Are you out there waiting for your “big break” or just any kind of work at all? Or are you considering an acting career later in life? There’s nothing to fear. You don’t have to be 20 and bubbly to book work. Let these performers who achieved fame later in life (and some who continue to do so) inspire you!
Christopher Plummer, who won his first Oscar at age 82 for “Beginners.”
Jane Lynch, who didn’t get her “big break” till “Best in Show” at age 43.
Samuel L. Jackson, whose role in “Pulp Fiction” earned him star-status at age 45, after numerous supporting roles in films such as “Goodfellas” and “True Romance.”
Betty White. She’s 90 and she’s been working since 1945! She’s America’s Sweetheart Betty White! 
Robert Redford, who, at age 79 reminds us that age is a number and passion is what drives actors and creators! He has tons of projects on the horizon, and recently earned a Golden Globe nom for starring in the intense J.C. Chandor drama “All Is Lost”—in which he was the only actor, mind you.
Lucille Ball, whose big break came at age 40 upon creating “I Love Lucy.” The show earned her 13 Emmy noms, four wins, and solidified her status as a comedic legend.
READ: “14 Tips for Starting a Career Later in Life”
James Earl Jones, who, at age 85 is still doing Broadway shows. This means the stress of learning lines, getting into makeup, and performing live every day. The EGOT winner’s recent credits include “The Gin Game” and “You Can’t Take It With You.” 
Estelle Getty, who, at the age of 62, landed her breakout role as Sophia Petrillo on “The Golden Girls.”
Sylvia Sidney, who gave one of the most memorable performances of her career in “Beetlejuice” at age 78.
Morgan Freeman, who worked for over 30 years before finding success. It wasn’t until his roles on the shows “Another World” and “The Electric Company” that he started gaining recognition. Now he’s 79, has been in iconic films such as “Driving Miss Daisy” and “The Shawshank Redemption,” and honestly, a lot of people think he’s God. 
Margo Martindale, who had been working since the 1990s, but whose big break didn’t come until her 2004 Broadway debut in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” Martindale has since won two Primetime Emmys—her first at age 60 for the TV series “Justified.” 
Meryl Streep, who’s 66, working consistently, and trying different kinds of roles. “Suffragette,” “Ricki and the Flash,” “Into the Woods”—three completely different films that came out within two years. Never stop challenging yourselves, actors!
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