8 More Famous Second Acts: People Who Gained Fame Much Later in Life

Part 4 in the series "Famous Second Acts in History," highlighting individuals who didn't begin their journey to fame until they were at least 40 years old.

Not all second acts come with applause.

Some come with grief, with grit, or with a quiet shift inside that says, “It’s time.”

In this final chapter of the series, we’re spotlighting people who changed their lives—and the lives of others—through reinvention in unexpected realms:

• Entrepreneurship

• Caregiving & family

• Spirituality & purpose

• Health & recovery

These stories are proof that Second Acts can rise from heartbreak, healing, or a simple decision to show up differently.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Martha Stewart: Prison, Then Empire Expansion

Age at second act reboot: 63

We all knew Martha Stewart as the epitome of home and lifestyle elegance. She started her journey as a model in her teens, even working with big names like Chanel, and later transitioned to Wall Street as a stockbroker. But it wasn't until she published her first cookbook, "Entertaining," at 41 that she truly became a household name. ​

In 2004, at 63, Martha faced a major setback when she was convicted of charges related to insider trading and spent five months in federal prison.  Many thought this would be the end of her career. But Martha had other plans.​

Instead of retreating from the public eye, she made a remarkable comeback. She expanded her brand into new product lines, publishing ventures, and media projects. Notably, she launched partnerships with major retailers like Macy’s, bringing her products to an even wider audience. ​

One of the most unexpected and delightful collaborations was with rapper Snoop Dogg. Their chemistry led to the popular show "Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party," showcasing a more relatable and edgy side of Martha that resonated with both old fans and new. 

Martha's post-prison era transformed her image, making her not just a domestic icon but also a symbol of resilience and reinvention. Her ability to adapt and embrace new opportunities solidified her status as a cultural and business powerhouse.

Sam Walton: Walmart at 44

Age at second act launch: 44

Before founding Walmart, Sam Walton managed a Ben Franklin variety store in Newport, Arkansas. He transformed it into the top-performing franchise in the state by focusing on customer satisfaction and competitive pricing. However, when his lease wasn't renewed, he had to start anew.

In 1962, at 44, Walton opened the first Walmart in Rogers, Arkansas, introducing a discount retail model that many competitors dismissed. His strategy centered on offering lower prices to drive higher sales volumes, a concept that was unconventional at the time.

Walton's approach was groundbreaking. He chose to open stores in smaller towns, areas often overlooked by larger retailers, believing these communities were underserved. This decision allowed Walmart to establish a strong presence without direct competition from retail giants.

By 1970, Walmart went public, fueling rapid expansion. Within two decades, it became the world's largest retailer. Walton's success wasn't due to flashy credentials but stemmed from his vision, relentless focus on customer value, and willingness to challenge conventional retail strategies.

CAREGIVING & FAMILY

Jimmy Carter: The Humanitarian Years

Age at second act launch: 56+

After leaving the White House in 1981 at the age of 56, Jimmy Carter could have opted for a quiet retirement. Instead, he and his wife, Rosalynn, embarked on a remarkable journey of humanitarian work that would leave a lasting global impact.

In 1982, the Carters established The Carter Center, a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting human rights, alleviating human suffering, and advancing democracy. The center has been instrumental in monitoring over 100 elections across 39 countries, ensuring free and fair electoral processes. Additionally, it has played a significant role in the near-eradication of Guinea worm disease, reducing cases from millions in the mid-1980s to just a handful in recent years.

Beyond their work with The Carter Center, the Carters became deeply involved with Habitat for Humanity. Their commitment began in 1984 when they joined a renovation project in New York City's Lower East Side, transforming a six-story apartment building into affordable housing for 19 families. This initiative marked the inception of the annual Carter Work Project, which has since built and renovated thousands of homes worldwide. Remarkably, Jimmy Carter continued to volunteer on construction sites well into his 90s, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the cause.

Carter's post-presidential endeavors have arguably touched more lives than his tenure in office. His hands-on approach and relentless commitment to service have set a high standard for civic engagement, embodying the true essence of humanitarianism.

Phyllis Diller: Comedy After Kids

Age at second act launch: 37–45

Phyllis Diller's journey to comedy stardom was anything but conventional. Born Phyllis Ada Driver on July 17, 1917, in Lima, Ohio, she was the only child of Perry and Frances Driver. After high school, she pursued piano studies at Chicago's Sherwood Music Conservatory for three years before shifting her focus to literature and psychology at Bluffton College in Ohio. In 1939, she married Sherwood Diller, and together they had six children, though tragically, one passed away in infancy. To support her family, Phyllis took on various roles, including writing advertising copy and working in radio.

