Let’s take a moment to celebrate what an incredible time it is to be a woman over 50 in Hollywood? Gone are the days when hitting the big 5-0 meant being relegated to playing someone’s grandmother or disappearing from our screens entirely. Right now, some of the most captivating, complex, and downright entertaining characters on television are being brought to life by women who prove that talent, charisma, and star power only get better with age. So grab your favorite beverage, get comfortable, and let’s dish about the amazing actresses who are absolutely crushing it on the small screen right now!
1. Jennifer Aniston
Our girl Jen is still going strong on “The Morning Show” as Alex Levy, the ambitious and complicated news anchor navigating the cutthroat world of broadcast journalism. At 57, Aniston continues to prove she’s so much more than Rachel Green. Alex is fierce, flawed, and absolutely fascinating to watch as she battles network politics, personal demons, and the ever-changing media landscape. Aniston brings such depth and vulnerability to this role that you can’t help but be glued to every scene she’s in.
2. Reese Witherspoon
Speaking of “The Morning Show,” Reese Witherspoon at 50 is simultaneously starring as Bradley Jackson, the scrappy journalist who shakes up the morning news world. But wait, there’s more! Reese is also producing and appearing in multiple projects that showcase women in their prime. Her Bradley is earnest, determined, and wonderfully imperfect – a character who reminds us that you can start over and reinvent yourself at any age.
3. Nicole Kidman
At 59, Nicole Kidman seems to be everywhere, and we’re not complaining! She is starring in “Scarpetta,” a crime-thriller series based on Patricia Cornwell’s novels, where she plays forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta. Kidman also produces the series and co-stars with Jamie Lee Curtis. Her current work continues to showcase her incredible range and her willingness to take risks that many actresses wouldn’t dare attempt. She is also expected to return for “Big Little Lies” Season 3 as one of the five lead mothers. Another upcoming project for Kidman is the drama series “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” where she plays a mediator for the titular character and her professor.
4. Laura Linney
Laura Linney, now 60, has built a career on playing intelligent, nuanced women, and her current television work continues that tradition beautifully. She is starring in the MGM+ comedy series “American Classic,” which premieres on March 1, 2026. In “American Classic,” Linney plays Kristen Forrest Bean, the ex-girlfriend of Broadway star Richard Bean, who returns to his hometown after a public meltdown. With her incredible ability to convey so much with just a look or a subtle gesture, Linney reminds us why she’s considered one of the finest actresses of her generation.
5. Helen Mirren
Dame Helen Mirren at 81 is proof that you can be a total badass at any age. She is starring as Queen Elizabeth II in the acclaimed stage production “The Audience,” which is returning to cinemas as part of National Theatre Live in 2026. Mirren brings gravitas, intelligence, and that signature dry wit to every role. She’s been telling Hollywood to stuff its ageism for decades, and we love her for it. Mirren also had lead performances in the Paramount+ shows “1923” and “MobLand” in 2025, with the second season of “MobLand” anticipated.
6. Gillian Anderson
At 58, Gillian Anderson continues to choose fascinating, complex roles that challenge both her and her audiences. She is starring in the Western drama “The Abandons” on Netflix, where she plays a rival leader in a land dispute in 1854 Washington Territory. Anderson has shown incredible versatility throughout her career and shows no signs of slowing down. She’s also been wonderfully outspoken about aging in Hollywood, making her even more of a hero in our book.
7. Mariska Hargitay
At 62, Mariska Hargitay continues her incredible run as Captain Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: SVU,” making her one of the longest-running characters in primetime television history. Benson has evolved from a detective to a lieutenant and now captain, and Hargitay has brought depth and compassion to this role for over two decades. She’s a champion for survivors both on and off screen, and her dedication to this character and the
8. Demi Moore
At 63, Demi Moore is making waves in the new Paramount+ series “Landman” as Cami Miller. “Landman” is set in the cutthroat world of West Texas oilfields, following the power struggles of roughnecks and billionaires. Cami Miller is the elegant wife of one of Texas’s most powerful oilmen and a friend of the lead character, Tommy Norris. Her character is central to the story, especially after she fires Tommy Norris from M-Tex Oil, leading him to start a rival company. Moore’s role as Cami is expected to be even more significant in the upcoming third season.
9. Jean Smart
The incomparable Jean Smart, at 74, is absolutely brilliant as Deborah Vance in the critically acclaimed series “Hacks.” Deborah Vance is a legendary Las Vegas stand-up comedian who needs to reinvent her aging act to avoid losing her residency. Smart brings incredible depth to Deborah, portraying a complex character who is witty, cunning, and at times, lonely. Her performance has earned her multiple Emmy Awards, and she continues to shine as Deborah navigates the evolving comedy industry and her relationship with her young writer, Ava.
10. Meryl Streep
The legendary Meryl Streep, at 76, joined the cast of “Only Murders in the Building” in its third season as Loretta Durkin. “Only Murders in the Building” is a mystery-comedy series about three strangers who live in the same upscale apartment building and start a true-crime podcast to investigate murders that occur there. Loretta is a talented but struggling actress who finally gets her big break in a Broadway play directed by Oliver Putnam, and she also develops a romantic relationship with him. Streep’s character became a central part of the third season’s mystery and is confirmed to return for season four.
11. Jamie Lee Curtis
Rounding out our list is the incomparable Jamie Lee Curtis at 67. Curtis is co-starring in “Scarpetta” as Dorothy, the sister of forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta, and also serves as an executive producer for the series. Curtis has been defying Hollywood expectations her entire career, and she’s not stopping now. Whether she’s making us laugh, cry, or sit on the edge of our seats, Curtis brings authenticity and passion to every role. She’s also been incredibly vocal about aging naturally in an industry obsessed with youth, making her a role model for women everywhere.
The Bottom Line
These incredible women are proving what we’ve known all along – that turning 50 isn’t the end of anything. It’s often just the beginning of the most interesting, fulfilling, and exciting chapter yet. These actresses aren’t playing it safe or fading into the background. They’re taking on challenging roles, producing their own content, directing, and refusing to let anyone tell them their time has passed.
The fact that we can turn on our televisions and see women who look like us – women with laugh lines and gray hair (even if some of them color it!) and faces that show they’ve actually lived life – playing complex, interesting characters is something to celebrate. These women are doctors, lawyers, politicians, journalists, mothers, friends, and sometimes even action heroes. They’re flawed and fabulous, just like us.
So here’s to the actresses who are paving the way and showing the entertainment industry that women over 50 are not only relevant but essential. They’re telling our stories, representing our experiences, and doing it all with talent, grace, and a whole lot of style. The future of television looks bright, diverse, and wonderfully mature – and we’re here for every minute of it!
