8 Highly Successful People Who Only Found Success Later in Life
Many of us live worrying success has passed us by.
Every day that passes, we worry we’ll die old without having accomplished anything of value.
It’s not a good feeling at all, obviously, but the good news is it’s pretty irrational.
Why? Well, success doesn’t come when you want it. Like Edwin C. Barnes, Thomas Edison’s longtime business partner who decided early on that he’d make his life goal to work directly with Edison, you need to be willing to devote your life to your dreams and goals. That means, consistent work and manifestation.
I know, that’s easier said than done. That’s why we’ve gathered a collection of some of the most successful people in recent history who only achieved success late in life.
It is never too late to be what you might have been.– George Eliot
1. Samuel L. Jackson
Believe it or not, as much of a Hollywood staple as Jackson has become over the past two decades, he didn’t get his big break until he appeared in Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever in 1991 at the Hollywood-old age of 43.
2. Stan Lee
At 95 years old, Stan Lee is considered the godfather of Marvel comics. However, he didn’t create his first comic until he was 39.
At nearly 40, Lee created the first The Fantastic Four comic, which later led to him co-creating Spider-Man, Black Panther, the X-Men and countless other legendary superheroes who now dominate the box office decades later.
3. Julia Child
Believe it or not, Julia Child worked in advertising for the majority of her life. She wouldn’t go on to release her first cookbook until the age of 50, which catapulted her into stardom and turned her into one of the original celebrity chefs.
4. Rodney Dangerfield
The late and great comedian made his mark in films like Caddyshack and Easy Money, but he didn’t catch a break until he appeared on the once popular late-night show with Ed Sullivan at the age of 46.
5. Vera Wang
Another surprising success story, Vera Wang actually had dreams of becoming an Olympic figure skater.
After her dream was crushed when she failed to make the team, she entered the fashion industry at the age of 40, later becoming one of the world’s most respected names in fashion.
6. Momofuku Ando
Who is Momofuku Ando? Well, let’s just say you likely wouldn’t have been able to survive college if it weren’t for him.
Ando’s claim to success came just before the age of 50, when he invented– wait for it– instant ramen noodles way back in 1958.
Needless to say, Ando was doing pretty good after that.
7. Ray Kroc
Most people know Ray Kroc as the legendary McD’s “founder,” however, what they don’t know is that Kroc didn’t purchase the burger and shake franchise until he was 52.
Kroc would then go on to work through his 50s to grow McDonald’s into the world’s largest fast-food franchise.
8. Colonel Sanders
It seems some people believe Colonel Sanders is just a mascot, the face behind the brand of a now billion-dollar fast-food company.
However, that classic logo is the gleeful mugshot of the one and only Harland Sanders, also known as Colonel Sanders, the original founder of KFC. He franchised the company back in 1952 at the age of 62 and would later sell the company for several million dollars.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.