Time moves differently in Hollywood. One minute you're the "it" girl or the rugged leading man, and the next, you're a trivia question. But then there are the outliers. The ones who didn't just survive the cutthroat studio system or the shift from film to digital—they basically outlived everyone’s expectations. Honestly, when you look at the oldest actors still alive in 2026, it’s not just about a high number on a birthday card. It’s about people like Dick Van Dyke literally dancing into his second century.
It’s wild. We’re talking about humans who remember a world before television was a household staple, yet they’re currently trending on social media.
The Centenarian Club: More Than Just Good Genes
Most people think once you hit 90, you’re done. Retired. Sitting in a rocking chair somewhere in the desert. But Hollywood’s elite seem to have missed that memo. Take Dick Van Dyke. Born in 1925, he officially hit the 100-year mark in December 2025. You’ve seen him recently, right? He’s not just "around." He was on Days of Our Lives recently, snagging an Emmy and becoming the oldest person to ever win one. He’s still got that spark. It’s kinda infectious.
Then there’s Mel Brooks. The man is a comedic institution. Born June 28, 1926, he’s 99 years old and still sharper than most people half his age. HBO just dropped a massive two-part documentary about him called Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!—directed by Judd Apatow. It’s a riot. Watching Mel talk about his days in the writers' room for Sid Caesar makes you realize how much of modern comedy we owe to this one guy. He’s basically the last man standing from the Golden Age of comedy.
📖 Related: Why American Beauty by the Grateful Dead is Still the Gold Standard of Americana
June Squibb: The Late Bloomer
You’ve gotta love June Squibb. She’s 96. Most actors are long gone by that age, but June is out here voicing characters in Zootopia 2 and starring in action comedies like Thelma. She didn't even get her "big break" until she was in her 80s with Nebraska. It goes to show that "old" is a moving target in this industry.
Why Oldest Actors Still Alive Keep Beating the Clock
Is it the money? The kale smoothies? Or maybe just the sheer ego it takes to stay in the spotlight? Science—and the actors themselves—suggest it’s a weird mix of things.
- Staying Social: Mel Brooks used to have dinner with Carl Reiner almost every night until Reiner passed away. That kind of connection is huge for brain health.
- Purpose: Look at Clint Eastwood. He’s 95. He could have stopped thirty years ago. Instead, he’s still directing and occasionally acting. When you have a reason to get out of bed—like a multi-million dollar film set—you just keep going.
- The "George Burns" Method: George Burns famously lived to 100 while smoking cigars and drinking martinis. His secret? He stayed busy. He had a positive attitude. He didn't let "old" become his identity.
It’s not all sunshine and red carpets, though. We lost a titan recently. Gene Hackman passed away in early 2025 at the age of 95. He had been retired for years, living a quiet life in Santa Fe, but his departure felt like the end of an era. It reminds us that while these legends seem immortal, they’re still human.
👉 See also: Why October London Make Me Wanna Is the Soul Revival We Actually Needed
The Living Icons You Should Know
We often forget that Eva Marie Saint is still with us. Born in 1924, she’s 101. She starred in On the Waterfront with Marlon Brando. Think about that for a second. She worked with the legends of the 1950s and she’s still here in 2026.
And then there's William Shatner. The man went to space at age 90! He’s 94 now (born in 1931) and he’s still more active than most people in their 40s. He’s doing documentaries, he’s on the convention circuit, and he’s still got that unmistakable Shatner cadence. You’ve gotta respect the hustle.
A Quick Look at the Legends
- Eva Marie Saint (101): The definition of grace.
- Dick Van Dyke (100): The man who refused to stop dancing.
- Mel Brooks (99): Still the funniest person in the room.
- June Lockhart (100): The iconic TV mom from Lassie and Lost in Space.
- Tippi Hedren (96): Hitchcock’s muse turned animal activist.
- James Hong (96): With over 600 credits, he’s probably in every third movie you’ve ever seen.
The Reality of Aging in Public
It’s tough. You’ve seen the "Where are they now?" videos on YouTube. Sometimes they’re respectful, but often they’re just vultures waiting for a headline. Staying relevant as one of the oldest actors still alive requires a thick skin.
✨ Don't miss: How to Watch The Wolf and the Lion Without Getting Lost in the Wild
There’s also the health aspect. We don't often talk about the limitations. Gene Hackman struggled with Alzheimer’s toward the end. It’s a reminder that beneath the glamour, these are people dealing with the same "biological clock" issues as the rest of us. They just happen to have a star on the Walk of Fame while they do it.
What This Means for Us
Watching these legends thrive tells us a lot about longevity. It’s not about avoiding the inevitable; it’s about how you fill the time you have.
If you want to live like a Hollywood centenarian, start by finding your "thing." For Shatner, it's curiosity. For Van Dyke, it’s movement. For Mel Brooks, it’s a well-timed joke.
Next Steps for the Fan:
- Watch the Mel Brooks documentary: It’s on HBO. It’ll make you cry, but mostly laugh.
- Support the new stuff: When someone like June Squibb puts out a movie at 96, go see it. We need to show Hollywood that there’s a market for stories about older people that don't just involve them being "the cute grandparent."
- Stay curious: Read the memoirs. Shatner and Van Dyke both have great books that go way deeper than the tabloid snippets.
Honestly, these actors aren't just survivors. They're pioneers of a new kind of old age. They’re proving that the final act can sometimes be the best part of the show.