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

Ever wonder how old some famous people would be today? Here’s a glimpse at how old several late legends would be as of October 20, 2025, and a reminder of why they were so well-known.

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe, born on June 1st, 1926, would be 99 years old today. She starred in iconic films like ‘Some Like It Hot’ and ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’. She began her career as a model, which eventually led to a significant contract with a film studio in the early 1950s. Later, she even started her own production company to have more say in the kinds of roles she played.

Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley, born on January 8, 1935, would be 90 years old today. He became world-famous for songs like ‘Hound Dog’ and ‘Suspicious Minds’. A television special in 1968 helped relaunch his career as a live performer, and he also appeared in numerous films, broadening his popularity beyond music.

Princess Diana

Born on July 1st, 1961, Princess Diana would be 64 years old today. She dedicated her public life to raising awareness about important issues like HIV/AIDS and the dangers of landmines. Her work and travels brought much-needed attention to these often-overlooked problems, and she continues to be remembered as a key figure in the British royal family.

Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee, born on November 27, 1940, would be 84 years old today. He revolutionized martial arts films with movies like ‘Enter the Dragon’ and ‘The Way of the Dragon’. He created Jeet Kune Do, a fighting style focused on real-world effectiveness. Through his work, he successfully connected with audiences in both Eastern and Western cultures.

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson, born on August 29, 1958, would be 67 years old today. He achieved incredible success with albums like ‘Thriller’ and ‘Bad,’ breaking numerous sales and chart records. He was also a pioneer in music videos, constantly pushing creative boundaries, and his world tours were legendary, attracting huge crowds.

Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston, born on August 9, 1963, would be 62 years old today. She was famous for hit songs like ‘I Will Always Love You’ and ‘How Will I Know.’ Her first movie, ‘The Bodyguard,’ featured a hugely popular soundtrack. With her incredible vocal range and skill, she inspired many singers.

Robin Williams

I still miss Robin Williams. If he were alive today, he’d be 74. He was just incredible – equally brilliant making me laugh in films like ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ and deeply moving me in dramas like ‘Dead Poets Society’ and ‘Good Will Hunting’. I remember when he first started out, his stand-up and improv skills were just phenomenal. And honestly, no one will ever forget his performance as the Genie in ‘Aladdin’ – it was a truly iconic animated role. He really left his mark on everything he did.

Heath Ledger

Heath Ledger, born on April 4, 1979, would be 46 years old today. He was a talented actor known for his roles in films like ‘Brokeback Mountain’ and ‘The Dark Knight,’ with his performance as the Joker receiving widespread praise. He also began directing music videos and showed an interest in filmmaking.

Paul Walker

It’s hard to believe Paul Walker would be 52 today. While many of us instantly think of him as Brian O’Conner from the ‘Fast and Furious’ films – and that’s a role he truly made iconic – he was so much more than that. I remember seeing him earlier in his career, popping up in films like ‘Pleasantville’ and ‘Varsity Blues,’ showing real promise. But beyond acting, he was a genuinely good person, founding Reach Out Worldwide, a fantastic organization dedicated to disaster relief. It’s a legacy that extends far beyond the screen.

Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse, born on September 14, 1983, would be 42 years old today. She became famous for her album ‘Back to Black,’ which helped popularize neo soul music. She worked with Mark Ronson on several hit songs, and her unique, deep voice inspired a generation of British musicians.

Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman, born on November 29, 1976, would be 48 years old today. He was known for his powerful performances as iconic figures like Jackie Robinson in ’42’ and T’Challa in ‘Black Panther’, and also played James Brown in ‘Get on Up’. His experience in theater greatly influenced his work on screen.

Kurt Cobain

Kurt Cobain, born on February 20, 1967, would be 58 years old today. Best known as the singer and guitarist for the band Nirvana, he helped write their hit song ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit.’ Nirvana’s album ‘Nevermind’ significantly changed the sound of rock music in the early 1990s, combining the energy of punk with catchy melodies.

Freddie Mercury

If Freddie Mercury were still with us, he’d be celebrating his 79th birthday this September. As the frontman of Queen, he guided them through some truly iconic albums – I’m thinking of masterpieces like ‘A Night at the Opera’ and ‘The Game’. And let’s not forget that legendary Live Aid performance in ’85 – it was absolutely electrifying! What really set Queen apart, though, was Freddie’s incredible talent on the piano and his unique approach to vocals – it truly defined their sound.

