Throughout history, Hollywood has been home to incredibly stunning celebrities. Some of the actresses who now portray older characters were once the youthful, attractive leading ladies who captivated audiences. These women are more than just their appearance – their talents as actresses are undeniable. Many of them have pushed boundaries and redefined norms, serving as inspirations for others to excel. Their success is reflected not only in their wealth but also in their impactful careers. Here is a list of female celebrities who have gracefully navigated the challenges of aging in the spotlight.
Jessica Lange – King Kong, 1949
Jessica was already well-known in the industry long before her role in ‘King Kong’. She currently serves as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF and is actively involved in charitable and human rights causes. Apart from being a producer, she also has a keen interest in photography. Jessica exemplifies that maintaining a perfect figure doesn’t always require cosmetic enhancements, even as one ages. She continues to captivate audiences with her acting skills and will soon be appearing in a new series called ‘The Politician’.
Fairuza Balk – The craft, 1974
Fairuza has carved a niche for herself in the film industry since her early rise to fame as a child star in 1980. She gained international recognition in the 90s with notable roles in films such as ‘The Waterboy’ and ‘The Craft’, where her gothic appearance became synonymous with her public image. Currently, she is primarily focusing on her music career while still dabbling in acting, notably in the TV series ‘Paradise City’ as Lizzy Thomas. Additionally, she operates a website where she sells her poetry and artwork.
Lynda Carter – Wonder Woman, 1951
Before Gal Gadot took on the role, Lynda Carter portrayed Wonder Woman. Back in 1972, she won the Miss World title and has maintained her natural beauty ever since without any cosmetic procedures. Continuing her acting career, she has accumulated substantial wealth. She is now acting in the Supergirl series. Rumors suggest she might appear in a new “Wonder Woman” movie in 2020, possibly a release of the 1984 Wonder Woman film.
Cindy Crawford – House of style, 1966
During the 1990s, Cindy was a prominent model who made a big impact on the industry with her beauty, particularly noted for the mole above her lips that later became a distinctive feature. Over the years, she underwent some cosmetic procedures and has been transparent about this when queried. Her daughter, Kaia Gerber, appears to be following in her mother’s footsteps and gaining significant attention in the industry, capturing considerable fame. Recently, Cindy and her husband obtained ownership of the ‘Nate ‘n Al Hollywood deli’.
Kelly McGillis – Top gun, 1967
Kelly rose to fame as an actress thanks to her role in the movie ‘Top Gun’, although she has also appeared in other films such as ‘The Accused’, ‘Witness’, and the 2015 film ‘Blue’. While she has put her acting career on hold, she is now dedicated to helping individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. It remains unclear whether she has any intentions to make a comeback to the entertainment industry, but many would welcome her return with open arms.
Catherine Bell – Jag, 1968
Catherine is a multitalented actress of American and British descent, with Iranian heritage. She rose to fame after her portrayal of Lieutenant Colonel Sarah McKenzie in the movie ‘Jag’. Prior to this significant role, Catherine had landed only a minor three-line part in a film. Following a change in production to CBN, she re-auditioned and earned the role of the lieutenant. Her acting credits include appearances in ‘Army Wives’ as Denise Sherwood and ‘The Good Witch’ as Cassie. In 2006, Catherine received a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress on Television for her performance in ‘The Triangle’. Although she notably appeared in ‘NCIS’, she has maintained a lower profile on television. Additionally, Catherine is involved in producing and modeling.
Cyndi Lauper – Girls just want to have fun, 1953
Cyndi catapulted into fame with her popular songs “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Time After Time,” transforming from a regular girl to a pop sensation almost instantly. Like many artists, her music career slowed down in the 1990s as she ventured into Broadway, where she later earned a Grammy and a Tony award. Today, she actively champions the LGBT community and has sold more than 50 million albums throughout her career, establishing herself as a successful figure in her own right.
Sophia Loren – Marriage, Italian Style, 1934
At age 15, Sophia gained attention through her involvement in pageants before transitioning to acting. She has achieved considerable success, winning numerous awards and being recognized as one of the most attractive women globally. Often compared to Bardot, she serves as a motivating figure for individuals struggling to prioritize their professional endeavors. Despite her remarkable performance in the 2014 short film ‘Human Voice’, there has been little news about her acting pursuits since then.
