20 Celebs That Are Confronting Aging With Confidence (God, That's Refreshing)

Getting older doesn't have to be thought of as some haunting and scary fear. Everyone ages, which means there is no escaping it. Since every person who lives long enough will experience what it feels like to get older, this is something that should be wholeheartedly embraced and accepted. Grasping for youthfulness by taking extreme measures should no longer have a place in society. This topic is especially important to discuss when it comes to noteworthy celebrities in Hollywood. 

When you're famous enough to always have spotlights aiming your way, it's easy to feel scrutinized by the public eye at all times. It doesn't help that Hollywood's ageism feeds into a culture where everyone is obsessed with how celebrities look. Showcasing your willingness to accept your older age as a celebrity is something that should be respected, honored, and celebrated. After all, aging doesn't dull your shine. Several celebrities who have been on top of the game for decades are now confronting their older age with nothing short of pure confidence.

Helen Mirren has people talking after her appearance on the red carpet at the 76th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 16, 2023, in Cannes, France. Not only did her pale blue dress steal the show, but the shade of her hair was also enough to make people stop and stare. Mirren's signature blonde do was filled with shades of blue and purple, seemingly matching her elegant gown. Too many people believe that once you reach a certain age, you have no business dying your hair fun or playful colors. Mirren obviously refuses to subscribe to that narrative. 

At the age of 77, Mirren is redefining what it means to get older with grace. According to British Vogue, she had nothing negative to express about nearing her 80s. She said, "Your life as you get older, gets fuller. You get wiser, too, inevitably. Because you know more stuff." 

Oprah Winfrey is currently living her best life at almost 70. Since breaking into the entertainment industry as a television host in 1988, the actor, producer, and author has changed millions of lives, growing into a household name.

The media titan recently opened up about the gift of aging on her own website, Oprah Daily. She said, "I am living my best life, I have to say. And you know, people say that you're never as young as you are right now at this moment. And while that may be true, I'm okay with that because aging brings great gifts—like being able to do more things that you want to do rather than what you have to do." When aging is described as a gift, it turns it into something people actually want to experience and reach.

Julianne Moore is 62 years old in 2023. The Academy award-winning actress spoke with Prevention about the aging process with candid honesty while referencing her growing lack of interest in her outward appearance. She shared, "I think it's because you have other things that you are interested in, such as family, relationships, work, or your community. Being myopic about the way you look recedes."

While further explaining the way she's outgrown the desire to focus on vanity, Moore added, "I don't think it goes away entirely, I don't think there is a person in the world who couldn't care less. But the degree to which you are interested in that, and the fruitlessness of that, becomes apparent as you get older." If the pressure to constantly worry about the way you look starts to dwindle as you age, that's a very beautiful thing to look forward to.

Sharon Stone is the same talented actress who stunned audiences with her passionate performance in 1992's "Basic Instinct." Following the film's success, she went on to star in numerous thrillers, mysteries, and romances over the next two decades. Now in her mid sixties, Stone is someone fans can look up to with appreciation and respect. In 2022, she posed for a gorgeous photo shoot with Vogue Arabia and spoke with the outlet about getting older.

She said, "I feel like this is the most exciting and creative period of my life. I feel really, really happy. I've never been this joyful." Although she did also mention that it occasionally feels like women are ignored after the age of 45, it's wonderful to see that she also had a lot of good things to say about being in her 60s. Thinking of this stage of her life as exciting, creative, happy, and joyful is wonderful.

The life and career of Jane Fonda have been beautifully complex and impressive. These days, she's recognized as a film icon, but the Hollywood legend also made a name for herself as a fashion model and activist. Now in her eighties, Fonda has a lot of good things to say about getting older. In 2023, she told Prevention, "I'm almost 86 and I feel about 80, you know. I mean your body does start to kind of give way, little by little in all kinds of big ways and little ways. 

She continued, "I'm in the middle of that, and I'm very aware of it. When I say I feel 80, it doesn't feel old... I don't have diseases — I've had cancer, but that's different. I'm basically a healthy person. And so that's what makes me seem younger than my actual numerical age, is because I'm healthy. And I have good posture." Keeping her body healthy from the inside out is the reason she's doing so well today.

It might be shocking to hear that an actor as talented and noteworthy as Meryl Streep dealt with concerns about her career abruptly ending due to age. She told WSJ Magazine, "I remember as I was hovering around 40, I thought each movie would be my last, really. And all the evidence of other 40-year-old women at that time – this is 27 years ago – would lead you to believe it was over." 

Interestingly enough, Streep is now in her seventies with movie producers still reaching out to her on a regular basis. She most recently received an Emmy nomination in 2020 for her performance in HBO's "Big Little Lies." Clearly, turning 40 wasn't going to be the death of her career in any capacity. Streep's talent has always spoken for itself and carried her along throughout the years. Her concerns at the time were certainly valid, though, in an industry that glorifies youth. Streep stands as proof that getting older does not mean your career is over.

