Starting something new is rather difficult, especially as we get older. However, history is full of people who laughed in the face of age and began new adventures, picking up skills that would make them legends. These ten individuals did exactly that. Instead of sitting back and letting their later years pass them by, they grabbed life by the horns. Really, it’s never too late to change things up!
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George Bernard Shaw Starts Screenwriting
At 68, George Bernard Shaw was already famous for his plays—yet he decided to then write a movie, too. He moved on to screenwriting and even received an Academy Award for his work. When most would be thinking of slowing down, he decided to change paths. Shaw is a clear example that it’s never too late to play around with new forms of storytelling.
Benjamin Franklin Invents Bifocals
Benjamin Franklin was already a big deal for a bunch of reasons by the time he was in his mid-70s. However, he then decided that he was tired of swapping glasses. He then invented bifocals! His invention helped him and also changed the way people with vision problems lived their lives. Sometimes, the best ideas come from just trying to make our own lives a bit easier.
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Cato the Elder Learns Greek
In his 80s, Roman statesman Cato the Elder decided that it was time to learn Greek. It might not seem that impressive now but back then, that was something young, scholarly types did. However, Cato refused to let tradition dictate what he could and couldn’t learn. Whenever you think you’ve missed the boat on learning something new, know that it’s never too late. You can break out of your comfort zone at any time!
Mary Wesley Hits the Big Time
Mary Wesley was 70 when she finally got noticed with her novel “Jumping the Queue.” She had spent years writing kids’ books that hardly anyone read before making the switch to adult novels. Eventually, she continued writing hit books like “The Camomile Lawn.” Even if you’re not successful right now, maybe you just need to adjust your strategy to get there!
Taikichiro Mori Switches Gears
Taikichiro Mori was a respected economics professor who, at 55, chose to join the real estate industry. He died as one of the richest people in history! He had an incredible journey from the classroom to the list of the wealthiest people. Clearly, you can start a whole new chapter any time you want. All it takes is willpower!
Millard Kaufman’s Late Bloom
You might recognize Millard Kaufman as the writer behind Mr. Magoo. Previously, he had been scripting movies for several years before writing his first novel, “Bowl of Cherries,” at 90 years old. You’re never too old to try something new! As such, Kaufman’s story is all the encouragement you need to take on a new challenge, no matter your age.
Danny Trejo’s Big Break
Most people know Danny Trejo as being the tough guy in movies like “Machete” and “Spy Kids.” However, he didn’t even start acting until his 40s! Before that, he had a rather difficult life as he had spent numerous years in & out of jail. Eventually, he got a movie gig while helping out as a counselor, showing us that our lives can change at any moment, no matter where we’re starting from.
Angela Bassett Takes the Director’s Chair
At 56, Angela Bassett was already famous for killing it in front of the camera. Yet she decided to go behind the camera to direct the Whitney Houston biopic, “Whitney.” It required an entirely new skillset from her—even after she’d spent years in the film industry. The film went on to receive multiple award nominations. It seems that Bassett’s gamble paid off!
Vera Wang Finds Her Fashion Groove
Before she was a fashion designer, Vera Wang used to be a figure skater & journalist. In fact, she didn’t become a designer until she was 40. She was fed up with the boring wedding dresses out there—so she made her own & ended up creating her own bridal boutique. When you have the passion to do what you want, you can achieve amazing things.
Patricia Field Starts Costume Designing for TV
Even though Patricia Field had been a successful stylist & boutique owner for years, it wasn’t until her late 50s that she began her iconic work as a costume designer. She created costumes for numerous television shows—including “Sex and the City.” Her fashion choices on the show completely changed TV styling. It’s a fact—you can reach new career peaks at any stage of life.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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