Renowned actress Charlize Theron, 48, has raised her voice against what she perceives as unjust double standards faced by female actors above the age of 40 in the realm of Hollywood. Theron, known for her notable roles in films like “Monster,” “Mad Max: Fury Road,” and “Atomic Blonde,” expressed her strong disagreement with the prevailing notion that men age gracefully while women’s appearances are unfairly scrutinized as they grow older.
In an interview with Allure magazine, Theron candidly shared her thoughts, stating, “I despise the concept that men age like fine wines and women like cut flowers. I also think women want to age in a way that feels right to them.” This, she believes, calls for a more empathetic approach towards the diverse journeys individuals undertake as they navigate the natural process of aging.
Theron, who rose to fame in the 1990s and secured an Oscar for her performance in “Monster” in 2003, emphasized the evolving nature of her appearance and welcomed the changes that come with age. “My face is changing, and I love that my face is changing and aging,” she remarked, reflecting on her personal growth.
Having experienced the ever-watchful eye of the public due to her modeling career and acting endeavors, Theron expressed her frustration over the assumptions made about her appearance. She dismissed speculations of cosmetic procedures, asserting, “People think I had a facelift. They’re like, ‘What did she do to her face?’ I’m like, ‘I’m just aging! It doesn’t mean I got bad plastic surgery. This is just what happens.'”
Theron also candidly discussed the challenges of maintaining her physique as she aged, particularly in the context of film roles. Recalling her past experiences, she revealed the discrepancy between losing weight earlier in her career and doing so at her current age. Shedding light on her ordeal while preparing for her role in “Tully” in 2018, Theron admitted, “I remember a year into trying to lose the weight, I called my doctor and I said, ‘I think I’m dying because I cannot lose this weight.’ And he was like, ‘You’re over 40. Calm down. Your metabolism is not what it was.'”
In light of these challenges and realizations, Theron asserted that she would not undertake drastic weight changes for film roles in the future. She firmly stated, “I will never, ever do a movie again and say, ‘Yeah, I’ll gain 40 pounds.’ I will never do it again because you can’t take it off.”
Theron’s candid and reflective insights highlight the ongoing struggle against age-related double standards in the entertainment industry, serving as a powerful testament to the evolving perspectives on beauty, aging, and authenticity.