The 20th Century’s 10 Most Famous Centenarians

On average, only about 1 in 5,000 people in the world live to see their 100th birthday. The odds of both becoming famous and reaching 100 are astronomical. This list highlights ten remarkable individuals who achieved fame in their respective fields and also made it to 100 years old.

The centenarians on this list include actors, comedians, philanthropists, and even the oldest-ever U.S. president. Reaching 100 requires more than just luck: it involves genetics, nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and sometimes a touch of wealth and privilege. But what truly defines these ten people is how their influence shaped the world. Some gave back through philanthropy, others dedicated themselves to public service, and many used their talents to lift our spirits and make us laugh during challenging times.

The fact that these stories have earned a spot on Listverse proves that their contributions haven’t been forgotten: sit back and enjoy the inspiring lives of the 20th century’s 10 most famous centenarians.

Related: 10 of the World’s Oldest Monarchs Who Ruled Despite Their Age

10 Estelle Winwood (1883–1984): A Century on Stage and Screen

Estelle Winwood lived an interesting life that would have made a great subject for a film screenplay. Born in London’s Lee area in 1883, she launched her acting career at 20, and she later moved to New York City to begin her Broadway career in 1916. Splitting her time between London and New York, she was devoted to her theater career, but she reluctantly shifted toward film and, much later, to television.

Without a doubt, Winwood was a star, and her wit and charm made her attractive to other people, including fellow film, television, and theater actors. She built friendships with famous entertainers like American stage actress Tallulah Bankhead. Winwood is remembered for her longevity in the entertainment industry; she continued performing well into her 90s. At 93, she appeared in Murder by Death, a murder mystery film written by Neil Simon and directed by Robert Moore.

At 96, she became the oldest working actor in the U.S., and she lived to the age of 101. She never lost her sense of humor—when asked how it felt to live so long, she replied, “How rude of you to remind me!” Winwood is one of only a handful of actors to live 100 years, and she remained relevant throughout her entire lifetime.^[1]

9 Gloria Stuart (1910–2010): From Golden Age Starlet to Titanic Icon

Gloria Stuart’s career spanned many decades, from 1930s classics like The Invisible Man (1933) to her celebrated role in Titanic (1997). After stepping away from Hollywood for 30 years, she made an unexpected return as the older Rose in Titanic, earning an Oscar nomination at 87, the oldest nominee ever in an acting category.

Stuart was known for her resilience, and her comeback in Titanic demonstrated her remarkable will. She fought cancer multiple times and stayed active in the arts, including painting and printing. Her role in Titanic was a fitting conclusion to a life filled with stories of overcoming adversity.

Gloria Stuart passed away in 2010 at the age of 100. She lived a historic life that connected Hollywood’s beginnings to the end of the 20th century.^[2]

8 Norman Lloyd (1914–2021): Nine Decades in Show Business

Norman Lloyd’s extraordinary career spanned an unbelievable nine decades, making him a living connection between Hollywood’s earliest years and the modern film age. His career started in Vaudeville and Depression-era theater, and Lloyd quickly made a name for himself. His breakthrough came in Hitchcock’s Saboteur (1942), marking the beginning of a long collaboration with the legendary director.

Even the 1950s blacklist didn’t stop him: Hitchcock brought Lloyd back as a producer and director on Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Lloyd went on to work in television, film, and theater, staying active in the entertainment industry well into his 90s. Lloyd lived to the very advanced age of 106, and people remember him for his talent, adaptability, drive, and longevity.^[3]

7 Grandma Moses (1860–1961): The Artist Who Found Fame in Her 70s

Grandma Moses, born Anna Mary Robertson Moses, began her painting career at 78 after arthritis forced her to give up embroidery. Using simple materials like house paint and leftover wood, she captured scenes of rural life based on childhood memories, omitting industrial elements to preserve a nostalgic charm.

Her work was discovered by a New York art collector, leading to international exhibits and widespread acclaim. Moses’s work became beloved for its warm, folk-style depiction of a bygone era.

She took her art career very seriously, and she worked on her craft for over 20 years. Her paintings were exhibited internationally well into her 90s, and she continued painting until just before her death at the age of 101.^[4]

6 David Rockefeller (1915–2017): The Banker Who Shaped Global Finance

David Rockefeller lived an extremely long life, with one foot embedded in finance and the other embedded in philanthropy. Born into the famed Rockefeller family, he earned degrees from Harvard and from the University of Chicago. After serving in World War II, he joined Chase National Bank, eventually becoming chairman and CEO of the newly merged Chase Manhattan Bank in 1969.

