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Alan Alda, Mel Brooks and More: Celebrating Hollywood Legends Turning 90 or 100 This Year

The year is speeding by, and with it comes a wave of truly astounding celebrity birthdays. As we scroll through social media and read the trending headlines, one theme stands out: 2024 is the year a generation of cinematic and comedic giants reach monumental milestones, turning either 90 or 100 years old.

These figures aren't just historical footnotes; they are the architects of modern entertainment. From the biting satire of Mel Brooks to the humanistic depth of Alan Alda, their work defines the cultural landscape of the 20th century and continues to influence artists today.

It’s a moment of reflection, recognizing the incredible longevity and indelible impact these nonagenarians and centenarians have had on our lives. Join us as we explore the legends hitting these major life benchmarks.

The Unbelievable Year of Milestone Birthdays: Why 2024 is Special

I remember sitting in my living room decades ago, watching a rerun of M*A*S*H. The performance of Alan Alda as Hawkeye Pierce was so immediate, so deeply human, that it felt like he was a contemporary figure—a performer who would always be around. That feeling is exactly what makes this year so striking: the realization that these vibrant, essential performers are now crossing into their tenth decade.

The sheer number of influential figures reaching 90 or 100 in 2024 serves as a powerful reminder of the Golden Age of Hollywood and the television revolution. These artists survived the transition from radio to film, from black-and-white television to the streaming era, often leading the change themselves.

This is more than just a list of birthdays; it’s a celebration of survival, sustained creativity, and cultural relevance that spans seven decades. Their enduring presence in reruns, on stage, and even in modern documentaries confirms their status as true icons.

Key Milestones Reached This Year:

• The entry of several global figures into the exclusive Centenarian Club (turning 100).
• Celebration of nonagenarians who continue to work and advocate for their causes.
• Recognition of actors, writers, and directors whose classic films remain highly profitable and critically acclaimed.

Mel Brooks and Alan Alda: Two Pillars of American Comedy and Drama

When discussing the longevity of American entertainment, two names immediately rise to the top of the 90+ bracket: Mel Brooks and Alan Alda. While their styles couldn't be more different—Brooks the master of anarchic farce, Alda the nuanced voice of reason—both turned 90 in recent years and remain vital cultural forces.

Mel Brooks: The Undisputed King of Parody

Mel Brooks, born in 1926, remains one of the few living EGOT winners (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony). While he technically turned 98 in 2024 (a remarkable nonagenarian feat), his legacy and ongoing cultural impact are inseparable from this generation of milestone achievers. His energy and output are still astounding.

Brooks is the definition of a comedic genius whose work—from Blazing Saddles to The Producers and Young Frankenstein—revolutionized satire. He taught generations that no subject, however sacred, was safe from intelligent parody.

His humor is timeless because it is rooted in deep observation of human absurdity and societal conventions. The adaptation of his film The Producers into a record-breaking Broadway musical solidified his status as a multi-platform powerhouse, proving his material works across all eras.

Alan Alda: Humanity and Humor in Equal Measure

Alan Alda, who turned 88 this year, represents the softer, more intellectual side of this legendary generation. While best known globally as Captain Hawkeye Pierce from the groundbreaking television series M*A*S*H, his career has been marked by versatility and a commitment to communication.

Alda’s work on M*A*S*H wasn't just acting; it was a weekly masterclass in balancing comedy with profound human tragedy. He brought essential depth to the role, transforming a sitcom into a deeply relevant commentary on war and medicine.

In recent years, Alda has focused heavily on the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, emphasizing clarity and empathy in scientific discourse. Even as a nonagenarian, he continues to advocate for better public understanding of complex issues, showcasing his intellectual agility and enduring dedication to education.

Reaching the Century Mark: Other Stars Hitting 90 and 100

While Brooks and Alda dominate the comedic landscape, 2024 is also a landmark year for several other influential figures across different fields of public life and entertainment. We are seeing icons reach the significant 90 and 100-year thresholds, proving that creativity knows no retirement age.

Celebrating the Centenarians (Turning 100 in 2024)

The centenarian club is extremely exclusive. Among the most globally recognized figures born in 1924, and thus turning 100 this year, is former US President Jimmy Carter. While his primary fame is political, his post-presidency work in global humanitarian aid and advocacy has made him a cultural icon representing commitment and service. His longevity is a testament to a life dedicated to integrity.

In the world of acting, although many of the most famous figures of the 1920s have sadly passed, the legacy of their contemporaries who hit 100 remains important. Their lives span the entire history of modern media, from silent films to digital production.

The Vibrant Nonagenarians (Turning 90 in 2024)

Turning 90 is an extraordinary achievement, especially for those who have lived their lives in the public eye. One notable figure celebrating her 90th birthday this year is the incomparable Shirley MacLaine.

MacLaine, born in April 1934, is a powerhouse known for her roles in classics like Terms of Endearment and The Apartment. Her career epitomizes Hollywood’s enduring talent, characterized by fearless acting choices and a distinctive, witty public persona.

Another beloved figure joining the 90-year club this year is actor and playwright Robert Preston (known for *The Music Man*), and although he is no longer with us, the celebration serves as a powerful reminder of the deep well of talent born in this pivotal decade. The sheer amount of talent originating in the mid-1930s is staggering, proving the decade was a crucible for future greatness.

Notable figures celebrating 90 or close proximity:

• Shirley MacLaine (90): Oscar-winning actress, spiritual author.
• Willie Nelson (91): Country music legend whose creative output is still strong.
• Loretta Lynn (1932-2022): While gone, her contemporary status highlights the productivity of this era.

The Lasting Impact: How These Legends Shaped Modern Entertainment

What unites this remarkable group of nonagenarians and centenarians is not just their age, but the profound shift they engineered in media. They broke barriers and defied convention, setting the stage for every creator working today.

Mel Brooks taught us to laugh at power structures and taboos, creating the framework for modern meta-comedy. Alan Alda demonstrated that vulnerability and intellect could coexist with leading-man status, fundamentally changing how male characters were written for television.

Their careers serve as a blueprint for professional longevity. They succeeded by embracing change, transitioning seamlessly between mediums—from radio sketches to theater, film, and prestige television. This adaptability is the hallmark of a true media veteran.

The celebration of these birthdays is a critical moment for Hollywood and global culture. It allows us to pause and appreciate the foundations upon which our current trending content is built. We stand on the shoulders of these giants, benefiting from the freedoms they fought for in comedy and drama.

As we mark these monumental birthdays, the message is clear: creativity does not fade with age. These legends continue to inspire, remind us of the power of storytelling, and confirm that true cultural impact lasts for decades, perhaps even centuries.