Our Favorite Hollywood Celebs Who Rock Their Gray and Silver Hair
| LAST UPDATE 01/09/2022
It's fair to assume that Hollywood is all about looks and perfection, but these A-listers prefer to keep it real. Here are our favorite confident celebrities who have let their gray and silver hair grow out.
Sarah Jessica Parker
We may know her best as Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City, but these days Sarah Jessica Parker is promoting more than just an unbeatable fashion sense - she's choosing self-love and acceptance.
"I make choices that make me feel comfortable and try not to worry too much about what other people think," she recently said about her decision to rock her natural locks. Blonde or gray, SJP is proving that confidence is the real key to looking your best.
George Clooney
When it comes to sporting your silvers, George Clooney has been paving the way for Hollywood male heartthrobs who can't let go of the box dye. For over a decade now he's had fully gray hair, even if he wasn't initially happy about his body's natural changes.
"It's never been an option," he admitted, reflecting on his feelings about the gradual change in his hair color. But these days he's proud of the look, saying "I'm a big believer that you can't try to look younger, you can just try to look the best you can at the age you are." Amen to that!
Jamie Lee Curtis
Whether it’s her role in Freaky Friday or A Fish Called Wanda, Jamie Lee Curtis has been wearing her hair however she wants for years. But these days she's doing more with her hair than just wearing an unconventionally short 'do - she's also embraced her grays!
And she also has a refreshingly philosophical take on her aging roots. "Getting older makes you more alive," she told Interview Magazine. "More vitality, more interest, more intelligence, more grace, more expansion." With opinions like hers, we can’t wait to get older too!
Taylor Kinney
This gorgeous Vampire Diaries star dated pop icon Lady Gaga for five years, and we can't help but wonder if he got some of his recent confidence from his audacious ex. Now that he's entered his 40s, Taylor Kinney has jumped on the salt & pepper look.
And despite his former Bad Romance, it's no surprise that Kinney has been killing the dating game with his silver hair and chiseled looks. Of course, he's probably helped along by his considerable talent, shown in projects like Zero Dark Thirty and Chicago Fire.
David Beckham
If you've seen his wife's health and beauty tips, you have to wonder if hubby David Beckham has been taking a leaf out of Victoria's book, even downing shots of apple cider vinegar as per her advice. After all, this football star is almost half a century old and yet he's looking better than he ever has!
Though he's not sharing any of his secrets so far, we're just happy to see another public figure showing off their salt & pepper hair, without a care in the world. It likely helps that Beckham is thriving, as a co-owner of multiple football teams and an ambassadorship lined up for 2022.
Whoopi Goldberg
Times have changed rapidly in the last few decades, from touch-screen phones to electric cars, to global pandemics. Whoopi Goldberg has acknowledged how different the world is, although she was a little off with her predictions. "I thought we'd have Jetson cars and stuff... Just all kinds of crazy stuff," she admitted.
But she's also had to reflect on her own personal changes, saying, "You think you're going to be so different when you get older. But basically, I'm still the same person." But with her new ash-gray dreadlocks, she certainly looks different - and we're loving it!
Andie MacDowell
After living through the same day over and over again in Groundhog Day, back in the 80s Andie MacDowell may have wished she could live without aging in real life too. But these days, the actress couldn't be happier about growing older, and she's been flaunting it with her gorgeous silver locks.
She's even gone out of her way to encourage others to embrace the aging process. "We're beautiful at every age... glorious in our own way," the 63-year old actress told one interviewer. "I feel so much more comfortable. It's like I've taken a mask off or something."
Steve Carell
After years of seeing him as the head of Dunder Mifflin, with his head of shiny, perfectly uniform brown locks, fans of Steve Carrell and viewers of The Office were surprised and ecstatic to see Michael Scott show up to the red carpet with a full head of silver.
Back in 2017, Carrell made the decision to let his gray hairs grow out completely, turning everyone's heads in the process. He brushed off the attention in a funny interview with ET, saying "I am so sick of people just looking at me for my physical attributes. It's just genetic. There's nothing I can do."
Andy Cohen
After years of hosting shows on Bravo and producing the Real Housewives franchise, we can't help but wonder how Andy Cohen dealt with the constantly unfolding Housewives drama. And Cohen himself admits that the show may have taken a bit of a toll over the years.
"I'm not saying the Housewives turned my hair entirely gray, but they did," he joked. Juggling his talk show Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen as well as multiple seasons of one of the world's biggest reality TV shows must be hard. Let's hope he gets his fair share of expensive champers and high-society dinners!
Eric Dane
Playing one of the hottest doctors in the ward on Grey's Anatomy has probably helped a lot to not only normalize naturally graying hair but to make it look sexy too! Although Eric 'McSteamy' Dane certainly never chose to rock the iconic look, despite how much viewers love it.
According to him, it all just happened gradually. "My hair is naturally gray," Dane said. "That just happened because of my age." Well, it looks like time has been kind to this silver fox, which might explain why fans and co-stars were so upset when his character left Grey's Anatomy for good.
Matt LeBlanc
It's been a long time since we heard Joey Tribbiani ask someone 'How you doin'?' but that doesn't mean we've forgotten him. Watching Matt LeBlanc stumble through his 20s and 30s with his iconic Friends cast members, sure seems like a lifetime ago.
And though these days LeBlanc is the definition of a silver fox with his shock of silver hair, we can't help but remember how Joey lived life - as a playful, joyous, sometimes goofy young charmer. If his character isn't a reminder that growing older doesn't have to make you old, we don't know what is.
Meryl Streep
One of her most iconic roles was as the devilish editor in chief, Miranda Priestly, in the smash hit film, The Devil Wears Prada. But Meryl Streep is far from interested in keeping up with the Joneses, and that sentiment has only gotten stronger over the years as her hair has grown grayer.
"The good thing about getting older is that you find your own way," she stated when asked how she felt about growing older. "You have your own rules. You have your own understanding of yourself, and that's what you're going to count on... Not what your mother told you. Not what some actress told you... but the still, small voice."
Eric Stonestreet
"I'm a big baby," Eric Stonestreet announced in one interview. At 50-years old the Modern Family star has no interest in getting 'old,' proving that he’s still very much young at heart. Not only does he have a rounded, youthful face, but he also plays a lot of pranks on his fellow castmates.
One of the main targets was his on-screen husband, Jesse Tyler Ferguson. "I tormented him," Stonestreet recalled. "I would write things with my finger on the back window of his car, like 'I'm the redheaded guy from 'Modern Family.'" We can only imagine how much fun he had in those ten years on screen.
Stacy London
Watching What Not To Wear taught so many of us how to rock virtually any fashion look, but co-host Stacy London also taught us something equally valuable - that getting gray hairs early on isn't a problem, and it can even look super cool if you wear it right!
And that's exactly what she did with her well-known silver streak, which she's had since she was a teenager. "Nobody else in my family has it," London revealed. "When I notice more gray hairs, I'll say little things to myself in the mirror, like, 'I can't wait to see more of you.'"
Hilarie Burton
Since she got her very first gray hair, One Tree Hill star Hilarie Burton made the bold decision to keep them immediately, refusing to remove any single stray strand. In her eyes, welcoming the sudden changes in her body was a way of exercising self-acceptance.
And the 39-year old has never apologized for it. "It's a small, silly symbol. Gray hair. Who cares, right?" she asked. And it's a good question. While she's standing up for women’s sharing #nomakeup and #nofilter selfies online, she's also sending a message: aging isn't a big deal, and gray hair can still be beautiful!
Patrick Dempsey
There must be something about the Grey’s Anatomy set - after all, it's in the name! First, we had McSteamy, and now we've got McDreamy! Patrick Dempsey's thick, dark locks have collected a number of silver streaks in recent years, but we're sure it hasn't affected him, or his fanbase.
His three kids on the other hand… "Oh yeah, they make fun of me," the 55-year old laughed. "They don't let me take myself too seriously." Though we personally love his graying locks, it's good to know his family is still keeping this talented actor in check!
Ben Affleck
The last year or so has brought through a lot of life changes for actor/director Ben Affleck- from the reprisal of his former relationship with J.Lo to his gradually graying head of hair, and beard. Since 2010 at the Venice Film Festival, Affleck has been showing off his new, more mature look.
