The Golden Age of Hollywood may be long gone, but some of its stars are still with us and working in showbiz. This is our list of the 5 oldest actors as of June 2023.
5. Lee Grant (October 31, during the mid-1920s)
Image from sfexaminer
Lee Grant is an American actress, documentarian, and director. She gained recognition for her debut film role in 1951's "Detective Story," where she received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress and won the Best Actress Award at the 1952 Cannes Film Festival. Grant also won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance in "Shampoo" (1975) as Warren Beatty's older lover.
She appeared in 71 episodes of the TV series "Peyton Place" (1965–1966) and took on lead roles in notable films like "Valley of the Dolls" and "In the Heat of the Night" in 1967. Grant's exceptional performance in "The Maids" earned her the Obie Award for Distinguished Performance by an Actress in 1964. Over the course of her career, she won two Emmy Awards and received a total of seven nominations.
In addition to acting, Grant transitioned to directing. She received a Directors Guild of America Award in 1986 for "Nobody's Child." Her documentary "Down and Out in America," released in 1987, tied for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
4. Richard Van Dyke ( December 13, 1925)
Image from caknowledge
A legend in the entertainment industry, Richard Wayne Van Dyke is a versatile performer who has excelled in comedy, acting, and singing for over seven decades.
He won a Tony Award for his role in the musical Bye Bye Birdie in 1961 and later starred in the film version. He also played the lead role in The Dick Van Dyke Show, one of the most popular sitcoms of the 1960s. He is known for his roles in classic movies like Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Comic. He has won many awards, including four Emmys, a Golden Globe, a Grammy and a SAG Life Achievement Award.
He has also been inducted into the Television Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2013, he received the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. In 2021, he was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors. He is also a Disney Legend.
3. June Lockhart (June 25, 1925)
Image from uncleodiescollectibles
June Lockhart is a renowned American actress with a remarkable career that spans nine decades. She initially ventured into film during the 1930s and 1940s, appearing in notable productions like "A Christmas Carol" and "Meet Me in St. Louis."
While she continued her work in stage and film, Lockhart primarily thrived in the television industry during the 1950s and 1960s. She gained recognition for her iconic motherly roles in the television series "Lassie" and "Lost in Space." Additionally, Lockhart portrayed Dr. Janet Craig in the CBS sitcom "Petticoat Junction" from 1968 to 1970.
Her talent and dedication earned her two Emmy Award nominations and a Tony Award. In a nod to her portrayal of Dr. Maureen Robinson, Lockhart made a cameo appearance in the 1998 film adaptation of "Lost in Space," based on the beloved 1960s TV show.
June Lockhart's enduring talent, diverse contributions, and extensive career have solidified her status as a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
2. Eva Marie Saint (July 4, 1924)
Image from wikipedia
Eva Marie Saint, born on July 4, 1924, is a versatile American actress known for her contributions to film, theater, radio, and television. With a career spanning over 70 years, she has achieved notable acclaim, including an Academy Award and a Primetime Emmy Award, along with nominations for a Golden Globe Award and two British Academy Film Awards. As the oldest living and earliest surviving Academy Award-winner, she stands as one of the last remaining stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema.
Following her Academy Award win, Saint continued to impress audiences with her talent. Notably, she worked with Alfred Hitchcock, who cast her in the thrilling film "North by Northwest." Throughout her career, Saint displayed versatility, taking on various roles and exploring different mediums. She started her journey in television as an NBC page and made her on-camera debut in 1946 on NBC's "Campus Hoopla." Despite periods of smaller roles, she never ceased working, consistently contributing to the entertainment industry.
In 2014, Saint's most recent acting credits included the film "Winter's Tale" and her voice acting role in the animated series "The Legend of Korra." Her enduring presence and dedication to her craft have solidified her status as a legendary figure in the world of entertainment.
1. Myron Nussbaum ( December 29, 1923)
Image from washingtonpost
Mike Nussbaum, despite not having the longest career compared to some other actors, remains an active and dedicated performer. His most recent acting credit was in 2020 for the film "Tom of Your Life," which is yet to be released.
In addition to his extensive work in film and television, Nussbaum is highly regarded as a stage actor. In 2019, he starred in the new production of "Hamlet" at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, showcasing his talent and passion for the craft. Despite being over 98 years old, Nussbaum continues to demonstrate his commitment to his art.
Nussbaum's exceptional abilities as an actor have been recognized with accolades. In 1984, he received a Drama Desk Award for his performance in David Mamet's "Glengarry Glen Ross," further highlighting his talent and contribution to the industry.