Meet the Iconic Tinseltown Stars Who Continue To Shine Bright Today

Bolo Yeung – Bloodsport

Since he began martial arts training when he was ten years of age, Bolo Yeung’s route to greatness has been established. He earned the Mr. Hong Kong Bodybuilding title in 1967 and held it for almost ten years before settling in the film industry to become a martial arts star.

He is famous for playing the bad guy in several martial arts films, including “Angry Guest,” “Bloodsport,” and “Enter the Dragon.” Yeung made nearly 100 appearances during the course of his career, with “The Wandering Swordsman” in 1970 being his last recorded cinematic performance, save for when he made a rare appearance in “Blizhniy Boy: The Ultimate Fighter” in 2007.

Connie Stevens – Hawaiian Eye

Connie Stevens is an actress and singer whose work on the “Hawaiian Eye” TV show won her widespread acclaim. She started a vocal group named The Foremost when she was a young girl and ultimately made it to Hollywood, where she caught the attention of Jerry Lewis, who hired her for his movie “Rock-a-Bye Baby.”

She subsequently rose to stardom and received accolades for depicting Cricket Blake in “Hawaiian Eye.” Additionally, she released several successful songs and albums. Apart from her singing and acting career, Stevens started her own skin-care line, Forever Spring. Her time is now dedicated to a variety of charitable and humanitarian activities.

Sophia Loren – Two Women

Sophia Loren is a well-known Italian actress who rose to fame in the ’60s and won an Oscar for her role in the timeless movie “Two Women.” She is one of the only surviving notable stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age.

At the age of 16, Loren started her film career in 1950, playing minor roles before committing to a deal with Paramount in 1956, which launched her international career. Except for a few rare occasions, such as her one-scene appearance in “Nine,” Loren has been virtually gone from screens since the early ’80s as she chose to put her children’s needs ahead of her film career.

Demi Moore – Ghost

Demi Moore is one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses, with a career spanning over four decades. She rose to fame in the 1980s as a member of the “Brat Pack,” but her role in the 1990 romantic thriller “Ghost” cemented her status as a leading lady. Her performance in “Ghost” was critically acclaimed, and she earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.

While she has taken several breaks from her career over the years, she always returned to the screen with renewed vigor. In 2020, Demi splashed at Rihanna’s “Savage x Fenty Vol. 2” fashion show, showing she’s not done yet!

Richard Simmons – Sweatin’ to the Oldies

Richard Simmons was at the height of his fame as a fitness expert in the ’80s and ’90s. He’s known to many as the curly-hair guy in striped dolphin shorts and tank tops covered in sparkles. Simmons’s upbeat and cheerful demeanor inspired many to start working out so that they could shed unwanted pounds.

In the years leading up to 2014, when he was last seen in public, he had a substantial library of CDs, tapes, books, and other items related to his chosen profession. Although both his publicists and himself have dispelled widespread speculation regarding his location, TV shows have been created around the topic nonetheless.

Robert Fuller – Laramie

American horse rancher and former actor Robert Fuller gained notoriety for his rich, raspy voice throughout his five decades on television. He is well-known for his parts in the television series “Emergency!” and Western television shows like “Laramie” and “Wagon Train.”

With fewer appearances in movies like “Maverick” and “Repossessed,” Fuller’s acting career had stagnated by the ’90s. After quitting performing, he and his family moved from Los Angeles to Texas, where they now reside on a ranch and have a tranquil life. He continues to keep in touch with his devoted followers by meeting up at western movie events every year.

Richard Chamberlain – Dr. Kildare

Richard Chamberlain, an actor referred to as the King of the Miniseries, rose to prominence after playing the lead character in the television series “Dr. Kildare,” for which he won a Golden Globe Award. During the ’60s, he was the darling of many thanks to his charisma and good looks.

The multi-talented Chamberlain worked in countless stage productions throughout the course of a career spanning more than five decades, in addition to acting in TV and movies. He also released albums that topped the US and UK charts. He’s made appearances in popular shows like “Desperate Housewives” and “Twin Peaks” throughout the past decades in episodic roles.

Nancy Sinatra – These Boots Are Made for Walkin’

Nancy Sinatra is a pop icon and actress who became famous for her mid-’60s hit tune “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.” The legendary Frank Sinatra’s daughter made her television debut in 1957 on her father’s ABC variety show, but it wasn’t until she released the classic song “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” in 1966 that she became well-known.

