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49 Forgotten Superstars From The Past That Are Still Alive

Phil Cool (Born in 1948) - Cool It

Phil Cool is a unique and multi-talented performer who began his career as a singer but soon found his true talents lie in impressions and character acting. His mimicry skills are unparalleled, with the ability to accurately replicate countless celebrities’ and personalities’ voices and mannerisms.

Cool has brought his incredible talents to the stage, television, and radio throughout his career. He’s been featured on numerous comedy shows and specials and has even had his television series, “Cool It.” After years on the screen, he decided to say farewell to his career after performing a final tour in 2013. It turns out he was tired of traveling!

Hugh Dennis (Born in 1962) - Mock the Week

Hugh Dennis is a renowned British comedian, actor, writer, and presenter known for his exceptional wit, humor, and versatility. Born in 1962 in Kettering, England, Hugh studied at the University of Cambridge before starting his career in comedy. He went on to appear in a variety of television shows, including “Mock the Week,” “Outnumbered,” and “The Now Show.

Dennis has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a BAFTA TV Award for Best Comedy Series, and remains a beloved figure in British comedy. He made a cameo as a scientist in the 2021 Bond film “No Time to Die,” showing that he wasn’t leaving the screens just yet.

Chris Tarrant (Born in 1946) - Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Chris Tarrant is a well-known British broadcaster and television personality. He first gained popularity as the host of the famous quiz show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” from 1998 to 2014. Before that, he had a successful career in radio, working for stations like Capital Radio and BBC Radio 2.

Tarrant is known for his charismatic on-screen presence, quick wit, and ability to engage with audiences. But did you know that he’s also involved in various charitable causes, including serving as an ambassador for the Make-A-Wish Foundation? Despite his retirement from television in 2014, Tarrant remains a beloved figure in British entertainment and media.

Terry Marcel (Born in 1942) - Hawk the Slayer

Terry Marcel is a British film director known for his work in the fantasy and adventure genres. He first gained recognition in the early ’80s with the release of his feature film debut, “Hawk the Slayer,” which became a cult classic.

He later went on to direct a number of other films, including “The Prisoner of Zenda” and “Jane and the Lost City.” His style is marked by his love of practical effects and his ability to create immersive worlds on a limited budget. His last project was in the form of the TV series “The Dark Knight” in 2002.

John Cleese (Born in 1939) - Monty Python’s Flying Circus

John Cleese, a legendary British actor, comedian, and writer, is known for his iconic roles in some of the most popular comedy films and television shows of all time. Born in 1939 in Somerset, England, he first rose to stardom as a member of the groundbreaking comedy troupe “Monty Python’s Flying Circus.”

Cleese went on to star in and write for several popular films, including “A Fish Called Wanda” and “Fierce Creatures,” and has also had success on stage and television. Alongside his career, he’s also a vocal activist. He penned “Bang Bang!” in 2017, an adaptation of the play “Monsieur Chasse!”

Frank Skinner (Born in 1957) - The Frank Skinner Show

Frank Skinner is a British comedian, writer, and television personality who has been a fixture of the UK entertainment scene for decades. He first gained recognition in the 1990s as the co-host of the popular television show “Fantasy Football League,” which showcased his quick wit and irreverent humor.

Since then, Skinner has hosted and appeared on numerous other television programs, including “The Frank Skinner Show” and “Room 101”. He has also written several books, such as “A Comedian’s Prayer Book,” and has had a successful stand-up comedy career. In 2023, he was appointed as an MBE because of his services to entertainment.

Susan Boyle (Born In 1961) – I Dreamed A Dream

The world discovered Susan Boyle after her groundbreaking performance as a contestant on “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2009. It’s been a massive rise to the top for the talented singer ever since. Her debut studio album “I Dreamed a Dream” became the United Kingdom’s best-selling debut album in history after it was released.

Boyle continued to be active and successful, and by 2021, she had sold 19 million records. She’s still very much a force to reckon with in the British music industry and she’s shown no signs of ending her career. A compilation album by their titled “Ten” was released in 2019.

Victoria Derbyshire (Born In 1968) – Victoria Derbyshire

A well-known TV Show Host Victoria Derbyshire has won multiple awards, notably Nick Clarke Award and two Sony Academy Awards. She is best known for debate and current affairs programs broadcast on BBC Two and the BBC News Channel. Derbyshire also hosted “Newsnight” and “BBC Panorama.”

