When people ask how old is Gary Lewis, they usually get one of two very different answers. That's because we’re talking about two different men who share a name and a massive amount of talent. One is the son of a comedy legend and a 60s pop icon. The other is a powerhouse Scottish actor known for roles in Billy Elliot and Outlander.
If you're thinking of the guy who sang "This Diamond Ring," he’s older than you might realize. If you're thinking of the guy from Gangs of New York, he’s got a different number entirely. Honestly, it’s easy to get them mixed up if you’re just scrolling through a quick Google search. Let's break down the real numbers for 2026.
Gary Lewis the Musician: A 60s Icon at 79
Gary Lewis, the leader of Gary Lewis & the Playboys, was born on July 31, 1945. As of early 2026, he is 79 years old. He will celebrate his 80th birthday in July of this year.
Most people know him as the son of the late Jerry Lewis. But Gary made his own way. He didn't just ride his dad's coattails; he actually dominated the charts for a while. In 1965, his band was everywhere. They had seven consecutive Top 10 hits. That was a bigger streak than many of the British Invasion bands at the time.
Growing up in Hollywood wasn't exactly a normal childhood. Gary’s mother, Patti Palmer, was a singer with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. There’s a funny story about his name, too. Apparently, his parents wanted to name him Cary after Cary Grant. A hospital typo turned "Cary" into "Gary," and it just stuck.
Why He Still Matters in 2026
You might think someone at 79 would be slowing down. Not Gary. He’s actually touring in 2026. He’s part of the "My Generation Tour" alongside acts like The Lovin' Spoonful and Terry Sylvester of The Hollies. It’s wild to think he’s still hitting the stage, performing hits like "Save Your Heart for Me" and "Green Grass" for fans who have been following him for sixty years.
He’s survived the draft, a stint in the Army during the Vietnam War, and the ever-changing music industry. His voice? Still sounds remarkably like the records.
Gary Lewis the Actor: The Scottish Veteran at 68
Now, if you’re a fan of gritty British dramas or Starz’s Outlander, you’re looking for a different Gary Lewis. This Gary was born Gary Stevenson on November 30, 1957, in the Easterhouse area of Glasgow. Right now, in early 2026, he is 68 years old.
His story is basically the opposite of a "Hollywood legacy" kid. He didn't start acting until he was 32. Before that, he was a street sweeper and worked in a library. He was heavily involved in local politics and the labor movement. It was actually his brother, an English teacher, who pushed him to read more and eventually try acting.
From Glasgow to Hollywood
His big break didn't come until he was in his 40s. That’s when he played Jackie Elliot, the father in Billy Elliot (2000). It’s one of those performances that stays with you—the rough, striking miner who eventually supports his son's dream of ballet.
Since then, he’s been a staple in high-quality film and TV:
- Outlander: He played Colum MacKenzie, the cunning and physically pained Laird.
- Gangs of New York: He played McGloin, working under Martin Scorsese’s direction.
- Vigil: A more recent turn in the hit BBC thriller.
He’s 68, but he’s still incredibly active in the industry. He’s known for a specific kind of "lived-in" intensity. You believe him when he’s on screen because he didn't grow up in a trailer on a movie set; he grew up in the real world.
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Comparing the Two Garys
It's sort of funny how their lives parallel despite being from totally different worlds. Both have birthdays in July or November, and both have stayed relevant long past when most people retire.
| Detail | The Musician | The Actor |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Gary Harold Lee Levitch | Gary Stevenson |
| Birth Date | July 31, 1945 | November 30, 1957 |
| Age in 2026 | 79 (Turning 80 in July) | 68 (Turning 69 in Nov) |
| Place of Birth | Newark, New Jersey | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Famous For | "This Diamond Ring" | Billy Elliot, Outlander |
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is usually about the musician’s relationship with his father, Jerry Lewis. It was complicated. Very complicated. Gary has been open about the fact that they weren't always on the best terms, especially regarding Jerry’s will.
On the acting side, people often think the Scottish Gary Lewis has been acting his whole life because he’s so natural. In reality, he’s a late bloomer. He proves you don't need a degree from RADA or a famous last name to become a world-class talent. He just needed a library card and a lot of grit.
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Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're a fan of the musician, check out the 2026 tour dates for Gary Lewis & the Playboys. They are playing venues across the US and Canada this spring, including stops in Atlantic City and Niagara Falls. It’s a rare chance to see a 60s legend who still has the energy to put on a two-hour show.
For fans of the actor, keep an eye on his upcoming BBC projects. He’s recently been involved in Granite Harbour and continues to be a go-to for intense, character-driven roles. If you haven't seen his early work with director Peter Mullan (like Orphans), that's where you'll see the raw talent that caught Hollywood's attention.
The bottom line? Whether he's 79 or 68, Gary Lewis—whichever one you’re looking for—isn't done yet.
Check your local listings for the "My Generation Tour" tickets if you want to catch the musician live this year. Most shows for the 2026 season are already selling out in retirement communities and classic rock venues.