A recent analysis points out that Hollywood films are more inclined to showcase a male lead named Chris or a talking animal than an older woman.
According to findings from an intelligence agency, large-grossing movies in the UK over the last three years have featured a lead actor named Chris more frequently than a female lead over 60 years old. This research was conducted by Age Without Limits.
“Among the 100 highest-grossing films in 2023, 2024, and 2025, six had someone with the name Chris in the lead role, while only five featured women aged over 60,” the UK-based group reported.
The analysis also revealed that films are four times more likely to include talking animals than female characters portrayed by actresses in this age group.
In light of these findings, Age Without Limits is urging Hollywood to “better represent older women in films.”
Emma Thompson, an Oscar-winning actress with over 40 years of experience in the industry and more than 100 roles, voiced her support for the initiative, stating to Age Without Limits: “Women account for half of the population and are aging. So, where are our stories?”
“As I get older, my interest increases.” Thompson continued, “I want to see more films featuring older women as the main characters. They are both fascinating and relatable, and I’m eager to see them take the spotlight.”
“Older women don’t need permission to appear on screen. They’re already part of society. Film just needs to catch up,” she added.
Age Without Limits also highlighted a survey from the University of West London’s School of Film, Media and Design, which shows that the British public desires more films with older female leads.
In fact, one in three (33%) people believe not enough films featuring women over 60 are being produced, while only about one in 30 (3%) feel there are too many.
A survey targeting women found that 39% reported a lack of films where women over 60 play leading roles.
Interestingly, only 16% of participants indicated they would be more inclined to watch a film starring a female actress over 60, almost double the 9% who said they would be less likely to view such a movie.