Along with her father and Elvis Presley, Sinatra also starred in a few films and rose to popularity. For personal reasons, she took a protracted hiatus from her career in the ’80s. She now runs a website called Nancy’s Boutique, selling various products, vinyl, CDs, and autographed memorabilia.

Max Baer Jr. – Beverly Hillbillies

In addition to being a successful actor, Max Baer Jr. is a skilled director, producer, and screenwriter. Baer is best known for playing the “Beverly Hillbillies” character, which typecast him and spurred him to pursue other career options. After Donna Douglas, who portrayed Elly May, passed away in 2022, he is the only surviving cast member of the TV program.

In 1991, he made his final TV appearance in “Murder, She Wrote.” Since hanging up his acting hat, he has embraced entrepreneurship and hopes to build his own casino and real estate business, which he plans to name after the famous TV show that has brought him fame and acclaim.

Emil Minty – Fluteman

Many people expected Emil Minty, an Australian former child actor, and jeweler, would have a remarkable and lengthy acting career after he captured our interest as the little, boomerang-wielding nameless child in “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior.” But it didn’t quite work out like that.

The charistmatic Australian actor landed a few more acting roles, including “The Flying Doctors” and “Fluteman” after acting in the 1981 cult favorite. However, Minty stopped acting after graduating high school and has remained mainly out of the public eye ever since. While he works as a jeweler in Sydney, he now leads a simple life as a devoted husband and father.

Ali MacGraw – Love Story

Ali MacGraw’s portrayal of Jenny in the iconic romantic film “Love Story” will live on in indelible cinematic memory. MacGraw was nominated for seven Oscars for his work in this blockbuster film, which went on to become one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Her film career began with a series of hits, but she only occasionally appeared in films thereafter; her final film part was in 1997’s “Glam.”

MacGraw has since retired from showbiz, though she did make an exception to reunite with her “Love Story” co-star, Ryan O’Neal, for a special event. These days, MacGraw has focused on other interests, such as animal rights advocacy.

Bern Nadette Stanis – Good Times

Many fans of the ’70s television series “Good Times” will recall Bern Nadette Stanis, who played Than Evans during the show’s six seasons on CBS. Her time on the sitcom was undoubtedly the apex of her career as a Juilliard School alumna. She was only 20 years old when the six-year run of the show began.

Stanis largely disappeared from the spotlight when the show ended in 1979, but she did make guest appearances on programs like “The Cosby Show” and “The Love Boat.” She has written four books, including “The Good, The Bad & The Ugly; For Men Only” and “Situations 101: Relationships.”

Barbara Walters – Today

TV host and broadcaster Barbara Walters first became the segment producer for women’s rights stories on the NBC News program “.” She was also the first female ever to hold the position of “co-host” for any news program and was widely praised for her excellent interviewing skills and journalistic ethics.

Because of her area of expertise, she has interviewed various international leaders, including Jiang Semin of China, Boris Yeltsin of Russia, and Muammar al-Gaddafi of Libya. After 60 years in the business, Walters eventually decided to retire in 2014. She relishes her retirement and spending time with her loved ones, especially her child.

Al Pacino – The Godfather

Al Pacino became well-known and received high praise from critics for his roles as cold-blooded villains in some of Hollywood’s most notable films. Along with giving incredibly compelling performances as antagonists, he is a versatile actor who can easily transition into any part, whether romantic or comedic.

With the release of the 1972 film “The Godfather,” he gained unbelievable popularity and has since been recognized for his extraordinary talent with several awards, including the Triple Crown of Acting. He continued acting in popular films like “Scent of a Woman,” for which he received the Academy Award, despite a decline in his career in the ’80s.

Jack Nicholson – Easy Rider

Jack Nicholson, a three-time Oscar winner, is a legendary actor with a long and successful career. The eminent performer, who gave some of the most famous performances in movie history, was a significant fixture in Hollywood for nearly six decades. His breakthrough performance was in the classic road drama “Easy Rider,” which also netted him his first Oscar nomination.

He is one of the industry’s most adaptable actors and has roles in movies like “As Good as It Gets” and the classic “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Though still very much alive and active, Nicholson left Hollywood in 2010 after featuring in “How Do You Know.”

Billy Dee Williams – Star Wars

Billy Dee William is a renowned actor, musician, and artist who is best known for his role in the “Star Wars” film series. Williams reportedly didn’t set out to be an actor, but he started doing it to earn money for art supplies. After his debut in “Brian’s Song,” he eventually developed a successful career.

