What should I have accomplished by 57?
See what remarkable builders and entrepreneurs achieved at age 57
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Notable Achievements at Age 57
Death
Died at his home in Pawling, New York, on April 27, 1965, two days after his 57th birthday, following lung cancer complications.
Died of a heart attack in Towson, Maryland
Julia Alexander died suddenly of a heart attack in Towson, Maryland on May 4, 2025.
Height and personal branding (Above the Crowd)
Known for his exceptional height (6 ft 9 in) — referenced by his blog title 'Above the Crowd' and other profiles.
Reelected Governor of Illinois, defeating Darren Bailey
Defeated Republican Darren Bailey on Nov 8, 2022 with 54.91% of the vote to Bailey's 42.37%; began second term Jan 9, 2023.
Slapped by Will Smith at the Academy Awards
While presenting at the 94th Academy Awards Rock joked about Jada Pinkett Smith; Will Smith walked on stage and slapped him. The incident drew worldwide attention.
Won special general election for U.S. House (LA-2)
Defeated Karen Carter Peterson in the April 24, 2021 runoff with 48,511 votes (55.2%) to Peterson's 39,295 (44.8%).
Announced plan to retire within 12 months
On August 23, 2013 Microsoft announced Ballmer would retire as CEO within the next 12 months and a special committee (including Gates) would pick a successor.
Appeared as Mr. Bean in 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony
Performed a comedy sketch as Mr. Bean during the London 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony (27 July 2012).
Featured in London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony
Honoured as 'Inventor of the World Wide Web' at the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony; tweeted 'This is for everyone' in a widely shown moment.
Final episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show aired
The nationally syndicated talk show concluded after 25 years and over 5,000 episodes; final broadcast on May 25, 2011.
Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) launched
OWN launched on Jan 1, 2011 as a joint venture with Discovery Communications replacing Discovery Health Channel.
Three-judge panel orders counting of disputed absentee ballots; Franken lead rises to 312
A trial before a three-judge panel ruled that 351 absentee ballots should be counted, increasing Franken's lead to 312 votes (April 7, 2009).
Recount certified: Franken ahead by 225 votes
Following the mandatory recount, the Minnesota State Canvassing Board on Jan 5, 2009 certified Franken ahead by 225 votes.
Death
Died on 9 January 1995 at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead from a gastrointestinal haemorrhage, a complication of heavy drinking.
Named Humanist of the Year (American Humanist Association)
Recognized for his forthright nontheistic humanism and public advocacy.
Pearl Harbor attack; US enters WWII
Japan attacks Pearl Harbor; U.S. enters WWII; Eleanor plays active wartime roles including morale and relief work.
Death from pneumonia
Died at St. Mark's Hospital in New York City on January 27, 1922; interred at Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx.
Inaugurated first President of the United States
George Washington took the oath as the first President of the United States in New York City after a unanimous Electoral College vote.
Elected AAAS Fellow
Elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in recognition of scientific contributions to psychology and the science of happiness.
Will Smith issued a public apology
Will Smith publicly apologized to Rock the day after the Oscars via Instagram; Smith later resigned from the Academy and was banned for 10 years.
💡 What this means for you
At age 57, you're at a pivotal point where many successful entrepreneurs made their breakthrough. Whether you're building your first company or scaling an existing one, these examples show what's possible with focus and execution.
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