In 2025, only four women over 45 played leads in Hollywood's top 100 films, compared to 31 men in the same age bracket.

Characters aged 50+ constitute less than 25% of all roles in major movies and TV. Furthermore, older women in British cinema have historically spoken up to one-third less than younger characters.

As of 2026, data reveals a persistent decline in opportunities for women as they age, while male actors often see their career trajectories rise in the same period.

In 2025, women accounted for only 13% of directors in the top 250 films, a 3% decrease from the previous year. 2. Narrative Tropes vs. Authentic Storylines

Despite recent high-profile award wins for mature actresses, the entertainment industry continues to grapple with a significant "gendered ageism" gap. While audiences age 50+ make up over and express a strong desire for authentic representation, women over 40 remain vastly underrepresented compared to their male counterparts. 1. The Representation Gap: Statistics & Trends

Recent studies from the Geena Davis Institute highlight that when mature women are on screen, they are often confined to specific archetypes: Study: Hollywood Discriminates Against Older Actors - AARP