David Attenborough – Born in 1926
David Attenborough’s journey from a curious young boy selling newts for pennies to one of the world’s most beloved voices in nature documentaries is nothing short of extraordinary. He first made waves in the 1950s with "Zoo Quest" for the BBC. From there, his career soared with groundbreaking series like "Life on Earth," "Planet Earth," and "The Blue Planet."
Known for his infectious wit and refreshing humility, Sir David has shared countless stories about his own life, including his childhood adventures and the quirky fact that he never learned to drive or owned a car. In 2025, he graced the screen with his documentary, "Ocean with David Attenborough."
Morgan Freeman – Born in 1937
Before captivating the world with that unmistakable voice, Morgan Freeman was growing up between Memphis and Mississippi and serving in the U.S. Air Force. His journey to the spotlight took root in local theater, but it was the 1970s PBS series "The Electric Company" that first introduced him to a broader audience.
Standout performances in "Driving Miss Daisy" and "The Shawshank Redemption" helped shape his legacy. He helped launch Revelations Entertainment, runs a blues club in Clarksdale, and turned part of his Mississippi ranch into a bee sanctuary. He’s appeared in the 2024 films "My Dead Friend Zoe" and "Gunner," keeping that signature gravitas alive and well.
Clint Eastwood – Born in 1930
A gritty TV cowboy kicked things off, but that was just the beginning. Rowdy Yates in "Rawhide" made him a familiar face, but it was the silent, steely glare of the “Man with No Name” in Sergio Leone’s spaghetti Westerns that turned Clint Eastwood into a global phenomenon.
As the years rolled on, his work behind the camera on "Unforgiven" and "Million Dollar Baby" earned him multiple Academy Awards. While most might slow down, he’s stayed busy well into his 90s. His project, the 2024 legal thriller "Juror #2," may have had a quiet theatrical run, but it found a second life through streaming, pulling in new fans all over again.
Barbara Eden – Born in 1931
Bright-eyed, musically gifted, and raised in San Francisco, Barbara Jean Morehead, better known to the world as Barbara Eden, was born on August 23, 1931, in Tucson, Arizona. Her early dreams of singing and acting quickly found their way to reality, but it was her sparkling role as Jeannie in "I Dream of Jeannie" (1965–1970) that turned her into a sitcom legend.
With 139 episodes of charm, mischief, and magic, Barbara’s performance earned two Golden Globe nominations, and she even formed a real connection with a lion on the "Jeannie" set. Her final screen credit came in 2019, playing Mrs. Claus in "My Adventures with Santa."
Billy Dee Williams – Born in 1937
Long before galaxies far, far away, Billy Dee Williams wowed audiences with a powerful, Emmy-nominated performance in "Brian’s Song" (1971) as Gale Sayers. But it was his role as Lando Calrissian in "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi" that turned him into a full-blown legend.
Off-camera, Billy Dee found another outlet for his creativity: painting. A graduate of the National Academy of Design, he’s exhibited bold, expressive works in galleries around the world. In 2024, he returned to voice Lando once again in "Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy" and released his memoir "What Have We Here: Portraits of a Life."
Lee Grant – Born in 1925
Stage lights found her early, and by 1951, Lee Grant had already earned an Oscar nomination and a Cannes Best Actress award for "Detective Story." Born Lyova Haskell Rosenthal, she burst onto the scene with fearless talent, only to be sidelined by the Hollywood blacklist. But that didn’t stop her.
She came back with powerful roles in "Peyton Place," "In the Heat of the Night," and the razor-sharp "Shampoo," which finally brought her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Still thriving well into her 90s, she made an appearance at the 2024 New York Film Festival for screenings of her early shorts "The Stronger" and "Tell Me a Riddle."
Ann Blyth – Born in 1928
At just 16 years old, Ann Blyth made jaws drop as Veda Pierce in "Mildred Pierce" (1945), a performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination and instantly put her on Hollywood’s radar. Ann shined in films like "Brute Force," "The Great Caruso," and "The Helen Morgan Story," showing off not just her acting chops but her classically trained singing voice.
Though her last big-screen appearance came with "The Helen Morgan Story" in 1957, she kept popping up on TV through the 1980s, including a guest role on "Murder, She Wrote." Long after leaving the spotlight, she stayed connected to fans through musical theater and appearances well into her 90s.
