This is for those people who are curious about what has become of those celebrities born nearly 100 years ago. We’re here to help you find out with details about 100 of the most famous people born in the year 1918.
It will will help you to know who is still living today, and what they have accomplished in their lives. Secondly, you will also find out which professions generally live longer. Thirdly, you will learn which professions have the most on-the-job casualties. Continue reading to discover the trends pulled from the data about these famous centenarians (famous people born 100 years ago).
Four Professions in the World with the longest lifespan in History
According to history, a total of 13 celebrities born in 1918 eventually reached the age of 95 or older, and out of these 13 individuals, five are still alive today. Interestingly, all of the 13 who lived to be 95 years old or older had careers in one of the same four professions: Actors and Actresses, Artists, Politicians, and Professional Sports Players.
From the look of things, it seems there must be something about these four jobs that contribute to a long and healthy life of these famous people.
- Actors and Actresses
- Diana Serra Cary (living)
- Billy Graham (living)
- Allan Arbus
- Don Pardo
- Ellen Dow
- Artists
- Frank Popper (living)
- Artur Brauner (living)
- Hutton Gibson (living)
- Gerald Wilson
- Bernard Redmont
- Politicians
- Konstantinos Mitsotakis
- Helmut Schmidt
- Professional Sports Players
- Bobby Doerr
Two Professions with the Shortest lifespan in History
Looking at the other side of the fence, one profession stands out for its several deaths at young ages compared to our longest-living professions. In fact, both Alberto Ascari and Bill Vukovich died at age 37, the second youngest age of death on our 1918 celebrities list. You will want to ask what their job description is? They were professional race car drivers in their countries. Both Ascari and Vukovich lost their lives during a car race for fame in the US.
- Race Car Drivers
- Alberto Ascari
- Bill Vukovich
Alberto Ascari died while testing a Ferrari during a 1000 km Monza race. Despite not being scheduled to drive that day, Ascari took the wheel and flipped the Ferrari on the third lap. The accident occurred at the Curva del Vialone, one of the most challenging high-speed corners of all time, which was renamed in his honor after his death.
Bill Vukovich died in a chain-reaction crash during the 1955 Indianapolis 500. He was following three other cars when the leading car swerved due to a gust of wind, causing a pileup. Vukovich’s car burst into flames. Fellow race car driver Ed Alisaian, who was not affected by the crash, stopped to try to save Vukovich but was unable to do so. Vukovich was the second defending Indy 500 champion to die during the race.
Youngest death Recorded among the Famous People 100 years ago
George Welch is the youngest death among celebrities born in 1918. Counted among the Famous people 100 years ago. He was a World War II Flying Ace and a Medal of Honor nominee. W. George was the first man to break the sound barrier in level flight with the F-100 Super Sabre. While continuing tests on this plane, one test failed, and the aircraft broke apart.
G. Welch was 36 years old at the time of his death, making him the youngest on the list of the youngest death recorded among the Famous People 100 years ago. He is referenced in the 1970 film Tora! Tora! Tora!.
Famous Celebrities Still Alive Today from 100 years ago
We have been discussing the professions with the longest and shortest lifespans, as well as the youngest deaths. Moving on, let’s now focus on the lives of the five living celebrities born in 1918. Among these famous people, one had associations with Martin Luther King Jr. and offered guidance to Barack Obama, another has been honored with an Academy Award, and one is a distinguished Jeopardy! grand champion.
Furthermore, a few among them are recognized for sharing wisdom on longevity. Undeniably, this group comprises famous people who have lived extraordinarily lives full of positive events.
Billy Graham, 102 Years (died Feb 18 2021)
When this post was initially published on Monday, February 18th, 2018, Billy Graham was still alive. However, just three days later, on Wednesday, February 21st, Graham passed away peacefully in his home. Let’s take a moment to pay tribute to Graham and reflect on his impactful life.
Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, this renowned Evangelical Christian and ordained Baptist gained international fame after 1949, following the inaugural Billy Graham Crusades television event which he initiated in 1947. Graham also hosted Hour of Decision, a widely acclaimed radio show that began in 1950 and ran for four years. With a staggering reach, Graham preached to live audiences exceeding 215 million people across more than 185 countries, solidifying his status as the most influential preacher of the 20th century. Notably, he provided spiritual guidance to every U.S. president from Harry Truman to Barack Obama, and maintained a close friendship with Lyndon B. Johnson.
