Famous people who died before they were 100 years old

We may receive a commission for purchases made from our links.

About 100 years ago, only 150 people in England and Wales could say they had celebrated their 100th birthday, per Telegraph. By 2023, the number of people in England and Wales celebrating their centenary birthday had risen to 14,850, according to the 2023 Census. Office for National Statistics. In addition, 2021 statistics compiled by United Nations Population Division It showed that an estimated 89,739 people (0.027% of the US population) were centenarians.

Even this small part showed that the number of centenarians has doubled over the past two decades. Over the years, many celebrities have come incredibly close to joining this small but growing segment of the population. It is unfortunate that they missed this important stage by only a few months. It goes without saying that living to the age of 99 is not easy either. JPMorgan’s 2024 Retirement Guide It is estimated that a 65-year-old man has a 21% chance of living to the age of 90, and a 65-year-old woman has a 33% chance of celebrating her milestone birthday. To join this small group, many celebrities have consistently adopted healthy habits throughout their lives.

according to Harvard Health PublishingThe building blocks of nutrition, exercising regularly and eating a nutrient-rich diet, can go a long way toward longevity. In the same vein, staying hydrated, following a good sleep schedule, limiting alcohol, and quitting smoking can also greatly benefit longevity. Now, there’s no denying that many celebrities who have reached the age of 99 have followed many of these practices. However, their stories suggested that there may be more to longevity than the basics.

Zsá Zsá Gabor died in December 2017, almost two months before her centenary birthday. In the “Moulin Rouge” star’s 1991 book “One lifetime is not enoughShe wrote that her positive thinking helped her overcome many challenges in life, explaining: “I have always managed to survive by telling myself that no matter how bad things are, they will be better one day.”

With this mindset, Gabor was able to find the silver lining in every life she threw her way. The famous socialite suffered from many health struggles throughout her life, and even developed chronic dementia in the last five years of her life. the people.

Betty White died at the age of 99 in December 2021, just a few weeks before her 100th birthday. During January 2018 procession interview, Betty White said the key to staying young forever It was simple: “Enjoy life.” The “Golden Girls” star strongly believed that it was better for everyone to look for the positives in their lives, rather than focusing on the negatives.

It is worth noting that even Studies have revealed that optimists may actually live longer. While discussing longevity with Yahoo! In January 2017, White strongly urged people to keep their minds busy as they age and to shake off the belief that the world revolves around them.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, died at the age of 99 in April 2021, almost two months shy of his 100th birthday. according to TelegraphAs the late king’s 90th birthday approached in 2011, royal expert Ingrid Seward explained that he remained energetic into his older years because he prioritized physical activity throughout his life and adhered to a nutrient-dense diet.

Philip’s favorite forms of movement were reportedly horse riding, walking and an 11-minute exercise program called the 5BX Plan. It is worth noting that the 2026 study in The scalpel It found that even five minutes of physical activity could lead to a 6% reduction in overall mortality in the study population.

Bob Barker, 99, died in August 2023, roughly four months before his centennial birthday. talking to Botanical times In October 2012, Parker said that two things made him healthy enough to host “The Price is Right” in his late 80s: regular exercise and a vegetarian diet.

The popular game show host was one of many Icons of the 70s who gave up meat before it became fashionable He became a vegetarian in the 1970s. Over the years, Parker has also experimented with numerous forms of movement, including karate, strength training with light weights, and body-weight exercises.

June Foray died in July 2017, just two months before her 100th birthday. During a 2013 interview with Los Angeles TimesThe “The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends” voice actress was asked why she continues to act into her 90s. “It’s fun working,” the popular voice actor replied. “Thank God. I don’t have to work.”

However, she is not ashamed to admit that she loves making money too. It is worth noting that the year 2017 He studies A study in Geriatrics and Gerontology International found that women who continued to work into their older years were less likely to need long-term care and experience cognitive decline that impairs daily activities than those who did not.

Eddie Albert died in May 2005, almost a year after his centenary birthday in April 2006. In a conversation with Los Angeles TimesThe “Green Acres” star’s son said that despite being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in his final years, he continued to prioritize physical activity and even played basketball about a month before his death.

Additionally, during a May 1988 interview with Morning callAlbert said he continued gardening into his 80s because he wanted his food to be pesticide-free. However, the benefits of gardening were not only limited to his diet, he also had the stress melting away from his mind when he saw his wonderful garden.

Lillian Gish died in February 1993, months after her 99th birthday in October. Back in 1966, New York Times He asked the 67-year-old silent film icon if retirement was on the table. She replied: “Retire? If you want to die, retire and die of boredom.” True to her word, Gish continued working until she was well into her eighties.

She said she was 84 years old Unified Payment Interface (UPI). She still does not plan to give up her 8-decade career. It is worth noting that the year 2017 He studies In JAMA Network Open found that older adults who have a greater sense of purpose have a lower risk of all-cause mortality than those who do not.

Mitch Miller died in July 2011, weeks after he turned 99 Sun guard In January 1993, the famous conductor attributed his longevity to two things: his genes and his passion. “I think it’s about working at what you love,” Miller said. “That’s what matters.”

A 2022 He studies In the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, he noted that genetics could account for about 40% of longevity. In addition, 2015 He studies In the Annals of Behavioral Medicine it was concluded that people who followed their emotions were less stressed and happier with life overall (which can go a long way over a lifetime).

Hugh Downes died in July 2020, two months after turning 99 in February. talking to Hartford Courant In April 2005, the former “Today” show host turned his attention to society’s obsession with youth in an era when older people were making positive strides and living longer.

Ultimately, he urged people to ditch the old adage: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Downs particularly dispelled this notion with his actions, undergoing astronaut training at the age of 77 to cover Senator John Glenn’s return to space. Furthermore, Downs remained a fixture on television until his late 70s and remained busy with charitable endeavors thereafter.