Miles O’Keeffe – Born in 1954
Leaping onto the screen in a loincloth, Miles O’Keeffe made a memorable debut as Tarzan in the 1981 version of "Tarzan, the Ape Man." Though reviews were mixed, the film became a cult favorite, and Miles quickly gained a following. Rather than shy away from the B-movie spotlight, Miles welcomed it.
"Cave Dwellers" was hilariously riffed on "Mystery Science Theater 3000," and instead of being offended, he asked for a copy of the episode and appreciated the humor. His last credited role came in the 2010 short film "King of the Road," after which he stepped out of the spotlight.
Kathryn Beaumont – Born in 1938
A curious girl in a blue dress and a London girl with a heart full of wonder—Kathryn Beaumont gave voice to both, becoming an essential part of Disney’s most magical era. Her performances as Alice in "Alice in Wonderland" and Wendy in "Peter Pan" also served as the live-action reference for the animators, bringing real-life nuance to two unforgettable characters.
After leaving Neverland behind, Kathryn pursued a different kind of storytelling: teaching. With a degree from USC, she spent 36 years in an elementary classroom. Though she retired in 2005, she returned briefly to voice roles in "Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep" (2010) and again in 2023’s "Alice’s Wonderland Bakery."
Christopher Walken – Born in 1943
Christopher Walken first rocked audiences with his haunting portrayal of Nick in "The Deer Hunter" (1978), a role that won him an Oscar and left an indelible mark on film history. From there, he became the go-to actor for unforgettable, often unpredictable characters, delivering unforgettable moments in "Pulp Fiction," "Catch Me If You Can," and "A View to a Kill."
He once worked as a lion tamer—yes, really—which somehow feels completely in character. In March 2024, he returned to the big screen as Emperor Shaddam IV in "Dune: Part Two," proving he's still commanding attention in the most unexpected places.
Linda Gray – Born in 1940
Linda Gray's journey to fame started with the unforgettable role of Sue Ellen Ewing on Dallas (1978–89, 1991, 2012–14). Playing the complex character of Sue Ellen, she became a global sensation, earning Emmy and Golden Globe nominations along the way.
After "Dallas", Linda kept the spotlight on her, with notable roles in "Melrose Place", "Models Inc.", "90210", and even "Hollyoaks" in the UK. She also took her talents to the stage, starring in "The Graduate" both in London and on Broadway. In the 2023 Lifetime film "Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas", she reunited with soap opera legends and proved that her star power is still very much alive.
Mel Brooks – Born in 1926
Born into a bustling Brooklyn neighborhood, Melvin James Brook launched a comedic legacy that would span generations. Early gigs in Catskills resorts and a writing spot on Sid Caesar’s "Your Show of Shows" gave him the foundation to unleash his unique brand of humor on the world.
Things truly took off with "The Producers" (1967), earning him an Oscar and setting the tone for decades of genre-bending parodies like "Blazing Saddles," "Young Frankenstein," and "Spaceballs." Behind the laughter lies a remarkable list of milestones: a rare EGOT, the AFI Life Achievement Award, and still going strong at 98 in 2025.
Donna Loren – Born in 1947
Donna Loren’s bubbly personality and sparkling presence made her one of the most iconic faces of the 1960s. She first became a household name as the bright-eyed star of Dr. Pepper’s national ad campaign, a role that made her the drink’s official "The Friendly Pepper-Upper" for a generation. That fame translated smoothly into TV and film, where she lit up screens on shows like "Shindig!"
After taking a step back from showbiz in 1968 to focus on family, Donna made a stellar return to music in the 2000s. She founded her own label and released the album "Love It Away" along with the EP "Donna Does Elvis in Hawaii" in 2010.
Susan Saint James – Born in 1946
Susan Saint James brought spark and wit to television long before it was cool to be quirky. Her big break came as Peggy Maxwell on "The Name of the Game" (1968–71), a role that earned her an Emmy and kicked off a run of smart, spirited characters that audiences instantly loved.
She also dedicated decades to activism, especially with the Special Olympics, where she’s volunteered since 1972 and even served on the board. Between 2020 and 2022, she made a rare return to acting with a role on "Upload," then stepped back again, this time to focus on family and her lifelong commitment to service.
William Daniels – Born in 1927
William David Daniels made his mark with sharp intelligence and a voice that seemed custom-built for authority. He won back-to-back Emmys for playing the brilliant and irritable Dr. Mark Craig on "St. Elsewhere," but many remember him just as fondly as the voice of KITT, the no-nonsense talking car from "Knight Rider."
