Gray Hair: Stars And Political Figures Who Wear It Best (PHOTOS)

The number of gray-haired celebrities and public figures in the international spotlight has catapulted in the past decade.

Though Hollywood has been known to be particularly unforgiving when it comes to age, many stars, activists and pundits are now choosing to go gray with pride. It's safe to say their bold decision is paying off: at 66, Dame Helen Mirren bested Elle MacPherson, Pippa Middleton and even Jennifer Lopez in L.A. Fitness' "Body of the Year" survey, while the famously salt-and-pepper George Clooney is currently earning raves on the festival circuit for his starring role in "The Ides of March," a political drama which he also directed and co-wrote.

Of course, it isn't just the graying stars who are garnering new accolades: new IMF chief Christine Lagarde is the first woman ever to hold the job, while singer-songwriter Emmylou Harris proved she can still wow a crowd at this summer's Newport Folk Festival.

Check out stars, political figures and other notables who are gray and gorgeous here: