Golden Age Hollywood Stars Who Are Alive and Well and Enjoying Retirement

By: Mia Williams | Last updated: Dec 20, 2022

It’s been over five decades since the “Golden Age” of Hollywood ended. Yet many of its biggest stars are still alive and enjoying life in their retirement years. These people were not just your average Joe trying to get by. They were megastars who enjoyed the high life and stardom like no other.

Some of these silver screen legends worked in big-time movies, while others rose to fame through the power of their music. Either way, they are beloved by fans of many generations. Many of the names here are taking time out to relax, living life to its fullest. Let’s take a look at the Hollywood legends who kept a firm hold on their star power.

1. Keith Thibodeaux 

Keith Thibodeaux was a former child actor and musician in the 1950s. He is now 71 and one of the last surviving cast members of the popular show I Love Lucy. Thibodeaux said in his interview that he was grateful to have played the role of Little Ricky on the show.

Advertisement

Source: lacai.pro

Keith’s life took an unexpected turn after he left his acting career. He became the executive director of Ballet Magnificat! in Jackson, Mississippi where he lived with his wife, Kathy Thibodeaux. Keith is now enjoying his new role as a grandfather after his daughter gave birth to a baby boy, whom he calls “little buddy.”

2. Robert Fuller

Actor Robert Fuller began his career guest-starring on Western TV shows. Known for his deep, raspy voice, Fuller was a familiar face to television viewers throughout the 50s and 60s. In the following decade, Fuller went from being a TV extra to a major movie star.

Advertisement

Fuller became extremely well-known after he starred in the 1970s movie Emergency. It was in the 1990s when Fuller ended his career in Hollywood. He married Jennifer Savidge in 2001, and the two are now living a comfortable life on Fuller’s ranch in North Texas.

3. John Allen Astin

John Astin is an actor best known for playing Gomez Addams in The Addams Family. He first appeared in the motion picture West Side Story, which gave him the opportunity to play a minor role. Astin has been married three times and was blessed with five sons between them.

Advertisement

Source: jessefuchs/ twitter

Astin lent his voice to numerous TV shows, including Pinky and the Brain and Duckman. He is now 91 years old and currently director of theater programs at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Astin may be getting older, but it seems that his commitment to acting never faltered.

4. Richard Dean Anderson

Richard Dean Anderson is an actor and producer most famous for his role in the television series “MacGyver.” As a child, Richard dreamt of being a professional hockey player. Unfortunately, he suffered a serious injury that forced him to give this dream up.

Advertisement

Source: femina.hu

In 2007, Dean stepped down from his role on the TV series Stargate SG-1 to spend time with his only daughter. His last television appearance was on an episode of the 2013 series Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23. After working for almost three decades in the entertainment industry, Richard Dean is now enjoying his retirement away from the spotlight.

5. Bolo Yeung

Yang Sze, also known as Bolo Yeung, is famous for playing the role of the villain in countless classic films. His most notable role was in the movie Enter the Dragon, released in 1973. Yang was one of Bruce Lee’s closest friends.

Source: feedram.club

Actor Bolo Yeung married his long-time partner and was blessed with two sons and a daughter, Danny Yeung, David Yeung, and Debbra Yeung. At the age of 72, Yang decided to end his acting career. He is now 75 years old.

Advertisement

6. Gladys Maria Knight

Gladys Knight is a world-renowned singer, actress, and businesswoman fondly referred to as the “Empress of Soul.” Her journey is among the best-known stories in contemporary music history. She also ventured into acting in movies such as Pipe Dreams and Hollywood Homicide.

Source: Tumblr

Knight’s successful career brought her international fame and has won her many prestigious awards throughout her lifetime, including seven Grammy Awards. She’s part of the group Gladys Knight & the Pips, which is well known even today. Knight is now 77 years of age and still entertains many people with her powerful voice.

Advertisement

7. Jamie Farr

The acting gig is not only about fame. There were times when even well-known celebrities needed to make ends meet, and that’s what happened to Jamie Farr before he made it to the big time. The actor was just a guest star when he played the role of Max Klinger in the famous sitcom M*A*S*H.

Source: facebook.com

He was initially cast as a one-off character, but he made an impression on the director by showing up to work wearing a dress. Jamie ended up appearing in half the episodes. Later, he signed an official contract. At the age of 78, Jamie Farr is still in the acting business.

