As the entertainment world moves deeper into the 21st century, the presence of a handful of extraordinary performers continues to serve as living proof that creativity doesn’t retire, passion doesn’t dim, and a true artist’s spark outlives every passing decade. These icons — some nearing or surpassing 100 years old — stand as bridges between eras, connecting the dawn of Hollywood and the golden age of music to the streaming-driven generation of today. Their lives are living archives, filled with stories, achievements, and experiences that no museum or documentary could match. And in 2025, the world remains grateful for the light they continue to give.
At the forefront is Elizabeth Waldo, born in 1918, whose legacy is unlike any other in modern music history. A violinist, composer, and passionate ethnomusicologist, she devoted her life to preserving indigenous music long before cultural preservation became a global priority. Her research, rooted in deep respect for the communities she studied, has influenced decades of scholars, performers, and teachers. Waldo showed that music isn’t just entertainment — it’s heritage, identity, memory. Even now, her work resonates in classrooms, cultural centers, and among young musicians hungry to understand the origin of the sounds they play.
Then there is Karen Marsh Doll, one of the last living actresses linked to Hollywood’s golden age. Few people today can claim a direct connection to productions like The Wizard of Oz or Gone with the Wind, yet Marsh Doll serves as a quiet thread tying today’s film industry back to the era that shaped it. For film historians, she is priceless — a firsthand voice who remembers the atmosphere, the actors, the craftsmanship, and the world that existed before special effects and digital editing. For fans, she is nostalgia made real: a reminder that Hollywood was built by flesh-and-blood people, not just legendary names on posters.
Ray Anthony, at 103, remains a giant in the world of American big-band music. As one of the last leaders of the era that defined swing, he carries the history of American music in his bones. His orchestra once filled dance halls with energy so electric that audiences felt lifted off the ground. Anthony’s enduring career reminds us of a time when a horn section could command a room and when live music meant unity, joy, and movement. His longevity is not just a marvel — it is a tribute to an era that shaped modern entertainment.
These figures stand alongside beloved actors whose names are instantly recognizable: June Lockhart, Eva Marie Saint, Dick Van Dyke — performers who brought warmth, humor, and heart to millions of homes. Their faces appeared on some of the most cherished shows and films of the 20th century. They shaped childhoods. They shaped family traditions. Decades later, their presence still brings comfort, as though the screen lights up a familiar memory every time they appear.
Comedy giants like Mel Brooks and William Shatner refuse to fade into quiet retirement, continuing to inspire through the same sharp wit and charisma that built their careers. Brooks remains one of the greatest comedic minds alive, a master of satire whose films shaped the genre. Shatner, ever curious and endlessly energetic, continues to explore new projects as if time itself is his co-star. And Barbara Eden — who once bewitched the world as the iconic genie — remains a symbol of charm, joy, and timeless grace. Their continued creativity doesn’t just entertain; it emboldens fans who see in them the truth that humor, imagination, and curiosity do not age.
Then come the legends who built entire eras of cinema: Clint Eastwood, Sophia Loren, and Michael Caine, each of them possessing a resilience that borders on mythic. They rose through decades of change — shifting tastes, new technologies, evolving audiences — and yet their relevance remains intact. Their performances today carry the depth of artists who have lived fully, who understand the shades of human experience, and who deliver stories with the weight of truth behind every word.
Julie Andrews, Shirley MacLaine, Al Pacino, Jane Fonda — their names alone bring to mind films that shaped culture, inspired activism, and created conversations that crossed generations. Andrews’ voice, even after her surgery, remains one of the most cherished in film history. MacLaine, with her vibrant personality and spiritual curiosity, continues to fascinate audiences. Pacino remains a titan of dramatic performance — raw, powerful, unforgettable. And Fonda, an icon not just of film but of activism, proves that the human spirit doesn’t weaken with age; if anything, it sharpens.
What unites all these people? Not just fame. Not just long careers. But endurance — the ability to adapt, evolve, and continue creating even when the world changes around them. In a culture obsessed with youth, these artists stand as powerful reminders that age is not the end of relevance. It is the accumulation of wisdom, depth, and perspective.
Their stories encourage younger generations of artists who may feel pressured to “make it early” or “fade fast.” These icons prove that artistry isn’t a sprint — it’s a lifelong relationship between creator and craft. Their journeys show that passion can outlast the body, outlast the industry, outlast the trends. And in a world that often forgets its elders, their resilience becomes a message of hope.
As 2025 unfolds, these long-living entertainers remain symbols of what a life dedicated to art can look like: rich, meaningful, and enduring. Their contributions shaped the cultural foundation many people take for granted — the films we rewatch, the songs our grandparents hum, the performances that shaped our childhood imaginations.
They remind us that creativity has no expiration date.
They remind us that a spark lit in one lifetime can illuminate many others.
And most importantly, they show that true artistry does not fade with age — it deepens, brightens, and continues to inspire long after the applause has quieted.
Their lives are proof that legacy isn’t something left behind.
It’s something lived every day.