: 60% of major female characters are in their 20s and 30s, whereas 60% of major male characters are in their 30s and 40s.

: A 2025 study found that of 225 films featuring women over 40, only 6% mentioned menopause , and those instances were typically played for humor rather than realism. Champions of Change

: Older women are four times more likely to be portrayed as senile and twice as likely to be shown as physically unattractive compared to older men.

: Women aged 60 and older account for just 2% of major female characters , compared to 8% for men in the same age bracket.

The landscape for mature women in entertainment and cinema is currently a paradox of historic milestones and persistent systemic hurdles. While 2024 saw a record high for women in lead roles, this parity often excludes older actresses, with representation dropping sharply for women over 40.