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Aging Gracefully in the Spotlight: A New Era for Women in Hollywood

How Nicole Kidman, Demi Moore, and Brooke Shields are Reshaping the Narrative for Women Over 50

Author

Cara Gray
January 15, 2025

Dear Friends,

I have to start this week’s newsletter by mentioning the devastating fires in Los Angeles. As a former Angelino (I graduated from USC and spent most of my 20s in L.A.) and current empath, my heart is breaking for those who have lost their homes and those who are still evacuating. The photos and video of the destruction are apocalyptic and I just can’t imagine how people are suffering emotionally and financially. It’s not just the wealthy and celebrities who have lost their homes. Many working-class people also live there and have their entire nest eggs invested in their homes. This was their retirement plan, and now it’s gone. For more about the regular folks, check out this gift article from the Wall Street Journal, Their Wealth is in Their Homes. Their Homes are Now Ash.

Just two days before the fires started, I was glued to both the red carpet coverage and the Golden Globes. I am absolutely nuts for all awards shows: Emmys, Oscars, Grammys, all of them! And one of my favorite hobbies is watching all of the movies that are nominated. Film is art. Film evokes emotion. Film challenges us to learn and think differently. Even though it is winter in Chicago, where I live now, I always look forward to this time of year and watching movies.

The highlight of the Golden Globes for me was Demi Moore’s acceptance speech for Best Female Actor. If you’ve been reading this newsletter for a while, you know I went down a whole edition about nostalgia featuring Demi and the whole Brat Pack a few months ago. Nostalgia is one of the fun parts about getting older but more than that older women in Hollywood are having a moment - one that is satisfying to see and wonderful to celebrate.

Here are three actors who are getting the roles and recognition they are due:

Demi Moore’s Golden Globe Triumph

In a moment of vindication and celebration, Demi Moore, 62, recently won the Golden Globe for Best Actress for her role in “The Substance”. This body horror film about aging in Hollywood not only showcases Moore’s talent but also critiques the industry’s obsession with youth.

During her acceptance speech, Moore revealed a poignant moment from her past: “Thirty years ago, I had a producer tell me I was a ‘popcorn actress’”. This win, her first major acting award, serves as a powerful rebuttal to those who doubted her abilities and highlights the industry’s changing attitudes towards older actresses.

Nicole Kidman in “Babygirl”

At 57, Nicole Kidman continues to push boundaries with her role in “Babygirl.” The film explores the complexities of desire and power dynamics as Kidman’s character, a successful CEO, engages in an affair with a much younger intern. This portrayal challenges societal norms and showcases older women as vibrant, sexual beings, defying the notion that desirability has an expiration date.

Director Halina Reijn defends the 29-year age gap between Kidman and her co-star, stating, “It should completely be normalized that the age gaps switch and that women have different relationships”. This perspective is a breath of fresh air in an industry that has long celebrated older men paired with younger women.

I realize the not everyone is a Nicole Kidman fan, especially when it comes to the concepts and practices around aging naturally but I have to say there are several shots in this movie where she does look her age, which I found refreshing.

Brooke Shields: Embracing the Next Chapter

At 59, Brooke Shields is redefining what it means to be a woman in her prime. In her new book, “Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old,” she explores aging with candor and optimism. Shields has also stepped into the role of CEO, launching a haircare brand for mature women.

In recent interviews, Shields has been vocal about the joys of aging: “I finally don’t feel complicated in my body… This is just where we are. We need to band together and feel good about ourselves”. Her message resonates with many women who are discovering newfound confidence and purpose in their later years.

✨ These examples represent a larger trend in Hollywood and beyond. We’re seeing more complex, nuanced portrayals of older women, challenging long-held stereotypes and celebrating the wisdom, confidence, and sexuality that come with age.

As we continue to witness this cultural shift, it’s important to remember that these changes not only impact how society views aging women but also how we view ourselves. Let’s embrace this new narrative and continue to push for diverse, empowering representations of women at all stages of life.

Here’s to redefining what it means to be a woman of a “certain age” – may we all find inspiration in these trailblazers who are showing us that life’s third act can be the most exciting yet.

Stay tuned for weekly content about travel, health, relationships, identity, spirituality, doing good and starting a new venture as it relates to your third act/the next chapter in your life ✨

Please subscribe and forward this newsletter to others who are thinking about planning their third act. Thanks for your support 🙏.

Warm regards,

Cara Gray
Third Act Consultant, CPRC, CEPA™️

P.S. If you want to start planning your third act, set up a time on my calendar for a chat: Schedule a Chat with Cara

P.S.S. If you are curious about my consulting work, there are two options to work with me: deep-dive, transformative 1:1 consulting or a 90-minute intensive, quickstart session. Details about both options can be found here.