TV's golden age: These veteran actors demand your attention

Age is just a number or it is so for actor Betty White. When most 93-year-olds remain confined to the bed, this American actor is busy planning the third season of her hugely popular show Off Their Rockers. As the first season of the show premiers in India, HT City takes a look at 60 something actors who are taking the television world by storm both aboard and in India.

Age is just a number or it is so for actor Betty White. When most 93-year-olds remain confined to the bed, this American actor is busy planning the third season of her hugely popular show Off Their Rockers. As the first season of the show premiers in India, HT City takes a look at 60 something actors who are taking the television world by storm both aboard and in India.

Like-fine-wine-these-actors-get-better-with-age-HT-Photo

Betty White (93 years)



Betty White Ludden, better known as Betty White, has a Guinness World Record for being the female entertainer having the longest TV career. She is considered to be one of the best hosts of her age. In Off Their Rockers, White (who is not just an actor but also a host, comedienne, author and singer) and a bunch of fearless senior citizens are busy playing pranks on random people, which are recorded on hidden cameras.

Mary Steenburgen (62 years)



The Academy and Golden Globe Award winning actress is known for her character Gail in American post-apocalyptic comedy TV series, The Last Man on Earth. Mary, who in a recent interview expressed her liking for the show, is a favourite among the audience for Gail's strong personality and experience as a human being.

Peter MacNicol (61 years)



Known for films and TV shows such as Ghostbusters II, Sophie's Choice and Ally McBeal, 24, respectively, Peter MacNicol is currently popular as Simon Sifter in CSI: Cyber. He portrays Sifter, who is the FBI assistant deputy director and oversees psychological practitioner Avery Ryan's cyber division. Sifter, who looks super fit at 61, investigates crimes with vigour on the show.

Scott Bakula (61 years)



As Dwayne Cassius 'King' Pride in military drama NCIS: New Orleans, Scott Bakula already has a huge fan following. The Golden Globe award-winning actor plays a NCIS special agent, based on the life of NCIS officer Dwayne Swear. Bakula, of Star Trek: Enterprise fame, plays a larger-than-life character in NCIS.

Maggie Smith (81 years)



The English actor, who has played a variety of characters on TV, films and stage, needs no introduction. Her portrayal of Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, in the British period drama series Downton Abbey, has received adulation world over. Crawley the countess is mostly loved for her wicked and dry sense of humour. However, if reports are to be believed the actor may not be the part of the forthcoming season of the show, which is currently in its sixth season.

An American actor, tenor, voice artiste and comedian, Mandy Patikin is popular for playing Inigo Montoya in the film, The Princess Bride. At present, Patkin essays Saul Berenson in the American political thriller Homeland. Mandy will soon start shooting for the fifth season of the show and is expected to add a new dimension to his character this time.

...and the desi stars

Anil Rastogi (73 years)

Well versed in Hindi, Urdu, English and German, actor Anil Rastogi is a famous actor known for his work on stage, TV and films. At present, he is seen playing Dadaji in Kalash- Ek Vishwas. Dadaji is a loving grandfather with a strong personality.

Surekha Sikri (70 years)

This National award-winning actress garnered good reviews as Kalyani Devi in Ballika Vadhu. Her transformation from a strict and conservative matriarch to a more understanding person was interesting. She is also seen in the ongoing show Mahakumbh: Ek Rahasya Ek Kahani.

Farida Jalal (66 years)

Known for films such as Bobby, Aradhana, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and shows such as Dekh Bhai Dekh and Shararat, Farida Jalal is a popular face on the big and small screen. As Dadi Maa in the ongoing family drama Satrangi Sasural, Jalal plays the head of the family whose apolitical approach towards everything and love for her family is noteworthy.

Vidyadhar Karmarkar (90 years)

The actor is believed to be the oldest actor on Hindi television. He is one loving and supporting Dadaji in Dosti... Yaariyan... Manmarziyan that we are sure every granddaughter or grandson would love to have.

Farida Dadi (68 years)

As Baby Farida she acted in hit films such as Sujata, Dosti and Ram Aur Shyam. Dadi plays the funny, quick-witted and loving Amrita Raja in the ongoing comedy show Maan Na Maan, Main Tera Mehmaan.