A generation of established actresses is currently redefining career longevity by taking on high-powered, complex roles well into their 50s, 60s, and 70s.
Research - Center for the Study of Women in Television & Film milfthonghunters movies
: In 2025, zero top-grossing films featured a woman of color aged 45 or older in a leading or co-leading role. 2. Leading Figures and "Second Act" Successes Leading Figures and "Second Act" Successes : Most
: Most female characters on screen are still in their 20s and 30s, whereas male characters frequently remain in major roles through their 40s. down from 42% in 2024.
: Mature women have recently dominated major categories, with Frances McDormand (64) winning Best Actress for Nomadland and Youn Yuh-jung (74) winning Best Supporting Actress for Minari .
: Jean Smart (70) and Hannah Waddingham (47) have anchored prestige television hits like Hacks and Ted Lasso , proving mature women can drive contemporary cultural conversations. 3. Challenges and Stereotypes
: In 2025, the percentage of top-grossing films with female protagonists fell to 29%, down from 42% in 2024.
A generation of established actresses is currently redefining career longevity by taking on high-powered, complex roles well into their 50s, 60s, and 70s.
Research - Center for the Study of Women in Television & Film
: In 2025, zero top-grossing films featured a woman of color aged 45 or older in a leading or co-leading role. 2. Leading Figures and "Second Act" Successes
: Most female characters on screen are still in their 20s and 30s, whereas male characters frequently remain in major roles through their 40s.
: Mature women have recently dominated major categories, with Frances McDormand (64) winning Best Actress for Nomadland and Youn Yuh-jung (74) winning Best Supporting Actress for Minari .
: Jean Smart (70) and Hannah Waddingham (47) have anchored prestige television hits like Hacks and Ted Lasso , proving mature women can drive contemporary cultural conversations. 3. Challenges and Stereotypes
: In 2025, the percentage of top-grossing films with female protagonists fell to 29%, down from 42% in 2024.