David Bowie

David Bowie, born on January 8, 1947, would be 78 years old today. He was a musical innovator who seamlessly transitioned through different styles with iconic albums like ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars’ and ‘Let’s Dance’. Known for working with a wide range of artists in both rock and electronic music, Bowie also had a career as an actor, appearing in films such as ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth’.

Prince

Born on June 7, 1958, Prince would be 67 years old today. He was a hugely successful singer, songwriter, and producer, famous for songs like ‘Purple Rain’ and ‘When Doves Cry’. He valued his artistic freedom and released much of his music through his own record label. Prince was also known for his incredible live performances, often playing multiple instruments himself.

Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin, born on March 25, 1942, would be 83 years old today. Celebrated as the Queen of Soul, she’s famous for hits like ‘Respect’ and ‘Chain of Fools.’ She also performed at important national events, including presidential inaugurations, and her powerful gospel background was always evident in her music, both in the studio and during live performances.

John Lennon

John Lennon, born on October 9, 1940, would be 85 years old today. Best known as a co-founder of The Beatles, he later achieved solo success with songs like ‘Imagine.’ He also collaborated with Yoko Ono on various artistic and musical projects, and was a passionate advocate for peace, using his platform to promote it through performances and activism.

George Michael

George Michael, born on June 25, 1963, would be 62 years old today. He first became famous as a member of the band ‘Wham!’ and later achieved huge success with solo albums such as ‘Faith’. He was also known for his generosity, frequently supporting charities through concerts and donations. His music videos were incredibly popular and played often on MTV and other music channels.

Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher, born on October 21, 1956, would be 68 years old today. She’s best known for playing Princess Leia in the ‘Star Wars’ saga over many years, but she also quietly helped improve scripts for big movies. Beyond acting, she wrote books sharing her experiences with life and work in Hollywood.

James Dean

James Dean, born on February 8, 1931, would be 94 years old today. He became famous for starring in movies like ‘Rebel Without a Cause’, ‘East of Eden’, and ‘Giant’, after first appearing on television. Even after his death, he received Academy Award nominations for his work.

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn, born on May 4, 1929, would be 96 years old today. She became famous for her roles in classic films like ‘Roman Holiday’, ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, and ‘My Fair Lady’. Later in life, she dedicated herself to humanitarian work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, traveling the world to help children. She was also a style icon, significantly influencing fashion during the mid-20th century.

Betty White

Betty White, born on January 17, 1922, would be 103 years old today. She enjoyed a remarkable career in entertainment for over seventy years, appearing on radio, television, and as a popular game show personality. She’s best known for her roles on shows like ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ and ‘The Golden Girls,’ and was famous for having one of the longest careers in American television history.

Steve Irwin

Steve Irwin, born on February 22, 1962, would be 63 years old today. He became famous as the host of ‘The Crocodile Hunter’ and dedicated his life to wildlife conservation through his foundation. Under his family’s care, Australia Zoo flourished, and his television work always emphasized teaching people about reptiles and the importance of protecting their homes.

Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain, born on June 25, 1956, would be 69 years old today. He was a celebrated author, best known for his book ‘Kitchen Confidential,’ and a popular television host. His shows, including ‘No Reservations’ and ‘Parts Unknown,’ explored the world through its food, showcasing local chefs and regional dishes while sharing the stories and cultures behind them.

Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant, born on August 23, 1978, would be 47 years old today. Throughout his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, he led the team to five NBA championships. Beyond basketball, he won an Academy Award for his animated short film, ‘Dear Basketball,’ and dedicated time to coaching and developing young athletes through his training programs and camps.

Patrick Swayze

Patrick Swayze, born on August 18, 1952, would be 73 years old today. He first became famous for his role in ‘Dirty Dancing’ and went on to star in popular films like ‘Ghost’ and ‘Point Break’. His background in dance and martial arts greatly influenced the characters he played. He also gained recognition for his leading role in the television miniseries ‘North and South’.

