Age catches up with all of us.

Gene Hackman – Now 93 Years Old

Gene Hackman, born in 1930, had a fascinating journey before becoming a Hollywood legend. Few know that he joined the U.S. Marine Corps at 16 and served for several years. Afterward, he worked as a doorman, soda jerk, and radio announcer while persistently pursuing acting on the side.

Hackman’s career took off in the 1960s with notable roles in Bonnie and Clyde and The French Connection, the latter earning him an Academy Award. He went on to receive two more Oscars and starred in iconic films like Superman (1978) and Unforgiven (1992). His incredible talent and versatility have solidified his place as one of the industry’s greatest actors.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Tom Hanks – Now 67 Years Old

Tom Hanks, born in 1956, is a highly acclaimed actor with a career spanning several decades. Before fame, he worked as a hotel bellman and briefly studied theater in college before dropping out. His breakthrough came with the TV series Bosom Buddies (1980), but it was his role in the film Splash (1984) that catapulted him to stardom. Hanks has since become one of Hollywood’s most beloved and respected actors, winning two consecutive Academy Awards for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump. Today, Hanks continues to be a prominent figure in the film industry, known for his versatility and iconic performances.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Robert De Niro – Now 80 Years Old

Robert De Niro, born in 1943 in Greenwich Village, New York, is a legendary actor known for his versatile and prolific career. Before achieving fame, he had a challenging childhood, and his parents divorced when he was young. De Niro studied acting at the Stella Adler Conservatory and later worked odd jobs to support his acting aspirations. He gained fame with roles in films like The Godfather Part II and Taxi Driver, earning two Academy Awards along the way. His dedication to method acting, often immersing himself deeply in his characters, is what sets him apart in the industry. De Niro remains an iconic figure in cinema, celebrated for his intense performances and lasting impact on the industry.

---------------------------------------------------------

Henry Winkler – Now 78 Years Old

Henry Winkler, born in 1945, is an American actor, producer, and director best known for his role as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on the nostalgic TV show Happy Days. Before fame, he struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia throughout his academic years. Despite his learning difficulties, Winkler graduated from Yale School of Drama. He became an overnight sensation as Fonzie, earning two Golden Globe Awards for his portrayal. In addition to acting, he’s a successful producer and children’s book author. Throughout his adult life, he used his fame to serve as an advocate for dyslexia awareness. Winkler’s career is marked by iconic roles, and he remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Bruce Springsteen – Now 74 Years Old

Bruce Springsteen, born in 1949, is an iconic American musician known for his heartfelt rock and folk-infused songs. Before fame, he grew up in a working-class family in New Jersey, which deeply influenced his music. Springsteen released his debut album, “Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.,” in 1973, and over the years, he earned the nickname “The Boss” for his charismatic stage presence. Not many people know about his early struggles with depression and his brief stint in a band called Earth. Springsteen’s career has spanned several decades, marked by hits like “Born to Run” and “Born in the USA,” making him a rock legend and cultural icon.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Richard Dean Anderson – Now 73 Years Old

Richard Dean Anderson, best known for his iconic roles as MacGyver and Jack O’Neill in the TV series MacGyver and Stargate SG-1, had a diverse life before entering the world of acting. Born in 1950, he initially pursued a career in music, playing jazz and rock with various bands in the 1970s. He also worked briefly as a whale handler in a marine show. His acting career finally took off when he landed the role of Dr. Jeff Webber in the soap opera General Hospital.

Anderson’s breakthrough came with the popular 80s TV series MacGyver in the 1980s, where he portrayed a resourceful and ingenious secret agent. After Stargate SG-1, he continued his involvement with the franchise in various capacities. Now, at age 73, Anderson has taken a step back from acting, focusing on philanthropic work and enjoying a quieter life, while his enduring legacy as MacGyver and Jack O’Neill continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Katharine Ross – Now 83 Years Old

Born in 1940, Katharine Ross started her journey to stardom after a brief modeling career and studying drama at San Francisco State College. Her early acting years saw her in various TV shows and films, but it was her role as Elaine Robinson in the iconic film The Graduate (1967) that catapulted her to fame. Ross continued her success with memorable roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) and The Stepford Wives (1975). She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in “The Graduate.” In recent years, Katharine Ross has embraced a quieter life away from the Hollywood spotlight. She enjoys her time as an accomplished equestrian and an advocate for animal rights, contributing her talents to causes she passionately believes in while cherishing her lasting impact on the world of cinema.

--------------------------------------------------

Shirley Bassey – Now 86 Years Old

Shirley Bassey, born in 1937, is a legendary Welsh singer known for her powerful voice and captivating performances. She spent her early years growing up in poverty, which fueled her determination to succeed in the music industry. Bassey’s big break came in the mid-1950s when she won a talent competition and signed her first record deal. She achieved international acclaim with hits like “Goldfinger,” “Diamonds Are Forever,” and “Big Spender,” becoming synonymous with James Bond theme songs. Despite experiencing personal challenges and setbacks, she has maintained her status as one of the most iconic voices in music history, earning numerous awards and accolades throughout her career that spanned over six decades.

----------------------------------------------

Jack Nicholson – Now 86 Years Old

Born in 1937 in New Jersey, Jack Nicholson is an iconic American actor with a storied career spanning over six decades. Before fame, he had a tumultuous upbringing, believing his grandmother was his mother and his mother was his sister. This revelation came to him later in life. Nicholson started as a gopher for animation studios and worked his way up, making his debut in Roger Corman’s low-budget films. His breakthrough came with Easy Rider in 1969, leading to a string of iconic roles in movies like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The Shining, and As Good as It Gets, earning him multiple Academy Awards. Nicholson’s unconventional charm and incredible talent have made him a legend in Hollywood, with his unique persona becoming synonymous with the essence of American cinema.

