Celebrities and famous figures who have lived to be 100
FILE - Dick Van Dyke, winner, poses at the 51st annual Daytime Emmys Awards on June 07, 2024 in Los Angeles. He turned 100 on Dec. 13, 2025. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)
Living to 100 years old is still rare — but a surprising number of well-known actors, presidents, artists and public figures have reached the milestone in recent decades.
According to U.S. Census data, the number of Americans over 100 has steadily increased over the past several decades. That growth means more recognizable names are reaching — and sometimes surpassing — the century mark.
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From Hollywood legends and music icons to political leaders and Nobel Prize winners, a small but notable group of famous figures have joined what’s often called the "centenarian club."
Here’s a look:
Entertainment and Hollywood:
Dick Van Dyke (1925, ) - 100
Legendary TV actor, singer, dancer and comedian with roles in classic television and film. Best known for "The Dick Van Dyke Show" in the ‘60s, and his iconic roles in "Mary Poppins" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."
Eva Marie Saint (1924, ) - 101
Award-winning actress, one of the oldest surviving stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Hitchcock leading lady in "North by Northwest."
Bob Hope (1903-2003) - 100
Comedian and entertainer.
Norman Lear (1922-2023) - 101
Writer & producer Norman Lear dead at 101
Famed television producer Norman Lear has died. According to reports the television icon died in his sleep. Lear was 101 years old.
Legendary TV producer behind "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons."
Irving Berlin (1888-1989) - 101
Composer of "White Christmas" and "God Bless America."
Kirk Douglas (1916-2020) - 103
Actor and producer, starred in "Spartacus."
Olivia de Havilland (1916-2020) - 104
Oscar-winning actress from Hollywood’s Golden Age, best known for her role of Melanie Hamilton in "Gone With the Wind."
Betty White
Notable mention:
Betty White died in 2021 at the age of 99, just weeks before her 100th birthday.
Politics and leaders:
Jimmy Carter (1924-2024) - 100
Jimmy Carter funeral: Biden delivers eulogy
President Joe Biden eulogized former President Jimmy Carter. Biden spoke of being among the first to endorse the former president back in the 1970s.
As of 2024, became the first U.S. president to reach 100 years old. He served as the 29th president from 1977 - 1981.
George H.W. Bush
Notable mention:
After Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush is the next American president to have lived the longest. He died in 2018 at 94.
Henry Kissinger (1923-2023) - 100
American political scientist who served under presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, as national security advisor and Secretary of State, respectively.
The Queen Mother ( 1900-2002) - 101
Mother of Queen Elizabeth II.
Prince Philip
Notable mention:
Queen Elizabeth II’s husband Prince Philip died in 2021 at the age of 99, just two months before his 100th birthday.
Other public figures:
John B. Goodenough (1922-2023) - 100
Nobel Prize-winning scientist credited with lithium-ion battery development.
David Rockefeller (1915-2017) - 101
Banker, economist and philanthropist.
Iris Apfel (1921-2024) - 102
American businesswoman, interior designer and fashion designer.
Rita Levi-Montalcini (1909-2012) - 103
Nobel Prize-winning neurologist.
Jeanne Calmet (1875-1977) - 122
The oldest verified person in recorded history.
The Source: Information in this article was taken from public records and the Guinness World Record. This story was reported from Detroit.