Moreover, Derbyshire was one of eight women who appeared in the ITV entertainment documentary “Real Full Monty,” “Ladies Night” to bring awareness of the terminal illness. She is one of the wealthiest T.V. hosts with a net worth of $4 million. Besides, Derbyshire is a strong woman who kept on working despite facing many health-related obstacles.

Thelma Barlow (Born In 1929) – Coronation Street

Thelma Barlow was a delight for anyone who cared to watch her on the popular British opera “Coronation Street.” She played the role of Mavis Wilton on the show for 26 years, spanning from 1971 to 1997.

Barlow’s career didn’t end after that as she continued to appear on TV. She went on to play several roles in other TV shows, most notably that of Dolly Bellfield in the BBC sitcom “dinnerladies.” Although she hasn’t announced her retirement, Barlow hasn”t starred onscreen since she appeared in “Florence Foster Jenkins” in 2016.

Anne Reid (Born In 1935) – Coronation Street

If you’ve never seen Anna Reid in action, then you’ve missed out on a lot. The incredibly talented actress has been domination British television since the late ‘50s. Her most unforgettable roles include that of Valerie Barlow in “Coronation Street” and Jean in “dinnerladies.”

With several accolades under her belt including two BAFTA nominations, Reid is still hungry for more success and you can tell by her roles. For a while, she was known as Celia Dawson in “Last Tango in Halifax” until it ended in 2020. The next year, she starred in a movie titled “SAS: Red Notice.”

Charles Shaughnessy (Born In 1955) – Days of Our Lives

People who watch “General Hospital” will know that Charles Shaughnessy is still giving his best as an actor. Having first appeared in the series in 1984, he made a comeback over two decades later, taking up the role of Victor Cassadine. While that’s interesting, it doesn’t say enough about Shaughnessy’s stellar career.

He’s probably more known in Hollywood thanks to his role as Shane Donovan in the NBC series “Days of Our Lives.” He also won a Daytime Emmy award for playing the voice of Dennis the Goldfish on the animated sitcom “Stanley.”

Karen Allen (Born In 1951) – Raiders of the Lost Ark

You might immediately recognize Karen Allen because she was in the Indiana Jones movies. She played the role of Marion Ravenwood in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and later in “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.”

None of Allen’s films since then have been as globally famous as the Indiana Jones flicks but she’s been by no means less successful. Sh’s won several accolades and has even successfully taken up directing. She remains an actress through and through, and she proved this with her appearance on “Things Heard & Seen” in 2021.

Eileen Derbyshire (Born In 1931) – Coronation Street

Eileen Derbyshire is another British old-timer that deserves a mention. As a matter of fact, her case is quite special as she played the same role, that of Emily Bishop, on “Coronation Street” for more than five decades.

Having played the character for 55 years, she automatically became the longest-serving female cast member in British soap opera history. Astonishingly, Derbyshire never acted in any other series or movie throughout her entire career apart from one titled “All Star Comedy Carnival.” To the delight of “Coronation Street” buffs, she reprised her role with a brief cameo in 2019.

Lorenzo Lamas (Born In 1958) – Falcon Crest

Fun fact about Lorenzo Lamas, he was in one of the greatest Hollywood musicals in history, “Grease,” although many people barely know because he didn’t say a word throughout while playing his character! Lamas is instead famous as Lance Cumson in the soap opera “Falcon Crest.”

He’s quite popular for several other roles as well, including that of Reno Raines in “Renegade” and Dr. Hollywood on “Big Time Rush.” While his popularity might have dwindled a bit, Lamas is still going to the studio and putting in his shift. He starred in a movie titled “Team of Two” in 2021.

Ann-Margret (Born In 1941) – Viva Las Vegas

Ann-Margret’s beauty was unmissable in Hollywood from the ‘60s to the ‘90s. Not only was she visually stunning, she was also exceptionally talented as an actor and singer, winning five Golden Globes as well as two nominations for an Oscar and Grammy respectively.

Ann-Margret appeared in many movies throughout her career, with notable mentions being “The Cincinnati Kid,” “Viva Las Vegas,” and “Bye Bye Birdie” among several others. Her singing career was also impressive, to the extent that she was even called the female Elvis Presley. Although we’re no longer in the raging ‘80s, Ann-Margret is still doing her thing—she starred in “Queen Bees” in 2021.

Richard Dean Anderson (Born In 1950) – MacGyver

From playing Jeff Webber in “General Hospital” to starring as the lead role in “MacGyver,” Richard Dean Anderson has had quite the adventure in American television. It wasn’t an easy journey to the top for the Ohio-born actor as he worked several odd jobs before becoming a television star.

