For actresses and actors who have been idolized and praised throughout their acting years, sometimes there is an abrupt shift in their journey when they are in their 40s because they begin to experience ageism. The reception they receive from fans grows colder, and the number of roles becomes smaller. They also experience the pressure to stay younger and look younger.
These celebrities become more exposed to scrutiny and criticism as regards their appearance. In a recent interview with Fox News, actress Jennifer Love Hewitt spoke against ageism in Hollywood. She expressed her frustration and anger as the harsh criticism of her appearance increased with her age.
Jennifer Love Hewitt talks ageism in Hollywood
The 44-year-old mother of three, who started as a child actor in the industry, revealed that she feels fans pick an age they associate with her, expecting her not to grow beyond that point. She also shared that while she thinks women come into an acceptance of themselves in their 40s the actress still finds it hurtful when people reject her online.
She sadly expressed that people are having a hard time believing she’s no longer 20 years old and that she can’t look that way again. Jennifer Love Hewitt gained popularity and fame in her ‘20s, particularly with the series Party of Five, where she played Sarah Reeves Merrin. Her ‘20s was a great period in her career, and it launched her for success.
Her 2023 appearance sparked ageism comments
However, this phase of her career has had its own fair share of challenges, especially with the increasing criticism of her looks. In 2023, Jennifer Love Hewitt faced public disapproval after she shared a filtered selfie on Instagram. The image attracted online trolls, and she was accused of trying to hide her natural appearance because she was growing older. Critics and news headlines called her “unrecognizable.”
Hewitt responded by posting new photos with exaggerated filters to mock the critics and added captions with phrases like “all natural, no filter.” However, this only led to more backlash. Despite the harsh criticism, Jennifer Love Hewitt is focused on her work and her family. She recently starred in and produced her latest Christmas movie, Holiday Junkie, which premiered in December 2024.