Kris Jenner is arguably the most famous reality TV mom of all time, having raised celebs like Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner. At the age of 67, the matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner clan cares more about having an ample amount of time with her family members than anything else. During an episode of "The Kardashians" on Hulu via Reality Tit-Bit, Kris described feeling like a younger woman stuck in an older woman's body. 

When referencing her health issues, she shared, "I have this big, beautiful, fabulous life, and I have many kids and grandkids that I want to share it with. And all I want to do is fix the problem and move on, so I can live the best longest life possible." Along with having so many kids and grandchildren to love, Kris is also in a long-term relationship with her boyfriend, Cory Gamble.

When you think of Emma Thompson's career, some of the amazing movies that come to mind might include "Matilda" and "Cruella." Now that she's in her sixties, she's getting brutally honest about her age is something she is more comfortable doing. When describing her mother in a personal essay for The Guardian, Thompson said, "She taught me to walk when I was a baby, and now, she teaches me how I will walk when I am old: how to reach for this, bend for that, move around the obstacles like an ancient, patient stream."

She continued, "Living between these bodies is an odd mixture of joy and grief. I exist between them. I'm grateful I can still get up a hill and I'm depressed about my thighs." Although her thighs don't leave her feeling the most confident, she still has a sense of gratitude for all the things her body is still capable of doing.

When Michelle Pfeiffer slipped into a skin-tight leather suit to play Catwoman, she instantly became one of the most talked about actors of the '90s, earning status as one of Hollywood's most adored starlets. Decades later at the age of 65, she had quite a bit to say about getting older and what beauty looks like. According to Mind Body Green, Pfeiffer said, "For me, beauty is more about a holistic approach to health and wellness than any specific products or trends. Beauty starts with a healthy mind and body, so I try to prioritize the basics like a healthy diet, sleep, exercise, and hydration." 

Notice how she didn't mention a single thing about youthfulness or physical appearance correlating to beauty. Instead of falling into the trap that makes one believe getting older also means losing beauty, Pfeiffer proves beauty is something that comes from within.

Getting older isn't slowing Patti LaBelle down as she lives her life. The award-winning singer-songwriter keeps herself feeling young from the inside out with the help of music. She told Oprah Daily, "I love Tupac, I love 'California Love' and 'The Club' and 'Ain't Nobody.' I like dancing to those gangster songs, you know? And I think it keeps me going. My grandkids say, 'Oh, Grandma, you know that song?' I say, 'Yeah, girls, that's before your time.'"

LaBelle went on to say, "They watch me for encouragement. As they turn seven and four, they'll say, 'Oh, Grandma is old, but she doesn't act old.' So I feel that doing things like dancing and moving around and, and pranking and all the fun things that I do has kept me happy." The little ones in LaBelle's life can acknowledge the fact that she doesn't act her age in the slightest!

One of the most recent movie roles Angela Bassett landed was "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever." Although her character passed away during the action-adventure, her role in the franchise is remains incredibly noteworthy. Beyond her Marvel movie releases, Bassett is highly respected as an actor in the Hollywood industry. She spoke with InStyle about the decades she's spent in front of the spotlight, as well as her thoughts on having the "age" conversation.

She brought up the fact that she doesn't appreciate people telling her she looks so good for her age. She responded by saying, "Yeah, I think when we take care of ourselves, we do look good for our age, whatever age that is, you know?" In other words, Bassett is fully aware that taking care of herself is going to ensure her own long-lasting health, wellness, and beauty. It's not something she feels the need to harp on.

Holly Hunter voiced the animated character of Helen Parr in the animated Disney movie "The Incredibles" back in 2004. In 2023, Hunter is 65 years old and keeping it real as ever. She opened up to The Guardian about landing morals at an older age than a younger one. 

She said, "I remember that when I was in my 30s, a hot age for an actress, lots of offers were coming in but nothing was great and I didn't work for 18 months. It was at a really fruitful age and I wanted to work. There was nothing coming down the pipeline that I thought was good and then I got 'The Piano.' I have never been an easy fit. I'm a leading lady character actor, I don't fit in one slot simply. I've always been used to a certain amount of struggle and that prepared me wonderfully for a mature age."

When you think of Whoopi Goldberg's career, some of the most noteworthy movie roles that come to mind include the "Sister Act" franchise, "The Color Purple," and "Ghost." The '90s was an excellent decade for her career. Now in her late sixties, Goldberg has no fear telling it like it is as a panelist on the hit talk show "The View." And along with that success, Goldberg is wholeheartedly ready to embrace what it means to get older. 

According to Insider, she said, "I didn't have the same problems a beautiful actress has. I don't have to worry about it. My stuff's going to sag and fall and I will be fine. My chest is gonna do what it does. I can age the way I age." Since she never thought of herself as much of a sex symbol in the Hollywood industry, the changes in her appearance with age aren't something that deeply impacts her.

