How does one not only survive beyond the century mark, but thrive there? In Hollywood, where careers are ephemeral and stress is rampant, a handful of legendary actors have beaten the odds, growing well into the triple digits. Their tales aren’t ones of luck they’re replete with habits, philosophies, and passions that kept them energetic, happy, and fully engaged with the world at large.
These centenarians didn’t float through their golden years. They worked, laughed, loved, and were curious, often crediting their long life to a mix of purpose, determination, and refusal to give in to the compromises of age. From crossword puzzles to euphoric stress, their secrets are an intriguing window into how to age not only graciously, but vibrantly.
Here are seven amazing lesser-known Hollywood icons whose lives prove that 100 is not the end of the line it’s merely another scene in a very interesting long story.
1. Norman Lear’s Joyful Stress and Endless Curiosity
Norman Lear, mastermind behind “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons,” remained productive well into the week he passed away at age 101. He credited longevity to starting each day with something to look forward to and relishing what he called “joyful stress.” In his memoir, he described juggling a number of hit shows at once as exhilarating and not exhausting. Lear also lived the philosophy, “Every man is my superior in that I may learn from him,” giving every individual with whom he came into contact, from taxi drivers to royalty, his undivided focus.
His daughter Kate noted his capacity for focusing entirely on whomever stood before him and drawing “pieces of magic” from each encounter. Even during adversity, Lear remained focused. Lear had learned to adapt to adversity, and once remarked, “Even this I get to experience,” a mental posture that allowed him to embrace disappointments in life and continue moving forward. His objective, sense of humor, and desire to learn kept his mind and spirit agile.
2. Olivia de Havilland’s ‘Three Ls’ and Mental Fitness
Olivia de Havilland, the actress in “Gone with the Wind” who lived to 104, had her longevity formula reduced to three words: love, laughter, and light. She also maintained a sharp mind by solving The New York Times crossword puzzle each day, an activity supported by studies which have discovered such mental puzzles enhance intellectual capacity in older adults. Her daily crossword routine wasn’t just about memory it was a continuity of maintenance of language, culture, and problem-solving.
This mental resilience, combined with her sunny temperament, likely contributed to such great vivacity. De Havilland’s blend of warmth of feeling and intellectual challenge is proof that remaining well with growing old isn’t just a physical thing it’s also about keeping the mind and spirit in good repair.
3. Kirk Douglas’s Humor and Good Works
Kirk Douglas, who passed away at 103, was certain that a sense of humor was an effective medicine against aging. On a lighthearted note in his Newsweek column, he quipped, “I don’t buy green bananas, they take too long to ripen,” and credited with adding years to life. The biggest challenges were endured by Douglas, which included a crippling stroke at age 80 that rendered him depression-stricken. He recovered course when he focused on speech therapy and helping others.
“Depression is caused by thinking too much of yourself. Try to think of others, try to assist them. You will be surprised how that alleviates your depression,” he wrote. His later years were marked by even more love in appreciation, most especially in his marriage. Douglas’s life illustrates the power of humor, service, and emotional attachment to transform adversity into resilience.
4. Gloria Stuart’s Indomitable Ambition and Defiance of Illness
Gloria Stuart, forever remembered as the elderly Rose in “Titanic,” reached 100 while still driven by ambition. In her memoir, she wrote, “I was motivated back then, and I’m motivated now,” reflecting a lifelong pursuit of meaningful work. Her daughter said that Stuart “didn’t believe in illness” and simply disregarded it, a mindset which could have done her a world of good in being able to focus on goals and imagination on her own terms.
This not needing to have to worry about physical constraints allowed her to focus on goals and imagination independent of limitations. Stuart’s resolve is a tribute to the strength of will and healthy attitude for keeping vigor throughout late life.
5. Eva Marie Saint’s Active Lifestyle and Simple Delights
Academy Award winner Eva Marie Saint celebrated her 101st birthday in 2025 and is the oldest living Hollywood actress. She attributes her age to staying active walking in fresh air, going to baseball games, and spending time with family and friends.
Her not-so-secret: keep the body moving, enjoy hobbies of choice, and nurture close friendships. These activities align with research correlating social connections and exercise with healthier and longer lives.
Saint’s story serves as a reminder that growing old does not involve on-the-periphery regimens far too often, it’s just about simple, joyful daily habits that engage body and soul alike.
6. Bob Hope’s Walking Habit and Family Laughter
Bob Hope, who reached the age of 100, walked two miles a day, a habit taught to him by his grandfather. Studies now validate his exercise regime, discovering walking every day adds years to a person’s life.
Hope also enjoyed laughing, a feeling that his daughter Linda shared, crediting humor as being part of the support column for their healthy and long life.
Body movement and emotional happiness were fertilized interchangeably to develop a balanced platform for a healthy and long life. His story is an integration of science and feeling to show that simple, unglamorous habits can make a very large contribution to lives over decades.
7. Queen Mother’s Philosophy of Living Fully
The Queen Mother, who lived to 101, offered perhaps the most colorful longevity advice: live as if tomorrow you’ll be “run over by a big red bus.” Her point was clear don’t spend life denying pleasures in pursuit of perfect health, only to miss out on joy.
Her philosophy embraced moderation and that unpredictability of life makes excess, laughter, and experience necessary. It was an attitude based on living and resilience that endured her for more than a century. A reminder that discipline is a treasure, but so is savoring the days that make it all worth it.
These seven stars show 100 is much more about not some secret formula but a complete and intentional tapestry of humor, love, curiosity, and the courage to live life on life’s terms. Whether Norman Lear’s friendly tension, Olivia de Havilland’s intellectual exercise, or the Queen Mother’s unapologetic affirming of life, their lives teach us eternal wisdom. Longevity, it appears, is as much a state of mind as it is one of being and that’s a script worth living.
