For many stars approaching their 90s, their main concern remains how they plan to enjoy their retirement.
But for some big names, their tenth decade is a time when they are still in their prime, with plans to continue impressing audiences with their performing prowess.
Such is the case for veteran presenter Michael Aspel, who recently reflected on his illustrious career in an interview with The Radio Times, showing at even at 91 he shows no signs of slowing down.
Michael is far from the only star who has kept their career going well into their 90s, with some of Hollywood’s biggest names still drawing in audiences well into their golden years.
takes a look at some of the industry’s stars who despite being well past pension age, have no plans to step away from their careers…
Michael Aspel, 91, recently reflected on his illustrious career, and is far from the only star in their tenth decade who shows no signs of slowing down…
Joan Collins, 91
For seven decades, Joan has been one of Hollywood’s biggest draws, with acclaimed roles in the iconic soap opera Dynasty and a string of films
Joan, who married her fifth husband Percy Gibson in 2002, has continued to act for years since, and recently brushed off any talks of retirement
For seven decades, Joan has been one of Hollywood’s biggest draws, with acclaimed roles in the iconic soap opera Dynasty and a string of films.
The actress, now 91, remains synonymous with her role as Alexis Colby, opposite businessman Blake Carrington, played by John Forsythe.
Joan, who married her fifth husband Percy Gibson in 2002, has continued to act for years since, and has detailed her experiences in Hollywood in a series of stage shows and memoirs.
The on-screen legend has also brushed off any talks of retirement, recently telling The Mail: ‘I see what happens to people when they retire. They crumble because they don’t have any impetus.
‘They don’t have anything that makes them want to get up in the morning, and you know, lying in bed and watching daytime TV is very addictive. I do it sometimes and I could do it all day. But no. I want to get up and do things and experience… life.’
Joan is also mother to son Alexander, 58, and daughters Katyana, 51, and Tara, 60, and prior to marrying Percy, had an eventful love life.
The star married Hollywood star Maxwell Reed in 1952, but split just four years later, and went onto wed singer Anthony Newley in 1963, before ending their union in 1971.
Joan’s third husband was to record executive Ronald S. Kass, but their relationship was annulled in 1983 after 11 years together.
She then wed Peter Holm in 1982, but after splitting two years, went onto marry her current spouse Percy.
David Attenborough, 98
Since the 1950s, Sir David has been a fixture of TV screens as the presenter of a string of acclaimed nature series, beloved by the nation and royalty alike (pictured in 1986)
Despite his approaching 100th birthday, David has previously stated he has no plans to retire, with producer Keith Scholey saying in a 2020 interview he still ‘acts like he’s in his 50s’
Since the 1950s, Sir David has been a fixture of TV screens as the presenter of a string of acclaimed nature series, with favourites including Planet Earth, Blue Planet and Our Planet.
For generations the star’s gravelly tones have been synonymous with events in the natural world and have made David one of the most respected broadcasters in television history.
Despite his approaching 100th birthday, David has previously stated he has no plans to retire, with producer Keith Scholey saying in a 2020 interview he still ‘acts like he’s in his 50s.’
Speaking on the Factual America podcast, Keith joked: ‘Don’t ever bet on it being David’s last one. Because we’ve had hundreds of David’s last ones. And I’m sure there are a lot more to come.
‘David’s about 50-52 in how he thinks and how he does things. He’s got no interest in retiring whatsoever. As time is running out, he’s doing everything he can now to help to make a difference.’
David Attenborough is the father of two children whom he welcomed with his late wife Jane Elizabeth Ebsworth Oriel – a daughter named Susan, and a son named Robert. Susan died in 1997 after being married to David for 47 years.
Bill Roache, 92
As the holder of a Guinness World Record for being the longest-serving television star in a continuous role, Bill Roache has forever known to many as Ken Barlow on Coronation Street
Speaking in an ITV special to celebrate his 90th birthday in 2020, Bill stated that he has ‘no intention’ of leaving his role unless bosses decide his time on the soap is over
As the holder of a Guinness World Record for being the longest-serving television star in a continuous role, William Roache has forever been known to many as his on-screen alter-ego, Ken Barlow.
The actor has played the Coronation Street patriarch since the soap’s very first episode in 1960, and despite being well past the age of retirement, has no plans to depart the soap.
Speaking in an ITV special to celebrate his 90th birthday in 2020, Bill stated that he has ‘no intention’ of leaving his role unless bosses decide his time on the soap is over.
He said: ‘People will say when are you retiring? Are you going to take a break? But then what happens?
‘Whilst I can do it, and whilst they will have me, I have no intention of retiring. I am so fortunate to work for an organisation that is happy to have me.’
In December 2023, Bill reportedly signed a new one-year contract that would keep him on the Corrie cobbles, alongside fellow veteran Barbara Knox, 90, who has played Rita Tanner since 1964.
He was previously married to Anna Cropper from 1961 to 1974, before tying the knot with Sara McEwan Mottram, who he remained married to until her death in 2009.
Dick Van Dyke, 98
As the dancing cockney chimney sweep Bert in the 1964 musical Mary Poppins, Dick Van Dyke cemented himself as one of the most iconic Disney characters in history
Despite being just months away from being a centenarian, the Hollywood legend still has a worldwide audience who he impresses with his nifty dance moves
As the dancing cockney chimney sweep Bert in the 1964 musical Mary Poppins, Dick Van Dyke cemented himself as one of the most iconic Disney characters in history.
