We women have spent many years – even decades – bemoaning the fact that men rule the world and we’re the accessories. This seems especially true in the entertainment industry. Actresses, if they haven’t made it by 30, are basically screwed. On air personalities, once they hit middle age are usually replaced or put on the back burner whereas men often work well into their senior years. Oh, how unfair, we whine.
Well, my dears, the times they seem to be a-changing. Mary Hart, at nearly 50, is still anchoring Entertainment Tonight. Barbara Walters, Katie Couric and many others are still the face of journalism along with stalwarts like Tom Brokaw and Lloyd Robertson.
In the movie world, it’s been a great year for those who might have been considered washed up a decade ago.
At 60, Meryl Streep had a wonderful year with Julie and Julia and It’s Complicated.
In Julie and Julia she is engaging and funny as Julia Child. From giving the uptight examiner at the Cordon Bleu School a raspberry to beautiful and sexy moments with her husband (the gloriously supportive and understated Stanley Tucci) she is by far the best part of the movie. She shows older women in the light of someone who can pursue her dreams at any age, is sexually active (even though Julia was a virgin until 40) and can have a blast doing all of it. Meryl is by far the most interesting part of this movie. Amy Adams as Julie Powell who created the Julie/Julia project that the movie is based on, is quite dull. The contrast between the joy of age and truly knowing yourself and whiney youth is stark.
It’s Complicated has Meryl playing a newly divorced woman having an affair with 2 men, including her ex husband. What a joy to see a woman of age having a great time in the bedroom! And being the object of desire. Rock on, ladies, we are sexy at any age!
Helen Mirren, who I’ve mentioned here before, is 64. This year she has a movie called The Last Station where she plays Leo Tolstoy’s wife,
secretary and muse Sofya. At a time when many are seeking a pension, Helen has created another older woman who is strong, in love, wants sex, fights for her rights, works hard and is loyal to those she loves (Sofya wrote out War and Peace 6 times – by hand!). From what I have seen in the trailer, she’s by far the most interesting part of the movie, even ecplipsing Christopher Plummer (whom I love) as T0lstoy. In addition, Helen has 3 more movies coming out this year! Women Rock!
Another icon, Betty White – 87, mopped the floor with Sandra Bullock (who’s no spring chicken anymore, either and had a very good year as well with The Blind Side ) and Ryan Reynolds in The Proposal. Her comic timing is impeccable and she has so much fun doing what she does. She is a master and hasn’t lost one iota of her brilliance despite the fact that she’s at the age that many are sitting around bemoaning the life they wished they had or the past they wish they could have back. Women are tough so never quit!
The success story of the year is Jane Lynch. Turning 50 this year and having been a bit player in many movies,
including Julie and Julia as Julia’s sister, Jane came into her own this year with the huge hit Glee. Jane plays an hilariously nasty Cheerleading coach in this series about a high school glee club. She is the villain and she obviously loves it! One of the big costumes this year for halloween was a short blonde wig and a track suit with a holier than thou, uber bitch attitude as Sue Sylvester from Glee. Jane shows it’s never too late to hit your stride. Keep going, ladies, your dream may be just around the corner!
No matter what your age, ladies, you are amazing, beautiful, sexy and worthy. Always remember that. As you go into the new year, grab your life by the horns and go for your dreams. No matter where you are on the age scale, you can learn, grow and LIVE LARGE!
Hugs and Happy New Year!
Be Beautiful, Be YOU!