Nancy McKeon – The facts of life, 1966
Following her portrayal of Jo Polniaczek in ‘The Facts of Life,’ she gained popularity but did not sustain that level of fame. After taking a step back, she appeared in ‘Love Begins’ in 2011, marking her final on-screen acting role. Additionally, she showcased her dancing skills on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and made multiple appearances on ‘Good Morning America’ in 2018. Notably, she has maintained her natural beauty without any noticeable cosmetic enhancements.
Raquel Welch – One million years BC, 1940
Raquel was a prominent figure in the entertainment world during the 1960s and 1970s, known for her exceptional acting talent and natural beauty. At the age of 55, she was recognized in Empire Magazine as one of the top 100 most attractive women in the world. Over time, she underwent some cosmetic procedures to maintain her looks as she aged. Her most recent on-screen appearance was in the 2017 film ‘Date My Dad’.
Brigitte Bardot – And God Created Woman, 1934
Brigitte had a significant influence during the 1950s and 1960s, being considered a quintessential ‘dream girl’. Despite choosing not to undergo any cosmetic procedures, she embraces the natural aging process and continues to exude beauty. Following her appearances in ‘The edifying and joyous story of Colinot’ and ‘Don Juan’, she decided to retire from acting. Brigitte now passionately advocates for animal rights.
Diane Keaton – Play it again, Sam, 1946
She was an incredibly versatile woman, excelling not only as an actress but also exploring photography, directing, music, writing, and even real estate development. Instead of getting involved in situations that might have led her to a rehabilitation center, she focused on expanding her skills and interests. It appears that she has her priorities well-defined. In the current year, she has already appeared in a film titled ‘Poms’ and is also lending her voice to a new show called ‘Green Eggs and Ham’.
Dame Diana Rig – The avengers, 1938
Prior to gaining recognition among younger audiences for her portrayal of Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones, she had established herself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry through her performance in the play Medea. Her prestige was further elevated when she was appointed a CBE in 1988 and later bestowed with the title of Dame in 1994. She has managed to steer clear of any legal complications throughout her career, thus never necessitating the services of a lawyer or legal advisor. In addition to her notable role in Game of Thrones, she has also showcased her talent in series such as The Detectorists and Victoria. Furthermore, she made an appearance in the documentary Broadway: Beyond the Golden Age.
Helen Mirren – Excalibur, 1945
Helen can be seen as one of the Legends in the industry, as she has been a great influence over time. She is a multi-award owner as she has made giant strides in her career. She had a drug issue at some point because she found out that the money she paid for the drugs went to war criminals. She starred in ‘The Nutcracker and the four realms ‘ and ‘Winchester in 2018. She will also star in the new fast and furious movie – ‘Hobbs & Shaw’. Her new show, ‘Catherine the great’ is airing as well.
Maggie Smith – Harry Potter, 1934
Maggie boasts a substantial net worth due to her extensive experience in the industry over the years, leading to a remarkable journey thus far. She is most recognized for her portrayal of Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter series. Maggie is a recipient of multiple awards and has maintained her slim physique consistently. In 2019, she will appear in the ‘Downtown Abbey’ movie as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess Of Grantham, and also in another film titled ‘A Boy Called Christmas’.
Faye Dunaway – Bonnie and Clyde, 1941
This actress, who has won multiple awards, has had a remarkable and lengthy career in the film industry. However, her appearance has significantly changed after a plastic surgery procedure didn’t turn out as expected. It seems she should have carefully considered the decision before opting for surgery. Despite this, she has starred in recent films such as ‘Inconceivable’ and ‘The American Connection’. Rumors suggest that she will also appear in an upcoming movie titled ‘Visceral’.
Kelly Le Brock – The woman in red, 1960
Following her remarkable performance in the film “The Woman in Red,” Kelly’s career skyrocketed. She later appeared in the movie “Hard To Kill” alongside her former partner, Steven Seagal. Despite having three children together, Kelly and Steven went their separate ways. Kelly later remarried, but that relationship also ended. She revealed that she struggled with substance abuse at one point but successfully overcame it after undergoing rehabilitation. Currently, she has two upcoming film projects listed on her IMDb page.
