While CBS' hit reality TV show Big Brother tends to skew to the younger demographic, there have been several houseguests to play the game who were older than the series' average age of 27 years. For instance, Big Brother season 10 became notable for the deep run that 75-year-old Jerry MacDonald made inside the house, lasting more than two months in the competition. While an outlier, such houseguests have made waves in the past.
As Big Brother season 23 continues, it's worth noting and honoring the eldest players in the history of the show to have braved such a cutthroat competition.
Kent Blackwelder - 46
Despite being the elder statesman of his household on Big Brother season 2, 46-year-old mortgage broker Kent Blackwelder managed to last 40 days before his eviction on day 82. Finishing in the middle of the pack, the Tennessee native was no match for Will Kirby, arguably the most strategic player in show history.
Kent won HoH in week four of the competition, which put a target on his back and led to his eviction nomination the following week. While he survived week five, dramatic arguments led to Kent receiving a unanimous four-to-nothing eviction vote in week six, and he was dismissed from the house.
George Boswell - 47
Big Brother season 7 All-Stars houseguest George "Chicken" Boswell entered the competition at age 47, lasting 60 days for a respectable fifth-place finish. Boswell returned from season 1, where he entered at age 41 and also finished in fifth place.
As one of the most famous houseguests in show history, the roofer from Rockford, Illinois never let his abnormal age hinder his gameplay. By week thre of season 7, George was able to keep a low profile, skillfully eavesdrop, and win Power of Veto. By week 7, he earned enough trust and respect to win HoH. Unfortunately, Erika managed to get George and Janelle evicted on the same day in a surprise Big Brother double-eviction.
Dick Donato - 48
Los Angeles bar owner and Keith Richards stunt-double Dick Donato has become one of the most famous houseguests in BB history. Entering the house at age 44, Donato went on to win season 8, and he still holds the record for being the oldest winner of the show. He reentered the house at age 48, but he walked away during day six of season 13.
More notably, Dick's daughter Danielle finished as the runner-up in Big Brother season 8, making them the only family member pairing to win the top two BB prizes. Young at heart in a way that made him relatable to all of his housemates, Dick revealed in 2014 that he has been living with HIV since 2011.
Glenn Garcia - 50
When Glenn Garcia entered the household in season 18, the 50-year-old dog groomer from the Bronx had an 18-year age gap between his next closest housemate. The generational gap proved too substantial to overcome, and Glenn was evicted on day 2.
The physical challenge of climbing up a palm tree to gather coconuts and strategically place them to spell out SOS was too laborious for George to complete on time, resulting in a fourth-place finish and an instant eviction on the second day of competition.
Gerald Lancaster - 51
California schoolteacher Gerald Lancaster entered the Big Brother season 3 household at age 51 and made a decent run at the prize by lasting 55 days and finishing in seventh place. Twelve years older than the next closest houseguest (Lori Olson), Gerald earned enough respect to avoid a single eviction nomination for the first six consecutive weeks.
Alas, Gerald could no longer remain safe when Jason kept his eviction nominations intact, pitting Gerald against Amy. In the end, Gerry lost a four-to-zero eviction vote so that Amy could remain safe.
Lorenza Martyn - 53
Big Brother season 10 included two of the five oldest houseguests in show history. In addition to the aforesaid Jerry MacDonald, 53-year-old Lorenza "Renny" Martyn also made a deep run in the competition. All told, the New Orleans beautician and salon owner spent 59 days in the house, culminating in a fifth-place finish.
Despite being nominated in week 1, Renny ingratiated herself to the houseguests by going the next seven straight weeks without a nomination, and she won an HoH victory in that span. Unfortunately, when Memphis used his Power of Veto to remove Dan from the block, Renny was the only eligible substitute and had to be evicted.
Cliff Hogg III - 54
Texas petroleum engineer Cliff Hogg III entered the Big Brother house during season 21 at age 54. As the oldest houseguest in history to return after being evicted, Cliff became one of Big Brother's most likable players and made a valiant run all the way to a fourth-place finish, and he never let his age deter his efforts.
As part of season 21's Camp Comeback twist, Cliff was given an opportunity to return to the competition after being banished on day one and nominated for eviction in week 3. Upon return, Cliff immediately won HoH and continued to use his downhome southern charm and hospitable demeanor to forge alliances until his re-eviction on day 93.
Kevin Schlehuber - 55
Another excellent player who proved that age is just a number is Kevin Schlehuber, the Bostonian stay-at-home dad who entered the house at age 55 in season 19. With excellent gameplay and an affable attitude, Kevin spent 86 days in the house for a fourth-place finish.
Eighteen years older than the next closest player (Jason Dent), Kevin immediately caused a stir by winning the first Temptation Competition, which caused season 18 star Paul Abrahamian to reenter the house. Despite never winning a single veto or HoH, Kevin used his wily experience and sage wisdom to avoid four consecutive eviction nominations before finally being evicted by Christmas.
Jack Owens, Jr. - 58
Former FBI Agent Jack Owens Jr. parlayed his keen detection skills and ability to read people for a 54-day stay and a sixth-place finish on Big Brother season 4. The 58-year-old Alabama native was 35 years older than the next closest houseguest in age (Erika Landin).
With such a glaring age gap, Jack seemed to be out of place and at a major disadvantage. Yet, he held his own quite well, improved as time went on, and made a decent run despite never winning a Veto or HoH competition. In the end, Jack was evicted on a 2-1 vote in a controversial Big Brother decision when Jee's plan to evict Erika backfired.
Jerry MacDonald - 75
The oldest houseguest in Big Brother history continues to be Jerry MacDonald, the legendary retired marketing exec and former Marine from Magnolia, Texas. Far from just a casting novelty, Jerry bested many of his younger competitors by spending 66 days in the house for a third-place finish.
Jerry came out of the gates fast with a week 1 HoH victory, instantly establishing his authoritative presence. He avoided the targeted HoH position the rest of the way, bolstering his status by winning back-to-back Vetos in weeks four and five. The shrewd operator never let his age define his gameplay, and, if it weren't for the merciless strategy of iconic Big Brother player Dan Gheesling, Jerry very well could have won the entire season.