Despite being almost 50-years old and rocking his graying hair, Ben Affleck still looks much younger than you'd expect. And he's not the only one! Recently he asked his current beau Jennifer Lopez a similar question: "Where are you keeping the fountain of youth?" We sure would like to know!
Tia Mowry
Back in her Sister, Sister days, Tia Mowry and her sister, Tamera, did what many young people do. They broke curfew and a few other rules, and of course, chased the most recent trends and fashions. But these days, Tia has no problem saying that she's "all about authenticity."
And that includes how she wears her hair, proudly showing off her silvers that have slowly been popping up. She also has no problem with postpartum weight gain, encouraging other women to feel the same. "I'm all about wanting to change the narrative that people think they need to be perfect. Growing older is a blessing," she said.
Gwyneth Paltrow
As if being an A-list actress wasn't enough, Gwyneth Paltrow has also been grabbing headlines for her unconventional entrepreneurial approach, with "vampire repellent spray," 24-carat gold playing cards, and a line of other odd products as part of her company Goop.
And the health and wellness proponent is also open about her love of aging, saying "I would never want to go back to my 20s, or even my 30s for that matter. I know myself, I like myself, and I am so grateful for the wisdom that comes with age." We wish we had her confidence!
Cynthia Nixon
Growing older has more than just physical implications - it's about mental and intellectual change too. Just ask Sex and The City star Cynthia Nixon, who not only plays a Harvard intellectual on screen but is also an activist and budding politician in real life. And her outlook has changed a lot over the years.
"As I got older - I could feel younger people looking up to me in a certain way and wanting to know things that I knew," Nixon admitted. "Now? When I meet women in their sixties and their seventies, I'm really interested in hearing from them. Because I understand in a way that I didn't... how much they know."
Karl Lagerfeld
If there was one person on this planet who could prove that you can still be cool (and in fact, get cooler) as you age, it was Karl Lagerfeld. The lauded fashion designer had no interest in being a stodgy old man stuck in his ways, and he made that clear in his work and his life.
"Fashion is about change, and I like change. I'm not attached to anything," he famously said, summing up his approach to aging. These days his black shades, suit jackets, and ponytail are iconic enough, and his work will be remembered in the fashion world for years to come.
Billy Porter
"For years I tried to put myself in a box, and it frustrated me, so I had to let go and let the universe take its course," explained Billy Porter. With his gloriously outlandish outfits and signature platform pumps, it’s hard to imagine anyone keeping the Pose star inside a box.
And since he let himself out, the actor and singer has been wowing fans with his incredible, barrier-breaking red carpet looks, turning heads wherever he goes. In fact, the 52-year old has made such a statement with his work and fashion sense that you’d barely notice his gracefully graying locks.
Arie Luyendyk Jr.
For fans of The Bachelor, there’s no forgetting this auto racing driver and Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk Jr. He made waves and broke hearts in "the most dramatic season yet,” rocking the salt & pepper look during his melodramatic time in the mansion.
Today, Luyendyk Jr. is living a life far more befitting of his distinguished, gentlemanly look. He’s fully settled down with Lauren, the runner-up on his Bachelor season, and the couple now lives in Scottsdale with their three children. It’s all coming up roses for the Luyendyk, and it’s heartwarming to see!
Blake Shelton
In recent years, country singer Blake Shelton has really settled into growing older, choosing to show off his silver-streaked hair with aplomb. And he’s not the only one who wears his age unbelievably well - his popstar wife Gwen Stefani is positively radiant by his side.
When asked by interviewers how she and Blake manage to maintain their youthful good looks, Gwen shrugged and gave a heartwarming answer. "Love must look good on me. I feel like that does show through - it really does," she said. Doesn’t everyone want a love like that?
Lisa Bonet
It’s been three decades since The Cosby Show ended, and somehow Lisa Bonet only looks a few years older than her screen counterpart Denise Huxtable. It’s safe to say that fans are clamoring to discover her anti-aging secrets, as her hair goes grayer but her skin barely changes!
The answer might not be what you expect: it’s all because of oil. "I was using coconut oil before the current craze," Bonet said simply. But she has another tip that may be even more important. "Beauty starts from the inside. Not only in terms of health but also in terms of keeping that light inside of us alive."
