30 Famous People Who Proved Successful Late Bloomers Age Is Just a Number

Do you feel like you've missed your chance because you're past a certain age? It's easy to get discouraged when it seems like everyone has a flourishing career by the time they're 25. But judging from the stories of countless icons, success doesn't always come early. According to data compiled by Bored Panda, many of the world's most influential figures didn't find their true calling until their 30s, 40s, or even 60s.

The Truth About Successful Late Bloomers Age

Many legends didn't start in the fields they became famous for. Colonel Sanders, the man behind KFC, had a hard time holding down a job for decades, working as a fireman and insurance salesman before opening his first franchise at 62. Similarly, Morgan Freeman loved acting but joined the Air Force first; he didn't land his big break until he was 50. These stories prove that the timeline of achievement is personal, not societal.

Top 5 Icons Who Bloomed After 40

• 1st: Colonel Sanders (Founded KFC at age 62 with over 3,200 locations worldwide today)
• 2nd: Morgan Freeman (Landed his first major break at age 50 in the movie Street Smart)
• 3rd: Susan Boyle (Became an instant global success at age 47 after Britain's Got Talent)
• 4th: Alan Rickman (A former graphic designer who debuted in Die Hard at age 42)
• 5th: Martha Stewart (Published her first cookbook at age 41, building a net worth of over $638 million)