Chloe Peterson
These Are the Oldest Living Hollywood Stars Right Now (2026 Edition)
Hollywood has always been obsessed with what’s new, but its deepest magic comes from the people who’ve endured long enough to become living history.
The oldest living actors in 2026 aren’t just celebrities with impressive birthdays, because many of them helped define entire eras of film and television.
Some were leading men and women during the studio-system years, while others became beloved character actors whose faces feel instantly familiar.
Their careers stretch across black-and-white classics, New Hollywood reinventions, and today’s streaming-driven landscape, which is an achievement few professions can match.
Even when they aren’t constantly on screen, their influence shows up in the performances, comedy rhythms, and storytelling choices that followed.
What makes them especially fascinating is how each one adapted to changing tastes, new technology, and shifting cultural expectations without disappearing.
Here are the oldest living Hollywood actors in 2026, along with the roles and legacies that keep them unforgettable.
1. Eva Marie Saint (b. 1924)
Few performers embody classic Hollywood elegance quite like this Academy Award–winning actress, whose screen presence always felt poised and quietly powerful.
Her work in films such as On the Waterfront helped set a standard for naturalistic acting at a time when bigger styles still dominated.
Rather than relying on flash, she made audiences lean in with subtle expressions, controlled emotion, and a graceful confidence that never seemed forced.
She also proved her range by moving between intense drama and lighter projects, showing that prestige and popularity didn’t have to be separate lanes.
In 2026, her longevity makes her a rare bridge to the Golden Age, when movie stardom carried a near-mythic glow.
What’s most impressive is how her legacy remains active, because film lovers still discover her performances and instantly understand the hype.
Even without constant public appearances, her name signals timeless craft, iconic roles, and a career built on quality over noise.
2. Dick Van Dyke (b. 1925)
When people think of joyful, kinetic entertainment, this beloved performer is often the first name that pops into their heads.
His blend of physical comedy, warmth, and musical timing made him feel like the friend everyone wished they had on their TV screen.
From The Dick Van Dyke Show to Mary Poppins, he helped define what “family-friendly” could look like without ever feeling bland.
He moved like a dancer even when delivering punchlines, and that rhythm gave his work a buoyant energy that still holds up today.
In 2026, he’s celebrated not only for longevity but also for the way he’s remained culturally relevant across multiple generations.
Fans admire his optimism and resilience, because he represents a kind of showbiz spirit that feels increasingly rare.
It’s hard not to smile when revisiting his best moments, since they still land with the same breezy charm decades later.
3. Mel Brooks (b. 1926)
Comedy doesn’t age easily, but the creator behind some of Hollywood’s most fearless spoofs has managed to stay revered for decades.
His films, including Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, showed that satire could be both sharply intelligent and wildly accessible.
He understood how to push boundaries while still building jokes on strong storytelling, memorable characters, and classic comedic structure.
Beyond acting, he shaped modern entertainment as a writer, director, and producer, leaving fingerprints on everything from film to Broadway.
In 2026, his influence is obvious whenever a new comedy tries to balance outrageousness with genuine craft and cleverness.
He also earned major industry recognition across formats, proving that laughter can be as artistically valued as drama.
What keeps him essential is his audacity, because he never treated comedy like a “lesser” art form.
4. Lisa Lu (b. 1927)
A career that spans continents and decades is rare, and this veteran performer has built one with remarkable steadiness and grace.
She became an important figure in film and television while helping expand opportunities for Asian and Asian American actors.
Her performances often bring a dignified authority, whether she’s portraying family matriarchs, leaders, or characters whose strength is quietly unshakable.
Instead of chasing trends, she built longevity through consistency, professionalism, and a presence that directors can rely on.
In 2026, her life in entertainment reads like a timeline of change, showing how representation and storytelling have evolved over time.
Audiences may recognize her from multiple eras of TV and film, which makes her one of those “I know her!” faces.
Her continued recognition matters because it highlights perseverance, talent, and the slow but real progress of the industry.
5. William Daniels (b. 1927)
Character acting at its best feels effortless, and this longtime performer mastered that skill in both drama and comedy.
He’s known for playing intelligent, authoritative figures who feel grounded rather than stiff, which is harder to pull off than it sounds.
Many viewers remember him for iconic television roles that became part of pop culture, especially for audiences who grew up on classic reruns.
His voice work added another layer to his legacy, proving that a memorable performance doesn’t always require a face on screen.
In 2026, his longevity is a reminder that steady careers can be just as impactful as blockbuster superstardom.
He built a reputation as the kind of actor who elevates every scene through timing, restraint, and credibility.
When you revisit his work, you notice how he balances humor and sincerity without ever tipping into exaggeration.
6. James Hong (b. 1929)
Prolific doesn’t even begin to cover it, because this legendary actor has appeared in an astonishing number of film and TV projects.
His career stretches across decades of Hollywood history, during which he became one of the most recognizable character performers in entertainment.
He’s brought wit, sharpness, and surprising warmth to roles that might have been flat in less capable hands.
In recent years, many fans have celebrated him more openly, recognizing the talent that was always present even when the industry undercredited it.
By 2026, he represents both endurance and evolution, showing how performers can outlast stereotypes and still redefine what audiences expect.
His work in comedy, drama, animation, and genre projects proves he’s never been confined to one lane.
What makes him unforgettable is that he can steal a scene with a single look, line reading, or perfectly timed pause.
7. Clint Eastwood (b. 1930)
Few Hollywood careers have transformed so dramatically, because this icon shifted from on-screen tough guy to respected filmmaker with remarkable success.
He became a defining face of American cinema through roles that shaped the modern image of the Western and the gritty thriller.
