famous hits like Diana and Put Your Head on My Shoulder. He also translated Jacques Revaux and Claude Francois's hit song My Way into English for Frank Sinatra. Anka also established himself as an actor in the ‘50s with guest credits on shows like Crime Story, Las Vegas, and Gilmore Girls. Beyond the entertainment industry, Anka is also an entrepreneur. In 1978, he opened a club and restaurant called Jubilation.