Martha Stewart – Martha Stewart Living, 1941
Martha was a model before she hit the goldmine through her cooking skills and her lifestyle coaching skills. Martha had an education, unlike most celebrities, as she graduated with majors in History and Architectural History from Barnard College. She went to jail for financial fraud in 2004, and she came out in 2005. She has a show with the rapper, Snoop Dog called Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Party Challenge. The show is currently in season 3.
Olivia Newton-John – Grease, 1948
Olivia rose to fame for her portrayal of Sandy in ‘Grease’ and is known for her talents in singing, songwriting, and acting. Beyond her entertainment career, she is dedicated to philanthropy, environmentalism, and animal rights advocacy, among other meaningful pursuits. Currently, she is set to star in the upcoming film ‘Excellent Mr. Dundee.’ Unfortunately, there are rumors circulating about a potential recurrence of her cancer, and we send her our heartfelt well wishes.
Gillian Anderson – X-Files, 1968
Gillian embarked on her acting career in 1986 at the age of 22, showcasing her beauty. She quickly rose to fame for her exceptional portrayal of Dana Scully, an FBI agent in the film ‘X-Files’. Her performance in this role earned her multiple awards, including a Golden Globe and an Emmy. Gillian’s heritage includes English, Irish, and German roots, which may contribute to her undeniable charm. Her father, Homer Edward Anderson III, is a prominent producer and director. Despite being 51 years old, she maintains a youthful appearance. Currently, Gillian is captivating audiences with her role as Jean Milburn in the series ‘Sex Education’.
Cassandra Peterson – Elvira Mistress Of The Dark, 1951
Cassandra’s journey began modestly, working as a showgirl in Vegas at only 17. A turning point came during a conversation with Elvis Presley, leading her to explore acting and singing in Europe as he advised. Eventually, she relocated to Hollywood, where her career flourished, transforming her into the iconic character of Elvira after starring in a few films. Leveraging the popularity of the ‘Elvira’ persona, she created movies such as ‘Elvira’s Haunted Hills’ and ‘Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.’ Cassandra dedicated a significant portion of the profits from her films to support animal-related charities and HIV/AIDS organizations.
Lisa Bonet – The Cosby Show, 1967
Known now as Lilakoi Moon after changing her name in 1995, Lisa is married to the attractive Jason Momoa, who has been making a mark in Hollywood since 1982. She gained fame for her portrayal of Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show, which aired from 1984 to 1992. Lisa has taken part in beauty pageants and TV shows, including A Different World, from which she had to depart due to pregnancy. Despite facing challenges in her first marriage, she met and married Jason Momoa in 2007. The couple shares two children, and Lisa is actively pursuing a writing career.
Jodie Foster – Marriage, Taxi Driver, 1962
Jodie is a talented actress, producer, and director who has been involved in the entertainment industry since her early childhood days in 1965 when she starred as the Coppertone girl in a commercial at the age of three. She continued to work in commercials and television until 1976, when she landed a role in ‘Taxi Driver’ that marked the beginning of her successful career. Jodie considers the movie to be a significant milestone that pushed her out of her comfort zone for the first time. Over time, she rose to become a highly acclaimed celebrity with numerous accolades to her credit.
Sally Field – Smokey and the bandit, 1946
Sally is a renowned actress who has earned an iconic status in the industry. She rose to fame through her performances in movies such as ‘Forrest Gump, ‘Steel Magnolias’ and ‘Lincoln’. Over the past few years, she has undergone some physical enhancements. Additionally, she has developed an interest in directing and producing. In 2018, Sally took on a role in the series ‘Maniac’, and she is set to feature in an upcoming show titled ‘Dispatches from elsewhere’.
Brooke Shields – The blue lagoon, 1965
Brooke gained recognition early in her career with notable roles in films such as ‘Pretty Baby’, ‘Blue Lagoon’, and ‘Endless Love’. Despite achieving success at a young age, she later pursued higher education and obtained a degree in Romance Languages from Princeton University. Overcoming postpartum depression was a significant challenge for her, but she successfully navigated through that difficult period. Recently, she was featured on the television series ‘Jane the Virgin’ and is rumored to have a role in an upcoming movie titled ‘My Boyfriend’s Meds’.