His appearance in “The Empire Strikes Back” marked the apex of his acting career for him. At the age of 56, he held his first solo exhibition after capitalizing on his popularity and beginning to paint. Since then, he has balanced writing, painting, and sporadically making cameos in films and doing voice over roles.

Barbara Eden – I Dream of Jeannie

Barbara Eden is one of the rare timeless beauties in Hollywood. After acting in a dozen unsuccessful films, Eden became known as a rising star for her depiction of Jeannie in the acclaimed comedy “I Dream of Jeannie.” This role provided access to a considerable number of new opportunities.

She contributed to over 50 television shows and appeared in around 21 films throughout her career, spanning five decades. Eden also showcased her musical prowess by lending her voice to a couple of songs from one of her movies. She still maintains a busy schedule in the entertainment sector, appearing on shows, performing voiceover work, and writing books.

Ann Margret – Bye Bye Birdie

Ann-Margret Olsson, a Swedish-American actress, began her career as a singer recognized for the musicals “Bye Bye Birdie,” “State Fair,” and “Viva Las Vegas.” But as time passed, she shifted to different genres, appearing in movies such as the western film “The Train Robbers,” the drama “The Cincinnati Kid,” and the fantasy film “Tommy.”

She was one of the most prominent performers of the ’60s and is still going strong, sustaining her career into the new millennium. Over the course of the Hollywood icon’s illustrious career, she has received five Golden Globe nominations and was nominated for two Grammy Awards and two Oscars.

Sam Elliott – Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Legendary actor Sam Elliott is renowned for his love of performing and commitment to his vocation. He was a suitable choice for Western films and was commonly cast as a rancher and cowboy due to his rugged appearance, western drawl, and distinctive voice.

In 1969, Elliot made his acting debut by appearing on stage in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” After the Western film era, he entered the television industry and became a well-known television actor. Some of the films Elliot appeared in are “Hulk,” “Ghost Rider,” and “Up in the Air.” Despite being past his prime, he continues to work in movies and television shows today.

Bo Derek – Bolero

Bo Derek is an actress, producer, and one of the most well-known femme Fatales of the ’70s and ’80s. Derek has worked in both film and television and made a name for herself with roles in movies like “Bolero” and “Tarzan, the Ape Man.” Her breakthrough performance came in the film “10,” which helped establish her as a beloved beauty in the industry.

Despite not acting as frequently as she once did, Derek continues to work on occasional projects like “The Christmas Trap,” “5 Weddings,” and her autobiographical documentary titled “Bo Derek: In My Own Words.” In the latter, she discussed her life, career, and marriage to John Derek.

Katharine Ross – The Graduate

Since her debut in “The Graduate,” iconic actress Katherine Ross has had a successful career in the entertainment industry, performing in a wide range of movies and TV shows in both lead and supporting parts. Since 1984, she’s been married to actor Sam Elliot, with whom she’s also collaborated on-screen on numerous occasions.

In the ’90s, her career substantially slowed down. However, some of her films released in the 21st century include “Donnie Darko” from 2001, “The Hero” from 2017, and “Attachments” from 2019. She is a versatile woman who has written various children’s books, including “The Little Quiet Book” and “The Little Ballerina.”

Bob Barker – The Price is Right

When Bob Barker retired, he had already hosted numerous TV game shows, including “The Family Game,” “End of the Rainbow,” and “Simon Says.” Bob Barker’s first foray into broadcasting, a radio show titled “The Bob Barker Show,” lasted for m six years. After that, he became the host of NBC’s “Truth or Consequences” for an extended period of 18 years.

He won 16 Emmy Awards during the course of his 35-year run as host of the hit game program “The Price Is Right.” He resigned in 2007 after a 50-year broadcasting career, but he hasn’t stopped speaking up for animal rights since.

Joanne Woodward – The Three Faces of Eve

Joanne Woodward is best known for her Oscar-winning role in “The Three Faces of Eve.” She developed an early interest in acting while accompanying her mother to the movies as a small child. Her mom, who named her after her favorite actress, supported her career decision wholeheartedly despite the fact that her father didn’t.

Woodward has portrayed several different characters throughout the course of her lengthy and fruitful career, showcasing her range as a character actress. She retired in 2013 after voicing a character in “Lucky Them” and still resides in the Westport house she shared with her late husband, actor Paul Newman until he died in 2008.