But those days are far behind him as he’s not only an accomplished actor with two Saturn Awards, he’s also a film producer, having produced at least five movies. Anderson left the industry in 2013 after appearing in one episode of “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23.”

Sissy Spacek (Born In 1979) – The Coal Miner’s Daughter

Sissy Spacek looks as radiant as ever despite having been in the industry for more than five decades. What’s more? She’s still active as ever as her performance in a series titled “Homecoming” in 2018 indicated she has no plans for retirement just yet.

If she ever wanted to call it quits, it would be well deserved as she’s had such a long and accomplished career. With an Oscar, three Golden Globes, and a Screen Actors Guild Award to her name, she has a lot to boast about. Even now it’s hard to forget her performances in movies like “The Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “JFK,” and “Nine Lives.”

Leslie Phillips (Born In 1924) – Harry Potter

Leslie Phillips belongs to a very rare breed of actors that have been in Hollywood since the ‘30s and are still around. He started his career at a very early age, as he was aged just 10 when he made his first acting debut in a stage play called “Peter Pan.”

Although he was very much active in film and theatre from the ‘50s to the ‘90s, it wasn’t until the early ‘00s when he started getting roles in international blockbusters like “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” and the Harry Potter movies that he became quite famous internationally. Phillips quit acting in 2012.

Victoria Principal (Born In 1950) – Dallas

It’s impressive enough that Victoria Principal looks younger than she actually is, but what truly deserves applause is how she went beyond acting to become an author and successful entrepreneur.

She started acting in the early ‘70s, subsequently becoming famous for playing the role of Pamela Erwing in the iconic soap opera, “Dallas.” After “Dallas,” she appeared in a few other series including one titled “Titans,” until she retired from acting in 2001 and shifted her focus to movie production and her beauty company. Principal has since been under the radar but she’s occasionally noticed for her philanthropic efforts.

Jennifer Grey (Born In 1960) – Dirty Dancing

If you’re impressed by the chic outfit and the radiant glow, wait until you see her on-screen! Jennifer Grey has been acting since 1984, and movie buffs from the ‘80s will surely remember her famous role as Frances “Baby” Houseman in “Dirty Dancing.”

To prove to you that her moves in “Dirty Dancing” were no fluke, she competed in and won season eleven of the dancing competition show “Dancing with the Stars.” Grey has continued to act in movies and series and she shows no intention of stopping. In 2022 she appeared in an episode of a series titled “Dollface.”

Stevie Nicks (Born In 1948) – Rumours (With Fleetwood Mac)

You don’t need to have been listening to rock from the ‘60s to know Stevie Nicks. An eight-time Grammy Award winner, she’s been named one of the 100 greatest singers in history by Rolling Stone. Rock aficionados will know that Nicks was part of the band, Fleetwood Mac before she launched her solo career.

With Fleetwood Mac, Nicks sold more than 120 million records and got inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her solo career was arguably just as successful, as she got inducted into the Hall of Fame again as a solo artist. Nicks released the short video “Stevie Nicks: Show Them the Way” in 2020.

Trevor Eve (Born In 1951) – Waking the Dead

He might look a bit different from the guy who played the detective character in the ‘80s series “Shoestring” but he’s in no way less talented. Having started his career in the ‘70s, Eve has become quite popular in British television thanks to his roles in several series.

Apart from “Shoestring,” another of his famous shows is “Waking the Dead,” which aired on BBC from 2000 to 2011. He has already done quite a lot, but you might be surprised to know that Eve isn’t even thinking about retirement yet. Since 2018, he’s been starring in the series “A Discovery of Witches.”

William Daniels (Born In 1927) – St. Elsewhere

William Daniels is yet another actor from the classic ages of Hollywood. Although he started his television career in 1943, it wasn’t until the ‘80s and ‘90s that he started to become a household name in American television.

Many people would remember him as Mark Craig in “St. Elsewhere,” but he has other famous roles as well—he also starred as George Feeny in “Boy Meets World,” and was in movies like “Captain Nice” and “Knight Rider 2000.” Understandably, Daniels is not as active in film and TV as he used to be, but he still pops up occasionally, as he did in the 2020 movie “Superintelligence.”

Max Baer Jr. (Born In 1937) – The Beverly Hillbillies

Max Baer Jr, has been several things in his lifetime and a Hollywood star is one of them. It’s been several decades since he played the role of Jethro Bodine in “The Beverly Hillbillies,” his character will surely create nostalgic memories in all watched the show.

