Every time Buzzfeed publish a "which came first" listicle we are reminded that Betty 'Golden Girls' White is older than sliced bread, which was first sold in 1928. Out of curiosity (
quelle surprise) I wondered which other celebrities were also older than sliced bread. Here's my definitive list of ten.
Born in 1916 and turning 99 on his next birthday we have Kirk Douglas. Apart from his acting career we also know him as the father of Michael Douglas. He is ranked at number 17 on the American Film Institute's list of the greatest male screen legends in American Film history
Died 5th February 202, aged 103
Born in 1917, therefore turning 98 in February 2015, Zsa Zsa Gabor is probably known just as well for her nine marriages as she is for her acting career. She was once quoted as saying, "I am a marvellous housekeeper; every time I leave a man I keep his house."
Died 18th December 2016, aged 99
Born in 1922 Christopher Lee, who will be 92 next May, is best known for his role as Dracula in the numerous appearances in UK film series 'Hammer Horror' and, more recently, in Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Did you know that he is also a classically trained singer?
Died 7th June 2015, aged 93
Born in 1925 and turning 90 next year, we have the lovely Angela Lansbury who I first fell in love with in 'Bedknobs and Broomsticks' but then later watched avidly in 'Murder She Wrote' (did no-one else think it was a coincidence that a writer of murder stories was always handy to solve the mystery?). At the age of 89 she's still treading the boards. Girl Power! Died 11th October 2022, aged 96
Another favourite born in 1925 was Dick Van Dyke. I can't choose my favourite character of his but it's definitely between Caratacus Potts in 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' (just for the 'Me Old Bamboo' dance) and as Dr Mark Sloan in 'Diagnosis Murder'. Did you know he is ambidextrous? Well you do now!
Born in 1926 was the crooner Tony Bennett - he'll be 89 on his next birthday. He is one of those traditional performers that seems to have done everything in music (apart from Rock). He's also a bit of a comeback King having relaunched his career in the 80s and the 90s and is still going today! He once said that if he couldn't sing any more he would just paint for the rest of this life. Apparently, he's quite good. Died 21st July 2023, aged 96
Another favourite of mine who was born in 1926 is the multi-talented Mel Brooks - actor, director, screenwriter, producer, lyricist and composer, oh, and total genius for giving mime artist, Marcel Marceau the only speaking part in the film 'Silent Movie'
Also born in 1926 was the original Playboy, Hugh Hefner. He used to work for Esquire magazine but left and founded Playboy (which was originally going to be called 'Stag Party) after being denied a pay rise of $5 per week.
Born in 1927, therefore reaching 88 next birthday, we have Roger Moore. He was the first Bond I remember, taking the lead in seven of the films. Did you know that Mike Reid (yes, him from 'Runaround' and 'Eastenders') was Roger Moore's underwater stunt double in 'The Saint'?
Died 23rd May 2017, aged 89
Finally, born in 1927 was Sidney Poitier. By chance, I recently caught the film 'To Sir, With Love' which I hadn't seen for years and was reminded what a ground-breaking film it was, mainly because of Poitier's acting. I also had no idea he directed 'Stir Crazy' until researching this blog post. Died 7th January, aged 96
As an aside, I think that's my DeadPool list sorted for 2015...
