Female characters over 50 make up only 25.3% of all characters in that age bracket, compared to their male counterparts.

Research from San Diego State University and the Geena Davis Institute highlights a stark "cliff" for female characters:

In 2024, only 8 of the year's most popular films featured a woman age 45 or older in a leading role. Breaking the "Narrative of Decline"

The percentage of major female characters on broadcast and streaming programs drops from roughly 40% in their 30s to only 14-15% once they reach their 40s.

Despite these hurdles, some "mature" stars are redefining visibility: 2024 was a historic year for women in film | USC Annenberg

The landscape for mature women in entertainment is currently a paradox of high-profile "wins" and deep-seated systemic exclusion. While iconic actresses are finally being recognized for career-best work, data reveals that these success stories are often outliers in an industry still largely obsessed with youth. The Data: A Disappearing Act

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