Jenny Agutter – Logan’s Run, 1952
Jenny has achieved success from a young age, dating back to the 1960s when she first starred in the movie ‘East of Sudan’. Over the years, she has evolved into a distinguished actress with numerous accolades. She did not complete her education due to her early fame, which may have been different if she had access to online classes back then. Known for her role as Sister Julienne in the series ‘Call the Midwife’ since 2012, she is set to appear in the upcoming film ‘Ballerina’.
Dawn French – French and Saunders, 1957
Dawn is a multi-talented entertainer known for her work as an actress, writer, and comedian. One of her notable projects is the show ‘French and Saunders’, where she both starred in and wrote. Apart from her acting roles, she has also been involved in various stage plays, including the recent production ‘Snow-white at the palladium’ in 2018. Dawn’s noticeable weight loss prompted inquiries, to which she attributed to following a new diet plan. Currently, she is keeping busy with her involvement in the new show ‘Glass House’.
Cybill Shepherd – Moonlighting, 1950
During the 1960s, while still attending high school, Cybill ventured into modeling. Over the years, she garnered numerous accolades and nominations. Progressing through time, she transitioned into advocacy, championing gay rights and supporting abortion rights. Instead of indulging in drugs and alcohol, she directed her resources towards various charitable causes. Her most recent television appearance was in the 2017 film ‘Being Rose’. Nonetheless, she is set to feature in an upcoming movie called ‘The Lunch’.
Olivia De Havilland – Gone with the wind, 1916
In the heyday of Hollywood, Olivia was a prominent figure, making a mark with her performances in timeless films such as ‘The Adventures of Robin Hood’ and ‘Gone with the Wind’. Renowned for her acting prowess, she has managed her finances well, boasting a substantial net worth and being free of debt issues. Honored for her contributions, she was bestowed with the title of Dame Commander of the British Empire at the age of 101. Following her appearance on the documentary series ’60 Minutes’ in 2012, she hasn’t been seen on screen since.
Dame Judi Dench – James Bond, 1934
Even though Judie became famous for her roles in James Bond films, she also received recognition for her acting in plays such as Macbeth and Othello. There were reports that her daughter was involved in a DUI incident at one point, but she managed to navigate through it with the assistance of a highly skilled legal team. Judie remains actively engaged in acting and is set to appear in a new movie titled ‘Cats film’.
Julie Andrews – The Sound Of Music, 1936
Although she is most famously known for her iconic performance in the movie ‘Sound of Music,’ she has also had a significant presence in Broadway productions. At one point, she considered legal action against a magazine that falsely claimed she had sought treatment for substance abuse, which greatly upset her as she had no involvement with drugs. Despite being offered a role in ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ on Broadway, she turned it down. Additionally, she lent her voice to the character Karathen in the film ‘Aquaman’. Since then, she has not appeared on screen.
Kate Winslet – Titanic, 1975
Kate seems to have retained her youthful appearance despite the passing years, suggesting that she is aging gracefully while maintaining her physical appearance. Although there were rumors in the past about her possibly undergoing cosmetic procedures, these speculations were never confirmed. Kate is well-known for her roles in movies like ‘Titanic’, ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’, and the ‘Divergent’ series. In 2011, a fire incident occurred during her vacation on Necker Island, where she happened to meet her now-husband, Ned Rocknroll, leading to their marriage the following year.
Chaka Khan – Rufus, 1953
If Chaka Khan is not included, a compilation of prominent figures in the industry would lose credibility. Known as the ‘Queen of funk’ by some, she holds various awards and has an estimated net worth from the sale of over 70 million album copies globally. Despite facing past struggles with substance abuse, she openly acknowledges undergoing rehabilitation for her treatment. Opting for treatment was the wiser choice, as otherwise facing legal consequences for drug-related issues would have been a costly endeavor involving legal representation. In February 2019, fans excitedly welcomed the release of Chaka’s latest album titled ‘Hello Happiness’.
