Old Hollywood Glamour

Actress Mae Laborde had the start to her career that most performers only dream of. "I got a call from a woman who knew me from where I used to work," Mae says. "She asked me to come to a casting office. I read some lines with a man, and when I was finished, a young lady told me she'd call me."

Less than 24 hours later, Mae had been cast in a Sears commercial, her first acting job ever. It would have been a great start for anyone, but it was especially exciting for someone in her nineties.

Mae worked as a bookkeeper and a store clerk in Los Angeles before retiring (in her 80s!). Acting wasn't a path she'd ever considered. But "when I finished shooting that first commercial, the director said to me, 'Do you know you're an actress?'" If she didn't know it then, she does now. "I guess I'm a natural!" Mae says with a chuckle.

At 98, Mae has been featured in almost a dozen commercials and has played bit parts on Mad TV and Real Time With Bill Maher, and she recently had a small role in an upcoming movie starring Ben Stiller.

When she's on the set, "I try to enjoy every minute," says Mae, whether it's a local commercial or a big-budget film. "I always find the craft services table. That's where the food is!"

Mae loves her new career, but doesn't like to make a big deal out of it. "It's a very competitive business," she says. "I'm not the only white-haired lady out there. I don't get upset if I lose a role." She starts each day on an up note "by looking in the mirror and giving myself a big grin."

Then it's off to an audition, or a movie shoot, or to spend time with her three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Or to read tea leaves for patrons at a Santa Monica tea shop. "It's a hobby of mine and I love to do it," says Mae. "I only tell people about the happy things. If I see something negative in the leaves, I don't mention it to them. I like to stay positive."

She also likes to stay active, and encourages everyone to do the same. As Mae says, "It's always fun to have things to get excited about!"

Mae's Tips.

1. Reach out.
I give speeches at the Rotary Club and Optimist Club. They like to hear what I have to say!

2. Enjoy every minute.
I love my job, and I don't do anything I don't want to.

3. Go after what you want.
If I haven't heard from my agent, I call and tell her I want to go on an audition.

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