“Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
While the origins of that quote are somewhat disputed – with both Confucius and Mark Twain credited – it’s a life lesson that plenty of people have taken on board by seeking out their dream careers.
And some people enjoyed those jobs so much, they carried on working long past the traditional age of retirement. As actress Helen Worth announces her departure from Coronation Street after 50 years playing Gail Platt, ±«Óătv Bitesize takes a look at some of the people with the longest careers in history.
Kazuyoshi Miura
Kazuyoshi Miura may not be the world’s most famous footballer, but the Japanese forward has had a legendary career within the game.
The 56-year-old is the oldest professional footballer in history and is still playing football – having become the first player to ever play professionally in five decades.
Known as King Kazu, the Japanese striker made his debut in 1986 for Brazilian team Santos, enjoying a five-year career in South America before returning to his homeland. Miura helped his new side Verdy Kawasaki to win the first two titles in the newly-formed professional J1 League in Japan in the 1990s.
Remarkably, the former Japanese international Miura is still playing today, after a career including spells in Italy, Croatia, Australia and as of 2023, Portugal, where he joined second division side Oliveirense on loan. While his on-field minutes have reduced in recent years, Miura has shown no signs of wanting to retire just yet – indicating he wants to play on until he’s 60.
Lalita Pawar
Lalita Pawar has one of the most prolific acting careers in history, appearing in more than 700 Bollywood films.
Pawar was born in India in 1916 and according to Guinness World Records, appeared in her first film at the age of 12. She took on a series of lead roles in silent films, before being regularly cast as a villainous mother figure in later life.
Pawar is one of the most prolific film actors of all time, holding the world record for the longest Bollywood film career. In 1961, the Indian Government honoured Pawar by naming her the first lady of Indian cinema.
Pawar continued to work until later life, working on screen for more than 70 years. She died in 1998 at the age of 81.
Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II spent more than 70 years on the throne – dedicating nearly her entire adult life to royal duty.
At the age of 25, Elizabeth ascended to the throne upon the death of her father, King George VI. Elizabeth and Prince Philip were on a royal tour of Australia and New Zealand, via Kenya, when news broke of the death of the King.
The new Queen returned to the United Kingdom immediately and began her record-breaking reign.
No British monarch has ever reigned for as long as Queen Elizabeth II did – and her rule is the longest verified reign by a female head of state anywhere in the world.
Only France’s Louis XIV ruled for longer than Queen Elizabeth II – his reign of just over 72 years ran from 1643 to 1715.
Queen Elizabeth II died on 8 September 2022 – after an astonishing 70 years and 214 days of monarchy and public service.
Walter Orthmann
While Queen Elizabeth II and Lous XIV completed more than 70 years in the same job, a Brazilian man has gone even further.
Walter Orthmann broke the world record for the longest career with the same company, amassing more than 84 years service at the same firm.
The Brazilian joined textile company Indiustrias Renaux S.A. (now known as ReneauxView) in January 1938 as a shipping assistant – aged just 15 at the time.
After being spotted for his dedication and enthusiasm, Orthmann was promoted to a sales role, ultimately becoming sales manager – staying in post for decades, and even beyond his 100th birthday in 2022.
Orthmann said that the routine of going to work gave him a continued purpose. Speaking to Guinness World Records, he gave his own take on the Confucius/Twain quote by saying: “When we do what we like, we don't see the time go by.”
This article was published in December 2023
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