12 Actresses Who Have Mastered the Art of Aging Gracefully

From Helen Mirren to Betty White, we really hope we’re this cool when we get as old as these ladies.

-Lucia Peters

I’m turning 27 in about a month and a half, and I find this fact mildly terrifying. This means that I am no longer in my mid-twenties. No, I am now firmly in my late twenties, and that’s REALLY REALY WEIRD. That said, though, 27 is still quite young in the big scheme of things. And you know what? I’m going to not freak out about it. Because there is definitely something to be said for growing old gracefully.

Take these 12 ladies, for instance. They have truly mastered the art of aging gracefully: Not only do they still look fabulous, but more importantly, they are still super active and they are all young at heart. I can only hope that I have the strength of character to emulate these fantastic women as I grow older. If can’t do that at 27, then I’ve got no hope of doing it later—hence my decision not to freak out.

Ladies who age gracefully, we salute you, for you are awesome!

Note: Obviously this list is by no means exhaustive. Did we miss your favorite aging-gracefully star? Tell us about it in the comments!

1. Helen Mirren

Obviously Dame Helen was going to be at the top of this list. Where to begin with her? The post-Academy Award win burger chow-down? The rockin’ bikini pics? How about the fact that every time she’s photographed, she’s always happy and either laughing or smiling at something? 66 and still going strong! When I grow up, I want to be as cool as Helen Mirren.

2. Anjelica Huston

Confession: Anjelica Huston scared the hell out of me when I saw The Witches as a small child. Seriously. She terrified me. Only later did I grow to appreciate exactly how awesome she is. Furthermore, she’s not just a poster child for aging gracefully (Anjelica will turn 61 this year)—she’s also one for the tall gals of the world. 5’10” and fabulous!

3. Bette Midler

Bette’s come a long way since The Rose, hasn’t she? I think what I love most about her is that at 66, she’s still touring and doing live stage shows in addition to all her fantastic film work. Though to me, she’ll always be Winnie Sanderson in Hocus Pocus. Just sayin’.

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4. Maggie Smith

Granted, I can’t really remember a time when Maggie Smith wasn’t aging (what can I say, I’m your typical 20-something, and at 77, she’s one of the older ones on this list), but gee golly, she just keeps getting better with age. From the original Clash of the Titans all the way up to Harry Potter, Dame Maggie wins all the way. And Downton Abbey? Fierce, man. Fierce.

5. Glenn Close

What is with all these women who played terrifying villains in children’s movies circa my childhood? Whatever. Glenn Close is waaaaay more than just Cruella de Vil. Even better, she’s Oscar this year for Albert Nobbs—which, by the way, is her sixth Oscar nomination. She’s also been nominated for a BAFTA, and she’s won no less than three Tonys, one Obie, three Emmys, two Golden Globes, and a SAG Award. Still working, still looking great!

6. Betty White

At this point, Betty is the queen of aging gracefully. She just celebrated her 90th birthday, and not only does she look fabulous, but she’s still doing things like this:

She’s totally still hot.

More awesome ladies, including Judi Dench and Meryl Streep, up next!