21 of the World’s Most Famous Actresses in their 80s
Living the dream of a Hollywood actresses and making it into yours 80s, is quite an accomplishing great feat. It’s a testament to their willpower and determination that they are still able to perform at the highest level even when many people would be retired from the stage and screen.
For these iconic women, it means experiencing an extra level of respect from fans and peers alike. That’s because they’ve already established themselves as talented performers and have made a lasting impression on culture. Being an active part of the entertainment industry for decades has solidified their place as icons who deserve admiration.
In this article, we will highlight some of the most memorable and iconic women in their 80s.
List of Powerful Female Hollywood Icons in their 80s
Successful women that have had years years of fame in Hollywood also means having experienced many of life’s ups and downs in their lifetime – whether that includes professional successes or personal struggles. They have seen first-hand how quickly trends come and go; yet still make the most of every moment, while also inspiring others along the way.
Maggie Smith Born: 12-28-1934
Maggie Smith is one of the most beloved and celebrated actresses in the world. She has won two Academy Awards and three Golden Globes for her performances in such films as The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, California Suite, Gosford Park, and The Lady In The Van.
Her television roles have included the Dame Violet Crawley character in the popular “Downton Abbey” series.
Julie Andrews Born: 10-01-1935
Julie Andrews has been a household name since she starred in Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music nearly 65 years ago. She has also appeared in countless other films including Victor/Victoria, Despicable Me 3, and Shrek 2.
Julie is an active philanthropist who founded the charity “The Way to Happiness”.
Judi Dench Born: 12-09-1934
Judi Dench has been a beloved and admired actress for over six decades. She is best known for her roles in the James Bond films, Philomena, Shakespeare in Love, and Iris.
Dench was made a Dame Commander of the Order of British Empire in 1988 and has won numerous awards including seven BAFTAs and one Academy Award.
Carol Burnett Born: 04-26-1933
Carol Burnett is one of the most iconic comedic actresses of all time. She starred in the long-running variety show The Carol Burnett Show which ran from 1967 to 1978, as well as countless other television shows and movies throughout her career.
Some of her most recognizable roles are in Horton Hears a Who!, Annie, and The Four Seasons. In 2019 she was the recipient of the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors for her outstanding work.
Sophia Loren Born: 09-20-1934
Sophia Loren is one of the most celebrated actresses of all time. She has won numerous awards including two Academy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, and a BAFTA for her performances in films such as El Cid, Two Women, and Houseboat.
This Italian actress was also the first artist to win an Oscar for a foreign language performance. Her beauty, intelligence, and wit have made her an icon around the world.
Shirley MacLaine Born: 04-24-1934
Shirley MacLaine is one of Hollywood’s most beloved leading ladies. She is known for her roles in films such as The Apartment, Terms of Endearment, and Being There. She has won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and numerous other awards throughout her career.
Shirley is also an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and the environment.
Ellen Burstyn Born: 12-07-1932
Ellen Burstyn is an award-winning actress whose impressive body of work includes The Exorcist, Requiem for a Dream, Aliens, and The Fountain. She has been nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning one for Best Actress in 1974 for her performance in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.
Ellen is also well known for her activism on behalf of women’s rights and environmental causes.
Gena Rowlands Born: 06-19-1930
Gena Rowlands is an acclaimed American actress best known for her roles in The Notebook, The Skeleton Key, and Night on Earth. She has won a Golden Globe Award and two Emmy Awards as well as multiple other awards throughout her career.
Gena is also the mother of actor/director John Cassavetes, whom she co-starred with in many films including A Woman Under the Influence and Gloria.
Barbara Eden Born: 08-23-1931
Barbara Eden is best known for her iconic role as Jeannie in the classic television series “I Dream of Jeannie”. Her film credits include 7 Faces Of Dr. Lao, Harper Valley P.T.A., and Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea.
She has been nominated for numerous awards including two Golden Globe Awards. Barbara is also an advocate for women’s rights and animal welfare causes.
Joanne Woodward Born: 02-27-1930
Joanne Woodward is a celebrated actress and humanitarian who has been working in Hollywood since the 1950s. Her notable credits include The Three Faces of Eve, A Kiss Before Dying, Rachel Rachel, Summer Wishes Winter Dreams, and The Long Hot Summer. Joanne won an Academy Award for Best Actress in 1958 for her performance in “The Three Faces of Eve”.
along with her acting career, she is actively involved with social causes such as animal rights, poverty, and cancer awareness.
