U.S. Census data shows the number of Americans living past 100 is on the rise. While reaching the century mark remains rare, a notable number of celebrities, political leaders, and Nobel Prize winners have achieved this milestone in recent decades.

From Hollywood stars to Nobel laureates and former presidents, the list of centenarians is growing. According to the data, the number of Americans over 100 has increased steadily over the past several decades, leading to more recognizable names joining the ‘centenarian club.’

Among the most famous is Dick Van Dyke, who turned 100 in 1925. The actor, singer, and comedian is best known for his roles in ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show,’ ‘Mary Poppins,’ and ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.’ Eva Marie Saint, who turned 101 in 1924, is another Hollywood legend. She starred in Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘North by Northwest.’

Comedian Bob Hope, who lived from 1903 to 2003, also reached 100. Norman Lear, the legendary TV producer behind ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons,’ lived to be 101. Irving Berlin, the composer of ‘White Christmas’ and ‘God Bless America,’ reached 101 before passing away in 1989.

Kirk Douglas, the actor and producer known for ‘Spartacus,’ lived to 103. Olivia de Havilland, an Oscar-winning actress from Hollywood’s Golden Age, reached 104. She played Melanie Hamilton in ‘Gone With the Wind.’

Betty White, who died in 2021 at 99, was just weeks away from her 100th birthday. She was a beloved figure in American entertainment.

In the political sphere, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter became the first sitting president to reach 100. He served from 1977 to 1981 and lived until 2024. Henry Kissinger, who served as national security advisor and Secretary of State under Presidents Nixon and Ford, lived to 100 before passing away in 2023.

The Queen Mother, who lived from 1900 to 2002, was 101 when she died. Her husband, Prince Philip, died in 2021 at 99, just two months before his 100th birthday.

Among other public figures, Nobel Prize-winning scientist John B. Goodenough lived to 100. He is credited with the development of the lithium-ion battery. David Rockefeller, a banker and philanthropist, lived to 101. Iris Apfel, a businesswoman and fashion designer, reached 102 before passing away in 2024.

Rita Levi-Montalcini, a Nobel Prize-winning neurologist, lived to 103. Jeanne Calmet, the oldest verified person in recorded history, lived to be 122 before passing away in 1977.