Jean Smart Speaks Out on Ageism in Hollywood Industry

Jean Smart, renowned for her role in “Hacks,” recently accepted her third Golden Globe award for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. The ceremony took place at the Beverly Hilton, where Smart humorously stated, “What can I say? I’m a greedy bitch.” At 74, she was among the oldest winners at the event, sharing this distinction with Stellan Skarsgård, who also received recognition for his performance in “Sentimental Value.” Skarsgård, slightly older at 74, expressed surprise at his win, citing his own perceptions about aging in Hollywood.

Addressing Ageism in Hollywood

During her acceptance speech, Smart confronted the prevalent issue of ageism in the entertainment industry. She recalled a conversation from her early days in Los Angeles, where a peer informed her that for every 20 roles available to men, there was only one for women. She described this reality as disheartening.

Smart highlighted another stark reality regarding the portrayal of relationships in film and television. “The average age difference between a husband and a wife in the United States is just over two years, yet on-screen, it tends to be 20,” she remarked. This disparity reflects ongoing challenges women face in securing roles as they age.

Changing Perspectives

Despite recognizing the hurdles, Smart believes there have been positive changes within the industry. “I think a lot has changed,” she noted, although she hesitated to see herself as a representative for older actresses. Her comments resonate with many in the industry, emphasizing the need for continued progress.

Other Notable Nominees

The Golden Globes ceremony also featured other prominent figures from the Boomer generation. Kathy Bates received a nomination for her role in CBS’s “Matlock.” Additionally, respected composers Alexandre Desplat and Hans Zimmer were acknowledged for their work in film scores for “Frankenstein” and “F1,” respectively.

• Jean Smart – Age: 74; Award: Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
• Stellan Skarsgård – Age: 74; Award: Male Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
• Kathy Bates – Nominated for Female Actor in a TV Drama Series
• Alexandre Desplat – Nominated for Film Score (Frankenstein)
• Hans Zimmer – Nominated for Film Score (F1)

The conversation around ageism in Hollywood continues to evolve, but the experiences and observations of seasoned actors like Jean Smart shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by older actresses in the industry.