Linda Hamilton, the iconic action star known for her role in the Terminator franchise, has shared a refreshingly honest perspective on ageing, revealing she makes no effort to appear younger. The 69-year-old actress, in a candid interview with AARP Movies for Grownups published on Tuesday, detailed her philosophy of self-acceptance and staying present.
Embracing the Face She's Earned
Hamilton stated unequivocally that she does 'not spend a moment trying to look younger on any level, ever.' She expressed a zen-like acceptance of the ageing process, acknowledging the physical marks of a long and active career. 'I have just completely surrendered to the fact that this is the face that I’ve earned. And it tells me so much,' she shared. Rather than pursuing an elusive ideal of beauty, she focuses on remaining 'fully planted in the moment.'
The Physical Toll of an Action Career
Despite her calm acceptance, Hamilton was frank about the physical cost of her profession. Known for performing her own stunts in films like Terminator 2: Judgment Day, she admitted her body has sustained significant 'damage and harm' over the decades. To combat this wear and tear, she maintains a disciplined fitness routine, working out three times per week. Her regimen is diverse, incorporating Pilates, yoga, free weights, exercise machines, and cables, tailored to what her body needs each day.
However, Hamilton emphasised she is not rigid. She happily balances her health focus with occasional indulgences, noting, 'But not all the time — sometimes it is just a jelly donut.' She believes flexibility is key to ageing well, stating, 'I’ve always said that rigidifying is what kills us: the rigid thoughts and the sort of not moving. I’ve tried very hard in my life to stay as fluid as possible.'
Looking Forward: The Stranger Things Conundrum
The conversation turned to her upcoming role in the fifth and final season of Netflix's hit series, Stranger Things. Hamilton, who was cast in June 2023, said she 'couldn’t wait to tell people' about the part. As a self-professed fan who had 'watched every season with relish,' her excitement was palpable.
Yet, this presents a unique conflict. Hamilton has a long-standing personal rule of never watching any film or television show she appears in. 'It would just completely take me out of the reality of it to see myself in there,' she explained. 'So I won't be watching [Season 5].' She admitted that being in the show has somewhat 'ruined' it for her as a viewer, though she remains thrilled to be involved. The details of her character are being closely guarded by the show's creators, the Duffer brothers, to prevent plot leaks.
Hamilton concluded by reflecting on her life's journey with a metaphor about swimming in a fast-flowing river, going with the current rather than fighting for the bank. 'That, truly, is kind of what my life has been,' she said. 'It’s been a great, fun ride.'