He and his wife Bonnie Bartlett both won Emmys on the same night in 1986. He had a role as King Henry VI in an upcoming adaptation of "Richard III," completed in early 2023. After more than 70 years in the spotlight, he remains a beloved presence across stage and screen.
Rita Moreno – Born in 1931
Rita Moreno danced, sang, and blazed her way into the spotlight with her fiery performance as Anita in "West Side Story" (1961). That role not only earned her an Academy Award but also made history when she became the first Hispanic woman to take home an Oscar.
After her Oscar win, Rita became one of the few entertainers to achieve EGOT status, collecting an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony for standout work on "The Muppet Show," "The Electric Company," and "The Ritz." Always up for a twist, she shocked audiences at 92 with a darkly hilarious role as Mrs. Wheeler in 2024's "The Prank," playing wildly against type
June Lockhart – Born in 1925
June Lockhart stepped into the world of showbiz almost as early as she stepped into the world itself. She made her screen debut at just eight years old in "A Christmas Carol" (1938). But it was television that turned her into a beloved household name. As the ever-composed mother on "Lassie" and the intelligent, calm Dr. Maureen Robinson on "Lost in Space," June brought warmth and quiet strength to her characters.
Her performances earned Emmy nominations and helped shape the image of the modern TV mom. June's final acting role came in 2021, voicing Alpha Control in the "Lost in Space" Netflix reboot, marking nearly 90 years in the spotlight.
Barbara Feldon – Born in 1933
Barbara Feldon brought brains, elegance, and impeccable comic timing to the small screen as Agent 99 in the 1960s series "Get Smart." Her performance earned her Emmy nominations in both 1968 and 1969 and carved out a place in pop culture.
Barbara always looked back on "Get Smart" as the high point of her acting career, but she stepped back into Agent 99’s shoes for reunion specials in 1989 and 1995. Her final screen credit came in the 2006 film "The Last Request," after which she shifted focus to writing. She published "Living Alone and Loving It" in 2003 and followed that up with her memoir, "Getting Smarter," in 2021.
George Hamilton – Born in 1939
Glamour seemed to follow George Hamilton wherever he went. He snagged a Golden Globe right out of the gate for his debut in "Crime and Punishment U.S.A." (1959), setting the tone for a career full of charm and style. Known just as much for his ever-present tan, he became a pop culture fixture, even making Ritz Crackers look dapper in those famous ads.
Off-camera, George had a knack for turning his personal brand into playful business ventures, from a skin care line to cigars and a tanning salon chain that fully embraced his sun-kissed reputation. Never one to disappear quietly, he executive-produced the 2024 thriller "The Damned."
Lynda Carter – Born in 1951
Winning Miss World USA in 1972 was just the spark that launched Lynda Carter into stardom. A few years later, she became a household name as Diana Prince in the TV series "Wonder Woman," which aired from 1975 to 1979. Lynda made it feel natural, relatable, and quietly powerful.
Beyond "Wonder Woman," Lynda has explored an impressively wide range of creative paths. She’s sung in jazz clubs, released her own albums, and voiced characters in video games like "Fallout 4." In 2024, she brought back her iconic character in Ryan Reynolds’ holiday video supporting the SickKids Foundation, adding a playful and heartfelt moment to a long and colorful career.
Margaret O’Brien – Born in 1937
Angela Maxine O’Brien may have been her birth name, but the world knows her best as Margaret O’Brien. Born on January 15, 1937, in sunny San Diego, she quickly became one of MGM’s brightest young talents. Her unforgettable turn as the mischievously charming Tootie in “Meet Me in St. Louis” earned her a Special Juvenile Academy Award in 1944, sealing her place in Hollywood history alongside Judy Garland.
Though her appearances slowed in adulthood, Margaret never truly stepped away from the spotlight. She popped up in cult-favorite shows like “Murder, She Wrote” and kept the creative spirit alive through indie films. Proving that her star never fades, she was last credited in the indie mockumentary “Near Myth: The Oskar Knight Story” in 2023.
Tommy Steele – Born in 1936
Born on December 17, 1936, in Bermondsey, London, Sir Thomas William Hicks hit the spotlight as Tommy Steele. With the release of "Rock with the Caveman" in 1956 and the smash hit "Singing the Blues" in 1957, he made history. His rise was so rapid and impactful that it was captured in the film "The Tommy Steele Story" the same year.
