Top 10 Notable Individuals Living Past the Century Mark in the 20th Century

Headline: Remarkable Lives of Iconic 20th-Century Figures

In the vibrant tapestry of the 20th century, several individuals left indelible marks on the world of entertainment, politics, and humanitarian efforts. Let's delve into the lives of Olivia de Havilland, Kirk Douglas, Jimmy Carter, Bob Hope, and George Burns.

Olivia de Havilland

Best known for her iconic role as Melanie in Gone with the Wind (1939), Olivia de Havilland challenged the restrictive and often unethical studio system, empowering future actors. Her career spanned five decades, from the 1930s to the 1980s, and she won two Academy Awards for her performances in To Each His Own (1946) and The Heiress (1949). Olivia de Havilland passed away at the age of 104 in Paris in 2020.

Kirk Douglas

Born to Russian Jewish immigrants, Kirk Douglas found fame in Hollywood with his intense roles and strong sense of conscience. He is best remembered for brokering the Camp David Accords, a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, in 1978. In a bold move, Douglas fought the Hollywood blacklist by hiring blacklisted screenwriters for Spartacus. Kirk Douglas passed away at the age of 103 in 2020.

Jimmy Carter

Serving as the 39th president of the United States from 1976 to 1981, Jimmy Carter focused on human rights, energy policy, and international diplomacy during his presidency. He is best known for brokering the Camp David Accords and earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his commitment to service. After leaving office, Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, devoted themselves to humanitarian efforts and founded the Carter Center in 1982. In his later years, Carter has remained active with Habitat for Humanity, building homes for those in need. Jimmy Carter became the longest-living U.S. president in history in 2024.

Bob Hope

Bob Hope, born in England and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, found early success in Vaudeville, radio, and film, becoming famous during the 1940s and '50s. He is remembered for his unwavering dedication to the U.S. military and his USO tours. Hope passed away at the age of 100 in 2003, leaving behind a legacy that spanned over 70 years in American entertainment.

George Burns

George Burns started his career in Vaudeville and found fame alongside his wife, Gracie Allen. Together, they starred in The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show. After Gracie Allen's retirement in 1958, George Burns experienced a career comeback. In 1975, he won an Academy Award for his performance in The Sunshine Boys at the age of 80. George Burns was born in 1896 and lived until 1996.

Famous 20th-century individuals aged 100 or older who were not U.S. presidents include Jeanne Calment, the verified oldest person ever from France, Maria Vornweg, Berta Zeisler, Gertrud Oertel, Gisela Metreweli, Marie Stutz, and Marie Auguste Dorothea Pfeiler, all of whom lived past 110 years. Bob Hope was a beloved figure in American entertainment, joining this exclusive group.