Time is a funny thing in Hollywood. We’re so used to the "gone too soon" narratives that we sometimes overlook the people who actually stuck around. Honestly, there’s something kind of magical about the icons who refused to follow the typical retirement script. They didn't just survive the cutthroat studio systems of the 50s and 60s; they’re out here in 2026 still taking meetings, writing books, and occasionally breaking the internet.
It’s not just about a high number on a birthday cake. It’s the fact that they’re still relevant.
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Take Dick Van Dyke. The man literally just hit 100 in December 2025. You’d think at a century old, he’d be content sitting in a rocking chair in Malibu. Nope. He just released a book called 100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life. He’s still "looking for work," as he told Al Roker recently. That’s the thing about these legends—they don’t see age as a finish line. They see it as a shift in gear.
The Resilience of the Silver Screen Giants
When we talk about celebrities who are still alive, we have to mention the ones who are actually still creating. It’s one thing to be a name in a trivia book; it’s another to be on a call sheet.
Clint Eastwood is the ultimate example of this. At 95, most people are focused on where they put their glasses. Clint? He’s in pre-production for a new film. This comes right off the back of Juror #2, which hit theaters in late 2024 and proved he still has that "plain-spoken drama" touch. People kept saying Juror #2 was his swan song. They were wrong. He basically told the press that there’s no reason a man can’t get better with age. It’s that grit. That "get off my lawn" energy turned into cinematic productivity.
Then you’ve got Mel Brooks.
He’s 99.
Ninety-nine!
And yet, HBO just dropped a massive two-part documentary about him this month (Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!). Directed by Judd Apatow, it’s a reminder that Brooks isn't just a relic of the Blazing Saddles era. He’s still the funniest guy in the room. He’s even executive producing a sequel to Spaceballs. Yes, in 2026, we are finally getting more Spaceballs.
Why We Are So Obsessed With Their Longevity
Maybe it’s because they represent a link to a Hollywood that doesn't exist anymore. Or maybe it’s just the comfort of seeing a familiar face endure.
- David Attenborough (99): He’s still the voice of the planet. His new series Kingdom is set to premiere on BBC and AMC+ this year.
- Carol Burnett (92): She’s been everywhere lately, from Palm Royale to a guest spot on Hacks.
- Judi Dench (91): She’s been incredibly open about her struggles with macular degeneration. It’s "a crusher," she says. She can’t see the sets or read scripts anymore, but she still recites Shakespeare from memory. That kind of dedication is rare.
The Reality Check: Losing the Greats
We have to be honest, though. 2025 was a rough year for the "living legends" list. The passing of Gene Hackman in February 2025 was a massive blow to the film community. He was 95, living a quiet life in Santa Fe. The details that came out later were actually pretty heartbreaking—his wife, Betsy Arakawa, passed away just days before him from a rare rodent-borne virus (hantavirus). Because of his advanced Alzheimer's, it’s likely Gene didn't even realize she was gone before he passed away himself.
It’s a stark reminder that while we celebrate their "immortality" on screen, they are very much human. Their estates, their health, their private struggles—it’s all real.
James Hong is another one to keep an eye on. He’s 96 and has over 600 credits to his name. He didn't even get his Hollywood Walk of Fame star until he was 93! It’s like the industry is finally playing catch-up with these people who have been there all along.
Living to 100: Is There a Secret?
If you ask Dick Van Dyke, he’ll tell you it’s three things: moving, dancing with his wife Arlene, and staying positive. He’s famous for saying he never wakes up in a bad mood.
William Shatner (94) seems to follow the "keep moving or die" philosophy too. He’s still doing comic cons and winning Lifetime Achievement awards. He has more energy than most people in their 30s. Honestly, it might just be spite. Or a really good assistant.
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But seriously, the common thread among all these celebrities who are still alive is purpose.
- They haven't stopped working.
- They stay curious.
- They embrace the new (like Shatner going to space at 90).
What This Means For You
Watching these icons navigate their 90s and 100s isn't just celebrity worship. It’s a blueprint. It shows that the "golden years" don't have to be a slow fade to black.
If you want to follow in their footsteps, start by looking at how they handle adversity. Judi Dench didn't quit when she lost her sight; she changed how she worked. Mel Brooks didn't stop being funny when his peers passed away; he found new collaborators like Apatow.
Actionable Steps for Longevity (Inspired by the Legends):
- Keep Moving: Even if it’s just a "Malibu shuffle" like Van Dyke.
- Maintain Social Ties: Loneliness is a killer; stay connected to your "troupe."
- Find Your Shakespeare: Have something you know by heart, a passion that doesn't require "sight" to enjoy.
- Audit Your Estate: Learn from the Gene Hackman situation—keep your will and successor trustees updated. It sounds boring, but it’s the ultimate gift to your heirs.
We're lucky to still have these voices around. Whether it's a new Attenborough narration or a Clint Eastwood thriller, these legends are proving that "retirement" is just a word for people who have run out of stories to tell. And clearly, these guys aren't done yet.