Susan Sarandon has been household name since the early '90s which she graced the screen as a lead in "Thelma and Louise." And though she's in her seventies, the actress doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Her most recent movie with Emma Roberts, "Maybe I Do," premiered in 2023, proving she's still at the top of her game.

In 2020, the actress told People, "If you want to age gracefully, you don't smoke cigarettes and probably laugh a lot, and get the normal amount of exercise, and eat well and stay out of the sun would be the main things. As is having an amazing makeup and hair team, that's really the secret." In other words, being in front of the public eye all the time as a celeb means it's important to take care of your health and ensure your highest levels of confidence.

When Jamie Lee Curtis starred in the 2003 movie "Freaky Friday" opposite Lindsay Lohan, the topic of age was discussed heavily in many of the scenes. In real life, it seems Curtis is comfortable talking about age just as much as the character she once portrayed. She told Today, "This word 'anti-aging' has to be struck. I am pro-aging. I want to age with intelligence, grace, dignity, verve, and energy." 

The reason Curtis's words are so profound is that too many people believe aging is the worst possible thing that can happen. In reality, aging can actually be a very beautiful thing. She went on to say, "Growing older is one of the greatest gifts in life. And right now, with astonishing advances happening in science and consciousness, is truly a wondrous moment to be alive. So how do we seize this remarkable opportunity to live our healthiest, most joyful life possible?"

With modern-day celebrities like Kim Kardashian dressing up like you for Halloween, it's obvious that you're doing something right. This is something Cher can claim at the age of 77. The talented singer was fondly labeled the "goddess of pop" by the media when she was releasing catchy songs for music lovers to listen to in her heyday. Her thoughts on getting older come from a comical point of view. 

On May 20, 2023, she took to Twitter to write, "Okay, will someone [prayer hands emoji] PLEASE tell me... When will I feel old [baby emoji]? This is ridiculous [eye roll emoji]. I keep hearing these numbers, but I honestly can't understand them." It's obvious that she isn't feeling "old," no matter what age she turns each year. If someone were to approach her and tell her that she should've started feeling old at the age of 70, she'd simply tell them they were wrong.

"Fatal Attraction" will forever remind the world of Glenn Close's talents as an actor. The movie premiered in 1987, proving how skilled she can be in front of a camera crew. Close is now 76 years old and perfectly fine with opening up about the beauty of getting older. Last year, she told Glamour, "I'm 75, and I look out in the world and I feel like I'm looking out in the world with the energy of somebody in their 20s. And that's who I am."

She went on to say, "I'm trying to come to the point that I just embrace my — what's the word they use for it? Crepey skin? Is there a beauty in it? I try to think that maybe it looks like the sand after the tide has gone out." Her ability to create a positive metaphor for the changes she's noticing IN her skin showcases her acceptance of getting older.

What better nickname to lovingly receive from the media than the "Queen of Pop"? Madonna had music lovers in a chokehold throughout the 80s and 90s with her long list of hit songs. The 64-year-old musician spoke up about ageism and misogyny to The Guardian by saying, "Once again I am caught in the glare of ageism and misogyny that permeates the world we live in. A world that refuses to celebrate women past the age of 45 and feels the need to punish her if she continues to be strong-willed, hard-working, and adventurous."

 Her willingness to open up about such a hot-button issue proves that she isn't scared about any blacklash she might receive. She's willing to speak up for herself and all other women who still deserve to be celebrated for their accomplishments beyond the age of 45. Getting older hasn't slowed Madonna down in the slightest.

When Diane Keaton appeared in Justin Bieber's 2021 music video for the song "Ghost," she reminded everyone that she is still just as exciting and fun as she's always been. The 77-year-old actor spoke to People about aging with incredibly positive undertones, even though the interview questions were rough. When outright asked about how she fights the outward signs of aging, Keaton responded by saying, "I'm going to do the best I can. Given the circumstances. I exercise — I really enjoy my treadmill. My hair is now white. It's better to have light around your face — I think [white hair] looks better on older people. Darker hair is not as softening." 

The follow-up question was about if she's ever had plastic surgery. Keaton swiftly shut that down by explaining that she's never undergone any surgical procedures. She proceeded to explain that her face and hands have all aged simultaneously, and she didn't seem very bothered by that. 

The legacy of Sigourney Weaver will live on forever thanks to her impressive resume as an actor in the Hollywood industry. There's no denying that she is well-established with plenty of accolades backing her up to prove it. As far as aging goes, there's nothing too scary about getting older in Weaver's mind. She told People, "I like getting older. There's nothing more inspiring to me than a woman in her 70s who's full of life and still useful. I never notice age in people's faces. I just look at the whole person." 

Her view on aging is golden because it requires a full analysis of a person for everything they offer the world beyond their age. Someone's age is certainly a factor in who they are as a person, but it definitely isn't the only detail that deserves to be honed in on. This lovely fact is something Weaver deeply understands.