Pat Sajak – Wheel of Fortune

TV personality Pat Sajak is best known for being the host of the hugely successful game show “Wheels of Fortune.” He worked as an announcer and a weather forecaster for NBC before he was given a chance to host the popular program in 1983.

He also appeared in many movies and TV shows and hosted several episodes of shows like “Larry King Live” and “Live with Regis and Kelly.” Sajak was given the Guinness World Record in 2019 for having the longest career as a game show host in just one show. The showbiz veteran is still very much alive and hosting the acclaimed show that first made him famous.

Barry Manilow – Copacabana

Superstar Barry Manilow is well-known throughout the world for his work in music, television, movies, recording, and songwriting. He was a singer-songwriter who, in his height, was among the best. In addition to Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, and Frank Sinatra, he has also worked with other musicians.

His fame as “Tony Starr” in the popular TV series “Copacabana,” in addition to being a musician, is unparalleled. He had a hugely successful career by putting out several singles as well as platinum and multi-platinum albums over the course of five decades. Manilow continues to perform and write music for his listeners. He is also active on social media.

Paul Hogan – Crocodile Dundee

Australian actor and TV host Paul Hogan is best known for penning the script and starring in the action series “Crocodile Dundee.” He walked away with a Golden Globe award and an Oscar nomination for the part. He played the same character in the show’s sequels, but they weren’t as popular as the original.

Hogan’s appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to entertainment and tourism is only one of the honors he has received. He’s still very much alive, and in the past years, he received the Longford Lyell Award, the highest distinction bestowed by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts.

Victoria Principal – Earthquake

In addition to being an accomplished actor, Victoria Principal is also a successful author and businessperson. She is probably best known for her nine-year stint in the television series, “Dallas.” She worked in the entertainment industry for almost 30 years and has appeared in a variety of movies and television shows, including “Earthquake” and “The Naked Ape.”

After being motivated by her own skin problems, she left Hollywood to pursue her passion for skin care. Today, fans best know Principal for her work as a successful skin care expert, author of books, and philanthropist. She did, however, sell her skincare business in 2019.

George Hamilton – American Housewife

Veteran actor George Hamilton is renowned for both his acting and his constantly bronzed skin. Some of his popular movies and TV series include “American Housewife,’ “Crime & Punishment, USA,” “Dynasty,” and “The Godfather Part III.” He also co-authored two books and has multiple businesses.

Hamilton is still regarded as an acting great after having a career spanning more than sixty years. He is now more well-known for his off-screen demeanor as the head of a stylish escort of attractive women. Hamilton has continued to make appearances on reality TV programs, such as ABC’s “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.” and the reality competition “Dancing with the Stars.”

Cindy Williams – Laverne & Shirley

Cindy Williams is a famous American actress who played the lead role of Shirley Feeney in the hit ABC sitcom “Laverne & Shirley.’ Early in her career, she appeared in supporting roles in various commercials, series, and films. A recurring role on “Happy Days” helped propel her into the limelight.

Due to the success of her performance, the spin-off series “Laverne & Shirley” was created and aired for eight seasons. The show helped establish her as a bona fide celebrity, and her performance helped make her a worldwide household name. In 2004, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Christopher Walken – Annie Hall

Iconic actor Christopher Walken is well-known and has appeared in over a hundred television shows and movies. His ascent to popularity was facilitated by Woody Allen’s 1977 picture “Annie Hall.” Walken has a reputation in the business for being an actor who works constantly and hasn’t been picky about the parts presented to him, including humorous and criminal roles.

He is frequently the subject of spoofs, satires, and imitations because of his peculiar talking style and distinctive voice. Walken has received numerous accolades in recent years for his noteworthy contributions and performances in a number of critically acclaimed and groundbreaking films.

Marla Gibbs – The Jeffersons

Marla Gibbs is an American actress who got her big break in 1975 when she was hired for a small part as a housekeeper named Florence in the CBS series “The Jeffersons” at the age of 44. For her work on the program, she received four prime-time Emmy nominations.

She then went on to appear in and produce “227,” a famous sitcom that aired from 1985 to 1990 and made Jackée Harry and Regina King famous. Gibbs is still acting and has made a handful of film and television appearances. Since 2021, she’s also been a familiar face on “The Days of our Lives.”

