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Typecasting is a huge issue in Hollywood, something which has become almost a common phenomenon. This problem affects the actresses more than their male counterparts when they have to look a certain way. But it goes beyond outer appearances, as for most, age becomes the biggest hurdle when looking for movie roles.
Many iconic actresses have felt this once they started aging, their roles dried up. Offers are rare and characters become repetitive and often boring. Meryl Streep is one movie legend who has been vocal about her views on this topic.The Devil Wears Pradaactress warned Winona Ryder about the reality of why the industry looks for witches and moms in actresses as they pass a certain age bar.
Witches and moms: The limited options for actresses over 40
Winona Ryderis remembered for several reasons, butTim Burtonfans recognize her as Lydia Deetz from the 1988 comedy,Beetlejuice.Her unusual but quirky portrayal of a moody teenager rocketed her to fame. After a long wait of 36 years,The Crucibleactress reprised her role in the sequel,Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Ryder spoke to theLos Angeles Timesabout her return to the beloved franchise which gave her the big break. The actress was shocked by the changes in her character, especially her becoming a mother. Among other things, the topic of aging came up. On being asked about her future projects, theGone In The Nightlead revealed a sad reality.
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People talk about the disposability of especially women in this industry. Even well-meaning, great people talk about it.
The actress then mentioned how years ago when she was shooting for Isabel Allende’s 1993 adaptation,The House of the Spirits, she ran intoMeryl Streep.TheDevil Wears Pradastar, who was just 44 at the time, talked about only being offered the roles of witches and mothers.
You just have to not compromise and I want to live in that world where artists stay really true.
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The sad statement from such a talented actress shook Ryder, who only later noticed the reality of Streep’s comment. TheEdward Scissorhandsactress concluded her interview by restating that despite the unfair treatment, she wished to remain true to herself and her craft.
The lover-mother-witch trope in Hollywood: Meryl Streep unscripted
TheEverything Is Copylead is known for her iconic performances on screen and unfiltered personality off it. Meryl Streep on several occasions, has revealed the unpleasant circumstances actresses find themselves in Tinsel Town.
In an interview withNext Avenue, theInto the Woodsactress shared how within a year of turning 40, she was promptly offered three roles. But surprisingly all of her characters were witches, irritated the actress turned all of them down. This instance made her come face-to-face with Hollywood’s prejudice against older women.
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I was not offered any female adventurers, or love interests, or heroes or demons. I was offered witches because I was ‘old’ at 40.
The industry obsessed with ‘youth culture’ and looking young, did not take into account the talent of senior actresses. While Streep wanted to play more diverse characters, at her age she could only choose between a mother or a witch.
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Once women passed childbearing age they could only be seen as grotesque on some level.
The notion of portraying older women as ‘witches’ or ‘ugly old hags’ always irked theMamma Miaactress. Actresses like Ryder and Streep need to be cast into roles that are plot-driven and not focused on their age. If the industry removes the layers of prejudice, a sea of talented and skilled actors would be available for upcoming movies.
Shruti Pathak
Articles Published :286
An entertainment writer with a passion for storytelling that transcends genres, Shruti Pathak is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in English. She is also a devoted poetry enthusiast, exploring the beauty of language and emotion through verse. Obsessed with the show Friends, a self-proclaimed swiftie, and inspired by classical literature these are just some characteristics that describe the novice writer. Newly joining FandomWire as an intern writer, she hopes to share her thoughts while sharpening her writing skills on various entertainment topics.
