Those born in 1961 are officially reaching Medicare age in 2026—and that includes plenty of famous faces.

We’ve rounded up a list of athletes, actors, and pop culture icons who will soon be Medicare-eligible, much like some of you.

George Clooney – May 6, 1961

George Clooney is one of those actors who seems to get better with time. From ER to Ocean’s Eleven and countless films in between, he’s been a Hollywood favorite for decades.

Whether he’s acting, directing, or producing, George continues to stay busy and relevant well into his 60s.

He remains a major Hollywood figure and an outspoken advocate for humanitarian and global causes.

Lea Thompson – May 31, 1961

Lea Thompson is an American actress who will forever be remembered as Lorraine from the Back to the Future movies.

She also became a familiar face on television through long-running shows like Caroline in the City and Switched at Birth.

Today, she continues working both in front of and behind the camera.

Melissa Etheridge – May 29, 1961

Melissa Etheridge is an American singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and emotionally raw songwriting.

Songs like Come to My Window and I’m the Only One helped make her a household name in the 1990s and earned her multiple Grammy Awards.

Melissa continues to tour and create music while also being a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and cancer awareness.

Woody Harrelson – July 23, 1961

Woody Harrelson is an American actor who first won over audiences on Cheers.

He’s since built an impressive film career with roles in Natural Born Killers, No Country for Old Men, and The Hunger Games.

From intense dramas to big-budget franchises, he’s taken on just about every kind of role. Woody remains one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors.

Barack Obama – August 4, 1961

Barack Obama served as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017.

As the first African American president, his leadership marked a historic moment in American politics.

Since leaving office, Obama has remained influential through writing, public speaking, and media projects.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus – January 13, 1961

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is one of the most successful comedians in TV history, best known for her iconic roles on Seinfeld and Veep.

She holds the record for the most Emmy Awards won by a performer for acting.

Julia continues to be a dominant force in comedy, praised for her sharp wit and impeccable timing.

Eddie Murphy – April 3, 1961

Eddie Murphy became a superstar through stand-up comedy and Saturday Night Live in the early 1980s, before becoming a box-office sensation.

Movies like Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, and The Nutty Professor helped define an era.

He’s still working and recently enjoyed a major career comeback.

Michael J. Fox – June 9, 1961

Michael J. Fox rose to fame in the 1980s with Family Ties and Back to the Future.

He became one of the most recognizable stars of the 1980s with his charm and comedic timing.

Beyond acting, he’s widely admired for his advocacy and work supporting Parkinson’s research. His impact goes far beyond film and television.

Meg Ryan – November 19, 1961

Meg Ryan is an American actress who became synonymous with romantic comedies in the 1990s.

She starred in beloved films like When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and You’ve Got Mail.

Though she’s stepped back from the spotlight in recent years, her movies are still favorites today.

Dennis Rodman – May 13, 1961

Dennis Rodman is a former professional basketball player best known for his time with the Chicago Bulls during their championship years.

On and off the court, his personality made headlines just as often as his playing. 

He remains one of the NBA’s most unforgettable figures.

Jennifer Coolidge – August 28, 1961

Jennifer Coolidge is an American actress and comedian celebrated for her unforgettable comedic roles.

She has been stealing scenes for years, but recently found a whole new audience.

From American Pie to The White Lotus, her comedic timing has made her wildly popular. She’s enjoying one of the biggest moments of her career.

Laurence Fishburne – July 30, 1961

Laurence Fishburne is an American actor with a career spanning film, television, and theater.

He’s best known for roles in The Matrix, Boyz n the Hood, and What’s Love Got to Do with It.

Laurence continues to take on powerful roles that showcase his depth and versatility as an actor.

Jodi Benson – October 10, 1961

Jodi Benson is an American actress and singer best known as the voice of Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

Her work helped define the Disney Renaissance era of animated films.

Jodi remains active in voice acting and continues to delight fans at conventions and special performances.

Wayne Gretzky – January 26, 1961

Wayne Gretzky is often called the greatest hockey player of all time.

Nicknamed “The Great One,” he holds numerous NHL records that may never be broken.

Since retiring, Gretzky has stayed involved in the sport as a coach, executive, and ambassador for hockey.

Ralph Macchio – November 4, 1961

Ralph Macchio became a household name as Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid.

The role became a defining moment of 1980s cinema and pop culture.

Years later, he found renewed fame with Cobra Kai, introducing the character to a new generation and bringing his career full circle.

Billy Ray Cyrus – August 25, 1961

Billy Ray Cyrus is a country singer who shot to fame in the early ’90s with Achy Breaky Heart.

He became one of the most recognizable country stars of the early 1990s.

In recent years, Billy Ray has continued to release music and collaborate across genres.

Forest Whitaker – July 15, 1961

Forest Whitaker is an Academy Award-winning actor known for his powerful, immersive performances.

His roles in films like The Last King of Scotland and Bird earned critical acclaim.

Forest also dedicates significant time to humanitarian work and global peace initiatives.

George Lopez – April 23, 1961

George Lopez is a comedian and actor best known for his long-running sitcom George Lopez.

His comedy often draws from personal experience and cultural identity, resonating with broad audiences.

Today, he continues to tour, act, and create new projects.

Conclusion

Aging into Medicare can be confusing, but at least you know you’re not alone. Even famous actors, athletes, and musicians will be sorting through the Medicare maze!

The good news is our team of Medicare experts can help you through the process. Learn more about how our team of licensed, local agents can make the healthcare transition cost-effective and stress-free.

Click here to learn more.