Despite being just months away from being a centenarian, the Hollywood legend still has a worldwide audience who he impresses with his nifty dance moves.
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Dick Van Dyke, 98, reveals VERY surprising detail about his career
Earlier this year the iconic actor, 98, admitted he cannot recall his role in 2018’s Mary Poppins Returns.
He told Deadline: ‘I can’t remember what I had for breakfast, but my long-term memory is only getting better.’
Dick spoke of plans to tour in a one man show and recalls stories from his lengthy career but when asked about his memories of retuning to the Mary Poppins franchise said: ‘I have to be honest, I can’t remember. I really can’t.’
Despite this he is not slowing down and recently made his TV comeback with a guest role in soap Days Of Our Lives, for which he’s been nominated for a Daytime Emmy.
Gushing: ‘I’ve just done my first soap opera, never done that before! I played an old guy, of course, in a wheelchair. My wife [Arlene Silver, 52] played my attendant’.
Dick was previously married to Margie Willett from 1948 to 1984, but in that time began a romance with long-term partner Michelle Triola Marvin, who died in 2009.
The Hollywood legend married his current wife Michelle Triola Marvin, and he has four children.
James Earl Jones, 93
As the voice of iconic characters Mufasah and Darth Vader, James Earl Jones’ booming tones are beloved by generations
While he said in 2021 that he will ‘continue to act as long as he can,’ in 2022 he sparked speculation retirement is imminent after signing over the rights of Darth Vader
As the voice of iconic characters Mufasah and Darth Vader, James Earl Jones’ booming tones are beloved by generations.
Since first voicing the famous Star Wars villain in 1977, James has continued to reprise the role on numerous occasions, most recently as the character for the new Obi-Wan Kenobi series on Disney+.
However, in 2022, James hinted that he may be planning to step down from the role as he signed over the rights to the character to new AI technology.
In a 2022 interview with Vanity Fair, Matthew Wood – from Star Wars creators Lucasfilm – detailed James’ wishes to ‘keep Vader alive’ after ‘stepping back from the role’.
Speaking to the publication, Matthew explained: ‘[James] had mentioned he was looking into winding down this particular character. So how do we move forward?’
In recent years James has scaled back his acting roles, though in 2021 he said he was still ‘feeling fantastic and grateful’ after celebrating his 90th birthday, and ahead of starring in the Eddie Murphy sequel Coming To America 2.
‘Looking back at my life and extensive career, I am so proud of my work and accomplishments. I love growing older and wiser with time,’ he wrote in an email.
‘I feel young at heart, and I love to work and will continue to act for as long as I can,’ he vowed.
Michael Caine, 91
Michael Caine announced in October that he would retiring from acting, after a stellar career spanning seven decades (pictured in 1971)
However, just months later, it was reported that the acting thespian, who has been using a walking stick for five years after a fall on ice and spinal surgery, had signed for a new series
After a stellar career spanning seven decades, Michael Caine recently announced that he would be coming out of retirement to star in a new Netflix series.
The Italian Job star had said back in October 2023 that following the release of his new film The Great Escaper, he would be stepping back from Hollywood.
Confirming the news, the beloved thespian told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: ‘I keep saying I’m going to retire. Well I am now.’
‘I’ve figured, I’ve had a picture where I’ve played the lead and had incredible reviews… What am I going to do that will beat this?’
The Oscar, Golden Globe and Bafta-winning actor has an extensive filmography, including classic films ranging from Zulu and The Italian Job to more recently in Interstellar and The Dark Knight franchise, alongside Christian Bale.
Speaking about his decision to hang up his boots, Sir Michael – who has been using a walking stick for five years after a fall on ice and spinal surgery – said: ‘The only parts I’m liable to get now are 90-year-old men. Or maybe 85.
‘They’re not going to be the lead. You don’t have leading men at 90, you’re going to have young handsome boys and girls. So I thought, I might as well leave with all this.’
However, just two months later, it was reported that Michael is set to come out of retirement to star in a new Netflix series.
The Dark Knight star has been married to his wife Shakira since 1973, and was previously married to Patricia Haines from 1954 to 1958.
Rita Moreno, 92
Puerto Rican superstar Rita is synonymous with one of the most iconic musicals in history, starring as Anita in the 1961 film adaptation of West Side Story
As she approached her 92nd birthday in December, the EGOT winner said that she ‘plans’ to continue working
Puerto Rican superstar Rita is synonymous with one of the most iconic musicals in history, starring as Anita in the 1961 film adaptation of West Side Story.
In last year’s movie adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg, she returned to the story in a new role called Valentina that was tailored to her.
As she approached her 92nd birthday in December, the EGOT winner said that she ‘plans’ to continue working.
She told Entertainment Tonight: You know, I love what I do. Why on earth would I want to leave what I love? So that’s what I plan to do. Unless I can’t or until I can’t.’
‘I love what I do … Like I said, I love actors. And if I talk about it long enough, you’ll see me get teary-eyed. I’m just very great. I really am wonderful. I’ve had quite a life.’
Rita married her husband Leonard Gordon in 1965, and he passed away in 2010 after 45 years of marriage.