Seth Rogen
When it comes to aging well, actor and director Seth Rogen is far more concerned with the craft of joke-telling than he is with his looks. "There are certain jokes that for sure have not aged well, but I think that's the nature of comedy," he admitted when asked about some of the less ‘PC’ jokes from his early films.
And though some of his jokes have aged poorly, Seth can take comfort in the fact that the same can’t be said about his looks. Even as his brunette locks transition to silver, this funny man looks as youthful as ever. Maybe laughter keeps you looking young after all?
Simon Cowell
Though he has a reputation for being a little harsh, the iconic judge of American Idol must be laughing and smiling all the way to the beauty salon. After all, he’s managed to stay quite youthful looking after 20 years on our screens, even as he’s juggled work with fatherhood, graying hair, and the odd wrinkle.
But Simon Cowell’s seemingly effortless aging may be due to more than just good genetics, at least according to his fellow Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden. "He's into these health smoothies and is always giving away recipes," she mentioned in an interview when asked about Cowell’s conversion to veganism.
Josh Duhamel
If we could wear our silver hair as well as Josh Duhamel does, we’d probably be dating supermodels too! Although after bagging a date with a former Miss America, we have to assume his charisma and talent have a lot to do with it too. Sigh, if only...
Though our strongest memories of Duhamel are from the 2000s in Transformers and Win a Date With Tad Hamilton, these days the 49-year old is looking better than ever, gray hairs and all! No wonder he’s been wooing leading ladies for almost two decades!
Salma Hayek
Has there ever been an actress who could heat up the screen as quickly as Selma Hayek? The gorgeous Mexican A-lister has been known for her beauty and talent for decades, and she’s living proof that age doesn’t take away any of your spark or spiciness. Just ask her!
The 55-year old actress has no time for ageism. "You can kick [butt] at any age," Hayek stated fiercely. "You can hold your own at any age, you can dream at any age, you can be romantic at any age. We have the right to be loved for who we are at the place that we are."
Gillian Anderson
When it comes to getting older, why not take a leaf out of Gillian Anderson’s book? After all, the 53-year old beauty has been sharing the screen with angsty adolescents for years now, in the Netflix hit Sex Education. And though growing older can feel strange, she encourages everyone to embrace it.
When asked about the aging process in an interview with Vogue, she had one thing to say: "The thing to remember is, how one looks in the mirror is the youngest one will ever look again. So you can't do anything but celebrate it!" That’s the kind of ‘education’ we're talking about!
Selma Blair
Though you might remember her as the prudish, awkward, and unsure Vivian Kensington in Legally Blonde, in real life Selma Blair is far from that. She’s a bold and outspoken actress and has taken great strides to embrace her aging self, in particular her striking silver strands.
Over the years the actress has struggled with her health and her self-esteem, and she has tried to use her platform as an actress to share her struggles with others who have experienced the same. "I've loved every minute of this Hollywood... and I would love to see it be a changemaker, almost imperceptibly," she said.
Wentworth Miller
Wentworth Miller isn’t afraid to share his thoughts and opinions, proving that there’s much more to the Prison Break star than his piercing blue eyes and acting skills. And over the years he’s certainly embraced getting older and becoming more confident in the process.
He went to Instagram to share some of the wisdom he accrued over the years, advising his 2+ million followers to "Deserve more respect. Nuance. Intention. Better representation." He also uses his Hollywood status as a platform to advocate for marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQ+ community.
Richard Madden
There’s something timeless, or maybe even “old-timey,” about Richard Madden. Maybe that's why the Scottish heartthrob keeps getting cast in films and shows like Cinderella and Game of Thrones. But despite his good looks and natural charm, Madden still had to undergo ‘beauty treatment’ during the filming of Cinderella.
This real-life Prince Charming had to have his hair chemically straightened to fit what the producers wanted for his role. Despite industry pressure, Madden has retained the look he feels most comfortable with, and that includes embracing his curly, salt & pepper locks. We think he made the right choice!
Jane Fonda
Throughout her 60+ years on screen, iconoclast actress Jane Fonda has proven time and time again that she’s more than just a pretty face. She’s caused controversy because of her lifelong dedication to political activism, and she still has that spirit today, as an 83-year old.