After the show ended in 1971. Baer went on to become a producer, writer, and director, although he didn’t quit acting. He did eventually stop acting altogether in 1991 and focused on being an entrepreneur. It’s safe to say he’s seen some success, although the building of his project, a 200-foot casino, has been suspended since 2012.

Mary Rand (Born In 1940) – 1964 Summer Olympic Record

Mary Rand broke the world record for the long jump in 1964 and forever etched her name in the history books. With her accomplishment, she became the first British female athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field, her specialization.

Rand has retired since 1968, but till today no other female Great Briton has been able to accomplish her feat: win three medals in one Olympic Games. She’s since kept a low profile, and although she’s rarely seen in the public or media, she’s occasionally remembered in a special way, like when she was awarded a Freedom of the City honor by the Wells parish in 2012.

Christina Pickles (Born In 1935) – Friends

Christina Pickles is another star that rose to fame through the medical series “St. Elsewhere.” She played the role of Nurse Rosenthal for the entirety of her six-year stint on the show. While “St. Elsewhere” is a popular show, many more people will remember Pickles for her appearance as Judy Geller in the iconic sitcom “Friends.”

The Yorkshire-born actress can boast of more than the fame as she has received quite notable accolades as well. Who would’ve thought she would win her first-ever Primetime Emmy Award in 2018, several decades later into her career. Pickles voiced a role in the animated series “Tuca & Bertie” in 2021.

Jilly Johnson (Born In 1953) – Page 3 Model

Talk about long-lasting beauty and you might just be talking about Jilly Johnson. She had quite a career in the ‘80s and ‘90s as a model. Johnson was famous as a Page 3 girl, and in 1975, she broke a record when she became the first female to appear in the “Daily Mirror.”

Her career and popularity gradually dwindled from the ‘90s, although she did make a surprise move in 1997 when she became an author and published two novels. She also had a brief run as an actress, appearing in “Sunburn” in 2000. Johnson now reportedly lives a low-key life as a housewife and a lover of Great Danes.

Jennifer Saunders (Born In 1958) – Shrek 2

Not too much has changed about Jennifer Saunders since she began her acting and comedy career in the early ‘80s. She still has that distinct blonde look, and she’s still quite funny. She remains a busy and sought-after actress as well, as she’d taken up several roles in 2021 and had been cast in a 2022 movie titled “Death on the Nile.”

Saunders can look back and say she’s had an accomplished career. Her partnership with her comedian Dawn French is particularly memorable thanks to their famous sketch show “French and Saunders.” She was also in a few notable animations including “Sing,” “Shrek 2,” and “Minions.”

Bernadette Stanis (Born In 1953) – Good Times

Bernnadette Stannis will forever be remembered as the character Thelma Evans, which she portrayed on the popular CBS sitcom, “Good Times.” Interestingly, that was her first-ever role, and although she appeared in some other shows, including “The Cosby Show,” “Good Times,” remains her most famous.

Acting is not her only forte, as she’s good with the pen as well, having written at least four books. Although she became less popular and active following the turn of the century, Stanis continued to lend her acting talent to series and movies. In 2022, she appeared in “The Family Business.”

Johnny Mathis -(Born In 1935) – Chances Are

Johnny Mathis’s legacy as one of America’s finest singers can’t be disputed. Not only has he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which is a rare feat for artists, he’s been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for three separate recordings. It’s been quite a twist of fate for him, considering earlier in his life, he was a very promising athlete and was studying to become a teacher.

He’s had such a successful career, having recorded several albums that have gone gold or platinum. Despite this, Mathis has by no means stopped doing what he loves. In 2020, he released a compilation album titled “Gold.”

Pattie Boyd (Born In 1944) – International Model Of The ‘60s

Before the era of supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Gisele Bündchen, stars like Pattie Boyd were dominating the vogue world in the ‘60s. Apart from her international influence as a model, she was also very famous for her marriages to the rockstars, George Harrison and Eric Clapton respectively, although she split from both of them later.

Although Boyd started taking pictures of her famous acquaintances in the ‘60s, it wasn’t until the ‘00s that she started sharing them with the public and exhibiting them in museums. She’s since lived a lowkey life and is living happily with her husband, Rod Weston, whom she officially married in 2015.

Sally Struthers (Born In 1947) – All In The Family

Sally Struthers has been an American television star since the ‘70s. About a year after she landed her first role, she started playing the character of Gloria Stivic in the ‘70s sitcom “All in the Family.” She not only became famous through this role, she also got deserved accolades as well, winning two Emmy Awards in total.