Tim Matheson – National Lampoon’s Animal House

Tim Matheson is a legendary actor who has been on the acting scene for over 50 years. Over the years, he’s also spread his tentacles into producing, directing, voice acting, and narrating. He is best known for his smooth-talking character of Eric “Otter” Stratton in the comedy “Animal House.” He also acted in the hit TV series “The West Wing,” another one of his most unforgettable roles.

His exceptional character acting in films and television throughout the course of his illustrious career has garnered nominations for numerous awards. As a seasoned member of the entertainment industry, Matheson continues to advance his career in numerous Hollywood productions.

Bob Newhart – The Big Bang Theory

Many people wouldn’t guess that Bob Newhart used to be an accountant and marketing copywriter before he rose to prominence in his 60s with the debut of his comical monologue, “The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart.” Given how he performs comedy acting with such ease, it seems inborn.

Newhart’s album went on to become a hit and peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart, inspiring the production of additional albums and sequels. In addition, he made appearances on several TV shows and movies. He has won three Grammy Awards, and his work on “The Big Bang Theory” earned him an Emmy.

Bolo Yeung – Bloodsport

Since he began martial arts training when he was ten years of age, Bolo Yeung’s route to greatness has been established. He earned the Mr. Hong Kong Bodybuilding title in 1967 and held it for almost ten years before settling in the film industry to become a martial arts star.

He is famous for playing the bad guy in several martial arts films, including “Angry Guest,” “Bloodsport,” and “Enter the Dragon.” Yeung made nearly 100 appearances during the course of his career, with “The Wandering Swordsman” in 1970 being his last recorded cinematic performance, save for when he made a rare appearance in “Blizhniy Boy: The Ultimate Fighter” in 2007.

Bill Cobbs – Demolition Man

With more than 190 starring roles under his belt, legendary actor Bill Cobbs has become one of his generation’s most productive actors over the years, and till now, he still shows no signs of slowing down. He has been working in the business since 1974, and he has a number of projects in pre-production or the filming process.

Cobbs has made significant progress since then and is now among the greats of Hollywood for someone who only began acting when he was 36. The showbiz veteran’s tried out everything, from criminal comedy to gritty TV movies and sports dramas, and his efforts have paid off immensely.

Jane Birkin – Quai d’Orsay

Jane Birkin, an English actress and singer made a name for herself when she starred in “Wonderwall” and “Blowup” in the ’60s. Birkin was a fashion icon of her time, well-known for her talent and sense of style, and she started her singing career in 1969 with the release of “Je T’Aime… Moi Non Plus.”

She not only has acting and singing credits, but she also gave the Hermès Birkin handbag its name. Birkin’s the mother of three celebrities: singer-songwriter Lou Doillon, photographer Kate Barry, and actress Charlotte Gainsbourg. The elderly beauty is still going strong and working in the movie business.

Loretta Lynn – Lay Me Down

The singer-songwriter Loretta Lynn is regarded as the First Lady of Country Music for her significant contributions to American country music. She has had an extraordinary career spanning over six decades, best known for her country music songs like “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and “Fist City.”

Lynn has released over 160 songs and more than 60 albums. She is one of the best-selling artists of all time, with over 45 million records sold worldwide, and she has won a number of significant accolades for demonstrating her talent. Even though she quit touring in 2017, she continues to produce albums, and in 2021, “Still Woman Enough,” her 50th studio album, was released.

Lee Meriwether – Batman

Lee Meriwether began her career in the entertainment industry as a beauty queen before transitioning into acting. After competing in the Miss Carolina pageant, she took the Miss America title in 1955. Meriwether used the money she won to pursue her education since she was so passionate about acting, and it clearly paid off. She made her acting debut in “4D Man.”

Meriwether is well known for playing the feline femme fatale Catwoman in the 1966 classic “Batman.” Over 50 years after she originally graced our screen, she is still working in the film industry and making appearances in movies and television shows.

Barbara Mandrell – Till You’re Gone

Barbara Mandrell has been involved in the music industry since she was a young child, thanks to her father’s encouragement. Mandrell is widely regarded as one of the most popular country singers of the ’70s and ’80s and is another vocalist who greatly influenced the genre of country music.

Over the course of those two illustrious decades, she produced several hit singles such as “Till You’re Gone,” “Years,” and “One of a Kind Pair of Fools.” Mandrell began performing in the late ’90s and appeared in well-known productions, including “Touched by an Angel” and “Till You’re Gone” before she entirely retired from the entertainment world.

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