---------------------------------------------

Clint Eastwood – Now 91 Years Old

Clint Eastwood, born in 1930, is an American icon known for his multifaceted career in film. Before fame, he had a diverse set of jobs, including a lifeguard, lumberjack, and steelworker, which shaped his rugged persona. He caught his big break with the TV series Rawhide in the late 1950s and quickly rose to fame as the Man with No Name in Sergio Leone’s Dollars Trilogy. Eastwood became an acclaimed actor and director, receiving Oscars for directing Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby. Beyond his acting and directing prowess, he’s a jazz pianist and composer, even composing the scores for some of his films. Eastwood is also known for his love of golf and served as the mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, from 1986 to 1988. His career has left an indelible mark on Hollywood, earning him legendary status in the industry.

----------------------------------------------------

Shirley MacLaine – Now 89 Years Old

Shirley MacLaine, born in 1934 as Shirley MacLean Beaty in Richmond, Virginia, is an iconic American actress, singer, and dancer. MacLaine’s interest in the performing arts was sparked during her childhood, and she took ballet lessons at an early age. She made her Broadway debut in 1954 and soon ventured into Hollywood, earning her first Academy Award nomination for her role in Some Came Running (1958). MacLaine’s career has spanned decades, and she’s celebrated for her diverse filmography, including her Academy Award-winning performance in Terms of Endearment (1983). She believes in reincarnation and her exploration of spirituality, which she wrote about in her best-selling book, Out on a Limb. MacLaine’s multifaceted career, outspoken nature, and spiritual journey have made her a fascinating and enduring figure in the entertainment industry.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Dick Van Dyke – Now 97 Years Old

Richard Wayne Van Dyke, born in 1925, is a legendary American actor, comedian, and singer known for his charismatic performances on both television and the big screen. Before fame, Van Dyke served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and then worked various jobs, including as a radio announcer. His career took off in the 1950s when he started performing stand-up comedy and appeared on television variety shows. He gained widespread recognition for his roles in The Dick Van Dyke Show and the film Mary Poppins, for which he won a Golden Globe Award. In addition to acting, he’s involved in charitable causes, including advocating for improved literacy among children. Van Dyke’s enduring talent and affable personality have made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

----------------------------------------------------------

Warren Beatty – Now 86 Years Old

Warren Beatty, born in 1937, is a legendary actor, director, and producer known for his iconic roles in movies like Bonnie and Clyde and Reds. Before his Hollywood fame, Beatty attended Northwestern University and briefly worked as a stage actor. He made his film debut in Splendor in the Grass and soon gained recognition for his good looks and charisma. Aside from his prolific acting career, Beatty is renowned for his numerous romantic liaisons and is often linked with Hollywood starlets. Apart from acting, he directed acclaimed films like Heaven Can Wait (1978) and Reds (1981). His meticulous approach to filmmaking earned him critical acclaim and several Academy Awards.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Priscilla Presley – Now 78 Years Old

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1945, Priscilla Presley is an American actress and businesswoman, best known as the wife of rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley. She moved to Germany as a teenager due to her stepfather’s military career, where she met Elvis Presley in 1959 while he was stationed there. They embarked on a romantic relationship and eventually married in 1967. They had one daughter, Lisa Marie Presley. Priscilla made her acting debut in the Naked Gun film series and had a successful stint on television. She also played a pivotal role in managing Elvis’s estate after his death. Priscilla’s life and career have been – and still are – intertwined with Elvis’s enduring legacy.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Sophia Loren – Now 89 Years Old

Sophia Loren, born Sofia Villani Scicolone in 1934 in Rome, Italy, is an iconic actress renowned for her beauty and talent. Before achieving fame, she grew up in poverty during World War II and was discovered at a beauty pageant in 1950. Loren’s career soared in the 1950s and 1960s, winning an Academy Award for her role in Two Women in 1961, making her the first actor or actress to win an Oscar for a foreign-language film. She became an international sex symbol and starred in numerous acclaimed films alongside Hollywood legends like Cary Grant and Marlon Brando. Beyond acting, Loren has written cookbooks and remains an enduring symbol of Italian cinema.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Nick Nolte – Now 82 Years Old

Nick Nolte, born in 1941, is an American actor with a prolific career spanning several decades. Before achieving fame, Nolte worked a variety of jobs, including stints as a model, truck driver, and lifeguard. He initially studied electrical engineering before pursuing acting. Nolte gained critical acclaim for his roles in films like 48 Hrs, The Prince of Tides, and Affliction, earning multiple Oscar nominations. He’s known for his distinctive gravelly voice and rugged on-screen presence. Interestingly, Nolte is also an accomplished musician, playing the guitar and singing in his own band. His multifaceted career has left a lasting impact on the world of cinema.

-----------------------------------------------------------

John Bellamy - Now 147 years old

John Bellamy was abducted at the age of 6 and forced to live and work for the next 35 years in a circus. Working with tons of animals in his time, from lions and tigers, bears and horses and he always says the worst animals he worked with are the human clowns - but not the ones in the circus but the ones running the country and big business. Clowns the lot of them. Star of radio, stage and screen and the occasional freak show - John won global acclaim for his many varied rolls as a Super Hung Master - adored by millions - reviled by a few but as John says ' Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke.' John is still starring in his usual roll in the Netflix mega popular series ' Madam of the House at Hamilton Hall. '

---------------------------------------------------

HOME PAGE

BLOG HOME PAGE

DIARY OF EVENTS