After the show ended, Struthers continued to ride her Hollywood reputation on shows and animations such as “ Gilmore Girls” and “TaleSpin.” She hasn’t stopped, as she continues to act in series, including “Summer Camp Island,” in which she voiced a role in 2021.

Connie Francis (Born In 1937) – Who’s Sorry Now

Connie Francis’s beautiful voice made her an internationally known pop star in the late ‘50s. The release of her hit cover song “Who’s Sorry Now,” instantly gained her fame in the United States. She went on to become an international star after releasing several more hits.

Sadly, her career declined in the ‘70s and ‘80s following some complications. Despite this, Francis never gave up and continued to sing and appear at performances. For a long time, she remained active, until she eventually quit her career in 2018. She released an autobiography titled “Among My Souvenirs” in 2017.

Helen Shapiro (Born 1946) – You Don’t Know

At a time when legendary acts like the Beatles were dominating international music, female pop stars like Helen Shapiro were also making waves. She was extremely talented, as at the tender age of 14, she had already started topping United Kingdom charts with songs like “You Don’t Know” and “Walkin’ Back to Happiness.”

Shapiro not only shone during the Beatles’ era. As a matter of fact, she toured with them. Although her popularity diminished in the ‘70s and ‘80s, her legacy as a British pop star in the ‘60s has been cemented. She hasn’t quit music, as since 2015, she’s been part of a musical trio called “Hebron.”

Ursula Andress (Born In 1936) – Dr. No

Initially starting as a vogue and beauty symbol, Ursula Andress shook the cinema world with her beauty when she played the first Bond girl, Honey Ryder, in the first Bond movie, “Dr. No.” That launched her status as an international beauty star and she soon appeared in famous movies with icons like Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra.

Andress’s career lasted a while and she continued to act but she eventually fell into retirement in 2005. She hasn’t been in any movie since then and she’s also kept a considerably lower profile. As per a 2020 report, she spends most of her time between her homes in Rome and Switzerland.

Nadia Comăneci (Born In 1961) – 1976 Summer Olympics

At the tender age of 14, Nadia Comăneci became the first gymnast to achieve a score of 10.0 at the Olympic Games. That huge accomplishment is just one of the many she achieved in her outstanding career.

Nadia Comăneci (Born In 1961) – 1976 Summer OlympicsSponsoredDiscover Unexpected MatchesAlphamode | SponsoredSponsoredThe Top 30 Most Beautiful Women In The WorldAlphamode | Sponsored

As a gymnast and Olympic athlete, she has won five gold Olympic medals and nine in total. She’s also been dubbed one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century due to her huge influence. After her official retirement in 1984, Comăneci’s love for gymnastics led her to take several leadership positions in the field. She did the unusual when she acted in a 2017 movie titled “The Veil.”

Julia Sawalha (Born In 1968) – Absolutely Fabulous

Anyone who’s watched the sitcom “Absolutely Fabulous” will instantly remember Julia Sawalha. Her role as Saffy Monsoon in the series was was one of the major highlights of her career and it brought her much fame.

She did become known for several other roles, most notably, Lynda Day in “Press Gang,” and Jan Ward in “Remember Me.” There’s no question that she’s made her mark on British television, having been on-screen since the early 80s. She’s still active as an actress, and she does more than act in series—In 2020, she voiced a role in the video game “World of Warcraft: Shadowlands.”

Twiggy (Born In 1949) – The Boy Friend

Her full name is Lesley Lawson, but the world knows her as Twiggy because that’s the nicknamed she’s assumed throughout her career as a supermodel. And what a career it has been. Not only did she appear on the covers of Vogue and Tatler, she was also quite successful as an actress.

Thanks to her role in “The Boy Friend,” she won two Golden Globe Awards. She didn’t stop there, as she branched into music and even hosted her own reality series. Twiggy has since become a reality star and vogue entrepreneur. In 2020, she appeared in a documentary titled “Peter O’Toole Réalta & Rógaire.”

Maxine Peake (Born In 1974) – dinnerladies

Maxine Peake is another face that will strike a chord with fans of British series. Whether it’s as Twinkle in “dinnerladies,” or as Veronica Ball in “Shameless,” she’s acted in enough popular roles to be a well-known English star.

