Fame – and possibly, fortune – is not just the reserve of the young. Here, Regenerated Me takes a look at just some of our favourite stars who all found fame in their later years. So if you’re a working professional actor still waiting for that “big break”, or you’re a leading light in your local am-dram, could fame soon be knocking on your door?
Buster Merryfield
Buster Merryfield was a British actor who became famous in one of the nation’s all-time favourite sitcoms “Only Fools and Horses”, playing Uncle Albert.
Born on November 27, 1920, in Battersea, London, he began his career as a professional boxer, later working as a quantity surveyor. However, it wasn’t until the late 1970s that he decided to pursue a career in acting.
Buster’s big break came in 1985 (at the tender age of 65!) when cast as Uncle Albert in “Only Fools and Horses”. The character of Uncle Albert was introduced to us in the fourth series of the show as the long-lost brother of Grandad, played by Lennard Pearce. After Pearce’s untimely death in 1984, Buster was brought in to replace him as the show’s “elder statesman”!
Suffice it to say, Uncle Albert was an instant hit with audiences, and he quickly became one of the show’s favourites. His character was known for his stories of his time serving in the Royal Navy during World War II, and of course his catchphrase, “During the war.”
Merryfield continued to play Uncle Albert until the show ended in 1996, reprising the role for several special episodes and spin-offs over the years, including “The Green Green Grass” and “Rock & Chips.”
Mary Berry
Mary Berry is a well-known TV personality and chef, now famous for hosting “The Great British Bake Off”. However, this all but meteoric rise to fame only came to her when she reached her 70s after a long career in cooking and writing.
She first started out as a recipe tester, and later became a food editor for magazines. She went on to write over 75 cookbooks before achieving her now national treasure status!
Phyllis Logan
Despite her long career in acting, including appearances in the likes of “Lovejoy” and “Silent Witness”, Paisley born Phyllis Logan didn’t gain international fame until her 50s – in her role as Mrs. Hughes in the hugely popular television series “Downton Abbey”.
Brian Blessed
Brian Blessed is both an actor and author who has appeared in countless stage productions and films. However, he only became a true household name in his 50s when he played the role of Prince Vultan in the film “Flash Gordon”. Since then, he has become a popular and familiar face on the British cultural landscape – known for his booming voice and larger-than-life personality!
Judi Dench
Another of our national treasures here (although she is reported to actually hate that term!) Dame Judi Dench is a highly respected actress who has appeared in countless films and stage productions. Beginning her acting career in her 20s, it wasn’t until her 60s that she became a true household name. The breakthrough role for her came in the form of M in the James Bond movie franchise, a part she continued to play until her character’s death in “Skyfall”. To this day, aged 88, Judy still remains in high demand and has no immediate plans to retire!
Mark Gatiss
Yet another actor who only found true fame in his later years is Mark Gatiss. Mark started his acting career in the 1990s with roles in shows such as “The Bill” and “Casualty,” but it wasn’t until he reached his forties that he gained widespread recognition. Perhaps best known for his work with the comedy troupe “The League of Gentlemen”, which he co-created in 1995 – demonstrating his immense range playing multiple characters – in the 2000s, Mark got involved with the legendary BBC series “Doctor Who,” writing several episodes and also appearing on the show as various characters. He has since gone on to become a regular writer for the series and has also written for the spinoff series “Torchwood.” He has been nominated for several awards for his acting and writing work, including BAFTAs and International Emmy Awards.
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