It's Not That Complicated -- Aging Gracefully Takes Years of Practice

2 years ago

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Woman Up Editor

As Melinda suggests, the talented Meryl Streep does seem to scoop up most of the parts for mid-career female actors in Hollywood lately, while Diane Keaton, the original Annie Hall, seems to get the rest.
Though these "over 40" dowagers are perfectly fine role models for women in the American mid-life demographic, I personally aspire to the Helen Mirren mold of seniority -- maybe because I'd love to speak with a plummy British accent.

Incidentally, for those unfamiliar with the code, "over 40" euphemistically describes women who are actually "over 50." (I know this because I have personally been "over 40" for 20 years.)

La Streep is 60, Diane Keaton, is 63 and Helen Mirren is 64. I don't want to scare my younger friends about this, but contrary to what they've heard, 50 is NOT the "new 30." In fact, I've determined that age 40 is merely training for the "new 60." Which, as these women elegantly demonstrate, is better than ever -- not only are they clearly enjoying their work, they look fantastic.

Speaking of looks, there has been some discussion among the WomanUp writers whether Streep's natural beauty has been cosmetically assisted (not that there would be anything wrong with that). Gravity and time are relentless, but for those who wish them, there are temporary methods that can counter their effects.

As much as the oxymoronic idea of elective surgery confounds and terrifies me, I hold no disrespect for contemporaries who want to look "rested" when they consider their reflections in the mirror. Many friends in the broadcast news and entertainment fields have undergone the type of medical procedure that photoshops the stressful years between 35 and 44 right off their faces. The TV and film businesses set an elevated bar for a woman's appearance. The camera, especially high definition, is particularly intrusive. There is only so much you can do even using extraordinary lighting.

So, on the question of Streep's naturally graceful aging, I think it is probable she has had occupationally advised enhancement at some point in her stellar, still-arching, career. Perhaps just around the delicate skin of her eyes? But whether a woman uses botox, restylane or silicone, cosmetic surgery (not to mention constant moisturizing, daily exercise, being possessed of excellent genes, and spending a fortune on hair products and cut) only makes a small difference compared to embracing the character in our faces.

I'm convinced Keaton, Mirren and Streep become continually more beautiful because they have figured out that, whatever age they are at the moment, their greatest roles may still be ahead of them.

Filed Under: Woman Up

Tagged: diane keaton, DianeKeaton, helen mirren, HelenMirren, its complicated, ItsComplicated, meryl streep, MerylStreep

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