Like several of her contemporaries, Peake started pursuing acting at a young age and went to theatre and acting schools to pursue her dreams. She can say her efforts paid off, as she now has several accolades under her belt. It’s been all business for her as she’s been jumping from one role to the other. She appeared in the series “Rules of the Game” in 2022.

Tippi Hedren (Born In 1930) – The Birds

Tippi Hedren is one of the stars who made the switch from vogue figure to international movie star. Having appeared in magazines like Life and Glamour, her career took a major turn after she was scouted by the iconic director, Alfred Hitchcock. She starred in two of his movies “The Birds” and “Marnie,” and gained global fame as a result.

Hedren went on to become one of Hollywood’s most influential actresses of her era, with accolades like a Golden Globe and Jules Verne award amongst her accomplishments. She never really left the screen, as she starred in a movie titled “Something Horrible” in 2018.

Jeri Ryan (Born In 1968) – Star Trek

Compared to many stars on this list, Jeri Ryan had a relatively recent career, but it’s been a quite successful one. After all, not many people can boast of starring in the Star Trek franchise. Sci-fi buffs would recall her as the character Seven of Nine in Star Trek: Voyager, a role she reprised in Star Trek: Picard in 2020.

Asides from Star Trek, Ryan has been in several other shows. Series like “Body of Proof” and “Shark” have grown her fan base. Happily married since 2007, she’s continued to be a popular figure in American television. She appeared in “MacGyver” in 2020 as well.

David Attenborough (Born In 1926) – The Life Collection

You might not be familiar with his face but you’ve likely heard his voice. David Attenborough is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest narrators and presenters. His voice has been heard in so many nature documentaries, particularly the series of nine documentaries termed the Life collection.

Having started his career as a broadcaster, he’s been influential in many areas, including as a senior manager at BBC and as an environmental activist. He’s quite passionate about what he does that despite having such a long career, he’s still working and putting out documentaries. One of them, titled “The Green Planet AR Experience” was released in 2022.

Dawn French (Born In 1957) – French And Saunders

Dawn French is the other half of the British comedy duo, French and Saunders. Having been flatmates since the ‘70s, they soon became partners and worked their way up to become one of the funniest duos in Britain. Their sketch show “French and Saunders” which started airing in 1987 became quite famous and influential.

The two also took on solo roles, with French acting in series like “The Vicar of Dibley” and “Delicious.” Happily married to charity executive Mark Bignell since 2013, French has continued to focus on her career. She was cast in the movie “Death on the Nile,” which was scheduled for release in 2022.

Linda Thorson (Born In 1947) – The Avengers

She now looks different from earlier in her career but Linda Thorson is still giving her best as an actress. She’s been in Hollywood since as far back as the ‘60s yet she hasn’t retired yet. She’s still taking on acting roles, one of them being that of Simone, which she played in a movie titled “The Vows We Keep.”

But of course, Thorson will always be remembered for another role entirely: that of Tara King in the British series from the ‘60s, “The Avengers.” Her career has come a long way from there, as she’s appeared in many more movies and series since then.

Tony Bennett (Born In 1926) – I Left My Heart In San Francisco

A list of America’s classic stars wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Tony Bennett. For most of the ‘50s and part of the ‘60s, Bennett dominated the music scene with his jazz and pop hits. One song in particular, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” will hardly be forgotten.

With 19 Grammy Awards won and more than 50 million records sold, it’s safe to say he’s had an illustrious career. What’s more impressive about the man is his deep love for what he does. As a matter of fact, Bennett only quit touring and doing concert performances in 2021 due to complications from his age, not because he wanted to

Jenna Jameson (Born In 1974) – Briana Loves Jenna

There are a few people more famous than Jenna Jameson in the world of adult movies. Having started her career as an exotic dancer and glamour figure, she branched into erotic videos by 1993. It’s been quite a journey by her so far, as she’s won more than 35 adult film awards.

Jameson has since achieved other exploits in her career. Not only did she write an autobiography that spent six weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list, she also built her adult film empire, Club Jenna. She’s been married for the third time since 2015 and has also been working as a webcam model since 2013.

Bo Derek (Born In 1956) – 10

Bo Derek was a viral figure during the ‘80s thanks to her role as Jenny Hanley in the movie “10.” One of the scenes in the movie, in which she was on cornrows and wearing a swimsuit, became very popular and made her an international beauty symbol.

Although the movies Derek starred in after “10” flopped, she was still gaining worldwide attention. She posed for Playboy magazine five times and continued to ride on the wave of stardom well into the ‘90s. Although she’s no longer as popular, she’s been active over the years. She starred in a short movie titled “John Bronco Rides Again” in 2021.

