50 of the oldest actors who are still working in Hollywood | Entertainment News

A diverse group of 50 veteran performers continues to work in film and television despite industry ageism, according to a list curated by Stacker. This group includes 101-year-old Eva Marie Saint and 98-year-old Dick Van Dyke, proving that legendary talent can maintain prolific careers into their nineties and beyond.

The entertainment industry has historically focused on youth-centric plots, but recent productions like “Grace and Frankie” and “Thelma” feature older leads. According to Stacker, these actors add depth to storylines and demonstrate the possibility of a long career in a tough industry.

The urgency of celebrating these stars comes amid recent losses in 2026. Oscar-winner Robert Duvall died Feb. 15, action star Chuck Norris passed March 19, and Anthony Head died in early June, according to the report.

Who are the oldest actors still working in Hollywood?

Eva Marie Saint is among the oldest active performers at 101 years old. She won an Oscar for the 1954 film “On the Waterfront” and appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s “North By Northwest,” according to Stacker.

Dick Van Dyke, 98, became the oldest actor to win a Daytime Emmy Award in 2024 for a guest role on “Days of Our Lives.” June Squibb also made history in December 2025 as the oldest Broadway performer ever when she starred in “Marjorie Prime.”

Other long-tenured professionals include James Hong, who has more than 600 acting credits, and Samuel L. Jackson, who Stacker identifies as the highest-grossing actor of all time.

Did You Know? Danny Trejo became a champion boxer while serving time at San Quentin before entering the acting profession.

How are veteran stars defying industry ageism?

Many of these actors found their greatest success later in life. Samuel L. Jackson’s career did not truly take off until his 40s, with a breakthrough in the 1991 film “Jungle Fever,” according to Stacker.

Others have maintained visibility by transitioning between mediums. Meryl Streep, the actor with the most Oscar nominations at 21, currently stars in Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” while returning to film in “Hoppers,” the report states.

Rita Moreno has achieved EGOT status, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. She was the first Latina to win a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for the 1961 film “West Side Story,” according to the source.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the continued employment of these actors signals a shift in how studios value lived experience. By casting legends like Al Pacino—a triple crown winner—in multiple 2025 projects, the industry may be moving toward a model that prioritizes prestige and depth over youth-driven demographics.

What upcoming projects feature these legendary actors?

Several high-profile releases are scheduled for 2026 and 2027. Mel Brooks is set to reprise his role as Yogurt in “Spaceballs: The New One,” which he also co-wrote, for a 2027 release, according to Stacker.

Samuel L. Jackson will appear in “The Great Beyond” in November 2026. Glenn Close is scheduled to join the “Hunger Games” universe in “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” also arriving in November 2026.

Other upcoming roles include Ian McKellen in “Avengers: Doomsday” in December 2026 and Anthony Hopkins in Guy Ritchie’s “Wife & Dog,” hitting theaters in October 2026, the report adds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the oldest actor currently listed as working?
Eva Marie Saint, who is 101 years old, according to the source.

Which actor holds the record for the most Oscar nominations?
Meryl Streep holds the record with 21 nominations, according to Stacker.

Who is the oldest person to win a Daytime Emmy?
Dick Van Dyke won the award in 2024 at the age of 98.

Which of these legendary actors has had the biggest impact on your favorite movies?