As a director, he built a reputation for efficient storytelling, understated emotion, and a willingness to explore moral complexity.
In 2026, his longevity feels especially striking because he has remained active for so many decades in such demanding creative roles.
Even people who don’t watch his films closely tend to know his cultural footprint, since his persona became its own shorthand.
He’s often discussed for intensity, but his best work also reveals surprising tenderness and reflection.
Whether you love or debate his films, his influence on Hollywood’s style and storytelling is impossible to ignore.
8. Lois Smith (b. 1930)
Some actors become famous through constant headlines, but this acclaimed performer built her reputation through depth, nuance, and longevity.
She’s often praised for performances that feel intensely human, whether she’s playing gentle, complicated, or quietly formidable characters.
Her work across stage and screen gave her a craft-forward approach, and that training shows in how she handles dialogue and silence alike.
In 2026, she stands as a reminder that great acting isn’t always loud, because her impact frequently comes from understatement.
She has been part of projects spanning multiple generations of filmmakers, which speaks to her adaptability and respect in the industry.
Audiences who discover her later sometimes feel shocked she isn’t a household name, because the talent is instantly obvious.
Her career proves that staying power often comes from discipline, curiosity, and the willingness to keep evolving as an artist.
9. Robert Duvall (b. 1931)
It’s difficult to name many actors who have delivered as many iconic performances across such a wide range of genres.
His work in films like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now placed him at the heart of cinema history during one of Hollywood’s most influential periods.
He brings a lived-in authenticity that makes even larger-than-life characters feel grounded, textured, and emotionally believable.
Rather than leaning on obvious “movie star” charm, he built his legacy on craft, specificity, and a fearless commitment to character.
In 2026, his performances remain reference points for younger actors studying how to communicate power without overacting.
He has played heroes, villains, and complicated in-betweens, often making the moral lines feel intentionally messy.
Rewatching his best scenes is a masterclass in how restraint, timing, and presence can dominate the screen.
10. William Shatner (b. 1931)
Pop culture doesn’t produce many truly immortal icons, yet this performer became one through a role that shaped modern sci-fi fandom.
His work as Captain Kirk helped turn Star Trek into a phenomenon that continues to expand, reinvent, and influence entertainment today.
He brought a bold, theatrical style that fit the era, then later leaned into self-aware humor that kept him relevant.
Beyond sci-fi, he’s stayed visible through television, voice work, and media appearances that showcase his distinctive personality.
In 2026, his place in Hollywood history is secured because few actors can claim that kind of long-term cultural impact.
Fans admire him for embracing his legend rather than running from it, which is part of why he remains a conversation starter.
Even people who never watched the original series recognize his cadence, charisma, and unmistakable star power.
11. Rita Moreno (b. 1931)
A trailblazer in every sense, this legendary performer built a career that challenged barriers while still delivering undeniable star quality.
Her work in West Side Story became a landmark moment, and she later expanded her legacy through TV, film, stage, and activism.
She’s also celebrated for rare multi-category recognition, proving she could thrive in nearly every major entertainment format.
In 2026, her influence feels especially meaningful because discussions about representation and opportunity remain central in Hollywood.
She has never been only an “award winner,” since her personality, humor, and honesty made her beloved beyond her résumé.
Audiences admire how she speaks openly about the industry’s past while still celebrating the joy and artistry of performance.
Her longevity isn’t just about years lived, because it’s about impact maintained across generation after generation.
12. Sir Michael Caine (b. 1933)
A voice like his can carry a film, and this British screen legend has spent decades proving that charisma and craft can coexist beautifully.
He became famous for playing both charming and dangerous characters, often adding a grounded realism that made stories feel more immediate.
His filmography spans classics, blockbusters, and prestigious dramas, showing a willingness to evolve with changing eras of cinema.
Even when he has hinted at stepping back, his legacy stays active because audiences continue discovering his best performances.
In 2026, he represents the kind of steady stardom built on reliability, professionalism, and an unmistakable screen presence.
He also became a mentor-like figure in the cultural imagination, partly because his roles often project wisdom and experience.
Revisiting his work is like flipping through decades of film history, with his talent acting as the throughline.
13. Shirley MacLaine (b. 1934)
Some stars feel like entire eras in human form, and this Oscar-winning actress has carried that kind of larger-than-life energy for decades.
She built her reputation on fearless choices, mixing sharp comedy with heartfelt drama and an unmistakable sense of individuality.
Her performances often have an emotional honesty that can be surprising, because she never hides behind prettiness or predictability.
In 2026, her longevity stands out because she has remained culturally interesting, not simply remembered as a vintage icon.
She’s also known for being outspoken and unconventional, which kept her career fascinating even when Hollywood preferred neat narratives.
Fans return to her films for the spark, the timing, and the way she makes complicated women feel unapologetically real.
Her legacy proves that staying power often comes from refusing to shrink yourself to fit the industry’s expectations.
14. Lee Grant (b. ~1925)
A life that crosses the studio era, political blacklisting, and modern film history is extraordinary, and this Oscar-winning talent has lived it.
She became known for fierce intelligence and emotional precision, delivering performances that cut through a scene without needing extra attention.
Her career also includes acclaimed work behind the camera, which broadened her influence beyond acting alone.
In 2026, her longevity resonates because it represents survival through some of Hollywood’s most turbulent cultural and professional shifts.
She’s often discussed in the context of resilience, since rebuilding a career after industry obstacles requires both grit and rare talent.
Film lovers admire her for the way she turned experience into artistry, giving her characters a lived-in authenticity.
Her story is a reminder that Hollywood history isn’t just glamorous, because it’s also political, personal, and deeply human.
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