Advertisement

8. Joseph Frank Pesci

Although many of his characters are violent, Joseph Frank Pesci, better known as Joe Pesci, has received wide acclaim. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in Goodfellas as well as other nominations for his roles in Raging Bull and The Irishman.

Source: Alamy

Though Joe announced his retirement in 1999, the actor’s passion for music and cinema remains. He has three studio albums under his belt, and the most recent one entitled, Pesci… Still Singing. His net worth is thought to be around $50 million. We’d be singing too.

Advertisement

9. Tina Turner

Grammy award-winning Tina Turner rose to fame in the 1960s through collaborations with Ike Turner, her ex-husband. Despite the success of their musical careers, Tina and Ike’s marriage ended in divorce. Tina later revealed that Ike was often abusive.

Source: karnaval.com

She then decided to become a solo artist. After a slow start to her career, Turner achieved massive success with top albums and hit singles. She was also elected to walk into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. These days Tina’s net worth is thought to be around $230 million. Woah!

Advertisement

10. Thomas William Selleck

Thomas Selleck is one of the most charming actors in Hollywood. He’s got it all: a smile that can light up a room and a physique that makes women swoon (both old and young). He has a storied career as both actor and film producer.

Source: Pinterest

Selleck became a household name when he debuted in the movie Magnum P.I.. Despite his success in Hollywood, Tom chose to live a quiet life with his family. The actor currently lives on a 65-acre ranch in Ventura, CA with a horse corral, private helipad, several swimming pools, and a 20-acre avocado farm —indeed a dream retirement for anyone.

Advertisement

11. Leonard Whiting

Leonard Whiting is a British actor who had some success as a child singer. He even won a talent contest at the age of 12. In 1968, Whiting started his acting journey. He took the lead role in Romeo and Juliet, where he snagged a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year.

Source: popscreen.com

Leonard has been out of the movie industry for some time now. His last appearance was in the 2015 psychological thriller Social Suicide. He is currently living a peaceful life in London, England.

Advertisement

12. Lawrence Wendell Pfohl

Once upon a time, professional wrestling was the domain of legends. Lex Luger, aka Lawrence Wendell Pfohl, was one of those legends. He paved the way for present-day wrestling superstars such as John Cena. In addition to being a professional wrestler, he was a football player and a television producer.

Source: twitter.com

In 2007, Luger suffered mild paralysis. Three years later, he had fully recovered. Luger and his mother currently reside in Buffalo, New York, where he happily shares his life lessons and faith-based stories in schools and churches.

Advertisement

13. David Michael Bautista Jr.

Dave Bautista, aka Batista, is an American actor, mixed martial artist, and bodybuilder. He started in WWF in 1999, and in 2000 he signed a contract with the company full time. From 2002 to 2010, he gained a name for himself and became a six-time world champion.

Source: reddit.com

After gaining fame in the wrestling industry, Dave Bautista followed up with a career in Hollywood with several movies now under his belt. His most recent roles were in both Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. The actor’s acting journey didn’t stop there. We can’t wait to see his next movie appearance.

Advertisement

14. Emil Minty

In 1981, the Mad Max sequel The Road Warrior was released, becoming an Australian classic. Some top celebrities played major roles in the film, but a young actor portraying the Feral Kid, played by Emil Minty, caught the attention of filmgoers everywhere.

Source: reddit.com

Just a few decades after finishing high school, Minty gave up acting and hasn’t been on stage or screen since. He is now a jeweler in Sydney and is married with two kids. Minty has now been married for 30 years and currently lives a normal life.

Advertisement

15. Robert Leland Eubanks

Robert Leland Eubanks, aka Bob Eubanks, was a game show host best known for hosting The Newlywed Game. He was also well known for his catchphrase, “Makin’ Whoopee.” Bob became one of California’s most popular disc jockeys shortly after high school. His first radio appearance was at KACY Radio.

Source: Alamy

In 1969, Bob Eubanks married Irma Brown. They had three children together. Unfortunately, Irma died after suffering from a prolonged illness. In 2001 Bob married Deborah James, and the two are now happily living in Westlake Village, CA.

