Hollywood icons: Then and now
If you think about some of the greatest Hollywood actors of all time, a few big names come to mind, like Maggie Smith, Julie Andrews, Clint Eastwood, Dick Van Dyke and Michael Douglas.
Some of the most famous names in Hollywood come from humble beginnings and have carved out successful careers for themselves; achieving icon status.
Take a read through of who makes 9honey's list of Hollywood icons.
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Maggie Smith: Then
The late Dame Maggie Smith was the ultimate screen icon.
The English actress, pictured in 1963, hailed from Essex and achieved incredible success and accolades throughout her career.
Her career started back in her teens in the '50s, when she started appearing in plays and studied at the Oxford Playhouse.
She soon turned to Broadway and earned critical acclaim, and joined the National Theatre Company in the '60s.
She appeared in films including Othello that same decade and won an Academy Award for 1978's comedy film, California Suite.
Maggie Smith: 1934-2024
In her later years, audiences recognised Smith for her work in films including the Harry Potter franchise, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and for her portrayal of Violet Crawley in hit TV series Downton Abbey.
She told The Telegraph how the show helped catapult her to fame like never before, and she was once ''besieged'' by fans while out and about.
Smith, who rarely gave interviews, said: ''It's very difficult when you're alone because you have no escape''.
The screen and stage icon died on September 27, 2024 at age 89.
Judi Dench: Now
Now 89, some of her most recent films include Shakespeare in Love and the Bond film Skyfall.
The actress was diagnosed with advanced macular degeneration (AMD) in 2012, but still refuses to let that be a reason for her to retire.
"It's difficult for me if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script. But I have a photographic memory," she told Notebook magazine.
Dench opened up on the Graham Norton Show about just how bad her eyesight had become, saying that being able to read scripts was now "impossible".
Dick Van Dyke: Then
American actor Dick Van Dyke is a beloved star and Hollywood icon.
The actor is seen here in 1960.
The veteran star first got his start as part of a comedy duo in the '40s before branching into TV, Broadway and then film.
He starred on The Dick Van Dyke Show, before starring in the classic '60s film Mary Poppins.
Another notable role is in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Dick Van Dyke: Now
Just three weeks ago, Van Dyke, 98, won a historic Daytime Emmy.
He became the oldest Daytime Emmy winner at age 98 for guest role on Days of Our Lives.
"I don't believe this. I feel like a spy from nighttime television," he said.
"I'm 98 years old. Can you believe it? This really tops off a lifetime of 80 years in the business. If I had known I would have lived this long I would've taken better care of myself."
Julie Andrews: Then
The British star starred in some childhood classics back in the '60s, including The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins.
Speaking about working with Van Dyke on Mary Poppins, Andrews said in her memoir, as reported by Vanity Fair: We hit it off from day one. He was dazzlingly inventive, always in a sunny mood, and he often made me roar with laughter at his antics."
Clint Eastwood: Then
Mention the name Clint Eastwood – and it's instantly recognisable to people both young and old.
The star, pictured in the '50s, was reportedly a lifeguard before turning to acting.
He made brief appearance in a handful of TV shows, including Maverick, before scoring a leading role in the show Rawhide, which really helped put him on the map. The show ran from 1959 -1965 and centred around drovers working cattle on the land.
Meryl Streep: Then
Meryl Streep can easily fall into the best actresses of all time category.
The American star, who is an Academy Award winner, hails from New Jersey.
She started out by acting in plays and studying drama. She then appeared in films and TV. She is pictured with John Cazale in 1978's The Deer Hunter.
Meryl Streep: Now
Her roles in recent years include Out of Africa, Don't Look Up, The Iron Lady and Mamma Mia!
Who of course can forget her iconic role as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada.
