Eileen Atkins – 87, London

As an actress and the occasional screenwriter, Dame Eileen Atkins has wowed audiences with her acting talents not only in film but also in theater and television. To hone her skills as a performer, she spent three years at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama before graduating in 1953.

That same year, Atkins made her stage debut in London’s Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park, appearing in Love’s Labour’s Lost. She has since worked in fan-favorite productions like Gosford Park, Wolf and recently starred in the ninth season of Doc Martin. After joining the cast in 2011, Atkins has appeared in 39 episodes of the popular show.