Frances Bay Dies at 92; Grandma Actress Proved It's Never Too Late

The sad news that actress Frances Bay passed away at the age of 92 Thursday was released over the weekend. If you don't know Bay by her name, you probably know her face. She played several lovable and hilarious grandmother characters over the last four decades, including Adam Sandler's grandmother in the film "Happy Gilmore."

What makes Bay's story a little different is she didn't even start acting until she was in her mid-50s, and wasn't really recognized until 1978, when she was almost 60 years old. Her first noted part was a small role in the Chevy Chase/Goldie Hawn film "Foul Play." Bay's first television role was as the grandmother of Fonzie, played by Henry Winkler, on "Happy Days." Winkler wrote Bay a letter calling her his virtual grandmother, as he lost his own grandma in the Holocaust.

Bay was an exceptional woman, and actress, and an inspiration to those who are afraid to take on new careers later in life. She is a great example of "it's never too late" to follow your passion. Here are several other famous people who were fearless in following their hearts after reaching middle age.