Lola Falana – The Lola Falana show, 1942
Lola is an incredibly talented individual with a range of skills. Not only is she a dancer, singer, and actress, but she is also the top-earning performer in Las Vegas, boasting an impressive bank account. At one point, she was even dubbed ‘The Queen of Las Vegas’. Lola serves as a shining example that it is possible to achieve success without getting involved in drug or alcohol-related controversies. Though she hasn’t been actively seen in the entertainment industry recently, her last on-screen appearance was in the 2013 movie “Mary’s Land”.
Mia Farrow – Rosemary’s Baby, 1945.
Mia is a talented actress and model who later transitioned into activism. In 2018, she was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the Most Influential People in the World for her impactful work in challenging environments in Africa. Unfortunately, Mia experienced an unsuccessful plastic surgery procedure that seemed to have unexpected results on her face. Her most recent on-screen appearance was in 2016, in an episode of the show ‘Documentary Now!’
Barbara Bach – The Spy Who Loved Me, 1947
Barbara gained fame for playing the character of Anya Amasova in the James Bond movie “The Spy Who Loved Me”. She tied the knot with former Beatles musician Ringo Starr in 1981, and they have remained a couple ever since. Barbara has always steered clear of alcohol-related problems and has retired from acting, with her final film role being in the 1986 movie “To the North of Katmandu”. These days, she enjoys a peaceful life with her loved ones.
Pam Grier – Foxy Brown, 1949
Pam rose to fame following her performance in Quentin Tarantino’s film ‘Jackie Brown’. She is recognized as one of the pioneering female action stars in cinema. Her portrayal in the movie earned her a Golden Globe award for acting. Pam’s net worth is estimated to be approximately 10 million dollars. Recently, she was seen on the television series ‘Bless This Mess’ in 2019, and she is set to star in an upcoming film titled ‘Old School Gangstas’.
Jodie Foster – The Silence Of The Lambs, 1962
Jodie is widely regarded as one of the finest actresses of her generation. Renowned for her exceptional acting abilities, she has also made a name for herself as a talented filmmaker. While facing a struggle with alcohol at a certain point in her life, she managed to overcome it without seeking rehabilitation. In 2013, she publicly revealed her sexual orientation and she is now happily married to a photographer named Alexandra Hedison. Her most recent project is the 2018 film ‘Hotel Artemis’.
Susan Sarandon – Thelma and Louise, 1946
Susan is not only a talented actress but also a compassionate individual who is involved in charity work and political activism. She serves as a source of inspiration for many and is also known for her beauty. According to her IMDb page, she has nine projects in the pipeline.
Morgan Fairchild – Dallas, 1950
Morgan has been a prominent figure since the 1970s and at some point during the 1980s. She has appeared in several television series and continues to have a steady career. Unfortunately, she has also experienced the negative effects of unsuccessful plastic surgery. Known for her role in the series ‘Days of our Lives’, she is set to star in the upcoming film titled ‘All Good Things’.
Meryl Streep – Kramer vs Kramer, 1949
Meryl is a talented actress who has rightfully earned recognition in the industry. She has portrayed a variety of characters with great success. She maintains her physique through exercise and a healthy diet. Her notable roles include appearances in ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ and ‘Big Little Lies’, and she currently has three upcoming films in production.
Bo Derek – 10, 1956
Bo had a career as a model before becoming an actress. It was her role in the film ’10’ that brought her to fame in the entertainment industry. She tied the knot with John Derek, who played a key role in securing acting opportunities for her, such as in the films ‘Bolero’ and ‘Ghosts Can’t Do It’. Although there were rumors about cosmetic procedures, she refuted them. She is slated to star in an upcoming movie titled ‘JL Family Ranch’.
Demi Moore – Indecent Proposal, 1962
Demi entered the industry at the age of 16, forsaking high school for this career path. Achieving rapid success, she is known for her enduring beauty which sparked rumors of cosmetic enhancements. Her timeless appearance was evident at the Met Gala in May 2019, suggesting she shows no signs of aging anytime soon. Furthermore, she made a notable appearance in the 2019 horror film ‘Corporate Animals’.