Advertisement

16. Barry Manilow

Many people know Barry Manilow from his music. He was widely known for his singing and songwriting skills. His exceptionally vibrant and moving vocal style earned him followers and fans all over the world. Barry’s songs “I Write the Songs, Mandy, and Copacabana” made the whole world sing.

Source: ibees.info

In 2014, Barry Manilow secretly married his longtime manager, Garry Kief. In a 2017 interview, he opened up publicly about his sexuality and marriage to Kief. Manilow thought he’d disappoint his fans if they knew he was gay. But now that he’s out, his fans are grateful for it.

Advertisement

17. Lorenzo Fernando Lamas

Lorenzo Lamas got his first break in the movie business by portraying the character of Lance Cumson in Falcon Crest, a CBS soap opera. He started getting roles in other movies and was soon one of the best-known Hollywood stars. He also received a Golden Globe Award for the Best Supporting Actor.

Source: imgur.com

Lamas has been married five times and is now engaged to Kenna Nicole Smith. Despite his previous failed relationships, the two found love and peace in each other’s arms. These two prove that “true love comes when you least expect it.”

Advertisement

18. Michael J. Fox

After his breakthrough role as Marty McFly in the science-fiction comedy film Back to the Future, Michael J. Fox established himself as a major Hollywood star. In 1991, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and he began to devote much of his time to the research foundation he built.

Source: reddit

Fox ceased his acting career to focus on his charity work and to cope with his illness. However, he made guest appearances on various TV shows. He’s also a successful author, having written four books. His latest bestseller was published in November of 2020. The actor has been married to his wife for more than three decades and is living a fulfilling life.

Advertisement

19. Nancy Sinatra

Nancy Sinatra is a singer who became famous for go-go boots and her sexy, girl-next-door persona. While Nancy Sinatra became famous in her own right, her connection to her father, Frank Sinatra, is a significant part of her identity.

Source: Frank Sintra/ Getty Images

Her successful singles were “How Does That Grab You, Darlin?” and “Sugar Town.” The singer is now 80 years old and savoring the rest of her years in the comfort of her lovely home.

Advertisement

20. Paul Hogan

It’s been 35 years and Paul Hogan is still being called by his character’s famous name from Crocodile Dundee. Hogan received an Oscar for the Best Original Screenplay and won a Golden Globe for Best Actor.

Source: pikabu.ru

The 82-year-old first married in 1958 but the marriage ended in 1981. He married Linda Kozlowski in 1990 and the couple had one child together. Hogan and Kozlowski divorced in 2014. Howard is currently living his life at his Venice Beach property in California, USA.

Advertisement

21. Willie Howard Mays Jr.

Willie Mays, aka The Say Hey Kid, is regarded as one of the greatest baseball players in history. He was known for his superb speed and all-around play. Mays was twice named MVP and earned his place in the Hall of Fame in 1979. The athlete spent most of his time playing baseball for the New York Giants. 

Source: tide1009.com

Mays remains famous the world over, envied by the rich and successful alike. Shortly after he turned 90, HBO announced the release of a documentary about his life. We can’t wait to see May’s heartwarming story in 2022!

Advertisement

22. Alfredo James Pacino

Born as Alfredo James Pacino, Al became an iconic film actor, cementing his reputation as one of the industry’s greatest stars. He’s won an Oscar, an Emmy, and Tony Award. Al has been consistently working with some of the best filmmakers for around 50 years.

Source: cinemamonamour/ Tumblr

Even though Al was a superstar and a ladies’ man, he never married, but he did father three children. At the age of 81, he remains single. The actor is still active in Hollywood and recently appeared in the 2021 movie American Traitor: The Trial of Axis Sally.

Advertisement

23. Billy Dee Williams

Billy Dee Williams’ first TV role was in the 1959 film The Last Angry Man. He then had a breakthrough role in Brian’s Song, after which he was nominated for an Emmy. Williams then appeared in several popular movies, most notably Night Hawks.

Source: realbdw/ twitter.com

Williams still stars in movies. In 2019, he reprised his role as Lando Calrissian in Solo: A Star Wars Story. It’s great that Williams is still contributing to Hollywood films. In addition to acting, Williams also loves to paint. He’s produced over 300 paintings since the 1980s.