Richard Chamberlain (Born In 1934) – Dr. Kildare

Richard Chamberlain might not be the teen idol he was earlier in his career but he’s still a recognizable figure in Hollywood. He rose to fame in the ‘60s for portraying the main character in the series “Dr. Kildare.” The role boosted his appeal to younger audiences and Chamberlain’s career began to boom from there.

He starred in several other projects over the years, including “The Bourne Identity” and “The Thorn Birds.” His career wasn’t without accolades, as he won two Golden Globe Awards amongst others. Chamberlain hasn’t announced his retirement just yet, and his role in the 2018 movie “Finding Julia” proved he’s still good at what he does.

Ali MacGraw (Born In 1939) – Love Story

By 1972, Ali MacGraw was recognized as the top female box office star in the world. That’s how much the New York-born star took the movie industry by storm when she arrived in the ‘70s. After acting in only three movies, she had already won two Golden Globe awards and an Oscar nomination.

While her beauty was without question, her acting talent was on full display in her first two movies “Goodbye, Columbus” and “Love Story.” MacGraw hasn’t experienced that type of success again in her movie career, nor has she been on-screen since 1997. Rather she’s diverted her attention to animal activism.

Clint Eastwood (Born In 1930) – Million Dollar Baby

Clint Eastwood has been a household name in Hollywood since as far back as the ‘60s. Younger generations might know him more for movies like “American Sniper,” and “Cry Macho,” which was released in 2021. However, Eastwood’s legacy has been established since the ‘60s thanks to his famous role as the “Man with No Name.”

Eastwood played that role in a trilogy of Western movies known as the Dollars Trilogy. He was also famous for movies like “Every Which Way but Loose” and “Million Dollar Baby.” With four Oscars and four Golden Globes under his belt, Eastwood has undoubtedly had an accomplished career.

Daniel Davis (Born In 1945) – Star Trek: The Next Generation

Unlike most typical Hollywood stars, Daniel Davis is more of a stage performer than a big-screen actor. Yet, his talent on-screen is top-notch and he proved this with his performance as Professor Moriarty on the sci-fi series Star Trek: The Next Generation. This role brought Davis’s name to international notice and he’s been recognized as a bonafide Hollywood star since then.

Apart from Star Trek, he’s also been in several other on-screen projects, including “The Nanny,” where he played the role of Niles the butler for six years. Davis is still taking on both stage and on-screen roles. In 2020, he appeared in the series “Dispatches from Elsewhere.”

Loni Anderson (Born In 1945) – WKRP in Cincinnati

After several decades in the industry, the gorgeous Loni Anderson still sports her striking gorgeous locks and her radiant smile. You’ll be glad to know she’s still as talented as ever as an actress. She proved this in her role in the series “My Sister Is So Gay,” which she left in 2020.

What we’ll always remember Anderson for is her role as Jennifer Marlowe in the sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati” which aired from 1978 to 1982. That role was a major turnaround in her career, as it earned her three Golden Globe Awards as well as two Emmy nominations.

Gary Clarke (Born In 1933) – The Virginian

Gary Clarke has been in the film industry since the late ‘50s. Before his stardom, he had jobs as a machinist and a newspaper delivery man. Things however changed for Clarke after he landed his first lead role in Dragstrip Riot in 1958.

The role that brought him massive fame and for which he will always be remembered is that of Steve Hill in the Western series “The Virginian.” Clarke became much less active following the turn of the century but he never fully retired. In 2021, he appeared in a short film titled “IRA: Cashing In.”

Julia McKenzie (Born In 1941) – Agatha Christie’s Marple

The adorable Julia McKenzie has been blessing the industry with her talents since the late ‘60s. A multitalented star, she has made much impact both as an actress and as a singer, winning several awards in the process. Her accolades include nominations for a BAFTA and Tony as well as three Olivier Awards.

McKenzie is known for her TV roles, most popular of which are those of Hester Fields in “Fresh Fields” and Marple in “Chris Agatha’s Marple.” You’d be wrong if you thought she was in retirement. In 2019, she was in a mini-series titled “Gold Digger.”

Maggie Smith (Born In 1934) – Downton Abbey

Dame Maggie Smith is a force of nature. She started her acting career in the long-gone year of 1952 and is still at the top of her game. This London native is known for working in productions as famous as “Downton Abbey,” “Gosford Park,” or “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” You may also recognize her as the lady who portrayed ‘Prof. McGonagall’ in the “Harry Potter” film series.

