The 1960s was a golden era for Hollywood, producing some of the most legendary and enduring stars in cinema history. While many of these icons have sadly passed on, several have managed to maintain their star power and continue thriving decades later. Here are 12 of the biggest 1960s stars who are still going strong today.
Julie Andrews
This lady is a true entertainment icon who became popular in the 1960s as a gifted singer, actress, and performer. She first gained prominence on Broadway, starring in hit musicals like My Fair Lady and Camelot. Andrews then seamlessly transitioned to the silver screen with classic films like Mary Poppins (for which she won an Oscar) and The Sound of Music. Even at the age of 88, she is working actively. Andrews recently lent her iconic voice to narrate the Netflix sensation Bridgerton.
Sophia Loren
One of the most celebrated international stars of the 1960s, Sophia Loren won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in 1960’s Two Women. Now 89 years old, Loren has continued to act sporadically over the decades, most recently appearing in the 2020 Netflix film The Life Ahead. She remains a revered figure in world cinema, with her timeless beauty and powerful screen presence continuing to captivate audiences.
Rita Moreno
A true triple threat, Rita Moreno gained popularity in the 1950s and 60s as a talented actress, singer, and dancer. Her career-defining role came in 1961 when she received an Academy Award for portraying Anita in the movie West Side Story. She is now 92 years old and continues to work regularly in film and television, most recently starring in 80 for Brady, Fast X, and Family Switch in 2023.
Clint Eastwood
One of the most iconic leading men of the 1960s, Clint Eastwood rose to fame starring in Sergio Leone’s Dollars Trilogy of Spaghetti Westerns. He went on to become a hugely successful director and producer, winning Oscars for Best Director and Best Picture for 1992’s Unforgiven and 2004’s Million Dollar Baby. At the age of 94, Eastwood continues to work steadily, directing and starring in films like Gran Torino, Sully, and Richard Jewell. He recently finished shooting his latest movie, Juror No. 2, which fans are waiting to see.
Shirley MacLaine
Shirley MacLaine first gained fame in the late 1950s with films like Some Came Running and Ask Any Girl. She became one of the biggest box office draws of the 1960s, earning an Oscar nomination for The Apartment in 1960 and winning Best Actress for 1983’s Terms of Endearment. MacLaine has continued to work in TV and cinema despite being 90 years old. In 2022, she was featured in the TV series Only Murders in the Building and the movie American Dreamer.
Eva Marie Saint
Best known for her roles in classic films like On the Waterfront and North by Northwest, Eva Marie Saint was among the most sought-after leading ladies of the 1950s and 60s. The actress recently turned 100 years old and still loves to work. She recently lent her voice to the character of Katara in the animated series The Legend of Korra. Most recently, fans got to see her on a podcast play series, “The Pack Podcast”, in 2021.
Barbra Streisand
One of the most iconic singers, Streisand, began singing at small nightclubs in Greenwich Village in the early 1960s despite having only taken one music lesson. Her first big break came in 1962 when she landed a role in the Broadway musical “I Can Get It for You Wholesale.” Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Streisand starred in several successful film musicals like “Hello, Dolly!” and “A Star Is Born.” The 82-year-old singer recently dropped her latest single, “Love Will Survive,” in April 2024.
Woody Allen
Woody Allen, now 88, remains a prolific and controversial figure in the film industry. Known for his unique storytelling and sharp wit, Allen continues to write and direct films, with his 2023 project Coup de Chance showcasing his enduring creativity. Despite his age, Allen’s passion for cinema keeps him active, often blending humor with deep philosophical questions in his work. His career, spanning over six decades, includes classics like “Annie Hall” and “Midnight in Paris.”
Jane Fonda
This name needs no introduction. Even at 86, she continues to be a force of nature in Hollywood and beyond. Her most recent appearance was in “80 for Brady,” where she still maintained her allure and charm. Beyond acting, Fonda is an outspoken climate activist, often participating in protests and speaking engagements to raise awareness. She wrote the book, “What Can I Do?: My Path from Climate Despair to Action,” in 2022, which highlights her commitment to environmental causes.
Paul McCartney
At 82 years old, Paul McCartney shows no signs of slowing down. The legendary singer-songwriter, who rose to global fame as a part of the famous band The Beatles, has continued to captivate audiences worldwide. McCartney was even tapped to headline the iconic Glastonbury Festival in 2022, becoming the oldest solo headliner in history. Recently, he announced his latest tour across South America and Europe in 2024.
Harrison Ford
From his iconic roles as Han Solo and Indiana Jones to his nuanced performances in films like “Blade Runner” and “Witness,” Ford has consistently demonstrated his versatility and charm. One might think he might take a sabbatical at the age of 82, but the man is just as active as ever before. In 2023, he was in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and we will see him again in Captain America: Brave New World in 2025.
Diana Ross
As the lead singer of The Supremes, Ross helped propel the group to become one of the most successful acts in the history of Motown. Between 1964 and 1967, The Supremes scored 12 #1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Ross is also celebrated for her contributions to film and television, with iconic roles in movies like “Lady Sings the Blues.” She is now 80 and still performs with remarkable energy, recently releasing her 25th studio album, “Thank You.”
Comments
Loading…