Advertisement

24. Richard Simmons

I’m sure most of us have heard about Richard Simmons, who was crowned the King of Fitness. He redefined fitness with his fun and entertaining approach to exercise, transforming lives the world over. We’ve seen him in several of the videos which made him a household name.

Source: pinterest.com

With Slimmons Studio, Rich helped revive the fitness craze in the U.S. If you like the idea of becoming physically fit and enjoy music from the ’50s and ’60s, you should try doing one of Richard’s workout classes. You’ll get to enjoy burning calories while Simmons grooves in his usual sparkling gym outfits.

Advertisement

25. Sam Elliot

It is difficult to imagine any Western, ranch, or cowboy movie without Sam Elliott’s presence. His versatility, distinct voice, and rugged appearance have always made him a fan favorite. He acted in various films, including Lifeguard, The Way West, and A Star Is Born.

Source: imgur.com

Sam was born in California, but he now lives on a gorgeous ranch in Oregon. Even though he is a movie star, he enjoys shopping for groceries just like many locals in the area. He also enjoys going for a relaxing sip of coffee at his favorite local coffee house. 

Advertisement

26. Alan Alda

Alan Alda got his first taste of the stage at the age of 15, but he got his first breakthrough in the industry when he was 19. Alan is best known for his work on the television series M.A.S.H., for which he earned more than 20 Emmy nominations and won five times.

Source: Newsweek/ twitter.com

Alda is a man of noble spirit and has a good heart. He spends his time and fortune doing charity work and fund-raising campaigns. Unfortunately, Alda recently revealed that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Despite this, the acting legend continues to perform.

Advertisement

27. Earnest Lee Thomas

Ernest Lee Thomas is known for his performances as “Raj” on the ABC sitcom What’s Happening!! in the 1970s and its sequel What’s Happening Now!! in the 1980s. Thomas was a well-known Broadway actor and a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York before he landed his part on the sitcom.

Source: trust but verify/ reddit

Thomas is currently a motivational speaker. He also has a production company called Bravokid Entertainment. Thomas said that his current priorities are to continue to act and to produce stories. The actor built a production company so that he could help develop the talents of new writers, actors, and directors.

Advertisement

28. Phil Collins

Philip David Charles Collins is a British singer and drummer who became famous for his unique singing voice. Between 1984 and 1990, he had 13 songs that reached top ten in the United States. His songs include “You Can’t Hurry Love,” “In the Air Tonight,” and “I Don’t Care Anymore.”

Source: autiodrip/ Twitter

By 2007, it was reported that Collin fell ill. The famous singer suffered from a neck injury and was diagnosed with diabetes. He announced his retirement later in 2011 but later came back in 2017 to perform again on stage. Although he can no longer play the drums as he once could, Collins continues to have a great love of music.

Advertisement

29. Phyllis Coates

If you’re not familiar with this beautiful actress, it may be worth checking out some of her work— her name is Phyllis Coates. She first garnered fame playing Lois Lane in Superman and the Mole Men. Some of her best-remembered films are The Bowery Boys and Panther Girl of the Kongo.

Source: anamariabahiana/ Twitter

After marrying Howard Press, a Los Angeles family physician, in 1962, she settled into a comfortable semi-retirement as a wife and homemaker. The actress resumed her career after their divorce in 1986. Her final television appearance was in 2017 when she played Nancy Carnes in The Forsaken Westerns.

Advertisement

30. Mr. T

Laurence Tureaud, also known as Mr. T, is well known for his distinctive style. He was known for his iconic mohawk, his golden chain, and the pendant that displayed a capital letter “T.” His fame skyrocketed when he was cast as the rival boxer in Rocky III.

Source: DN3sY/ Imgur

When Mr. T was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma in 1995, his acting career stopped. After he recovered, he made a few more movie appearances. He was cast in a children’s comedy, then made several commercials and TV shows. The actor currently lives between two different states: Chicago and Albuquerque.

Advertisement

31. Denise Austin

Like Richard Simmons, Denise Austin became famous for being a fitness guru. During the 90s she became well-known for starring on televised exercise programs. Many people grew up watching her show on VHS.

