Hollywood icon Faye Dunaway is turning 85 years old today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026. To mark the special occasion, we’re looking back at the star’s career as well as the actress herself.
When it comes to her impact on the industry, “[s]he created some of Hollywood’s most memorable roles in such revolutionary films as ‘Bonnie and Clyde,’ ‘Chinatown’ and ‘Network’ while simultaneously seducing a generation,” according to People.
Over the years, her work has been recognized with plenty of top industry accolades, including an Academy Award, three Golden Globe Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award and a BAFTA Award.
While she’s now seen as an acting legend, you’ll surely be interested to see the star when she was younger!
Dunaway Shone Bright When She Was a Young Star
Although Dunaway is still as charming as ever, she also radiated beauty as a young star in Hollywood.
Indeed, Dunaway was absolutely stunning in the ’60s.
One black-and-white photo shared on Instagram shows the star back in the ’70s. The caption of the post reads: “My, God, she is so beautiful here. Close-up of American actress Faye Dunaway at a pre-release press conference about her film ‘Network’ (directed by Sidney Lumet), New York, New York, November 7, 1976.”
Another post reads: “Faye Dunaway at the Beverly Hills Hotel the morning after her Oscar win for Network, 1977.”
The star was just as striking in the ’80s.
The Star Says ‘It’s Not Age That Makes a Life’
GettyWhen it comes to getting older, Dunaway talked to People back in October 2016 when the star was 75 years old.
“It is what it is. It’s not something to moan or complain about,” she said at the time. “I still have a lot of creativity and emotion and it almost gets deeper as you get older — the more you understand and absorb.”
Beyond that, she added, “It’s not age that makes a life. It’s what you do with it.”
Dunaway also reflected on her earlier days in show business.
“When I was discovered, everything happened like dominos,” she said. “I don’t know how to talk about it now because it’s too mindblowing. It’s so unreal and yet it’s real. I’m grateful for it but I guess part of that is missing it — when one grows older.”
“The whole thing is a great experience, but it has its pain as well,” she explained. “There’s a lot of manipulation that goes on, a lot of fear. ‘Will I make it?’ But in the end, you realize it was a very good life.”
Most beautiful woman of all time