10 stars who have achieved huge success after 40 years

Statistically, actors usually reach the peak of their careers and get a breakout role between the ages of 30 and 39. However, some of Hollywood's biggest stars have had a big break after reaching the age of 40, proving that success and talent know no age. And despite patience and perseverance, success later in life can be a real blessing for these stars, as only time can give them the maturity and wisdom they need to maintain their glory.

We're rooting for these hardworking celebrities who didn't give up until they made their dream come true. Here are 10 famous people who have achieved success in their 40s.

10 PHOTOS

1. Even though Peter Dinklage has already starred in 30 films and more than a dozen TV shows, his real breakthrough came when he landed a role on Game of Thrones in his early 40s. He continued to play the role of Tyrion Lannister for 8 seasons until the series ended in 2019 and his success has only grown since then.

2. The British Canadian has been filming since 1975, but her role as Samantha Jones in the popular series Sex and the City brought her worldwide fame. Kim Cattrall first appeared on our TV screens as the confident and strong Samantha in 1998, when she was 42 years old. This acclaimed role earned her numerous awards, including a 2002 Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress.

3. The American actor got his breakout role in 2000 playing Hal's father on Malcolm in the Middle. After the series ended, Bryan Cranston showed no signs of slowing down, and he had even more success in 2008, at the age of 51, when he portrayed chemistry teacher Walter White on the mega-hit series Breaking Bad.

4. Despite the fact that Viola Davis starred in no less than 75 films, the American actress mostly took on supporting roles. But that all changed when she starred in the 2011 historical drama The Help. The film was released a few days before she turned 46. The role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

5. The actress and director have been in the industry since the 70s. But it was the 1990 horror film Misery that turned her into a star and won her an Oscar. Since then, Kathy Bates has starred in major hits including Titanic.

6. Although he was already famous in England, it was American Idol that made Simon Cowell a household name. His steely demeanor and serious personality as a judge have captured the attention of viewers around the world since his first appearance on the show in 2002.

7. The American businesswoman and writer had her big break in 1982 when she published her first book, Entertainment, at the age of 41. Since then, Martha Stewart has managed to build an empire, and from 2005 to 2012 she had her own TV show, Martha.

8. Samuel L. Jackson began his career in the early 70s and has had various roles in film and television. But he was able to achieve worldwide fame in 1994, after starring in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction. His performance in the film earned him an Academy Award nomination.

9. Octavia Spencer has had small roles in many famous and popular films such as Big Momma's House in 2002 and Spider-Man in 2002. But her big break came in 2011 when she starred in The Help. Her stellar performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

10. In the late 70s and 80s, Lim Neeson was mainly a theater actor. Later, he also appeared in films, but it wasn't until 1993, when he was 42, that he landed the lead role in Steven Spielberg's 1993 film Schindler's List. The film was highly acclaimed and won 7 Academy Awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture.