Time is a weird thing in Hollywood. We’re so used to seeing actors frozen in 4K resolution or grainy black-and-white film that it’s easy to forget they’re actual humans who age just like the rest of us. Honestly, it’s kind of a miracle when you think about it. The industry is grueling. The lifestyle is fast. Yet, as of early 2026, there is a small, elite group of icons who haven’t just survived the Golden Age of cinema—they’ve blown past the century mark.
When people ask who are the oldest living celebrities, they usually expect names like Clint Eastwood or Mel Brooks. And yeah, those guys are definitely on the list. But the real "senior" members of the Hollywood club are people whose careers started before television was even a household thing. We’re talking about actors who shared sets with Clark Gable or stood in for Judy Garland.
It’s not just about a number on a birth certificate. It’s about the fact that these people are living libraries of cultural history.
The Triple-Digit Titans: Celebrities Over 100
Right now, the "Oldest Living Celebrity" title is a bit of a moving target, but Caren Marsh Doll is widely considered the reigning queen of the list. Born in April 1919, she’s 106 years old. You might not recognize her name instantly, but you’ve seen her work. She was Judy Garland’s dance stand-in for The Wizard of Oz. Think about that. She’s the last surviving link to the most famous movie of all time.
Then you have Ray Anthony. He’s 103. He was a bandleader when big band music was the equivalent of modern-day pop. He actually played in Glenn Miller’s orchestra. Most people his age are long gone, but Anthony has spent over a century being a trumpeter, actor, and songwriter.
Then there’s Brigitte Auber. She’s 100. If you’re a Hitchcock fan, you know her from To Catch a Thief. She played Danielle, the one who gave Grace Kelly a run for her money. It’s wild to think she’s still around, representing that mid-century French elegance that basically doesn’t exist anymore.
The 1926 Centenarian Club
This year, 2026, is actually a massive milestone for some of the biggest names in history. We’ve got a "Class of 1926" that is officially hitting the 100-year mark.
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- Mel Brooks: The man is a literal force of nature. He turns 100 this year. He’s an EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) and he’s still sharper than most comedians in their 30s.
- Sir David Attenborough: The voice of nature itself. He hits 100 in May 2026. He started at the BBC when they were still figuring out how to broadcast in color.
- Gene Shalit: That iconic mustache and the wild hair? He’s turning 100 too. He was the Today show’s film critic for forty years.
Why Clint Eastwood and Dick Van Dyke are Still Winning
If we drop down just a tiny bit in age, we hit the "active" legends. These are the guys who refuse to retire.
Clint Eastwood is 95. Most people at 95 are lucky if they can find their glasses. Clint? He’s still directing movies. There was all this talk about Juror No. 2 being his final film, but the guy just won't quit. He’s gone on record saying there’s no reason a man can’t get better with age. It’s sort of an "Old Man Strength" situation, but with a movie camera.
And Dick Van Dyke? He’s 100 this year (born December 1925). The man was literally dancing on a desk in Mary Poppins Returns a few years back. He’s basically the human embodiment of Vitamin C. He’s spoken openly about how "keeping moving" is the only reason he’s still here. He still hits the gym. He still sings. Honestly, he’s making the rest of us look bad.
The Leading Ladies of Longevity
We can't talk about who are the oldest living celebrities without mentioning the women who paved the way.
Tippi Hedren is 96. The Birds. Marnie. She’s a legend, and she’s also the mother of Melanie Griffith and grandmother of Dakota Johnson. That’s three generations of Hollywood royalty still walking the earth.
Barbara Eden is 94. She’ll always be Jeannie to us. She still shows up at fan conventions, looking incredibly vibrant.
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Sophia Loren is 91. She’s the ultimate survivor. Born into poverty in war-torn Italy, she became the first actor to win an Oscar for a foreign-language film. She still has that effortless, regal presence that most modern influencers would kill for.
The Science of Living to 100 in the Spotlight
You’d think the stress of fame would shorten a person's life, but there’s a weird trend here. A lot of these legends seem to live longer than the average person. Is it the money? Better healthcare? Maybe.
But if you listen to them talk, it’s usually about purpose.
Mel Brooks is still writing. David Attenborough is still worried about the planet. Clint Eastwood is still looking for the next script. There's a common thread of "not stopping." When you stop moving, the clock catches up to you.
There’s also the social aspect. These people are constantly surrounded by younger creatives. They aren't isolated. They're part of a community that keeps them mentally sharp. It’s basically the ultimate "Blue Zone" but with better lighting and craft services.
What People Often Get Wrong About "Old" Hollywood
One big misconception is that all the stars from the 30s and 40s are gone. They aren't. But they’ve mostly stepped out of the limelight.
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Take Caren Marsh Doll again. She didn't spend the last 80 years at red carpet premieres. She lived a relatively quiet life, even surviving a horrific plane crash in 1949 where she almost lost her foot. She spent decades as a dance therapy instructor. That’s the real secret—having a life outside of the "celebrity" bubble.
Another thing? We tend to lump "old" into one category. But the gap between someone like Gene Hackman (96) and William Shatner (94) is actually huge in terms of the eras they represent. Shatner is out here going to space at 90, while Hackman has been happily retired in New Mexico for twenty years. Both are "oldest living celebrities," but their lifestyles couldn't be more different.
Staying Updated on Living Legends
If you want to keep track of these icons, there are a few things you should do to verify the info you see online. The internet loves a good death hoax, and as these stars get older, those rumors fly faster.
- Check the trades: Use sites like Variety or The Hollywood Reporter for actual news.
- Follow the AFI: The American Film Institute does a great job of honoring living legends and keeping their histories updated.
- Look for recent appearances: If a celebrity hasn't been seen in five years, take "active" status with a grain of salt.
The list of who are the oldest living celebrities is a reminder that while movies are forever, the people who make them are finite. Every year we keep these legends is a win for film history.
To really appreciate these icons, your next move should be to watch one of their formative works this weekend. Instead of scrolling Netflix for something new, go back to the source. Put on The Wizard of Oz and look for Caren Marsh Doll's footwork, or watch a classic Mel Brooks comedy. Seeing them in their prime while knowing they’re still with us today adds a layer of depth to the experience that you just can't get with modern CGI-heavy blockbusters.