Hollywood is perhaps the mecca of ageism. The industry often shies away from stories centered on characters beyond a certain age; this is especially true for female characters. Actresses in Hollywood are under constant pressure to look a certain way, and if they don’t meet the qualifications, they don’t get the part.This makes it increasingly difficult to find female-driven movies. But when we do, they end up being pretty spectacular. For instance, look at Still Alice, for which Julianne Moore won an Oscar, as well as the popular Netflix show Orange is the New Black.
So, when 37-year-old Maggie Gyllenhaal was told she wasn’t young enough for a role, she had the perfect response.
She told The Wrap, “It was astonishing to me. It made me feel bad, and then it made me feel angry, and then it made me laugh.”
The talented actress, who has received Emmy and Oscar nods, was turned down for a role opposite a 55-year-old male character. Thankfully, Maggie isn’t going to let the systemic sexism of the industry get her down. “A lot of actresses are doing incredible work right now, playing real women, complicated women,” Maggie said. “I don’t feel despairing at all. And I’m more looking with hope for something fascinating.”
As frustrating as it is to see incredible women like Maggie being treated disrespectfully, she is among many actresses standing up for themselves. We sincerely hope that Hollywood starts paying attention to women like her and treating them accordingly.