His creativity spilled into sculpture and writing. He’s the one behind the famous Eleanor Rigby statue in Liverpool and a life-sized tribute to Charlie Chaplin in Surrey. In March 2025, he was hard at work in Manchester as executive producer on a new film, "Past Life."
Dick Van Dyke – Born in 1925
Richard Wayne Van Dyke charmed his way into television history as Rob Petrie on "The Dick Van Dyke Show." With a mix of slapstick grace, quick wit, and that unmistakable warmth, he turned sitcom life into an art form, snagging three Emmy Awards along the way in the early 1960s.
The awards shelf tells its own story: Emmy, Grammy, Tony, and a slew of lifetime honors, including one from the Kennedy Center, all solidifying a rare EGOT status. He also starred in Coldplay’s "All My Love" music video in 2024, a whimsical tribute ahead of his 100th birthday.
Caren Marsh Doll – Born in 1919
As one of Judy Garland’s stand-ins in "The Wizard of Oz" (1939) and later in "Ziegfeld Girl" (1941), Caren Marsh Doll matched Judy’s height and build so precisely that she even got her own pair of ruby slippers, which can be spotted in the final cut.
After stepping away from film, Caren devoted her life to dance, launching a teaching career in Palm Springs in 1956 that continued for decades. Well into her centenarian years, Caren has continued sharing her love of movement through volunteer dance therapy, proving that a little rhythm and a lot of spirit can go a very long way.
Barbara Parkins – Born in 1952
With a flair for the dramatic and an unforgettable screen presence, Barbara Parkins became one of the defining faces of 1960s television. After moving to Los Angeles at 16, she trained in acting, singing, and dance before landing her breakout role as Betty Anderson in "Peyton Place" (1964–1969).
She posed three times for Playboy throughout the 1960s and 1970s, challenging norms with style and confidence. Her final screen role came in the 1998 TV biopic "Scandalous Me: The Jacqueline Susann Story," after which she stepped away from Hollywood and turned her focus to the natural world by channeling her creativity into photography and became an advocate for wildlife conservation.
Paul Hogan – Born in 1939
Paul Hogan’s journey to stardom wasn’t exactly a straight line. He spent his early days working as a rigger on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but the stage called to him, and he answered with a comedic flair that caught Australia’s attention. His breakthrough came through the TV series "The Paul Hogan Show" after a memorable appearance on "New Faces," turning him into a national star.
He even once took a bridge-painting job just so he could perform comedy routines in his work boots for TV! After decades in the limelight, Paul returned to the screen in 2020 with "The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee," playing a fictionalized version of himself.
Thelma Barlow – Born in 1929
Thelma Barlow’s career is a perfect example of how a small role can blossom into something truly iconic. Cast initially for just one episode, she turned Mavis Wilton in "Coronation Street" into a beloved fixture for 26 years, bringing her trademark gentle, dithering charm to millions of fans.
Though "Coronation Street" was the pinnacle of her career, Thelma didn’t stop there. She delighted audiences as Dolly Bellfield in "Dinnerladies" (1998–2000) and graced other iconic series like "Doctor Who", "Midsomer Murders", and even the film "Mrs Henderson Presents." At 95, she made an adorable return to acting in the 2024 short film "Sleepless in Settle."
Tim Matheson – Born in 1947
Tim Matheson first caught attention as the voice of Jonny Quest in the 1960s, but his big-screen breakthrough came with a wink and a toga in "National Lampoon’s Animal House" (1978). As the charming Eric “Otter” Stratton, he brought just the right mix of mischief and magnetism to a comedy that still lives on in pop culture.
Away from the spotlight, Tim stepped behind the camera to direct episodes of popular series like "Burn Notice," "Criminal Minds," and "Virgin River." As of 2025, he's still playing "Doc" Mullins on Netflix’s "Virgin River," showing that the charm, timing, and presence that launched his career haven’t faded a bit.
Max Baer Jr. – Born in 1937
With a grin as big as his ambition and a knack for comic timing, Maximilian Adelbert Baer Jr. made television history as the wide-eyed, overconfident Jethro Bodine on "The Beverly Hillbillies" (1962–1971). After leaving the cement pond behind, Max took a sharp left turn into indie filmmaking.
