Judy Greer, the prolific actress known for her roles in 13 Going on 30 and the Ant-Man franchise, has delivered a scathing critique of Hollywood's pervasive ageism, revealing she was encouraged to lie about her age from the very start of her career.
The Pressure to be 'Ageless'
Greer, now 48, recounted how at just 21 years old, industry professionals advised her to shave years off her age to appear more marketable. "I was told to lie about my age when I was 21," she revealed, highlighting the absurd and toxic pressure placed on women to remain perpetually youthful.
This early experience set the stage for a career navigating an industry obsessed with youth. She described the constant scrutiny, where ageing is treated not as a natural process but as a "mistake" or a personal failing for women.
Breaking the Silence on Perimenopause
Greer is now channelling her frustration into advocacy, using her platform to speak openly about her experience with perimenopause. She is determined to dismantle the stigma surrounding this normal life stage, which remains a glaring taboo in the public sphere, particularly in image-conscious Hollywood.
"I'm going through perimenopause, and I talk about it every chance I get," Greer stated emphatically. Her mission is to normalise these conversations, ensuring other women don't feel isolated or ashamed. She believes that hiding such a universal experience only fuels the damaging narrative that women's value decreases with age.
A New Chapter and a Call for Change
Despite the industry's challenges, Greer continues to find fulfilling work, recently starring in the horror film Dead of Winter. Her decision to speak out is part of a broader call for systemic change. She argues that true progress requires a shift in how stories are written, how women are cast, and ultimately, how society views women over 40.
By sharing her own story, Judy Greer joins a growing chorus of voices demanding that Hollywood evolve, championing a future where talent and authenticity are valued over an impossible standard of eternal youth.
