20 Millionaires Who Made It Big After 65
Think it's too late to become a millionaire after 65? Think again. These 20 people made their fortunes later in life. Their stories prove success doesn't have an age limit.
1. Grandma Moses
Age: 77
Net Worth: $1 million
Grandma Moses didn't paint until arthritis stopped her embroidery. At 77, she began painting scenes of rural America. Her art quickly became popular. Soon, she was showing paintings worldwide, turning her late-life hobby into wealth.
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2. Colonel Harland Sanders
Age: 65
Net Worth: $3.5 million
Colonel Sanders faced many failures before success. At 65, he perfected a fried chicken recipe. Kentucky Fried Chicken took off, making Sanders famous. He promoted KFC into his late 80s.
3. Harry Bernstein
Age: 96
Notable Work: "The Invisible Wall"
Bernstein struggled as a writer for decades. At 96, he published "The Invisible Wall," a bestseller. He continued writing successfully past 100, inspiring millions.
4. Joseph A. Campbell
Age: 78
Notable Achievement: Campbell's Soup Company
Campbell created condensed tomato soup at 78. His idea revolutionized canned foods. Campbell’s Soup quickly became a household name, creating huge success for Campbell late in life.
5. Peter Mark Roget
Age: 73
Notable Work: Roget’s Thesaurus
Roget battled lifelong depression by listing words. At 73, he published Roget’s Thesaurus, still used worldwide today. This brought him significant recognition and financial rewards.
6. Fauja Singh
Age: 89 (first marathon), 100 (famous globally)
Achievement: Oldest marathon runner
After losing family members, Singh started running at 89. At 100, he finished a marathon, becoming internationally famous. He turned his late-life passion into inspirational success.
7. Laura Ingalls Wilder
Age: 65
Notable Work: Little House Series
Wilder wrote her first book at 65, based on her childhood. Her Little House books became classics, earning her significant wealth and popularity late in life.
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8. John Fenn
Age: 67 (breakthrough), 85 (Nobel Prize)
Achievement: Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Fenn made important discoveries at 67. He changed how scientists studied molecules. At 85, he won the Nobel Prize, proving impactful work has no age limit.
9. Nelson Mandela
Age: 76
Achievement: President of South Africa
Mandela became South Africa’s first Black president at 76 after 27 years in prison. His leadership changed a nation and influenced the world.
10. Duncan Hines
Age: Late 60s and 70s
Achievement: Food critic and product creator
Hines built a trusted reputation as a food critic late in life. He used his name to launch food products. By his 70s, Hines became wealthy and well-known nationwide.
11. Gladys Burrill
Age: 92
Achievement: Oldest female marathon finisher
Burrill ran her first marathon at 86. At 92, she set a world record as the oldest woman to finish one. Her fame from marathons brought financial rewards and recognition.
12. Miguel de Cervantes
Age: late 60s
Notable Work: Don Quixote
Cervantes found fame later in life. His book "Don Quixote," written when he was nearly 60, became one of the most famous books in history, creating lasting wealth.
13. Kathryn Joosten
Age: 60s
Notable Work: Actress in "The West Wing"
Joosten spent decades as a nurse before acting. In her 60s, she found success with roles on TV like "The West Wing" and "Desperate Housewives," earning fame and fortune.
14. John Pemberton
Age: 65
Achievement: Invented Coca Cola
Pemberton, a pharmacist, invented Coca Cola at 65. His creation became one of the world's most successful products, earning millions for his heirs.
15. Ray Kroc
Age: 65+
Achievement: Expanded McDonald's
Ray Kroc was past 65 when McDonald's became hugely successful. He turned the local burger chain into a global brand, earning millions and transforming fast food forever.
16. Taikichiro Mori
Age: 65+
Achievement: Founded Mori Building Company
Mori started his real estate business in his 60s. His success grew, eventually making him one of the richest people in the world at age 87.
17. Toni Morrison
Age: 62
Achievement: Nobel Prize for Literature
Morrison gained international fame later in life. Her powerful novels earned her the Nobel Prize at 62, securing her financial success and literary legacy.
18. Leo Goodwin Sr.
Age: 65+
Achievement: Founded GEICO
Goodwin built GEICO into a leading insurance company late in life. His success came by selling directly to customers, creating a multi-million-dollar business.
19. Estelle Getty
Age: 65
Notable Role: Sophia in "The Golden Girls"
Getty gained fame playing Sophia on "The Golden Girls" at 65. Her role brought her wealth, awards, and global recognition.
20. Vera Wang
Age: 70+
Achievement: Fashion Designer
Wang became hugely successful later in life. Starting her bridal fashion company at 40, her greatest financial success came after age 65. She built a global brand earning millions and continues growing it today.
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Bottom Line
These 20 people made millions after 65, proving success is always possible. Their stories inspire anyone who thinks it's too late. Age doesn't define potential, and these late achievers clearly show the power of persistence and passion.
Reference
247wallst.com. (2024, September 17). 5 Multi Millionaires Who Built Their Fortunes After Age. Retrieved from https://247wallst.com/personal-finance/2024/09/17/5-multi-millionaires-who-built-their-fortunes-after-age/
businessinsider.com. (2025, February). Millionaire Older Americans Still Working Retirement Social Security Unretiring Doctor. Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/millionaire-older-americans-still-working-retirement-social-security-unretiring-doctor-2025-2
developgoodhabits.com. (n.d.). Successful People Later. Retrieved from https://www.developgoodhabits.com/successful-people-later
nmwa.org. (n.d.). 5 Fast Facts Anna Mary Robertson Grandma Moses. Retrieved from https://nmwa.org/blog/artist-spotlight/5-fast-facts-anna-mary-robertson-grandma-moses/
biography.com. (n.d.). Colonel Harland Sanders. Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/business-leaders/colonel-harland-sanders
nytimes.com. (2011, June 7). Harry Bernstein Writer Who Gained Fame at 96 Dies at 101. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/07/books/harry-bernstein-writer-who-gained-fame-at-96-dies-at-101.html
thecampbellscompany.com. (n.d.). Campbell History. Retrieved from https://www.thecampbellscompany.com/about-us/our-story/campbell-history/
bbc.co.uk. (n.d.). Roget Peter Mark. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/roget_peter_mark.shtml