He wrote, directed, and produced projects like "Macon County Line" (1974), "The Wild McCullochs" (1975), and "Ode to Billy Joe" (1976), proving he had serious chops behind the camera. His final on-screen appearance came in a 1991 episode of "Murder, She Wrote," and afterward he focused on business, including an ambitious—though ultimately shelved—Hillbillies-themed casino in Lake Tahoe.
William Shatner – Born in 1931
Launching into orbit as Captain James T. Kirk in "Star Trek" (1966–69), William Shatner became a pop culture mainstay, known for that commanding voice and fearless presence on the bridge. Decades later, he stunned critics again as Denny Crane on "The Practice" and "Boston Legal," racking up two Emmys and a Golden Globe.
Offscreen, William’s passions are just as unpredictable. He’s released delightfully offbeat albums like "Has Been," "The Blues," and "Bill." On his Belle Reve Farm, he raises Saddlebred horses. He was featured in the 2024–2025 documentary "You Can Call Me Bill," where he reflects on everything from mortality to his love of horses.
Tippi Hedren – Born In 1930
Nathalie Kay "Tippi" Hedren lit up magazine covers as a sought-after model before making an unforgettable leap to film. It all changed with a TV commercial that caught Alfred Hitchcock’s eye; he cast her in "The Birds" (1963), a performance that won her the Golden Globe for New Star of the Year. One year later, she stunned again in "Marnie" (1964), revealing a haunting emotional complexity.
In 1983, she founded the Roar Foundation and opened the Shambala Preserve, an 80-acre haven in California for lions, tigers, and exotic felines in need of protection. Always unpredictable in the best way, her final screen credit came in Gucci’s 2018 timepieces campaign, playing a mysterious fortune teller.
Robert Wagner – Born in 1930
Classic Hollywood charm seemed to come naturally to Robert Wagner, who stepped into the spotlight in the 1950s with striking good looks and leading roles in films like "A Kiss Before Dying," "Harper," and "The Towering Inferno." His easy screen presence made him a standout at 20th Century Fox, but it was television that truly made him a fan favorite.
Off the set, Robert’s life had its own Hollywood sparkle. He married Natalie Wood not once but twice, and later found long-lasting happiness with Jill St. John. He had a credited role as a recurring guest spot on "NCIS" through 2019.
Ben Murphy – Born in 1942
Ben Murphy first captured hearts as the charming outlaw Kid Curry on the popular 1971–73 ABC western Alias Smith and Jones. His effortless charisma and perfect chemistry with co-stars made him a standout, turning his portrayal of a lovable, reformed bandit into one of the most memorable roles of the 1970s.
Though he went on to star in other series like "Griff," "Gemini Man," and "Lottery!," none quite reached the heights of "Alias Smith and Jones." After his last screen appearance in the 2010 film The Genesis Code, he stepped away from acting, opting for a quieter life focused on tennis and relaxation.
Eva Marie Saint – Born in 1924
Eva Marie Saint made one of the most dazzling film debuts in Hollywood history with "On the Waterfront" in 1954, sharing the screen with Marlon Brando and walking away with an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress the very next year. That kind of instant recognition set the stage for a career full of grace and emotional depth.
Over the decades, Eva held her own alongside legends like Cary Grant, Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Garner. She never shied away from shaking things up either, lending her voice to Katara in Nickelodeon’s "The Legend of Korra" from 2012 to 2014.
Helen Shapiro – Born in 1946
Helen Kate Shapiro’s rise to fame was nothing short of a musical explosion. At just 14, she burst onto the scene with her debut single, "Don’t Treat Me Like a Child," and before she could even drive, she had already conquered the UK charts with "You Don’t Know" and "Walkin’ Back to Happiness", both of which hit number one.
Though the British beat boom eventually shifted the musical spotlight, Helen kept evolving. She dived into musical theatre, taking on the role of Nancy in "Oliver!" Helen’s creative journey continues as part of the gospel-jazz trio Hebron, a project she’s been nurturing since around 2015 under her Manna Music ministry.
Robby Benson – Born in 1956
Robby Benson's rise to fame came in the 1970s, where he captured hearts as a teen idol with unforgettable roles in "Ode to Billy Joe", "Ice Castles", and "Jeremy", the latter earning him a Golden Globe nomination. But it was his iconic voice work as the Beast in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" (1991) that touched the hearts of fans for decades.
Robby’s talents go well beyond acting; he's written, directed, composed, and even taught filmmaking. Robby continues to shine with a recurring role in "Severance" Season 2 (2025), balancing his career with his passion for music and family life with his wife, Karla DeVito.