Rockefeller specialized in international banking. He built relationships with world leaders and promoted peaceful cooperation between nations. In 1973, he founded the Trilateral Commission to address the challenges posed by globalization.

He lived to the age of 101, leaving behind a legacy of global influence and philanthropy. In his final years, Rockefeller remained committed to charitable efforts, donating millions to institutions like the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller University. He also became known for his passion for art, his support of environmental conservation, and for championing land preservation projects.^[5]

5 George Burns (1896–1996): A Century of Laughter and Success

George Burns was born with two powerful gifts: the ability to make people laugh and the ability to live a long life while making people laugh. He started as a child performer in Vaudeville, and he found early fame alongside his wife, Gracie Allen. Together, they starred in radio, television, and film, becoming household names through The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show.

After Allen’s retirement in 1958, Burns struggled briefly, but he achieved a remarkable career comeback. He starred in The Sunshine Boys (1975) at the age of 80, winning an Academy Award for his performance. Audiences also adored his performance as God in the 1977 comedy Oh, God!

Burns’s career continued until just before his death at 100: he performed in nightclubs and commercials well into his 90s. He’s remembered for his wit, ever-present cigar, and his immense contribution to the art of comedy.^[6]

4 Bob Hope (1903–2003): 70 Years of Service and Entertainment

Bob Hope was a beloved figure in American entertainment for more than 70 years. He was born in England and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He found early success in Vaudeville, radio, and film, becoming famous during the 1940s and ’50s. His rapid-fire jokes and partnership with Bing Crosby in the “Road” films made him a household name.

Besides his comedy and acting, Bob Hope is remembered for his unwavering dedication to the U.S. military. He performed for troops during World War II and continued his USO tours through conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf. In 1997, he was named the first honorary veteran by Congress.

Even in his later years, Hope remained active, continuing to perform into his 90s. He passed away at the age of 100, but his comedy, talents, and service continue to inspire entertainers around the world today.^[7]

3 Kirk Douglas (1916–2020): The Relentless Legend

Kirk Douglas’s long career in Hollywood and his famous children make him seem larger than life. Born to Russian Jewish immigrants, Douglas overcame considerable early struggles to become a star. His career soared with an Oscar-nominated role in Champion (1949), followed by major films like Spartacus (1960) and Paths of Glory (1957).

Douglas was known for his intense roles, and he was also known for his strong sense of conscience. For example, Douglas fought the Hollywood blacklist by hiring blacklisted screenwriters for Spartacus. Despite suffering a stroke in 1995, he continued acting into his 80s.

Douglas passed away at 103, and he left behind two powerful legacies: (1) as a film pioneer and (2) as a powerful advocate for free speech.^[8]

2 Olivia de Havilland (1916–2020): A Star Who Redefined Hollywood for Five Decades

Olivia de Havilland’s career began in the 1930s, and it continued for five decades into the 1980s. She was best known for her role as Melanie in Gone with the Wind (1939). De Havilland also won two Academy Awards for her performances in To Each His Own (1946) and The Heiress (1949).

Besides her acting, de Havilland made a strong and lasting impact on Hollywood by challenging the restrictive and often unethical studio system. Her legal battle against Warner Bros. led to a ruling that limited contracts to seven years, empowering future actors.

De Havilland continued acting into the 1980s, and she earned many prestigious awards later in life. When she passed away at 104 in Paris, she left behind a legacy of both artistic excellence and advocacy for labor rights.^[9]

1 Jimmy Carter (1924–Present): A Generational Public Servant

Jimmy Carter was only a U.S. president for four years, but he continued a lifelong commitment to public service after leaving office in 1981. Elected as the 39th president of the United States in 1976, Carter focused on human rights, energy policy, and international diplomacy. His administration is best remembered for brokering the Camp David Accords, a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, in 1978.

After leaving office, Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, devoted themselves to humanitarian efforts, founding the Carter Center in 1982. Carter worked tirelessly on global health initiatives, conflict resolution, and election monitoring. His commitment to service earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

In 2024, Carter became the longest-living U.S. president in history. In his later years, he has remained active with Habitat for Humanity, building homes for those in need well into his 90s. Carter is widely regarded as a role model for lifelong public service.^[10]

fact checked by
Darci Heikkinen