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Celebrities

What do Morgan Freeman and Colonel Sanders have in common? They didn't make it until after 50, like these 7 other celebrities

STORYTracey Furniss
Judi Dench, who only found widespread fame later in life, starred in Murder on the Orient Express. Photo: handout
Judi Dench, who only found widespread fame later in life, starred in Murder on the Orient Express. Photo: handout
Fame and celebrity

From movie stars like Betty White and Judi Dench to McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc, and Dracula author Bram Stoker to America’s first TV chef Julia Child, these famous late bloomers prove it’s never too late to change your life

Stuck in a rut? It’s never too late to reboot your life, as these celebs and business moguls found out when they came into their own after the age of 50. So late bloomers take heart from these inspiration celebrity success stories.

Morgan Freeman at the premiere of the film Going in Style. Photo: AFP
Morgan Freeman at the premiere of the film Going in Style. Photo: AFP

Morgan Freeman

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Morgan Freeman’s first major projects were in vintage soaps Another World and The Electric Company while still in his thirties. But his breakout role came in the 1987 movie Street Smart, which was released when the actor was 50 – a role which earned him his first Oscar nomination for best supporting actor. Two years later, Freeman starred in Driving Miss Daisy which shot him to international stardom and earned him a Golden Globe for best actor. He has starred or featured in more than 50 movies since and been nominated for five Academy Awards – winning an Oscar for best supporting actor and a SAG award for his role in Million Dollar Baby.

Betty White got her break in The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Photo: Getty Images/AFP
Betty White got her break in The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Photo: Getty Images/AFP

Betty White

Some viewers may remember Betty White from sitcom The Golden Girls, which ran from 1985 to 1992, however she got her big break in The Mary Tyler Moore Show in 1973 when she was 51. This 98-year-old American actress has enjoyed the longest career of any living actor today in show business. Even though she started her television career in 1939, she did not make it big until she was in her fifties. Her latest movie was Toy Story 4 where she is the voice of Bitey White.

Judi Dench in Shakespeare In Love. Photo: handout
Judi Dench in Shakespeare In Love. Photo: handout

Judi Dench

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