Still not thinking about retirement, Smith seems to always have a new project in hand. In 2022, she’s one of the stars featured in the movies “A German Life” and “Downton Abbey: A New Era.”

Jane Seymour (Born In 1951) – Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman

The British-American actress Jane Seymour was once a popular screen performer and beauty symbol. But wait: she still is! Even though she’s landed over 150 film credits throughout the years, Seymour continues to be a stunning, hardworking movie/TV star today.

In 2022, you may have seen her in episodes of the animated series “The Guardians of Justice” and the dramedy series “B Positive.” She’s perhaps best known for her Bond-girl appearance in 1973’s “Live and Let Die,” her acclaimed performance in 1980’s “Somewhere in Time,” and her starring role in the ’90s TV show “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.”

Ben Kingsley (Born In 1943) – Gandhi

The outstanding English actor Ben Kingsley will always be remembered for his unforgettable performance in the 1982 biopic “Gandhi.” But make no mistake: this Snainton, Yorkshire native is one of the most versatile and hardest-working performers out there, and he continues to do what he does best today.

In recent years alone, Kingsley showed his impressive acting range by playing the bad-boy pastor ‘Byron Brown’ in 2019’s “Perpetual Grace, LTD” and appearing as ‘Trevor Slater’ in the Marvel Studios 2021 blockbuster “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.” He’s one of the actors featured in the 2022 action movie “Desert Warrior.”

Steve Punt (Born in 1962) - The Now Show

Steve Punt is a highly versatile and accomplished comedian, writer, and broadcaster. He first rose to distinction as a member of the legendary Cambridge Footlights, where he honed his skills as a performer and writer.

Punt has become a household name in the UK thanks to his work on various radio and television shows, including “The Now Show,” “It’s Been a Bad Week,” and “Horrible Histories.” His razor-sharp wit and talent for clever wordplay have made him a respected figure in the comedy world. Since 2018, he’s been appearing on the show “Comedy Legends,” where he discusses the careers of famous comedians.

Rolf Harris (Born in 1930) - Animal Hospital

Rolf Harris had a multifaceted career that spanned over six decades. He began his career as a musician, initially performing in his native Australia before achieving international success in the UK. He’s showcased his musical talents on numerous albums, many of which included his signature use of the didgeridoo, a traditional Australian instrument.

Harris also gained recognition as a painter and has exhibited his artwork in galleries worldwide. He was also known for his television work, hosting shows such as “Rolf’s Cartoon Club” and “Animal Hospital.” Harris was titled the “Best Selling Published Artist” in 2011 by the Fine Art Trade Guild.

Lenny Henry (Born in 1958) - The Lenny Henry Show

Starting his career in the ’70s as a stand-up comedian, Lenny Henry showcased his talents on television shows like “New Faces” and “Tiswas.” He even presented “The Lenny Henry Show,” which broadcasted initially from 1984 to 1988. He later transitioned to acting, appearing in numerous series and films, including “Chef!”, “The Syndicate,” and “Broadchurch.”

Henry is also known for his charitable work, particularly his efforts to raise awareness about diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. In 2015, he was awarded a knighthood for his contributions to drama and charity. Henry’s career has spanned over four decades, and his impact on British comedy and entertainment cannot be overstated.

Dame Angela Lansbury (Born In 1925) – Murder She Wrote

To give you an idea of how long Angela Lansbury has been acting; in 2020, she became the earliest surviving person to be nominated for an Oscar. She has been active in the British and American film industry for over eight decades, building a very accomplished legacy in the process.

After acting gaining some attention with movies like “The Manchurian Candidate” during the ‘60s, she became an international star through her role in the series “Murder, She Wrote.” With all that she’s accomplished, Lansbury continued well late into her career. In 2018, she appeared in “Buttons, A New Musical Film.”

Jasper Carrott (Born in 1945) - Golden Balls

Jasper Carrott is a comedic force to be reckoned with. His birth name is Robert Norman Davis, but he’s widely known by his stage name. From his humble beginnings as a folk musician in Birmingham, England, he found his calling in comedy, quickly becoming a household name in the 1970s.

But Jasper’s talents don’t stop there. He’s released countless albums, penned several bestselling books, and appeared in films and television shows like “Golden Balls.” His contributions to charity work are equally impressive, earning him an OBE in recognition of his selfless efforts in 2003. Despite his achievements, he shows no signs of slowing down as he continues to make the audience laugh.