On TV, it's not uncommon for an actor to play young. And while getting a little nip and tuck to keep up with the latest crop of young Hollywood talent has become the norm, some genetically blessed stars oppose convention. They let nature take its course -- with miraculous results. Check out the list of 15 age-defying TV stars.
Bianca Lawson ("Pretty Little Liars"), 32
"Pretty Little Liars" star Bianca Lawson (Maya) has been playing high school students for 20 years. As in two decades. It boggles our mind that someone who was a regular on "Saved by the Bell: The New Class" still can pass for a teenager. But it’s true: Bianca turns 33 on March 20. Where can we get this age potion she must be drinking?
Alison Brie ("Community," "Mad Men"), 29
Alison Brie plays college student Annie Edison on NBC's "Community," but in real life she graduated from California Institute of the Arts way back in 2005. This brunette beauty, who also stars as Trudy Campbell on AMC's "Mad Men," was born on December 29, 1982. Clearly, she gets an A+ in antiaging.
Mariska Hargitay ("Law & Order: SVU"), 48
As the daughter of '50s sex symbol Jayne Mansfield and former Mr. Universe Mickey Hargitay, Mariska Hargitay was destined to be gorgeous. Still, we’re amazed by just how well the 48-year-old has aged. Since starting her run as Detective Olivia Benson on "SVU" 13 years ago, she has continued to look every bit the beauty queen. Honestly, it’s a crime.
Sarah Hyland ("Modern Family"), 21
"Modern Family's" Sarah Hyland (Haley Dunphy) looks every bit the high school girl she plays. But would you have guessed that she’s not even a teen? Believe it or not, the petite actress, who was born on November 24, 1990, is of legal drinking age. We’re going to need a tall, cold one ourselves, just to deal with that shocker.
Randy Jackson ("American Idol"), 55
It's hard to believe that "American Idol's" longest-standing judge, Randy Jackson, was born on June 23, 1956, but the truth is in his resume. Not only has he worked with everyone in the music biz, from Whitney Houston to Mariah Carey, but he's also jammed with Journey and Santana. That's old school, dawg!
LL Cool J ("NCIS: Los Angeles"), 44
Like his "NCIS: Los Angeles" character, LL Cool J (Sam Hanna) is multitalented. Born James Todd Smith on January 14, 1968, he got his start as a rapper before taking the leap into acting. Now 44, he's in awesome shape, continues to make new music, and stars on one of TV's highest-rated shows. His name says it all: Ladies (Still) Love Cool James.
James Lipton ("Inside the Actors Studio"), 85
As the executive producer, writer, and host of Bravo’s "Inside the Actors Studio," James Lipton certainly knows how to keep himself busy. Although the 85-year-old (born September 19, 1926) is well beyond retirement age, he shows no sign of slowing down. Maybe hard work is what keeps him young, or perhaps he’s got a . . . Grecian formula?
Jennifer Lopez ("American Idol"), 42
"American Idol" judge Jennifer Lopez has been around so long that she had to introduce herself to “a new generation of party people” in her recent hit, “On the Floor.” Those who don’t remember her "Jenny From the Block" days would be shocked to learn that the mother of two is 42, born July 24, 1969. Whatever you're doing, keep it up, J.Lo!
Gabriel Mann ("Revenge"), 39
We were sure that Gabriel Mann, who plays the snarky Nolan Ross on "Revenge," was around the same age as his 20-something cast mates. So imagine our surprise when we discovered that he is actually 39 and was born on May 14, 1972. Seriously? We’re still not over it.
Cory Monteith ("Glee"), 29
"Glee" star Cory Monteith (Finn Hudson) dropped out of high school in the ninth grade, but thanks to his boyish charm and youthful good looks, he's able to relive his missed high-school years over a decade later. Believe it or not, McKinley High's show tune-singing, football-playing boy next door was born on May 11, 1982, which makes him sweet 29.
Jack McBrayer ("30 Rock"), 38
"30 Rock's" loyal page, Kenneth Parcell, is so lovably nerdy and naive it's hard to believe that the actor who plays him, Emmy-nominated Jack McBrayer, is 38. Born on May 27, 1973, Jack has been in the biz for almost 20 years, a fact that gives serious credence to the whole "laughter is the best medicine" theory.
Jim Parsons ("The Big Bang Theory"), 38
We're convinced that "The Big Bang Theory's" Jim Parsons has a secret formula for youth. Jim was born on March 24, 1973, which makes him about 10 years older than his onscreen counterpart, science prodigy Sheldon Cooper. Can someone please explain the physics behind that?
Pauley Perrette("NCIS"), 42
It’s not just the pigtails that make "NCIS's" Pauley Perrette (Abby Sciuto) look forever young, but they certainly don’t hurt. The popular star has enough energy and enthusiasm to make anyone jealous, but even more so when you consider that she'll be 43 on March 27. If sleeping in a coffin like Abby does can do that for you, it may be worth trying out.
Britt Robertson ("Secret Circle"), 21
Britt Robertson (Cassie Blake) looks right at home at "The Secret Circle’s" fictional Chance Harbor High. But like her co-stars, she could attend only if she was a super-super-senior. As an April 18, 1990, baby, the dimpled blonde is 21. Whoddathunkit?
Betty White ("Hot in Cleveland"), 90
"Hot in Cleveland"star Betty White (Elka Ostrovsky) is white hot at the age of 90. The only surviving "Golden Girl," Betty, who was born on January 17, 1922 (yes, 1922!), makes grandmothers everywhere jealous. Speaking of grandmothers, is it wrong that we secretly wish she were ours?
