: Female characters often "disappear" after age 40; the percentage of major female characters on broadcast programs drops from 42% (in their 30s) to 15% (in their 40s) Critical and Commercial Success Stories
: Women aged 50+ make up only 25.3% of characters in their age bracket in film, compared to their more numerous male counterparts. : Female characters often "disappear" after age 40;
The rise of streaming platforms and social media has also created new opportunities for mature women in entertainment. TV shows like "The Crown" and "Big Little Lies" feature complex, multidimensional female characters, often played by mature actresses. This increased visibility has helped to normalize the presence of older women in leading roles, challenging traditional industry standards. multidimensional female characters