Source: koronairk.info

Denise is a firm believer in healthy living—check out the photos above as evidence. As you can see, at the age of 64, she looks like she’s barely aged a day. Her workout regime never changed over the years. She became a role model to many and became a member of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Advertisement

32. Clu Gulager

Clu Gulager’s first acting role came in the series Have Gun – Will Travel, which aired on CBS and became one of the most popular TV shows of all time. Playing the lead role in the horror film The Return of the Living Dead, Clu earned a lot of fame.

Source: Getty Images

Clu’s marriage lasted 51 years and ended with his wife’s death. He has two sons, who both followed Clu’s acting career. Tom, his eldest, became an actor while John pursued both directing and acting.

Advertisement

33. Elisabeth Judson Shue

Elisabeth Judson Shue is well-known for her career-defining roles as the girl-next-door type. Throughout her career, she has appeared in many films, including the Back to the Future trilogy, Leaving Las Vegas, and Karate Kid.

Source: taringa.net

Shue recently returned to acting and starred in two well-received projects, the former being the biographical Battle of the Sexes and the latter being the dark superhero TV satire The Boys. Shue is now the mother of three and married to film director Davis Guggenheim.

Advertisement

34. James Caan

Early in his acting career, James Caan was often cast as a supporting actor, not as a lead role. However, his performances in two award-nominated films including The Godfather brought stardom to his name.

Source: C3xG7/ Imgur

James has been involved in movie projects since he began acting, from minor gigs to the big screen. In a recent interview, the 81-year-old film icon says he’s still holding out hope that his best work is yet to come.

Advertisement

35. George Hamilton

Even in his old age, George Hamilton needs no hair treatment and enjoys the same level of popularity as he did when he first came into the industry in the ’50s. George was a promising child actor who became a star overnight. He starred in Home from the Hill and Crime and Punishment U.S.A.

Source: alamy.com

Since then, Hamilton has remained in the spotlight and keeps himself busy. He has made appearances on reality TV shows such as ABC’s American Housewife and Dancing with the Stars. He’s also a producer.

Advertisement

36. Chevy Chase

You might not be familiar with Chevy Chase or Cornelius Crane, but that doesn’t mean he’s not a notable entertainer. Chevy is a talented actor, comedian, and writer who has taken on several different roles throughout his acting career.

Source: Tumblr

Chase got his first leading film role in 1978 in the comedy Foul Play which won him fame as well as two nominations. In the late 1980s, his earnings hit $7 million per film. Though Chase suffered a mild heart attack in March 2021, he has since stated that he feels good and has fully recovered.

Advertisement

37. Jack Nicholson

Jack Nicholson, now 82 years old, made his first on-screen appearance in 1958. He has received three Academy Award nominations. A living legend, Nicholson is greatly admired for his ability to bring nuance and depth to unusual characters. 

Source: BourbonandBoots/ Twitter

He’s made several notable films, including Easy Rider, Five Easy Pieces, The Shining, and One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest. The actor’s hot name made it easy for him to land a few other leading roles. At the moment, Jack reportedly lives privately in Los Angeles and has retired from acting.

Advertisement

38. Richard Chamberlain

Actor George Richard Chamberlain is well-known for playing the titular character in the hit TV series Dr. Kildare. Like many other teen idols, George also went on to find success in the movie biz. Unfortunately, the Korean War put Chamberlain’s acting dreams on pause.

Source: zimbio.com

When he returned from war, he immediately got a role starring as Dr. Kildare, for which he won a Golden Globe Award. Throughout his acting journey, Richard landed several leading roles because of his good looks. Chamberlain is still working with no health problems to speak of.

Advertisement

39. Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton is a rock and roll legend and a significant figure in the ’60s rock and ’70s blues, to say the least. One of his most influential acts was Cream, a group he co-founded with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker.

Source: Alamy

Clapton is famous for his iconic records and improvised solos. After more than five decades of work, Clapton continues to be an active musician. His most recent release was a 2018 holiday album, Happy Xmas.

Advertisement

40. Loni Anderson

Loni Anderson is a popular actress who achieved both critical and commercial success over the course of her career. She got her big break in 1978 when she landed the role of Jennifer Marlowe on the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. While filming, Loni met and fell in love with her co-star Burt Reynolds.

Source: zimbio.com

They later married, but their relationship didn’t last. Anderson now lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Bob Flick, one of the founders of the 1960s folk band The Brothers Four.

Advertisement