Alan Rickman

Alan Rickman, born on February 21, 1946, would be 79 years old today. He became famous for his role in ‘Die Hard’ and is well-known for playing Severus Snape in the ‘Harry Potter’ movies. Beyond acting, Rickman had a long career with the Royal Shakespeare Company and even directed a film called ‘A Little Chaos’.

Leonard Nimoy

Leonard Nimoy, born on March 26, 1931, would be 94 years old today. He’s best known as the original Spock from ‘Star Trek,’ a character he played in both the original series and several movies. Beyond acting, Nimoy was a successful director, helming popular films like ‘Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home’ and ‘Three Men and a Baby.’ He also pursued passions for photography, publishing books, and creating spoken word recordings.

Debbie Reynolds

Debbie Reynolds, born on April 1, 1932, would be 93 years old today. She’s best known for her role in the classic film ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ and received an Oscar nomination for playing Molly Brown. Throughout her life, she continued to perform on stage and television, and she famously collected and saved a huge amount of Hollywood history.

Richard Pryor

Richard Pryor, born on December 1, 1940, would be 84 years old today. He was a hugely successful comedian known for his stand-up specials, like ‘Richard Pryor: Live in Concert,’ and his roles in popular films such as ‘Stir Crazy.’ Before his film career took off, he wrote for television variety shows in the late 1960s, and he also won several Grammy Awards for his comedy albums.

River Phoenix

River Phoenix, born on August 23, 1970, would be 55 years old today. He became well-known for films like ‘Stand by Me’ and even received an Academy Award nomination for his role in ‘Running on Empty’. Beyond acting, he was also the frontman for the band Aleka’s Attic, and appeared in movies such as ‘My Own Private Idaho’ and ‘Sneakers’.

Brittany Murphy

Brittany Murphy, who would be 47 today (she was born November 10, 1977), was such a talented actress. I first really noticed her in ‘Clueless,’ and she went on to do some fantastic work in films like ‘8 Mile’ and ‘Just Married.’ It’s easy to forget, but she was also a brilliant voice actress – I loved her as Luanne Platter on ‘King of the Hill’! She really could do it all, seamlessly moving between serious dramas, fun rom-coms, and even thrillers. It’s a shame we lost her so young.

Chris Cornell

Chris Cornell, born July 20, 1964, would have been 61 this year. As a huge fan, I always admired his incredible voice and songwriting, first with Soundgarden, and then when he joined forces to create Audioslave. It’s easy to forget just how diverse his work was – from the grunge anthems to contributing the amazing ‘You Know My Name’ to the James Bond film Casino Royale. Plus, I loved his solo work and especially those intimate acoustic performances. He really was a phenomenal artist.

Chester Bennington

Chester Bennington, born on March 20, 1976, would have been 49 years old today. He was a co-founder of the hugely successful band Linkin Park, and helped create their breakthrough albums ‘Hybrid Theory’ and ‘Meteora’. Known for energetic live performances, he toured the world with Linkin Park, playing in large arenas. He also spent time as the lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots.

Mac Miller

Mac Miller, born on January 19, 1992, would be 33 years old today. He was a talented artist who released popular albums like ‘Swimming’ and ‘Watching Movies with the Sound Off’. He also worked as a producer under the name Larry Fisherman, and his music often blended hip hop and jazz styles, featuring collaborations with many other artists.

Tupac Shakur

Tupac Shakur, born on June 16, 1971, would be 54 years old today. He was a prolific musician, creating albums like ‘All Eyez on Me’ and ‘Me Against the World,’ and also appeared in movies such as ‘Juice’ and ‘Poetic Justice.’ His music and films often reflected the realities of 1990s urban life and tackled important social problems.

The Notorious B.I.G.

Born May 21, 1972, The Notorious B.I.G. would be 53 years old today. He was a hugely successful rapper, releasing classic albums like ‘Ready to Die’ and ‘Life After Death.’ His songs were all over the radio and on music video channels, and he frequently worked with other artists on the Bad Boy Records label.

Aaliyah

Aaliyah, born on January 16, 1979, would be 46 years old today. She was a talented singer who released popular albums like ‘One in a Million’ and ‘Aaliyah,’ collaborating with some of the industry’s top producers. She also appeared in films such as ‘Romeo Must Die’ and ‘Queen of the Damned,’ and was known for her visually striking music videos featuring precise and elaborate choreography.

