Richard Farnsworth (USA, 1920 - 2000) was aged 79 years 167 days when the Academy nominated him for Best Actor for his role as Alvin Straight in The Straight Story (USA 1999) on 15 February 2000. He came out of semi-retirement to play the role and died six months after picking up his Oscar on 6 October 2000. He was a stuntman for forty years before becoming an actor, doubling for the likes of Roy Rogers and Gary Cooper (both USA). Name Born Film Won Age Richard Farnsworth (USA) 1 September 1920 The Straight Story (USA 1999) 15 February 2000 79 years 207 days Henry Fonda (USA) 16 May 1905 On Golden Pond (USA 1981) 11 February 1982 76 yeras 271 days Laurence Olivier (UK) 22 May 1907 The Boys from Brazil (UK/USA1978) 20 Febraury 1979 71 years 274 days Clint Eastwood (USA) 31 May 1930 Million Dollar Baby (USA 2004) 25 January 2005 74 years 239 days Paul Newman (USA) 26 January 1925 Nobody's Fool (USA 1994) 14 February 1979 70 years 19 days Michael Caine (UK) 14 March 1933 The Quiet American (USA/Germany/Australia 2002) 11 February 2003 69 years 334 days Melvyn Douglas (USA) 5 April 1901 I Never Sang for My Father (USA 1970) 22 February 1971 69 years 323 days