: Most mature female characters are portrayed as white, middle-class, and able-bodied, with almost no representation for LGBTQIA+ or ethnic minority women over 50.

: Despite being a major demographic, characters aged 50+ make up less than 25% of all roles in major films and TV.

: Stories often default to stereotypes like the "Golden Ager" (sweet and passive) or the "Shrew" (embittered and difficult).

: Many actresses report that their industry value is still tied to youth and beauty, leading to a "falling off a cliff" effect where quality roles vanish after age 40. Characterization and Stereotypes

: Romantic storylines for women 50+ are rare compared to younger counterparts, though some contemporary films like Babygirl and The Substance are beginning to challenge this by centering on mature female desire. Economic and Production Realities Older Women and Cinema: Audiences, Stories, and Stars