Women over 40 face a sharp decline in visibility. On broadcast programs, female representation in major roles plummets from 42% for women in their 30s to just 15% for those in their 40s.

This report examines the current state of mature women (defined generally as those aged 40–50+) in the entertainment industry, analyzing on-screen representation, industry trends, and the persistent challenges of ageism and intersectionality. 1. Current State of On-Screen Representation

Only about 8 of the most popular films in 2024 featured a woman aged 45 or older in a leading or co-leading role. By 2025, not a single top-grossing film featured a woman of color aged 45+ in a leading role.

The number of films featuring a female lead or co-lead among the top 100 grossing movies dropped to a seven-year low of 39% in 2025, down from 55% in 2024.

Research shows female characters 50+ are significantly more likely to be depicted in stereotypical ways than men of the same age. They are often shown as "frumpy," "sickly," or "physically inactive". 2. Industry Power and Behind-the-Scenes Influence

Report: Mature Women in Entertainment and Cinema (2024–2026)