10 Late bloomers who prove it’s never too late to live your dream

Vera Wang

When you think of bridal couture you think of Vera Wang, originally a successful figure skater and fashion editor – Vera Wang didn’t design her first wedding dress until she was 40!

Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin published On the Origin of the Species at 50! His theories changed the world, quite an achievement for your first book.

Julia Child

One of American’s best known TV chefs and authors didn’t always have a love affair with the kitchen, in fact, she didn’t even learn to cook until she was 36 when she moved to France.

Harland Sanders

Yep, you recognise the Sanders name, better known as Colonel Sanders franchised the KFC chain at 62!

Ray Kroc

In a similar vein to his chicken counterpart, Ray Kroc aged 54 bought his first fast-food store aged 54, it grew to be McDonalds, the world’s largest franchise.

Fauja Singh

The worlds oldest marathon runner, Londoner Fauja, took up running aged 89, he has run 9 full marathons and retired aged 102 after his final 10k in Hong Kong.

Samuel L Jackson

While he’s now a household name, Samuel L Jackson didn’t land a major role until Spike Lee cast him in ‘Jungle Fever’ when he was 43!

Morgan Freeman

Speaking of famous actors, Morgan Freeman had spent the majority of his life treading the boards, until his role in Glory – aged 52.

James Dyson

James Dyson spent his early years a failed salesman unable to get backing from any major manufacturers while living off his wifes income. It was only aged 39 that he sold his first US patent which launched his success.

JK Rowling

It's well known that JK Rowling was rejected by 8 publishers before anyone showed interest in her 'books about wizards'. Divorced, unemployed and broke, her first book was published just days before her 32nd birthday – and look at her now!