Why Super Rich Actors Like William Shatner and Judi Dench Keep Acting in Their 70s and Beyond

Super rich actors such as William Shatner and Judi Dench continue to take roles well into their 70s, even in their 80s and beyond. What drives them to keep going once they could retire comfortably?

The Motivation Behind Continuing in Acting

In Shatner’s case, he finds immense satisfaction in the attention and fame that comes with acting. For Dench, who is acclaimed as one of the greatest actors of her era, her enduring passion for the craft and art of acting fuels her continued success.

Qwen: But for both, the question remains: why would someone stop doing the one thing they deeply love, if it brings them joy and financial stability?

The subject of actors continuing their careers well into their 70s and beyond is not only about fame and money. It is also about the sheer joy of acting, which can be a highly fulfilling and entertaining career, despite the challenges.

Actors Never Truly Retire: A Lifelong Pursuit

The phrase "old actors never die. They just start using cue cards" perfectly captures the spirit of these seasoned performers. While some of these actors may start taking on commercial roles, these opportunities often benefit their families by providing financial support for their children and grandchildren.

Many people underestimate the sheer fun and enjoyment of acting. Despite the mundane aspects like memorizing lines or waiting for setups, acting can be an exhilarating pursuit for those who are passionate about it. The passion for the craft can sometimes transcend monetary rewards, as many actors would gladly continue acting even if it were free.

The Benefits of Acting Well into Old Age

Beyond the financial and personal rewards, acting offers a unique opportunity for actors to continue working well into old age. Unlike many professions that have mandatory retirement ages, the performing arts allow actors to work as long as they keep performing well.

A notable example is Bruce Dern, whose role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood showcased his enduring talent. The film highlighted that age is merely a number in the world of acting; truly talented actors can continue to deliver remarkable performances well into their later years.

Acting can be adjusted to accommodate age-related physical limitations. Playing older characters, for instance, often involves minimal physical exertion, such as lifting heavy objects. Even great actors can find it challenging to memorize lines as they age, but the use of cue cards, or even writing lines on an actor's forehead (as Marlon Brando did), can solve this issue.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Acting

Super rich actors like Shatner and Dench, and many others, continue to act because they love the craft. It’s a joyful and fulfilling career that can span decades. The tedium of the job is outweighed by the joy and satisfaction of realizing a lifelong passion.

Whether it's Shakespeare or lucrative commercials, the enduring allure of acting makes it a profession that can be pursued for a lifetime.