Tommy Lee Jones: 79 and Unstoppable on Screen

Tommy Lee Jones, now 79, is demonstrating an extraordinary career resurgence with three concurrent projects. He has been cast in season two of 'The Lowdown,' alongside Ethan Hawke, marking his first television series role in nearly 40 years since 'Lonesome Dove' in 1989. Additionally, Jones is slated to star in a reboot of the 1947 film 'Angel and the Badman' and has signed on for 'Outside Man' with Ice Cube, directed by Brian Helgeland.

These ambitious undertakings at his age resonate with a line Jones delivered in 1994 as Ty Cobb: "Greatness is overrated. The desire for glory is not a sin." This quote encapsulates Cobb's philosophy that the active, present-tense need to prove oneself and dominate a field is the true motivator, rather than the passive label of 'greatness' assigned retrospectively.

Jones's own five-decade career, beginning after his Harvard studies and early role in 'Love Story' (1970), has been marked by a similar ferocious precision. His acclaimed performances in films like 'The Fugitive' (1994), for which he won an Oscar, and 'No Country for Old Men' exemplify a drive fueled by the desire for glory and rigorous dedication to craft, not mere recognition.

Born in San Saba, Texas, Jones attended Harvard, where he was roommates with Al Gore. His extensive filmography includes nominations for 'JFK,' 'In the Valley of Elah,' and 'Lincoln,' showcasing a consistent pursuit of challenging roles. At 79, his renewed presence across film and television confirms that this deep-seated desire to excel continues to drive his remarkable career.