The gray-haired Grace & Frankie star is still speaking out with her platform, saying "Let all of us make an effort to expand that tent so everyone rises and everyone's story has a chance to be seen and heard." And with a spirit like that, it’s no wonder she still has a youthful glow about her.
Alec Baldwin
Despite his niece, Hailey’s unprecedented rise to the top of Hollywood, the patriarch of the Baldwin family isn’t fading into the background anytime soon. This silver fox has taken several impressive turns on the screen, both as a dramatic and comedic actor, and we expect to see more of him in years to come.
But he doesn’t just reserve his passions for being in front of the camera. Baldwin is also a fervent animal rights activist, partnering with PETA and other charitable organizations. Though he’s had his fair share of controversy lately, we’re sure he’ll be on top again soon enough!
Rob Lowe
When the cast and crew of Parks & Recreation filmed their reunion episode in 2020, Rob Lowe, who plays Chris Traeger, went online with a special announcement to his fans - not only was there going to be a reunion, but he was also growing out his silver roots for the first time on screen!
This was a momentous act for Lowe, who had been dying his individual gray hairs since he was as young as 24-years old. Now he has decided to proudly wear his gray hair without worrying about others. "Never compare your insides to someone else's outsides," he said about the sudden change.
Nicole Kidman
Since she was a teenager, ethereal actress Nicole Kidman has been wowing viewers, disappearing into a range of fascinating roles. From Sydney to Hollywood, Kidman has practically grown up onscreen and has come a long way since her first on-screen appearance in 1983.
But the beauty’s long journey through life hasn’t worn her down - in fact, she’s learned a great deal while she’s developed the odd gray hairs and wrinkles. "Sometimes things will work out, and you'll shine for a moment - and sometimes they won't. But that slow and steady is a good way to approach life," she once said.
Brooke Shields
While some celebrities look back longingly at their youth (aka Taylor Swift’s hit single 22), actress Brooke Shields certainly isn’t one of them. Despite living a glamorous life in the limelight as a teen idol and upcoming young actress, Shields insists "I would not go back to 25."
As it turns out, Shield’s experienced her fair share of growing pains along with her successes and feels much more settled in her 50’s. According to her, she is "so much more relaxed now," adding, "I'm in my own life... in my own skin and in my own happiness." And we couldn’t be happier for her!
Brad Pitt
The Daily Express once dubbed Hollywood heartthrob Brad Pitt as, "the man who likes to look like his girlfriend." And it’s true that Brad’s style has often changed to match his partners at the time. But with women like Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston, and Gwyneth Paltrow on his roster of exes, that’s hardly an insult.
But now that he's settled into single life as a middle-aged gentleman, his own singular style has started to emerge too. And one of our favorite new looks? Well, Brad appears to be embracing his gray roots, letting them pop up in some places. But will this new look last? We guess it depends on who he dates next.
Timothy Olyphant
Over the last decade, there’s no denying that the smooth-talking, silver-haired Timothy Olyphant has truly found his place in the industry, acting in a wide range of acclaimed roles from blockbusters to indie hits to helming Netflix and HBO shows. And as he gets older, his career continues to evolve.
That includes where he chooses to set up shop. "The last 15 years, I was very unwilling to leave L.A.," he said. But now that he has a family to raise, things have changed. "If someone says, 'It shoots in Budapest,' I say to my wife, 'Honey, you want to go live in Budapest for a while?' And why not?"
Caroline Manzo
This infamous housewife has caught our eyes and attention in a number of ways - but we have to admit, they’re usually more dramatic than this latest PR move. Back in 2020, the Real Housewives of New Jersey made the decision to show off her naturally graying hair.
In fact, she was so confident in her decision that she went straight to Instagram with the news, sharing a shiny new selfie with the caption: "I decided to embrace the gray." And Caroline’s new look was met with huge positivity, not only from her fans but even from her Real Housewives cast members!
Mark Ruffalo
To be honest, we’re still crushing on Mark Ruffalo’s role as Matty in 13 Going on 30. And believe it or not, the hit rom-com was filmed almost 20 years ago! But we’re not mad - at 53-years old, this silver fox is still looking just as handsome as ever.
