Over 100 British Celebrities Demand Better Representation of Older Women Onscreen

An open letter has been written and signed by more than 100 actors and public figures in the UK demanding a better onscreen representation of older women. It is to fight the entertainment industry’s “entrenched ageism.”

The signatures are of notable figures like Lesley Manville, Keeley Hawes, David Tennant, Richard E Grant, Meera Syal, Juliet Stevenson, and Zawe Ashton. 

The letter by Acting Your Age Campaign (AYAC) says women in the UK only have a “shelf life” on screen. On the other hand, the male actors act their “whole life.” It demands “a parity pledge,” for an equal representation of the men and women in the UK aging over 45 years. 

The letter said:

Today’s in-demand young actress is tomorrow’s unemployed middle-aged actress. We are fighting to ensure that our generation of excluded women is the last generation of excluded women.

The letter further states:

Ageism targeting women is an entrenched industry staple that is outdated, harmful and neglects the millions of audience members who appreciate seeing women over 45 telling the stories of our lives.

Nicky Clark founded the AYAC four years ago and laid out the following recommendations:

• • Every onscreen fictional or entertainment program that features a male and a female lead should have a 50:50 equal gender and age representation.
  • Every writer or performer in a drama and comedy should commission to showcase a 50:50 age and gender parity in programming and broadcasters to incorporate age and gender diversity. 
  • Documentary presenters should also be represented equally with 50:50 gender initiatives favoring both men and women who are above 45 years of age.
  • Age parity to be included in discussions, political panels, studio guests, and news packages.
  • News pieces that feature women’s physical and mental health and violence against them “shouldn’t have an exclusive bias towards young women.”
  • Celebrity and entertainment news should feature an equal representation of men and women over 45 and also make use of their most recent pictures. 

Ageism in Hollywood is a major issue because of which the majority of middle-aged actresses suffer. Many have even voiced their concerns at times. Ellen Pompeo shared she’s afraid of leaving her character “Dr. Meredith Grey” in Grey’s Anatomy because she wouldn’t get many roles after aging as Dr. Grey for 17 years. 

Legendary actress Meryl Streep also stated that she believed after 40 years of age, her career was sure to end. It’s lucky she has managed to stick around for this long. Jennifer Lopez also shared her thoughts about feeling “not included” in the industry.

Let us know what are your thoughts about Hollywood and its issue of ageism. Do you believe the actors’ are raising voice for the right cause? 

Jane Davies

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