Graham’s activism extended beyond the pulpit. In the 1960s, he bailed out Martin Luther King Jr. when the civil rights leader was arrested for his protests. Graham’s enduring impact is evident in his consistent appearance on Gallup’s list of most admired men and women, totaling 60 times since 1955, more than any other individual globally. After retiring in 2005, he remained a towering figure, perhaps owing to his profound faith.
In a 2015 interview, Graham’s son, Franklin Graham, shared insights into his father’s longevity. Franklin believes that his father’s continued presence serves as a source of comfort for Christians, especially amidst challenges faced by believers in the country. Franklin remarked, “Even though he’s not able to speak as much as he used to, he’s still present, and I think that is a great encouragement to many people to know that Billy Graham is still with us.” Indeed, Graham’s legacy continues to inspire and uplift countless individuals worldwide.
Update: Billy Graham (born November 7, 1918, Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.—died February 21, 2018, Montreat, North Carolina)
Artur Brauner, 99 Years (died 7 July 2019)
Artur Brauner, aged 99, is a prominent figure in the world of cinema. He is among the Famous people 100 years ago. His career was recording several decades. Artur Brauner, a German film producer born in Łódź, Poland, has been making movies since 1946. He was inspired to start making films after watching “The Testament of Dr. Mabuse” when he was young.
His latest film is “Wunderkinder,” released in 2011, and his first film was “Morituri” in 1948.
Brauner has made significant contributions to the film industry as a producer and studio executive. His works have left an indelible mark on both German and international cinema, earning him numerous accolades and honors throughout his illustrious career. Despite his advanced age, Brauner’s passion for filmmaking remains undiminished, and his influence continues to be felt in the cinematic landscape.
During his life, his movies won two Golden Bear awards, one German Federal Film Award, and a Golden Globe. He also got one Academy Award and was nominated for it two more times. Brauner’s legacy in the film industry is a testament to his talent, dedication, and passion for storytelling.
Update: Brauner lived and worked in Berlin. He turned 100 in August 2018. Brauner died on 7 July 2019 in Berlin. Artur Brauner (left) shaking hands with Willy Brandt (1971).
Frank Popper, 101 (died on July 12, 2020)
Frank Popper, a Professor of Aesthetics and Science of Art at the University of Paris VIII and an art and technology historian, continues to be active in his field.
He is an art historian and critic known for his contributions to the field of media art history and theory. Additionally, he has written extensively on topics such as kinetic art, electronic art, and the relationship between art and technology
He was originally from Prague, Czech Republic. Popper has authored two books, both focusing on the intersection of art and technology. Popper’s work often explores the intersection of art, science, and technology, and he is considered a leading authority in the study of media art.
Update: Frank Popper turned 100 in April 2018. Popper died on July 12, 2020 in Lugano, Switzerland at the age of 102.
Diana Serra Cary, 101 (February 24, 2020)
Diana Serra Cary, once known as Baby Peggy and born Peggy-Jean Montgomery, hails from Merced, California. She used to act in movies when she was a kid, and now she’s also an author and history expert. She’s famous for being the last surviving silent film star.
Back in the silent movie days of Hollywood, there were three big child stars: Jackie Coogan, Baby Marie, and Baby Peggy. Between 1921 and 1923, Cary appeared in more than 150 short films. She was really popular and earned the nickname “The Million Dollar Baby” because she made $1.5 million a year.
But fame didn’t last long for Cary. By 1930, she was just doing small roles in movies and not getting much money for it. After that, she changed her name to Diana Serra Cary and started writing books and teaching about silent movies. She’s written a bunch of books and is also an advocate for the rights of child actors.
In a 2015 interview with Tom Lamont for The Guardian when Cary was 96, she said, “I feel better now. I feel very, very liberated. I find you’re not surprised by unexpected things as you get older. You’ve had lots of experience, and that’s valuable. Priceless, really. Yes, I find that old age is much more pleasant than youth.”
Update: Cary, 101, who was among the last living Hollywood stars of the silent era, died Feb. 24 at her home in Gustine, Calif. Rena Kiehn.
Hutton Gibson, 99
Hutton Gibson’s life is much more than being the father of the famous actor Mel Gibson. He’s also known as a writer, a World War II veteran, and the 1968 Jeopardy! grand champion.
Besides Mel, Hutton is the father of 10 other children, making a total of 11 kids. He married his first wife, Anne Patricia Reilly, in 1944, and they had 10 children together and adopted one. By 2003, Hutton had 48 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.