Older Americans who rock
Betty White
Her career: White has been acting for six decades, but we bet you don't know the name of her first sitcom in 1953. Other shows in which she starred:
* "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" in the '70s
* "The Golden Girls" in the '80s
* Now she's on "Hot in Cleveland" . Her co-stars include:
* Valerie Bertinelli best known for her role on the '70s and '80s sitcom "One Day at a Time" and for being the spokesperson of a weight loss company.
* "Frasier" star Jane Leeves who played Daphne, the love interest of Niles Crane.
* "Just Shoot Me Star" Wendie Malick who played the role of model-turned-fashion editor Nina Van Horn.
Trivia: White is an ardent animal rights activist; she was married to this beloved game show host.
Clint Eastwood
As a director: He’s been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director four times and won twice: Once for a western and one for a movie in which he starred. Other movies he’s famous for:
* Directed the little known “Bronco Billy” in the ‘80s
* Played a Secret Service agent in “In the Line of Fire” in the ‘90s
* His current directing project is a biopic, “J. Edgar,” starring:
o Leonardo DiCaprio best known for his role in a box-office epic and his relationship with a top model. His first acting job may surprise you.
o Naomi Watts who recently played a real-life FBI agent.
Trivia: Awarded an honorary music degree from this school; inducted into the California Hall of Fame by a fellow actor and politician.
Harrison Ford
Famous roles: Ford’s legendary roles include a rogue archeologist and a sharp-tongued space hero . Other famous roles include:
* “Patriot Games” and “Sabrina” in the ‘90s
* “What Lies Beneath” and “Extraordinary Measures” in the 2000s
* He will star in “Cowboys & Aliens” this summer. His co-stars include:
o Olivia Wilde best known for her role in the TV drama “House” and a mock PSA
o Daniel Craig is best known as a secret agent (see clips) these days, but he was a drug dealer in his breakout role.
His leading lady: He and longtime girlfriend and actress Calista Flockhart, 45, made it official in 2010.
Trivia: His alternate career path; a stagehand for a legendary band.
Raquel Welch
Her career: Before she became a movie legend, she had a different on-air job. Her first feature film had a party theme Her notable roles include:
* “Bandolero” in 1968
* The controversial “Myra Breckinridge” in 1970
* Won a Golden Globe for her role in “The Three Musketeers”
Trivia:Practices this daily; a spokesperson for these shades.
Lauren Bacall
Her career: The screen star broke out with her role in the book-to-film movie “The Big Sleep” . Despite her long career, she finally won a Golden Globe at age 72 for her role in “The Mirror Has Two Faces.” Other notable roles include:
* “How to Marry a Millionaire” in 1953, with another famous actress
* “Written on the Wind” in 1956
* “Murder on the Orient Express” in 1974, also starring:
o Ingrid Bergman, best known for her in “Casablanca”
o Sean Connery, best known for his role as 007
Trivia: Married a screen legend and a stage actor; received a prestigious award.
Aretha Franklin
Greatest hits: She’s been belting out great songs for years, earning numerous No. 1 hits on the charts. Here are some:
* “Chain of Fools”
* “Baby, I Love You”
* “I Say A Little Prayer”
* “Respect”
Trivia: Her last big public appearance was overshadowed a bit by a big hat; a biopic in the works?
Maya Angelou
Greatest works: She is best known for a series of autobiographical books and poetry. Some of her greatest works include:
Books
* “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” in 1969
* “All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes” in 1986
* “A Song Flung Up to Heaven” in 2002
Poetry
* “Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie” in 1971
* “Celebrations: Rituals of Peace and Prayer” in 2006
Screen
* “Roots” in 1977
* First African American woman to direct a major motion picture
Trivia: Watch her read her poem for a former president’s inauguration.
Jimmy Carter
Accomplishments: Many of his notable endeavors came after his presidency. Here are some highlights:
* Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002
* Active with a non-profit devoted to affordable housing
* With the Carter Center, helping to combat a deadly disease
* Famous for his diplomacy
Trivia: What did he say he saw in the sky in 1969?
Jack Nicholson
His cast of characters: From a private eye to a mad-man villain in a superhero film, Nicholson boasts an eclectic film resume. :
* “The Shining” in 1980
* “Terms of Endearment” in 1983
* “A Few Good Men” in 1992
* “Something’s Gotta Give” in 2003
* “The Departed” in 2006
Trivia: His longest relationship was with this accomplished actress; his standard accessory
Tina Turner
Greatest hits: Success followed her break-up with Ike with a string of hits . Here are some:
* “River Deep, Mountain High”
* “Let’s Stay Together”
* “Private Dancer”
* “What’s Love Got to Do With It?”
Trivia: Her starring ‘80s movie role alongside Mel Gibson?
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