It wasn't until 1955, at the age of 37, that Diller made her stand-up comedy debut at San Francisco's The Purple Onion. Her act was an instant hit, leading to an impressive 87-week run that catapulted her into the national spotlight. This success was particularly groundbreaking, as the comedy scene at the time was overwhelmingly male-dominated. ​

Diller's comedic style was characterized by her wild hair, eccentric outfits, and a distinctive, cackling laugh. She often employed self-deprecating humor, making light of her domestic life and appearance, which resonated with many, especially women who saw reflections of their own experiences in her jokes. Her fictional husband "Fang" became a staple in her routines, symbolizing the challenges of married life. ​

Throughout her career, Diller broke numerous barriers for women in comedy. She was a regular on television, appearing in shows like "The Jack Paar Show" and collaborating frequently with Bob Hope. Her influence paved the way for future female comedians such as Joan Rivers, Lily Tomlin, and Ellen DeGeneres, who have all cited her as an inspiration. ​

Phyllis Diller's fearless approach and unique comedic voice not only entertained audiences but also challenged the norms of her time, leaving an indelible mark on the world of comedy.

SPIRITUALITY & HIGHER PURPOSE

Thomas Merton: From Playboy to Monk

Age at second act launch: 27 (young, but significant spiritual shift)

Thomas Merton's life was a tapestry woven with diverse experiences and profound transformations. Born on January 31, 1915, in Prades, France, to artist parents—an American mother and a New Zealander father—Merton's early years were marked by frequent relocations across France, the United States, and England. This nomadic lifestyle, coupled with the early loss of both parents, instilled in him a sense of searching and introspection. ​

Merton's academic journey led him to the University of Cambridge and later to Columbia University in New York, where he immersed himself in literature and philosophy. Amidst the intellectual fervor of Columbia, he underwent a profound spiritual awakening, culminating in his conversion to Catholicism in 1938. This pivotal moment set him on a path far removed from his earlier secular pursuits.

In 1941, seeking a deeper communion with the divine, Merton entered the Trappist Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani in Kentucky, embracing a life of contemplation and monastic discipline. His days were characterized by prayer, manual labor, and silence—a stark contrast to his previous existence. Yet, within the monastery's confines, Merton's literary voice flourished. His 1948 autobiography, "The Seven Storey Mountain," resonated with many, chronicling his journey from worldly pursuits to spiritual fulfillment and inspiring countless readers to explore their own faith.

As he matured, Merton's writings expanded beyond personal spirituality to address pressing social issues. He became an outspoken advocate for civil rights, nonviolence, and nuclear disarmament, weaving these themes into his essays and books. His exploration of Eastern philosophies, particularly Zen Buddhism, showcased his commitment to interfaith dialogue and understanding. Merton believed that by bridging religious divides, humanity could foster greater compassion and unity. ​

Tragically, Merton's life was cut short on December 10, 1968, in Bangkok, Thailand, where he was attending an interfaith conference. His legacy, however, endures through his extensive body of work, which continues to inspire seekers of truth and advocates of peace worldwide.

Ravi Shankar: Global Music Messenger at Midlife

Age at second act expansion: 50+

Ravi Shankar was already a towering figure in Indian classical music long before most of the Western world knew his name. Born in 1920 in Varanasi, India, he spent years training in the ancient traditions of the sitar and raga, becoming a respected composer and performer by his 30s. But outside of India, he was still relatively unknown.

That started to shift in the 1960s—when Ravi was well into his 40s and 50s—thanks to a seemingly unlikely bridge: rock and roll. George Harrison of The Beatles, searching for deeper meaning and new sounds, became fascinated by the sitar and began studying with Shankar. Their friendship would not only influence Beatles hits like “Norwegian Wood,” but also bring Ravi’s music to an entirely new audience.

By the time he played Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and Woodstock in 1969, Ravi Shankar had become a global cultural icon. In a sea of electric guitars and psychedelic sounds, there he was—sitting cross-legged on stage, playing the sitar with precision and soul, captivating audiences who were hearing Indian music for the very first time.

He wasn't just a musician; he became an ambassador of Indian spiritual and musical traditions at a time when Western youth were hungry for something more grounded, more ancient, more real. And he didn’t stop there. Shankar collaborated with Western classical musicians, jazz artists, and pop icons, refusing to be boxed in by genre or geography.

