What would you do after years of fame and fortune? Would you stay in the spotlight and continue making money until you draw your last breath, or would you withdraw from the public and enjoy living somewhere private with your loved ones? We usually remember celebrities from when they were at the height of their profession, but unfortunately, we quickly lose interest in them after they finish their career. Or maybe, it is fortunate for those stars because while many of them are gone from the spotlight, they are actually enjoying their retirement. Here are some famous actors from the last century, who are still alive and thankfully well.
Ali MacGraw – 79
Ali MacGraw made an impression wherever she went. Although her starring days weren’t long, she managed to make quite an impact. We all remember our first love, but these usually don’t last long. Ali MacGraw got married to her college sweetheart Robin Hoen who was a successful banker, but they got divorced after less than two years of marriage. Ali MacGraw’s screen presence was magnetic, but she felt nervous while acting. She never studied acting and at the beginning, it was a frightening experience for her. Nevertheless, critics and audiences absolutely loved her. Ali and producer Robert Evans fell in love and married in 1969. Their son Josh was born shortly after. The movie she’s most remembered by is the romantic drama Love Story (1971) that became a huge hit. Ali divorced Robert Evans in 1972 and married famous actor Steve McQueen a year later. They split in 1978, and when Steve was dying in 1980 he didn’t want to see Ali since he still loved her so much and couldn’t bare see her at the state he was. Ali had a tough spell during the 80s’ and dealt with depression and addiction. She managed to overcome her problems and became a yoga icon during the 90s’. Many refer to Ali MacGraw as some sort of a living treasure. The city of Santa Fe took it one step further – she’s one of just four people titled “Santa Fe Living Treasures” for their help to the community. Ali said that she was grateful that fame allowed her to speak out about things that are important to her, like animal rights
Barbara Mandrell – 70
Country singer Barbara Mandrell was a huge star during the 70s and 80s. These days she’s not really active as a country singer and is enjoying her family, hobbies, and pets. Barbara’s TV show became one of the most watched music shows in the U.S. She’s one of the biggest icons of country music. She’s the first female country singer ever to be inducted into Nashville’s Country Hall of Fame. She got this honor in 2009, and it made her feel appreciated for all she contributed to country music. She’s one of only two performers in history to win AMC’s “Entertainer of the Year” twice – she was first honored in 1979, and once more in 1981, (Taylor Swift also won the award twice thirty years later). The song that helped her rise to stardom was Sleeping Single In a Double Bed. It was released in 1978 and turned her into a country music star. The song was included in her album Moods. But Barbara’s most famous song was I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool, it came out in 1981 as a part of her album Barbara Mandrell Live and ranked first on the Hot Country Singles chart. Barbara is married to Ken Dudney, who used to be a drummer in her dad’s band. When the two fell in love she was only fourteen, and he was twenty-one. They married in 1967 after Ken returned from the Vietnam War. Barbara and Dolly Parton were simultaneously the most influential country music singers in the 70s, and they were also friends. Dolly said about Barbara that she has everything a girl could possibly want.
Richard Keith – 68
Richard Keith used to be a famous child actor and singer. He first rose to stardom when he played Little Ricky on the TV comedy I Love Lucy. His last name was originally Thibodeaux, it was changed to the request of the show’s producer who thought Thibodeaux was too hard to pronounce. He’s the last living cast member from the classic show I Love Lucy (among the regulars). In 1976, Richard fell in love and married Kathy Denton who was a ballet dancer, their daughter Tara was born three years later.