Ageing is a Tremendous Gift: Demi Moore on Ageism in Hollywood
Age is just a number, or so they say. But in the cutthroat world of Hollywood, age can be a major obstacle to success. The entertainment industry has long been plagued by ageism, where younger actors are often favored over their older counterparts. But Demi Moore, a veteran actress who has been in the business for decades, is determined to change that narrative.
In a recent interview with Variety, Moore spoke out about the ageism she has faced in Hollywood, saying, “We’re evolving, it’s not ending.” She emphasized that ageing and being old are not the same thing, and that ageing can actually be a tremendous gift. “I would not trade, you could not pay me to be 21,” she said. “As good as it might sound, it was torture.”
Moore’s comments come at a time when ageism in Hollywood is under increased scrutiny. The industry has faced criticism for its lack of representation of older actors, particularly women, on screen and behind the camera. In recent years, actresses like Viola Davis and Meryl Streep have spoken out about the challenges they have faced as women in their 50s and 60s trying to secure roles and get hired.
Moore, who has been in the industry for over three decades, has experienced her fair share of ageism. She has spoken publicly about the challenges she faced in her 50s, including being typecast and struggling to find roles that showcased her range as an actress. But despite these setbacks, Moore remains optimistic about the future of ageism in Hollywood.
“I think we’re moving in the right direction,” she said in her interview with Variety. “I think there’s a lot of awareness now about the importance of representation and diversity, and I think that’s going to continue to shift the way we think about age and ageing.”
Moore’s comments are a testament to her own experience and resilience. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her career, she has continued to work in the industry and has even found success in her 50s and 60s. Her latest film, “The Substance,” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020 and received critical acclaim.
Moore’s journey is not unique to her alone. Many actresses have spoken out about the challenges they faced as they aged, including the loss of roles and the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards. But Moore’s message of hope and resilience is a reminder that age is not a barrier to success, and that it is possible to thrive and continue to work in the industry well into one’s 50s and 60s.
So, what can be done to combat ageism in Hollywood? Moore believes that it starts with representation and diversity. “I think we need to see more older women on screen and behind the camera,” she said. “We need to see more diversity and representation in all areas of the industry, including age.”
Moore also emphasized the importance of self-care and self-love. “As women, we’re socialized to hate our bodies and to hate our age,” she said. “But I think it’s so important to love ourselves, regardless of our age or our appearance. We need to give ourselves permission to age and to be beautiful in our own way.”
In conclusion, Demi Moore’s message is one of hope and resilience. Ageing is not a barrier to success, and it is possible to thrive and continue to work in the industry well into one’s 50s and 60s. By promoting representation and diversity, and by embracing self-care and self-love, we can work towards a more inclusive and age-friendly industry.
