If These Legendary Actresses Were Alive, Here’s How Old They Would Be Now

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Have you ever wondered how old iconic actresses from Hollywood’s golden age would be today? Using their birthdates and today’s date, October 21, 2025, we’ve calculated the ages they would have reached, along with a brief look back at their careers and most memorable achievements.

Marilyn Monroe

Born on June 1, 1926, and passing away on August 4, 1962, she became a worldwide icon thanks to her roles in films like ‘Some Like It Hot’, ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’, and ‘The Seven Year Itch’. She won a Golden Globe for her performance in ‘Some Like It Hot’ and starred in many successful movies throughout the 1950s. She began her career as a model, which led to a studio contract and quickly propelled her to fame. If she were still alive today, she would be 99 years old on October 21, 2025.

Audrey Hepburn

I’ve always been captivated by Audrey Hepburn. Born in 1929 and sadly passing away in 1993, she lit up the screen in films like ‘Roman Holiday,’ ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s,’ and ‘My Fair Lady.’ She even won an Oscar for ‘Roman Holiday’! Beyond her incredible acting, she spent so much of her life helping children through UNICEF, which I always admired. She wasn’t just a movie star, though – she excelled on stage and became a huge fashion icon, and her style still inspires people today. It’s amazing to think that if she were still with us, she’d be 96 years old on October 21, 2025.

Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly, born on November 12, 1929, and who sadly passed away on September 14, 1982, was a celebrated actress known for films like ‘High Noon’, ‘Rear Window’, and ‘To Catch a Thief’. She won an Oscar for her performance in ‘The Country Girl’ and famously became Princess of Monaco when she married Prince Rainier III. Although her movie career was relatively short, she worked with the legendary director Alfred Hitchcock on several acclaimed projects. If still alive today, she would be 95 years old.

Judy Garland

As a critic, I’ve always been captivated by Judy Garland. Born in 1922 and tragically passing away in 1969, her journey from a talented child performer to a full-blown superstar is legendary. ‘The Wizard of Oz’ launched her into the spotlight, but she proved her dramatic range with films like ‘A Star Is Born.’ Beyond the screen, she was a gifted recording artist with hit albums and consistently packed concert venues all over the world. It’s amazing to think that, if she were still with us today, she’d be celebrating her 103rd birthday in 2025.

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor, born on February 27, 1932, and passing away on March 23, 2011, was a celebrated actress known for iconic roles in films like ‘Cleopatra’, ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’, and ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’. She earned two Oscars for Best Actress and also created a highly popular fragrance line. Beyond her acting career, Taylor was a dedicated activist, passionately supporting research and fundraising efforts for HIV and AIDS. As of October 21, 2025, she would have been 93 years old.

Katharine Hepburn

Katharine Hepburn. Just saying the name evokes a certain magic, doesn’t it? Born in 1907 and passing away in 2003, she truly defined a generation of film. I mean, ‘The Philadelphia Story,’ ‘The African Queen,’ ‘On Golden Pond’ – those aren’t just movies, they’re cultural touchstones. And her record? Unbeatable. Four Best Actress Oscars – nobody has ever won more. Of course, a huge part of her legacy is her incredible chemistry with Spencer Tracy. They made some truly timeless films together. It’s amazing to think that if she were still with us today, she’d be celebrating her 118th birthday in 2025. A true icon.

Bette Davis

Bette Davis, born on April 5, 1908, and passing away on October 6, 1989, was a celebrated actress known for her unforgettable roles in films like ‘All About Eve’, ‘Jezebel’, and ‘Dark Victory’. She earned two Oscars and made history as the first woman to lead the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Davis often played strong, complex characters and helped redefine what audiences expected from leading ladies. If she were still alive today, October 21, 2025, she would be 117 years old.

Ingrid Bergman

Ingrid Bergman, born and died on August 29th (in 1915 and 1982, respectively), was a celebrated actress known for her roles in classic films like ‘Casablanca’, ‘Gaslight’, and ‘Notorious’. Throughout her career in both Hollywood and Europe, she earned three Academy Awards. Bergman was fluent in several languages and seamlessly transitioned between acting on stage and in movies. If still alive, she would celebrate her 110th birthday on October 21, 2025.

Vivien Leigh

Vivien Leigh, born on November 5, 1913, and who passed away on July 8, 1967, is best known for her roles in ‘Gone with the Wind’ and ‘A Streetcar Named Desire,’ for which she won two Academy Awards. She was also a celebrated stage actress, frequently performing Shakespeare. As of October 21, 2025, she would have been 111 years old.

Rita Hayworth

Rita Hayworth was a celebrated actress born on October 17, 1918, and passed away on May 14, 1987. She rose to fame with films like ‘Gilda,’ ‘Cover Girl,’ and ‘The Lady from Shanghai.’ Starting as a dancer, she quickly became a leading lady and a key figure for Columbia Pictures in the 1940s. Her image was incredibly popular as a pinup during World War II. If still alive, she would be 107 years old on October 21, 2025.

