If you just saw a classic clip of Bonnie Parker or Evelyn Mulwray and found yourself wondering is Faye Dunaway still alive, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, as of early 2026, the Oscar-winning icon just celebrated her 85th birthday. She isn't just "around," either; she’s been remarkably active lately, finally pulling back the curtain on a life that has been shrouded in mystery and "diva" rumors for decades.
It's weird how Hollywood works. One minute you're the face of a generation, and the next, people are whispering about whether you've passed away simply because you haven't been on a red carpet in six months. But Faye has always played by her own rules. She doesn’t do the "elder statesman of cinema" routine where she shows up at every awards show. When she does appear, it’s usually for something that actually matters to her.
The Reality of Faye Dunaway in 2026
Honestly, the last few years have been some of the most revealing in her entire career. For the longest time, Faye had this reputation for being "difficult." People talked about the legendary clashes with directors like Roman Polanski or the high-intensity energy she brought to every set. But recently, she decided to set the record straight herself.
If you haven't seen the HBO documentary Faye (which hit screens recently), you're missing the real story. In it, she doesn't hold back. She finally addressed something she’d kept private for most of her life: her diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
"I worked with a group of doctors who analyzed my behavior... and that helped. So I am quieter. But throughout my career, people know there were tough times. I don’t mean to make an excuse about it. I am still responsible for my actions."
Hearing her say that was a massive "aha" moment for fans. It put so much of her past behavior into a different context. It wasn't just "diva" antics; it was a woman struggling with her mental health in an era where nobody talked about it. Today, at 85, she seems more at peace than ever. She lives a relatively quiet life but remains close with her son, Liam Dunaway O'Neill, who has been a huge support system for her.
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Is Faye Dunaway Still Acting?
You might think 85 is the age to pack it in and sit by a pool in Palm Springs. Not Faye. She has famously said she has no plans to retire because she simply loves the work too much.
While she isn't churning out three movies a year like she did in the '70s, she’s been selective. We saw her in that high-fashion Gucci campaign not too long ago, looking absolutely timeless. She also had that "Tea at Five" stage project a few years back where she played Katharine Hepburn. Even though that production had its share of drama—as most Faye projects do—it showed that her appetite for the craft hasn't dimmed.
Why People Keep Asking About Her
The internet is a strange place. Whenever an older celebrity trends on social media, the first thing everyone thinks is the worst. With Faye, the "is Faye Dunaway still alive" searches often spike when:
- One of her classic films like Network or Chinatown gets a streaming resurgence.
- An anniversary of the infamous "La La Land" Oscars mix-up happens.
- A fellow legend from her era passes away.
But let’s be clear: Faye Dunaway is very much a part of the living history of Hollywood. She’s one of the few remaining stars from that "New Hollywood" era of the late '60s and '70s that completely changed how movies were made.
Health and Longevity
Naturally, when someone reaches their mid-80s, people get curious about their health. While she has been open about her mental health journey and the importance of her medication, physically, she appears to be doing well for her age. She’s been spotted at major events like the Cannes Film Festival looking elegant and sharp.
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She's lean, she's still got that piercing gaze, and she still carries herself with the posture of a woman who knows she’s the most interesting person in the room. She’s avoided the trap of many of her contemporaries who vanished from public view entirely.
A Legacy That Refuses to Fade
Faye’s filmography is basically a "must-watch" list for anyone who cares about acting. Think about the range:
- The raw, rebellious energy of Bonnie and Clyde.
- The cool, calculated brilliance in The Thomas Crown Affair.
- The tragic, fragile beauty in Chinatown.
- The terrifying, high-octane power of Diana Christensen in Network.
Even Mommie Dearest, which she once viewed as a career-killer, has become a massive cult classic. In her recent documentary, she admitted she probably shouldn't have done it, but she also recognizes that it has a life of its own now. That’s the thing about Faye—she owns it. All of it.
What's Next for the Star?
So, what does 2026 look like for Faye? She's mostly enjoying the reception of her documentary and the fact that she can finally be "seen" as a human being rather than just a caricature of a demanding actress. There are always rumors of one last "big" film role, a final curtain call that might earn her another look from the Academy, but nothing is set in stone.
If you’re looking to connect with her work today, the best thing you can do isn't just checking if she's still with us—it’s actually watching the films.
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Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the Documentary: Look for Faye on HBO/Max. It is the most honest look at her life you will ever get.
- Revisit the Classics: If you've only seen her in memes, go watch Network. Her performance as a television executive who will sacrifice anything for ratings is more relevant in the TikTok era than it was in 1976.
- Follow Official News: Don't trust "death hoaxes" on Facebook. If anything major happens to a legend of this caliber, it will be the lead story on every major news outlet globally.
Faye Dunaway is a survivor. She survived the studio system, she survived the critics, and she’s surviving the aging process with a lot more grace than the tabloids would have you believe. She’s still here, she’s still Faye, and she’s still fabulous.
Next Steps to Explore Faye's World:
- Stream "Chinatown": Check your local listings or Paramount+ to see what many consider the "perfect" screenplay featuring Faye at her peak.
- Read her Memoir: Her 1995 autobiography, Looking for Gatsby, offers another layer of detail to her early life and rise to fame.
- Check Cannes Updates: Keep an eye on the 2026 festival circuits, as Faye often makes surprise appearances to support restored classics.
The legend is alive and well. Don't let the internet tell you otherwise.