Rita Moreno Born: 12-11-1931
Rita Moreno is a Puerto Rican actress whose career spans over seven decades. She has won an Academy Award, two Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and four Grammy Awards for her work in films such as West Side Story, The Electric Company, and Singin’ in the Rain.
In addition to her acting career, she is also a director and an author who advocates for Latino representation in Hollywood.
Eva Marie Saint Born: 07-04-1924
Eva Marie Saint is an acclaimed American actress whose career spans six decades. Her notable credits include On the Waterfront, North by Northwest, Superman Returns and All Fall Down.
Marie Saint won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1954 for her performance in On the Waterfront. Eva is also an active philanthropist whose causes include literacy, women’s rights, and animal welfare.
Vanessa Redgrave Born: 01-30-1937
Vanessa Redgrave is a British actress who has won numerous awards including an Academy Award and a BAFTA for her performances in films such as Blow Up, Howards End, Factory Girl, and Mission: Impossible.
She is also known for her activism on behalf of civil rights, peace, and social justice causes around the world. In 1977 she co-founded The Workers’ Revolutionary Party which campaigns for progressive politics worldwide.
Lily Tomlin Born: 09-01-1939
Lily Tomlin is an American actress, author, and comedian who has been performing for over six decades. Her notable film credits include 9 to 5, I Heart Huckabees, Nashville, and The Incredible Shrinking Woman.
She has won seven Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, and a Grammy Award for her work in television and theatre. Lily is also actively involved with charity work on behalf of women’s rights, LGBT causes, and animal welfare.
Angie Dickinson Born: 09-30-1931
Angie Dickinson is an American actress best known for her roles in Rio Bravo, Police Woman, and Dressed to Kill. She has been nominated for multiple awards including two Golden Globe Awards.
Angie is also a strong advocate for women’s rights, climate change awareness, and animal protection campaigns.
Claudia Cardinale Born: 04-15-1938
Claudia Cardinale is an Italian actress whose career spans six decades. She is most famous for her performances in films such as 8½, Once Upon a Time in the West, and Fitzcarraldo.
Claudia has won numerous awards throughout her career and she remains active in charity work on behalf of women’s rights, poverty, and health issues.
Julie Newmar Born: 08-16-1933
Julie Newmar is an American actress and dancer who starred in films such as Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Mackenna’s Gold, My Living Doll, and The Maltese Falcon. She has been nominated for several awards including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Tony Award.
Julie is also an active philanthropist who supports causes such as animal welfare, literacy, and hunger awareness.
Shirley Jones Born: 04-03-1934
Shirley Jones is a renowned American actress whose career spans six decades. She is best known for her performances in films such as The Partridge Family, Grandma’s Boy, and The Music Man.
Jones has won multiple awards including an Oscar for her performance in Elmer Gantry. Shirley is also actively involved with social causes such as animal rights, poverty, and cancer awareness.
Joan Collins Born: 05-23-1933
Joan Collins is a British actress whose career spans more than six decades. Her notable film credits include The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas, Empire of the Ants, and The Bravados.
She is also a published author and philanthropist who supports many charities including animal welfare organizations.
Faye Dunaway Born: 01-14-1941
Faye Dunaway is an American actress best known for her performances in films such as Chinatown, Network, and Bonnie and Clyde. She has won numerous awards including an Academy Award for Best Actress in 1977 for her performance in Network.
In addition to her acting career, Faye is a committed environmental activist who advocates against climate change and deforestation.
Raquel Welch Born: 09-05-1940
Raquel Welch was an American actress best known for her roles in films such as The Three Musketeers, Fantastic Voyage, and Legally Blonde. She has received multiple awards throughout her career including a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 1990 for The Man in the Moon.
Raquel was also involved with charity work on behalf of causes such as education, women’s rights, and animal welfare. Welch passed away on February 15, 2023.
Living Hollywood Icons that Are Beyond their Years
These actresses are not only still working in their craft, but also inspiring and entertaining audiences across the world for five decades and more.
They have all had an incredible impact on the entertainment industry and will continue to do so well into their 80s. It is no wonder that they are some of the best living actresses of their time!