Actress Emma Watson is challenging stereotypes and promoting a more positive outlook on aging in Hollywood. Despite the industry’s tendency to stigmatize aging and foster negative attitudes toward older actresses, Watson is defying this toxic culture by embracing aging with a positive attitude. The star of the “Harry Potter” franchise recently celebrated her 33rd birthday by sharing a personal Instagram post in which she reflected on the challenges and victories she faced over the past year.
In her post, Watson wrote, “This is 33. Holy moly. Before 29, I hadn’t even heard of a Saturn Return as a concept. Let’s just say that now I am well acquainted.” She went on to mention a variety of things she did over the past year, including learning to surf, taking therapy, adopting a dog named Sofia, filming the “Harry Potter” reunion, and losing both her grandparents. “I felt really sad and really pissed off about a lot of things. I learned more about love and being a woman. It took me three years, but I have finally figured out a daily practice and can actually keep it for more than a few days in a row,” she added.
Watson’s followers showed their support for her and applauded her for having a positive attitude toward aging. One Instagram user commented, “Yaaaasssss! Way to nurture yourself and grow!!!” Another person said, “You are an amazing role model to my 11-year-old highly intelligent, book-loving, Harry Potter-obsessed niece. We often talk about the film’s cast and what they are doing as adults. I’ve often shown her your content, eg, hiding books for people to read on the subway. Thank you, and happy birthday!”
Watson’s attitude toward aging is part of a continuing discussion in the media regarding women and aging. She has added to the narrative of Julia Fox, who received acclaim in November for her statement on the attractiveness of growing older, according to The Independent. On TikTok, the star of “Uncut Gems” threatened legal action if she encountered any more products that advertise themselves with anti-aging claims on their packaging. She said, “I’m going to sue because I’m going to age regardless of if I put that fing $500 serum on my face, and you all fing know it!”
Happy birthday to the talented, brilliant, gorgeous, living icon and empowered woman, Emma Watson. pic.twitter.com/u53ZnVAxwB
— 𝘈𝘥𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘯 🕊 (@dearadolin) April 15, 2023
Fox added, “We know it, so let’s stop lying to ourselves, getting old is fing hot, OK? It is sexy. It is probably the sexiest time in life, actually, because being pretty and hot in your twenties is the fing trenches, OK? And I’m not going back there.” Fox challenged the notion that women must resort to expensive products to combat aging, arguing that getting old is attractive.
Julia Fox Has Special Announcement: Getting Older Is ‘Hot’ https://t.co/cH9QziAX85 Fox popped off about anti-aging products on TikTok.
— Marie Henley (@mariehenley17) November 14, 2022
Watson and Fox are among the many women in the entertainment industry who are challenging traditional attitudes toward aging and promoting a more positive outlook. Despite the industry’s pressure to delay the aging process with cosmetic procedures, these women are embracing aging with a positive attitude and proving that getting older can be empowering and attractive.