Even into his 80s and 90s, he continued performing, mentoring young musicians—including his daughter, Norah Jones—and showing that mastery and innovation don’t fade with age.

HEALTH & ADVERSITY RECOVERY

Louise Hay: Healing and Publishing at 58

Age at second act launch: 58

Louise Hay didn’t just write about transformation—she lived it.

Her early life was marked by trauma most people never talk about. Born in Los Angeles in 1926, she survived an abusive childhood, dropped out of high school, and by the age of 16, had given up a child for adoption. She later built a life as a fashion model in New York during the 1950s, but beneath the surface, her personal history of pain and abandonment shaped the quiet beginning of a deeper calling.

Her real transformation started in midlife. After a divorce in her 40s, Louise began studying at the Church of Religious Science, where she was introduced to metaphysical healing, affirmations, and the idea that thoughts can shape reality—not just emotionally, but physically. It was an idea that resonated deeply, especially when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in her early 50s. Instead of relying solely on medical treatment, she leaned heavily into what she'd learned—addressing emotional wounds, changing mental patterns, and practicing forgiveness. She credited this approach with her healing.

At 58, an age when most people are thinking about winding down, she self-published You Can Heal Your Life, a book that blended personal experience with spiritual insight. It was a risk. Publishers turned it down. But the book quietly exploded, selling by word of mouth until it became a global phenomenon—eventually reaching over 50 million copies sold.

That book wasn’t the end—it was just the beginning.

Louise went on to found Hay House Publishing, not only to distribute her own work, but to give a platform to others in the holistic wellness and personal growth space. She championed voices like Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, and Esther Hicks, and built Hay House into one of the most influential self-help publishers in the world. Through books, audio programs, and events, she helped bring ideas like affirmations, energy healing, and mind-body medicine into the mainstream.

She continued working well into her 80s, giving talks, writing new books, and sharing her message of emotional healing, self-love, and empowerment until her death in 2017 at the age of 90.

Jean Nidetch: Founder of Weight Watchers

Age at second act launch: 40

​Jean Nidetch's journey from a Queens housewife to the founder of Weight Watchers is a testament to the power of community and personal determination. Born Jean Evelyn Slutsky on October 12, 1923, in Brooklyn, New York, she grew up in a modest household where food was often a source of comfort. Her father, David Slutsky, was a cab driver, and her mother, Mae, worked as a manicurist. Despite these humble beginnings, Jean's early life was marked by struggles with weight, a challenge that persisted into her adult years. ​

By the age of 38, standing at 5'7" and weighing 214 pounds, Jean had tried numerous diets and weight-loss methods without lasting success. A pivotal moment occurred when a neighbor innocently asked her when she was due, mistakenly believing she was pregnant. This candid remark prompted Jean to confront her weight issues head-on. She enrolled in a free 10-week weight-loss program sponsored by the New York City Board of Health. While she managed to lose 20 pounds, Jean found the program's lack of interpersonal support challenging.

Recognizing the need for a supportive environment, Jean began inviting friends to her Queens apartment for weekly meetings. These gatherings provided a space for participants to share their experiences, challenges, and successes, fostering a sense of community and mutual accountability. The informal group quickly grew, and by 1963, Jean, along with Al and Felice Lippert, officially launched Weight Watchers. The program combined structured dietary plans with the crucial element of group support, distinguishing it from other weight-loss methods of the time. 

Weight Watchers rapidly expanded, resonating with individuals seeking both guidance and camaraderie in their weight-loss journeys. The company's success led to its public offering in 1968, and it eventually attracted the attention of major corporations. In 1978, H.J. Heinz acquired Weight Watchers, further cementing its place in the global market. ​

Jean's approach was revolutionary not because of a groundbreaking diet plan, but because she understood the emotional and psychological facets of weight loss. She believed that "compulsive eating is an emotional problem, and we use an emotional approach to its solution."  By creating a platform where individuals could openly discuss their struggles and victories, Jean tapped into a universal need for connection and understanding.​

Her legacy is evident in the millions who have participated in Weight Watchers over the decades. Jean Nidetch transformed her personal challenges into an opportunity to help others, demonstrating that with honesty, community, and determination, profound change is possible at any stage of life.

Final Thought: Your Purpose Might Just Be Ripening

Whether it’s born from adversity, aging, freedom, or frustration—your second act might not look like anyone else’s.

But it’s not too late. It’s right on time.

Your story might be the quiet seed of something that changes your life—and someone else’s.