If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through social media or arguing over a dinner table about whether a certain celebrity is still with us, you aren't alone. It happens constantly. Specifically, when people ask how old is george wallace, they are usually thinking of one of two very different men who happen to share a name that carries a lot of weight in American history and pop culture.
Honestly, context is everything here. Depending on who you're talking about, the answer is either "he’s a legendary comedian still cracking jokes in his 70s" or "he was a controversial politician who passed away decades ago."
The Man Still Making Us Laugh: George Wallace the Comedian
Let’s talk about the George Wallace who is very much alive and still one of the funniest people on the planet. George Henry Wallace, the iconic stand-up comedian and actor, was born on July 21, 1952.
As of right now, in early 2026, George Wallace is 73 years old.
He’ll be hitting his 74th birthday this coming July. For a guy who has been in the game since the 1970s, he hasn't slowed down much. You’ve probably seen him in everything from Batman Forever (he was the Mayor of Gotham) to his legendary residency in Las Vegas, where he earned the title "The New Mr. Vegas."
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He’s huge on Twitter—well, X—and his "I Be Thinkin'" bits are basically the blueprint for modern observational comedy. He’s the guy who moved to New York with nothing and ended up roommates with Jerry Seinfeld. Think about that for a second. Two of the biggest names in comedy history, just two young guys trying to figure out how to be funny in a city that doesn't care if you live or die.
He’s 73, but he has the energy of someone decades younger. It’s kinda wild how long he’s managed to stay relevant without changing his core vibe.
The Other George Wallace: A Legacy Frozen in Time
Now, if you’re asking about the politician—the former Governor of Alabama who stood in the schoolhouse door—the math is a bit different. George Corley Wallace Jr. was a fixture of the 20th century, but his story ended a while ago.
He was born on August 25, 1919.
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If he were still alive today in 2026, he would be 106 years old. Obviously, he isn't. He passed away on September 13, 1998, at the age of 79.
His life was complicated, to say the least. He went from being a staunch segregationist to asking for forgiveness from the Black community in his later years. He survived an assassination attempt in 1972 that left him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life, which honestly changed the trajectory of his political career and his personal outlook. By the time he died in a Montgomery hospital, he was a very different man than the firebrand who ran for president in 1968.
Why the Confusion Happens
It’s pretty simple: names stick. When you type how old is george wallace into a search bar, the algorithm has to guess which one you mean.
- The Comedian: Born 1952, currently 73.
- The Politician: Born 1919, died in 1998 at age 79.
Most people today are looking for the comedian. He’s the one who shows up on talk shows and in your social feeds. He’s the one who is still very much a part of the "celebs" conversation.
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What Really Happened with the Comedian’s Career?
People sometimes think George Wallace "disappeared" because he spent so many years in Las Vegas. He had a ten-year run at the Flamingo. That’s a long time to stay in one spot. But since then, he’s had a massive career resurgence, especially with younger audiences who love his "get off my lawn" but in a hilarious way energy.
He’s 73 years old, and he’s still headlining clubs. That’s impressive. Most people are ready to call it quits by 65, but comedy is one of those things where you sort of age into it. You get wiser, your timing gets sharper, and you have more "stuff" to think about.
Actionable Takeaway: Don't Mix Up Your History
If you’re doing research or just settling a bet, make sure you know which era you’re looking at.
- Check the photo. If the guy is wearing a tuxedo and holding a microphone, he's 73 and likely in Las Vegas or Los Angeles.
- Look for the year. If the article mentions the 1960s or 70s politics, it's the Governor, and he’s been gone since 1998.
- Follow the jokes. If you want the living legend, follow @MrGeorgeWallace on social media. His "I Be Thinkin'" posts are a masterclass in short-form wit.
Knowing the difference prevents those awkward moments where you think a guy who passed away in the 90s is suddenly posting about why people put too much ice in their soda.