Avicii

Avicii, born on September 8, 1989, would be 36 years old today. He was a hugely successful DJ and producer, famous for songs like ‘Levels’ and ‘Wake Me Up’. He performed at major music festivals around the world and often collaborated with artists from different genres, including country and pop, to create unique songs.

DMX

DMX, born on December 18, 1970, would be 54 years old today. He achieved major success with back-to-back number one albums, including ‘It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot’ and ‘…And Then There Was X’. He also acted in films like ‘Romeo Must Die’ and ‘Exit Wounds’, and his concerts were hugely popular with hip hop fans in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Dolores O’Riordan

Dolores O’Riordan, the lead singer of The Cranberries, was born on September 6, 1971. If she were still alive today, she would be 54 years old. She’s known for her unique singing style, which included a noticeable yodel and a flowing, melodic quality. Beyond her work with The Cranberries – including albums like ‘No Need to Argue’ and ‘Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We’ – she also pursued a solo career and performed around the world.

Bob Marley

I still can’t believe it’s been so long, but Bob Marley would be 80 years old today, born back in 1945. I remember being blown away by albums like ‘Exodus’ and ‘Catch a Fire’ when The Wailers first put them out. He really brought reggae to the world through his incredible tours. It’s amazing that you can even visit his home and studio now, preserved as a museum in Kingston – a perfect way to remember the legend!

John Belushi

John Belushi, born on January 24, 1949, would be 76 years old today. He’s best known as one of the first cast members of ‘Saturday Night Live,’ and he starred in the popular comedies ‘Animal House’ and ‘The Blues Brothers.’ He also performed live with The Blues Brothers Band.

James Gandolfini

It’s hard to believe James Gandolfini would be 64 today. As a huge fan, I’ll always remember him as Tony Soprano – he absolutely owned that role for all six seasons and rightly received tons of accolades. But beyond that iconic part, I always appreciated that he used his platform to produce documentaries, especially those highlighting the experiences of veterans. And he was a fantastic film actor too – ‘Enough Said’ and ‘In the Loop’ are personal favorites. He really left his mark on the industry.

Ray Liotta

Ray Liotta, born on December 18, 1954, would have been 70 years old this year. He was best known for his iconic role in ‘Goodfellas’ and also appeared in the beloved film ‘Field of Dreams’. Throughout his career, he worked in television, movies, and even video games, famously providing a voice for ‘Grand Theft Auto: Vice City’. More recently, he was praised for his performances in ‘Marriage Story’ and ‘Black Bird’.

Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry, born on August 19, 1969, would have been 56 years old today. He’s best known for playing Chandler Bing on the hit TV show ‘Friends’ for ten seasons. Beyond ‘Friends,’ he starred in series like ‘Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip’ and ‘Mr. Sunshine,’ and he also wrote a memoir about his life, career, and journey to recovery.

Tom Petty

Tom Petty, born on October 20, 1950, would be 75 years old today. He was the frontman for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, creating popular albums like ‘Damn the Torpedoes’ and ‘Full Moon Fever’. He also collaborated with musicians like George Harrison as a member of the Traveling Wilburys, and his concerts were famous for selling out arenas throughout North America and Europe.

Alex Trebek

Alex Trebek, who was born on July 22, 1940, would be 85 years old today. He’s best known for hosting ‘Jeopardy!’ for more than 30 years, and he also made many appearances as himself on other TV shows. Throughout his career, he received several Daytime Emmy Awards.

Stan Lee

Stan Lee, born on December 28, 1922, would be 102 years old today. He’s famous for co-creating iconic characters such as Spider-Man, the X-Men, and the Avengers. Throughout his career at Marvel, he held the positions of editor-in-chief and publisher, and he became well-known for his brief appearances in many of the Marvel movies.

Sean Connery

Sean Connery, born on August 25, 1930, would be 95 years old today. He’s best known as the first actor to play James Bond in the film ‘Dr. No,’ a role he reprised in several movies. He also won an Oscar for his performance in ‘The Untouchables,’ and appeared in popular films like ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ and ‘The Hunt for Red October’.

Share which legends you were most surprised by in the comments.

2025-10-21 07:03