Charlize Theron denies Hollywood has an ageism problem
- Posted by
- Anna Pollitt
- Published
Veteran film star Charlize Theron has revealed a baffling stance on the Hollywood ageism problem - she says it doesn't have one.
The Monster star, 41, has told Vanity Fair Italy that claims the industry unfairly casts younger women is a "cliche."
“Now that I'm 41 I work much more than 20 years ago, and I enjoy it even more,” she says in the interview, reported by Entertainment Tonight. “And all the women I know say the same thing, so it's time to stop this cliché.”
That's right, Theron and the women she knows are okay, so everyone's okay.
Meryl Streep, Emma Thompson, Helen Mirren, Patricia Arquette and Anne Hathaway are among the actors who would beg to differ. They have all spoken out to highlight the issue, with Thompson declaring ageism in the industry "insane".
Olivia Wilde and Maggie Gyllenhaal have also discussed being turned down for parts because they were deemed to old for the leading man - who were all played by male actors older than them.
In a further defence of her movie bosses, Theron declared that films merely reflect society’s obsession with youth.
“Movies are just the mirror of society; the real problem is there. Hollywood's gender problem is nothing compared to the society's problem.”
If you’re feeling a little riled by her stance, look away now, for the Oscar-winning actor then goes on to place that societal problem at the feet of women, telling the magazine how we need to focus less on our looks.
“The time has come for women to realise that the way we look outside is not the most important thing and it's not true we are worth less when we age.”
Theron, who is celebrating 20 years in the industry, also stated that she is “much wiser than 20 years ago.”
Sure she is, but on this issue we’ll have disagree.
Stars before they were famous
Charlize Theron
Actress Charlize Theron’s yearbook photo and attending the 2012 Golden Globe Awards.
Jodie Foster
Actress Jodie Foster as a child and arriving at the Motion Picture & Television Fund's 'Reel Stories, Real Lives' event in 2011.
Kate Winslet
Actress Kate Winslet photographed as a child and attending the premiere of ‘Titanic 3D' film premiere at the Royal Albert Hall in 2012.
Elle Macpherson
Model and actress Elle Macpherson photographed as a young girl and attending the 'Elle MacPherson Intimates' 10th Anniversary at Selfridges in 2011.
Renee Zellwegger
Actress Renee Zellweger’s yearbook photo and attending the 60th International Berlin Film Festival in 2010.
Leonardo di Caprio
Actor Leonardo DiCaprio as a child and attending the 69th Annual Golden Globes 2012.
Brad Pitt
Actor Brad Pitt’s yearbook photo and attending the 'Burn After Reading' film premiere during the 65th Venice Film Festival in 2008.
George Clooney
Actor George Clooney’s yearbook photo and arriving at the premiere of 'The Descendants' in 2011.
Matt Damon
Actor Matt Damon’s yearbook photo and attending the 'Hereafter' film photocall in 2010.
Antonio Banderas
Actor Antonio Banderas as a baby and attending the Australian premiere of ‘Puss in Boots’ in 2011.
Matthew McConaughey
Actor Matthew McConaughey’s yearbook photo and attending the 'Lincoln Lawyer' film photocall in 2011.
Lady Gaga
Singer, songwriter Lady Gaga photographed as a child and performing at New Year's Eve in Times Square in 2011.
Madonna
Singer Madonna’s yearbook photo and attending the after party for the Cinema Society & Piaget screening of 'W.E.' in 2011.
Jennifer Lopez
Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez pictured as a child and attending the premiere of 'The Back-up Plan' in 2010.
Britney Spears
Singer Britney Spears photographed as a child and arriving at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2011.
Avril Lavigne
Singer Avril Lavigne’s yearbook photo and arriving at the Teen Choice Awards in 2011.
Jennifer Aniston
Actress Jennifer Aniston pictured before her prom and attending the premiere of ‘Rumor Has It’ in 2005.
Julia Roberts
Actress Julia Roberts’ yearbook photo and attending the Cinema For Peace event in 2012.
Halle Berry
Actress Halle Berry’s yearbook photo and attending the FiFi Awards in 2011.
Eva Longoria
Actress Eva Longoria’s yearbook photo and attending the Noble Gift Gala at The Dorchester in 2011.
Katie Holmes
Actress Katie Holmes photographed as a teenager and attending the Fragrance Foundation’s Fifi Awards in 2005.
Demi Moore
Actress Demi Moore’s yearbook photo and attending the Glamour 'Reel Moments' event in 2008.
Kate Beckinsale
Actress Kate Beckinsale photographed as a child and attending the 'Total Recall' film photocall in 2012.
Victoria Beckham
Fashion designer Victoria Beckham pictured as a child and attending the WWD Apparel & Retail CEO Summit in 2011.