They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but sometimes the old dogs are just getting started. Some of the world’s most admired icons didn’t reach their peak until their golden years. From groundbreaking work to career-defining moments, these legends showed that greatness can strike at any age, proving that it’s never too late to leave a lasting mark.
Judi Dench
Judi Dench is a shining example of late-career success, gaining acclaim internationally well into her 70s. Although she has been a respected stage actress for many decades, Dench’s film career picked up with her role as M in the James Bond series, which she started at 60 years old. She then won an Academy Award in her 70s for her role in Shakespeare in Love, and further amazed audiences with Victoria & Abdul and Philomena, proving that her age didn’t stop her from being an amazing actress.
Clint Eastwood
As Clint Eastwood aged, his career evolved dramatically, finding some of his greatest success as a director in his 70s and 80s. He previously played iconic roles as an actor in many action and western films, going on to direct Unforgiven at 61, which won multiple Oscars. His other films, like Gran Torino, Million Dollar Baby, and American Sniper, were all made well into his 70s and 80s, which solidified his directing role. In 2018, at the age of 88, he directed and starred in The Mule, which is astonishing.
Louise Bourgeois
After turning 70, Louise Bourgeois gained international renown for her contemporary art. Though she had been active for many decades, her magnificent large-scale sculptures and installations, like Maman, the famous spider, were embraced throughout the world. Bourgeois’s art was heavily themed and explored themes such as family, trauma, and memory with a raw intensity that peaked in her later years.
Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett is an example of longevity in music, remaining a celebrated jazz artist and more. He’s known for classics like “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and has released critically acclaimed albums like Duets II at the age of 85. After collaborating with younger stars, his voice was introduced to new generations, helping to preserve his memory through song. His dedication to art and performance kept him a famous icon until his final years.
Maggie Smith
Maggie Smith was one of Britain’s most esteemed actresses, who flourished in her 70s and 80s as she performed in standout roles that captivated audiences globally. She portrayed the sharp-tongued Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey, which earned her great acclaim, while her role in Harry Potter is what most people remember her for. Smith’s talent, wit, and presence only increased with age and showed her love for acting.
Christopher Plummer
Christopher Plummer had a career resurgence after he came into his 70s. Plummer won his first Oscar at 82 for his role in Beginners, proving his remarkable talent. He also did fantastic work in films like The Last Station and All the Money in the World, which have made him one of the most respected actors in his generation.
Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright revolutionized architecture, with many of his most iconic works completed after he turned 70. He designed the Guggenheim Museum in New York, finishing it when he was in his late 70s, which still remains a masterpiece of modern architecture. Wright had a very organic style, which showed his immense creativity even at a time when age norms prevailed, influencing many others in future generations to strive for internationally acclaimed architectural masterpieces.
Carmen Herrera
After decades of obscurity, Carmen Herrera’s art career would blossom, gaining international recognition late in her life. Herrera was a Cuban-American abstract painter who created minimalist geometric works that were celebrated for contributing to modern art as a whole. Her persistence and often colorful canvases earned her many museum exhibitions worldwide in her later years.
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen’s poetic music career soared well into his 70s and 80s, marked by his deep voice and reflective lyrics. His albums, You Want It Darker and Old Ideas, were both critically acclaimed and were released in his old age. Their more mature themes and deep vocals were met with unending praise. He even had many late-career tours, like performances into his 80s, which ultimately solidified his legacy as a legendary musician.
Betty White
Betty White was a beloved television icon who peaked in her 70s and 80s. Known for The Golden Girls, White received numerous Emmys during this period and became a cultural treasure. She remained active in TV and social media well into her 90s, as she was beloved by generations for her humor and kind nature. Her life proves that comedic timing only improves with age.
Harry Bernstein
At age 96, Harry Bernstein published his first book, The Invisible Wall, which led him to become a literary sensation in his late 90s. His memoir recounted his childhood in a working-class English neighborhood, capturing many readers across the globe with its authentic, heartfelt storytelling. Bernstein’s success is an inspiration to everyone who has creative dreams, whether they are young or old, letting them know that it’s never too late to tell their story.
Angela Lansbury
Angela Lansbury enjoyed great success in her old age after playing the iconic role of Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote. It was a long-running TV series that saw her become a household name among actresses because of her intelligence and charm. Lansbury thrived in film and even on stage, as she won multiple Tony Awards. She not only reinvented herself but also managed to remain relevant across the decades.
David Attenborough
David Attenborough is a voice we all recognize, as he’s made an immense impact as a natural historian, but mainly as a broadcaster. Planet Earth and Blue Planet are among his greatest documentaries, and accompanied by thousands more, Attenborough has brought global awareness to conservation issues all around the world. Attenborough is now well into his 90s, and continues to advocate for the planet and narrate countless documentaries.
Georgia O’Keeffe
Georgia O’Keeffe’s influence in art expanded greatly in her later years. She is known for her many large-scale flower paintings and New Mexico landscapes, as she continues to paint despite her weakening eyesight. O’Keeffe uses a bold choice of form and color, which is what makes her art so iconic, with her many exhibitions placing her among the top American modernist artists.
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela’s most defining achievements came in his 70s, when he was released from prison after turning 71. He became the first Black South African president at 75, leading the country into a transition from its segregationist apartheid state. Mandela’s dedication to human rights and reconciliation garnered global admiration that enshrined his legacy of leadership, forgiveness, and courage.