Greta Garbo

Greta Garbo, born on September 18, 1905, and passing away on April 15, 1990, was a remarkably smooth transition from the era of silent films to talkies, starring in memorable movies like ‘Ninotchka’ and ‘Queen Christina’. She was nominated for several Academy Awards and later received a lifetime achievement Oscar. Garbo left acting in the 1940s and spent the rest of her life living privately in New York City. Had she lived, she would have celebrated her 120th birthday on October 21, 2025.

Jean Harlow

As a classic film lover, I’m always fascinated by Jean Harlow. Born in 1911, she really burst onto the scene during the pre-Code era with films like ‘Red Dust,’ ‘Dinner at Eight,’ and ‘Bombshell.’ She quickly became one of MGM’s biggest stars, but tragically, her life was cut short in 1937. What’s amazing is how much influence she had – her image shaped how the studio promoted its films and even impacted fashion trends. It’s wild to think that if she were still with us today, she’d be 114 years old!

Anna May Wong

Anna May Wong, born on January 3, 1905, and who passed away on February 3, 1961, starred in films like ‘The Toll of the Sea,’ ‘Shanghai Express,’ and ‘Piccadilly.’ She was a pioneering Chinese American actress, becoming the first to achieve international fame in Hollywood and Europe. Beyond film, Wong performed on stage and in early television, and she actively campaigned for more diverse and meaningful roles for Asian actors. If she were still alive today, she would be 120 years old on October 21, 2025.

Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich, born on December 27, 1901, and passing away on May 6, 1992, first became famous in the film ‘The Blue Angel.’ She then went on to star in several Hollywood movies, including ‘Shanghai Express’ and ‘Destry Rides Again.’ A talented singer, she toured widely and entertained Allied soldiers during World War II. Later in life, she became an American citizen and received numerous awards and accolades. If she were still alive today, she would be 123 years old.

Natalie Wood

Natalie Wood was a celebrated actress born on July 20, 1938, and tragically passed away on November 29, 1981. She became famous for her roles in films like ‘Rebel Without a Cause,’ ‘Splendor in the Grass,’ and ‘West Side Story,’ and was recognized with several Academy Award nominations. Starting as a child actor, she successfully moved into leading adult roles, also appearing in television and stage productions. If she were still alive today, she would be 87 years old.

Sharon Tate

Born on January 24, 1943, and tragically passing away on August 9, 1969, Sharon Tate was an actress known for her roles in films like ‘Valley of the Dolls’ and ‘The Fearless Vampire Killers.’ She also worked in television and was nominated for a Golden Globe award. Additionally, Tate had a successful modeling career, appearing in popular magazines of the time. If she were still alive today, she would be 82 years old.

Carrie Fisher

Born on October 21, 1956, and passing away on December 27, 2016, Carrie Fisher became famous for her role in ‘Star Wars’ and also wrote novels, including ‘Postcards from the Edge’. Beyond acting and writing, she worked behind the scenes to improve film scripts and was well-known for her honest and open writing and performances. Fisher was a strong advocate for mental health, openly discussing her experiences with bipolar disorder. She would have been 69 years old on October 21, 2025.

Debbie Reynolds

Debbie Reynolds, born on April 1, 1932, and who passed away on December 28, 2016, was a beloved actress known for films like ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ and ‘The Unsinkable Molly Brown,’ as well as numerous stage performances. She received an Academy Award nomination and a lifetime achievement award from the Screen Actors Guild. Beyond acting, Reynolds was a dedicated collector of Hollywood memorabilia and founded a museum to preserve its history. She would have celebrated her 93rd birthday on April 1, 2025.

Olivia de Havilland

Olivia de Havilland, born on July 1, 1916, and passing away on July 26, 2020, was a celebrated actress known for her roles in films like ‘The Heiress’, ‘To Each His Own’, and ‘The Adventures of Robin Hood’. She earned two Oscars for Best Actress and was a pivotal figure in a legal battle that reformed unfair studio contracts. For decades, she lived in Paris and continued to participate in public events. Had she lived, she would have been 109 years old on October 21, 2025.

Lauren Bacall

Lauren Bacall, born on September 16, 1924, and passing away on August 12, 2014, began her film career in ‘To Have and Have Not’ and famously co-starred with Humphrey Bogart in ‘The Big Sleep’ and ‘Key Largo’. A celebrated stage actress, she earned two Tony Awards and continued acting in films and on television throughout her life. She also penned popular autobiographies recounting her experiences. As of October 21, 2025, she would have been 101 years old.

Share your picks for other legends we should include in the comments.

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2025-10-22 05:19