The Oldest Actors to Play High School Roles

In the fast-paced world of Hollywood, it's surprising to discover that some actors and actresses have played high school roles at ages well beyond what one might expect. From The Jetsons to Gimme a Break! and beyond, there are numerous instances where older actors and actresses have taken on the roles of high school students. Let's dive into a remarkable history of these age-defying performances.

Janet Waldo: The Notable Record

One of the most notable records in this realm is held by Janet Waldo, who played high school teen Judy Jetson in The Jetsons The Movie in 1990, a role she undertook when she was 71 years old. Her portrayal was particularly unique, as she was not only partially shared with pop singer Tiffany but might have even recorded all the dialogue, with Tiffany doing the singing.

James Van Der Beek and Gabrielle Union: Further Examples

James Van Der Beek took on the role of Dawson Leery in Dawson's Creek at the age of 21, marking one of the older portrayals. His co-star, Gabrielle Union, followed suit at 26 when she played a high school student in Gimme a Break!. Another standout example is Mila Kunis, who began playing Jackie Burkhart at 14 in This Is That.

Comedic and Satirical Contexts

While these roles often showcase the multifaceted talent of actors, there are instances where older actors play high school roles in comedic or satirical contexts. For example, John Hughes films often featured actors in their late teens or early twenties, yet the exact oldest can vary based on specific roles and productions.

Specific Records

Oldest Actor to Play a High School Student

The current record for the oldest actor to play a high school student is held by Shirley Henderson, who played a ghost named Myrtle Warren, a deceased high schooler who attended Hogwarts 50 years prior. Her scenes for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire were filmed in May 2004 when she was at least 38 years and 162 days old.

Oldest Male to Play a High School Student

The oldest male to play a high school student is Tom Hanks, who filmed the iconic “Run Forrest Run” scene in late October 1993 at the age of 37 years and 114 days. It's a testament to his versatility that a mature actor like Tom Hanks could convincingly portray a high school student in such a significant role.

Oldest Female to Play a Major Role as a High School Student

In the 1970s, Stockard Channing set the standard with her major role as Betty Rizzo in Grease. She filmed her scenes as a Rydell High School student in mid-September 1977, a role she takes on at 33 years and 214 days.

Oldest Actor to Play a High School Student on Television

Bianca Lawson played Maya St. Germain, a student at Rosewood High School in Pretty Little Liars. She filmed her final scenes in September 2012, a role she took on at 33 years and 178 days, surpassing the previous record holder, Gabrielle Carteris, who was 31 years and 363 days old when she wrapped her final high school scene in Beverly Hills 90210.

Oldest Male to Play a High School Student on Television

Finally, Jason Earles took on the role of Jackson Stewart on Hannah Montana in 2010, filming his last days as a high school student at Seaview Senior High School at 33 years and 18 days old.

These records and performances remind us that age is but a number when it comes to the caliber of acting talent in Hollywood. Whether for comedic effect or to challenge themselves, these actors have shown that age should not be a barrier to playing any role with skill and charm.