Stars Who Lived to 100

In the golden age of radio, crackling dials brought the voices of larger-than-life personalities into living rooms across America. These stars, armed with wit, charm, and undeniable talent, captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on our hearts.

Their voices, preserved in crackling recordings and dusty archives, continue to transport us back to a golden age of entertainment, reminding us of the timeless power of laughter, storytelling, and the human spirit.

But what happened to these pioneers of the airwaves after the curtain fell on their radio shows? Some, it turns out, lived remarkably long lives, reaching the elusive milestone of 100 years!

George Burns (1896-1996)
A vaudeville veteran turned radio sensation, George Burns, alongside his wife and comedic foil Gracie Allen, dominated the airwaves for over two decades. Burns' sharp wit and timeless humor transcended generations, keeping him relevant until his death at the ripe old age of 100. Even in his twilight years, Burns continued to crack jokes, starring in films like Oh, God! and making guest appearances on talk shows. His longevity and enduring popularity cemented his place as one of the greatest comedians of all time.

Olivia de Havilland (1916-2022)
While better known for her iconic film roles in Gone With the Wind and To Each His Own, Olivia de Havilland also enjoyed a successful radio career in the 1940s. Her dulcet tones graced programs like Lux Radio Theater and The Campbell Playhouse, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the world of radio. Olivia De Havilland lived to be 106, witnessing a century of cinematic and cultural change. Her radio work, though less celebrated than her silver screen achievements, remains a fascinating footnote in her remarkable career.

Bob Hope (1903-2003)
Few entertainers embodied the spirit of American optimism and resilience quite like Bob Hope. From his early days on radio shows like The Pepsodent Show to his legendary USO tours entertaining troops overseas, Hope's humor and warmth brought smiles to millions. He continued to perform well into his 90s, a testament to his boundless energy and dedication to his craft. Hope's radio legacy, though overshadowed by his later work, paved the way for his long and illustrious career, earning him the well-deserved title of America's comedian.

Gloria Stuart (1910-2010)
Before becoming the heart-wrenching Rose Dawson in James Cameron's Titanic, Gloria Stuart was a rising star in Old Hollywood, gracing the silver screen and the radio waves. Her sultry voice and captivating presence made her a natural for radio, appearing on shows like The Jack Benny Program and Suspense. Though her film career took a backseat for several decades, Stuart's return to the spotlight at the age of 87 in Titanic proved that age is just a number when it comes to talent and charisma. She lived to be 100, her life a testament to the enduring power of Hollywood magic.

Kirk Douglas (1916-2020)
The patriarch of the Douglas acting dynasty, Kirk Douglas, graced the screen for over seven decades, starring in classics like Spartacus and Lust for Life. While better known for his film roles, Kirk Douglas also enjoyed a successful radio career, starring in several Lux Radio Theater, Suspense, and one particular Sealtest Variety Theater where he is introduced as one of Hollywood's newest and brightest young stars. He lived to the age of 103, inspiring fans with his resilience and zest for life even after suffering a stroke in his 80s.

Norman Lloyd (1914-2021)
Norman Lloyd's career spanned an astonishing 86 years, appearing in several radio episodes of Cavalcade of America, Words at War, Columbia Workshop, and even an episode of Suspense. He was a close friend of Charlie Chaplin and Alfred Hitchcock, and even directed episodes of The Twilight Zone. In the 1980s, he gained a new generation of fans for playing Dr. Daniel Auschlander, one of the starring roles on the groundbreaking medical drama, St. Elsewhere. He passed away at the age of 106.

Irving Berlin (1888-1989)
Irving Berlin was a musical giant, composing and writing some of the most iconic songs in American history. His music spanned generations and genres, from ragtime to Tin Pan Alley to Broadway, penning a string of hits, including White Christmas, God Bless America, and Puttin' on the Ritz. Berlin's life was as rich and vibrant as his music, and he lived to see his centenary year, passing away in 1989 at the age of 101.

Norman Corwin (1910-2011)
Norman Corwin was a masterful writer, producer, and director considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of American radio, whose work on the Columbia Workshop and Cavalcade of America showcased his storytelling prowess and earned him a revered place in the annals of broadcasting history. He was awarded the Peabody Award, the Writers Guild of America Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He passed away at the age of 101.

The incredible lives and careers of the stars who brought us our favorite radio series fascinate me. They may be gone, but their voices still echo on RUSC, reminding us that true talent never fades with time.

Happy listening my friends,