Success is often depicted as a young person’s game, where ambition and energy combine to propel the fortunate few to greatness in their 20s or 30s. However, many remarkable individuals found their stride and achieved incredible accomplishments later in life. Whether through perseverance, reinvention, or simply following long-held dreams, these inspiring figures prove that age is no barrier to success. Today, we’ll explore ten individuals who defied expectations, embracing their senior years as a time of growth, creativity, and impact. Their stories remind us that it’s never too late to make a difference.
1. Colonel Harland Sanders: Building a Fried Chicken Empire at 65
Colonel Harland Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), is perhaps one of the most iconic examples of late-in-life success. Born in 1890, Sanders struggled with various jobs throughout his life, including stints as a farmhand, insurance salesman, and gas station owner.2
However, it wasn’t until his mid-60s that he found his true calling: cooking fried chicken. At the age of 65, Sanders used his $105 Social Security check to start franchising his chicken recipe, which led to the birth of KFC. Today, KFC is a global fast-food powerhouse, with Sanders’ image still gracing its branding.
2. Laura Ingalls Wilder: Publishing Her First Book at 65
Many know Laura Ingalls Wilder as the author of the beloved “Little House on the Prairie” series, but few realize that she didn’t start writing until her later years. Born in 1867, Wilder lived through a difficult pioneer life before eventually settling down with her husband, Almanzo.
It wasn’t until she was 65 years old that she published her first book, Little House in the Big Woods, based on her childhood experiences. The success of that book launched an eight-book series that has since become a cornerstone of American children’s literature. Wilder’s story demonstrates that life experience can provide a powerful foundation for creative work.
3. Grandma Moses: Discovering Art at 78
Anna Mary Robertson Moses, better known as Grandma Moses, began her painting career in her late 70s after arthritis made it difficult for her to continue her hobby of embroidery. Born in 1860, she spent most of her life working on a farm and raising her children.
However, after taking up painting as a pastime, her works were discovered by a New York art collector, and she quickly gained fame as a folk artist. Her primitive style and depictions of rural life captured the imagination of the public, leading to exhibitions around the world. Grandma Moses continued to paint until her death at the age of 101, proving that creativity can flourish at any age.
4. Ray Kroc: Expanding McDonald’s at 52
Ray Kroc was a struggling milkshake machine salesman when, at the age of 52, he met Richard and Maurice McDonald, the owners of a small but efficient burger restaurant in San Bernardino, California. Kroc saw the potential for expansion and convinced the brothers to let him franchise their concept.
He eventually bought the business from them and transformed it into the global fast-food empire we know today as McDonald’s. Kroc’s late-in-life pivot exemplifies how vision and determination can turn a small idea into a world-changing enterprise, regardless of age.
5. Vera Wang: Fashion Designer at 40
Vera Wang didn’t start her career in fashion design until she was 40, after working as a figure skater and journalist. Dissatisfied with the bridal gowns available for her wedding, Wang designed her own, sparking an idea that led to the launch of her bridal fashion line.
Today, she’s one of the most recognized designers in the fashion industry, known for her sophisticated and elegant wedding dresses. Wang’s journey shows that career reinvention can lead to great success, even when starting from a non-traditional background.
6. Anna Wintour: Becoming Editor-in-Chief of Vogue at 39
Anna Wintour, known for her influential role in the fashion world, became the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue at the age of 39. Her ascent to this position was a result of decades of dedication and experience in the fashion journalism industry.
Under her leadership, Vogue became one of the most powerful voices in global fashion, shaping trends and launching the careers of numerous designers, models, and photographers. Wintour’s rise to success later in her career highlights the importance of perseverance and vision in achieving professional milestones.
7. Frank McCourt: Writing Angela’s Ashes at 66
Frank McCourt didn’t publish his first book, Angela’s Ashes, until he was 66 years old. Born in Brooklyn in 1930 to Irish immigrant parents, McCourt’s early life was marked by poverty, and he spent much of his adult life as a high school English teacher.
However, in his retirement years, he decided to write his memoir, which became an instant bestseller and won the Pulitzer Prize. McCourt’s story of finding literary success later in life is a testament to the power of storytelling and the idea that life experiences can be the seeds of great achievements.
8. Judi Dench: Becoming a Hollywood Icon at 60
Although Judi Dench was already a respected stage actress in the UK, it wasn’t until she was 60 years old that she became a household name in Hollywood. Her portrayal of M in the James Bond franchise, starting with GoldenEye in 1995, propelled her to international fame.2
Since then, she has received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Shakespeare in Love. Dench’s success demonstrates that an established career can take unexpected and exciting turns, even later in life.
9. Ronald Reagan: Elected U.S. President at 69
Ronald Reagan’s journey to the U.S. presidency is a story of late-in-life reinvention. Initially a Hollywood actor, Reagan transitioned to politics in his 50s, serving as the governor of California before eventually running for president.
At 69, he was elected the 40th President of the United States, and his two terms in office left a lasting impact on American and global politics. Reagan’s story highlights how late career changes can lead to significant and influential roles on the world stage.
10. Diana Nyad: Swimming from Cuba to Florida at 64
In 2013, Diana Nyad made headlines when she became the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage at the age of 64. After multiple failed attempts earlier in her life, Nyad trained rigorously and finally completed the 110-mile swim in 53 hours.
Her achievement not only set a world record but also served as a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to physical feats. Nyad’s story is a testament to endurance, both physically and mentally, and proves that dreams can be pursued at any stage of life.
Embracing the Possibilities of Later Life
The stories of these inspiring figures remind us that success can come at any age, often fueled by a lifetime of experience, persistence, and passion. Whether through entrepreneurial ventures, creative pursuits, or personal achievements, these individuals defied conventional timelines and made their mark in their senior years.
Their accomplishments are a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue dreams, take risks, or start anew. Age should be seen not as a limitation, but as an opportunity to continue growing, learning, and contributing to the world in meaningful ways.