From rom-coms to horror films
To be an actress in one's seventies and still win leading roles in Hollywood speaks volumes as to the caliber of any woman fortunate enough to secure a part as a leading lady so late in the day. This is especially so when Tinseltown—and cinema in general—is notorious for passing over top billing for women once they've hit a certain age. But there are exceptions. Indeed, a few select female screen personalities are still enjoying a busy career at three score and ten—70 years old and counting! But who are these super successful actresses, and what films have they starred in?
Click through and be reminded of the women who have taken the lead in Hollywood beyond 70.
Helen Mirren turned 70 in 2005. She's since headed the cast in a number of films, pictures that include 'Winchester' (2018) and 'Golda' (2023), the latter in which she portrays the former prime minister of Israel, Golda Meir.
Tomlin shared top billing with Puerto Rican actress Rita Moreno, who was born in 1931, thus making her nearly 92 by the time '80 for Brady' was released.
Keaton was in good company. 'Book Club' costarred Jane Fonda, herself turning 81 at the time. Candice Bergen also shared top billing.
'Georgia Rule' (2007) was the first film Jane Fonda made in her seventies playing a leading role. In 2011, she again headed the cast in 'All Together.' She's pictured in that film with Pierre Richard.
Jane Fonda, by now nearly 86, was another veteran star of '80 for Brady.'
Also appearing in 'Book Club' was Mary Steenburgen, but the actress was just 65 when the movie was released. However, by the time she costarred in the sequel, 'Book Club: The Next Chapter,' in 2023, Steenburgen had hit 70.
At 84, Lily Tomlin (pictured second right) headed the cast of the sports comedy film '80 for Brady' (2023).
Meryl Streep had just turned 70 when she starred in 'Let Them All Talk,' released in 2020.
Streep was also the lead in 'The Prom,' her second movie of 2020. She's seen here with costars James Corden, Nicole Kidman, and Andrew Rannells.
Sally Field celebrated her 70th birthday in 2016, the same year 'Hello, My Name Is Doris' premiered. She starred in the title role.
In 2004, Judi Dench costarred in 'Ladies in Lavender,' the same year the veteran British actress celebrated her 70th birthday.
Judi Dench, meanwhile, enjoyed top billing as recently as 2018 in the British spy drama 'Red Joan.'
'Ladies in Lavender' costarred Maggie Smith, another grand dame of stage and screen. Smith was also 70 years old when the film was released.
Maggie Smith continues to win lead roles in films. For example, she headed the cast of the 2015 comedy-drama 'The Lady in the Van.'
Ellen Burstyn was born in 1932. In 2021 aged 89, she headed the cast of 'Queen Bees.' The film featured James Caan in his penultimate film role. His final film, 'Fast Charlie' (2023), was released posthumously.
Sharing top billing in 'Queen Bees' was Ann-Margret, who was 80 at the time.
Jessica Tandy crowned a distinguished acting career by winning the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in 'Driving Miss Daisy' (1989). She was by then 80 years old.
Susan Sarandon was in her 73rd year when she starred in 'Blackbird' (2019) alongside Kate Winslet and Sam Neill.
Sissy Spacek was born in 1949, which means she was approaching 73 by the time 'Sam & Kate' was released in 2022. She costarred with Dustin Hoffmann.
'The Good House,' released in 2021, stars Sigourney Weaver alongside Kevin Kline. By then the actress was nearing 72 years old.
Before 'Snatched' (2017). Goldie Hawn hadn't made a picture since 2002's 'The Banger Sisters.' She made her screen comeback aged 72 years, sharing top billing with Amy Schumer.
At 75 years old, Kathy Bates shared a starring role in 'The Miracle Club' (2023), alongside Laura Linney and an 88-year-old Maggie Smith.
Glenn Close had just turned 70 when 'The Wife' was released in 2017. She played the lead role alongside Jonathan Pryce.
Charlotte Rampling was 70 when she filmed 'Hannah' in 2017, an Italian drama costarring French actor André Wilms.
Singer and actress Better Midler starred in 'Hocus Pocus 2' (2022), a sequel to 1993's 'Hocus Pocus,' in which she reprised her role as a villainous comedic witch. By 2022, Midler was 77 years old.
Diane Keaton was 72 years old when she headed the distinguished cast of the romantic comedy 'Book Club' (2018).
Candice Bergen was approaching 72 years old when she appeared in 'Book Club.'
British actress Joan Plowright enjoyed the lead role in 'Tea with Mussolini' (1999), a part she played at 70 years old. She again enjoyed top billing in 2005's 'Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont.'
Based on the hugely successful British television series 'Absolutely Fabulous,' the film spinoff 'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' (2016) starred a 70-year-old Joanna Lumley (pictured right) alongside a younger Jennifer Saunders.
Italian actress Isabella Rossellini had just turned 70 when 'La chimera' was released, in 2023. The film, a period romantic drama, costarred Josh O'Connor.
Edith Evans, one of the most celebrated British actresses of her generation, gave an astonishing lead performance in 'The Whisperers' (1967). She was born in 1888, and so she would have been 79 when the picture was released.
Esteemed French actress Emmanuelle Riva was 85 when 'Amour' was released in 2012. She remains the oldest nominee for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Edith Evans was 79 when she she received her third Oscar nomination.
Sources: (The Los Angeles Times)
Age is just a number. Actresses thriving in leading roles after 70
Actresses who've played leads past the age of 70
MOVIES Cinema
To be an actress in one's seventies and still win leading roles in Hollywood speaks volumes as to the caliber of any woman fortunate enough to secure a part as a leading lady so late in the day. This is especially so when Tinseltown—and cinema in general—is notorious for passing over top billing for women once they've hit a certain age. But there are exceptions. Indeed, a few select female screen personalities are still enjoying a busy career at three score and ten—70 years old and counting! But who are these super successful actresses, and what films have they starred in?
Click through and be reminded of the women who have taken the lead in Hollywood beyond 70.