And Ruffalo doesn’t have any plans to slow down as he gets older. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he even said, "You know, conceivably, if I'm still alive, and they don't mind a gray-haired Hulk, I could be in this universe for another 10 or 15 years." I’m sure his fans won’t complain!
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Since he galloped onto our screens as the complicated anti-hero Jaime Lannister, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau has been making waves with his godly looks and effortless charm. And though his Game of Thrones character was known for his blonde locks, Coster-Waldau had no problem letting his gray hairs grow out.
Perhaps the dignified look has helped his successes since his career has grown from strength to strength in recent years. Not only did he receive two Emmy nominations for GoT, but he’s since starred in a number of high-profile roles. It’s safe to say this heartthrob isn’t going anywhere.
Kate Moss
While some viewers were understandably shocked when the ‘90s ‘it’ girl supermodel Kate Moss showed up on the red carpet in 2013 with gray roots that seemingly came out of nowhere, it wasn’t what everyone thought. No, she hadn’t been hiding a head of natural grays for years.
Though we would never have judged her if she had! But as it turned out, the whole thing had been an accident. As the Daily Mail reported, the supermodel had had a botched dye job the day before, resulting in what looked like a strange but brave new trendsetting look.
Chad Michael Murray
Here’s another actor we remember as a young heartthrob, who has openly accepted growing older while living in the limelight. Despite all the fans who still swoon over his 23-year old self, One Tree Hill star Chad Michael Murray doesn’t miss being that age.
"I look at my photos of myself and think, 'What a dweeb,'" he laughed. But the silver-streaked star is still grateful for the opportunities he’s been given. "I'm just a kid from Buffalo, moved out here, took a chance, and I fell headfirst into it." With looks and modesty, we’re sure he’s only got more successes ahead of him.
Steve Martin
Steve Martin has been blessing our TV screens since 1977, when he debuted his acting career on The Absent-Minded Waiter. Even back then, Martin was rocking his arguably easy-recognizable head of gray hairs. Throughout the years, the star has embraced his natural hair color.
Martin originally had brown locks, but based on a Rolling Stones report from the same year he launched his rise to stardom, the actor aged prematurely. By age 32, the silver look was on full display. While today, it looks more white than gray, it continues to be his iconic look.
Helen Mirren
In the last few years, Helen Mirren has embraced her switch from blonde hair to a silvery-white tone. The actress admitted that she was inspired by her role as Queen Charlotte in The Madness of King George. The 76-year old actress has openly discussed how the transition left her feeling even more confident than before.
Mirren told Vogue, "I have to say it was very easy for me because my hair was always blonde." She even encouraged others to make the change, "Why not just embrace it, go along with it and welcome it? Make it a positive thing as opposed to a negative thing."
Diane Keaton
Over the years, Diane Keaton has flaunted many looks, from blond to brunette. But it wasn't until 2014 that the actress decided on going the au natural route, and she never looked back. Keaton first amazed fans when she showcased her gray locks at the Golden Globes.
After she debuted her hair transition on the red carpet, fans wondered what brought on the change. But, to this day, Keaton has never publicly discussed what inspired the hair transition. Either way, Keaton rocks the silver hue, and we can't imagine her going back.
Jon Stewart
After making a career change and leaving The Daily Show, Jon Stewart's appearance also changed. Although he was sporting the salt and pepper look when he was still the host of the show, his beard didn't catch up till later. Now, the comedian rocks the gray-haired style from the top of his head all the way to his chin.
The silver fox poked fun at his new appearance. After all, he's no newbie when it comes to cracking jokes. At the 11th annual Stand Up for Heroes benefit in New York City in 2017, Stewart said, "This must be so exciting for you to see me here," he teased," 'Oh, I can't believe it, it's Jon Stewart's grandfather!'"
Tan France
Instead of hiding his gray hair, Queer Eye's fashion designer, Tan France, has welcomed his gray locks. The 38-year old told The Guardian, "I've been going gray since I was 12. People assume I'm older than I am, which is frustrating." Now, France doesn't shy away from accepting his silver-hued hair.
"I very much embrace my hair, and even how I'm going gray early, which is very typical for South Asian men," the silver fox shared with Refinery29 in 2018. "I embrace all of these things, and I hope it empowers other kids who aren't Caucasian to feel like they should be empowered to be who they are."