Charlize Theron on the slow progress of equality in hollywood

By MiNDFOOD

Image: Reuters
Image: Reuters
The South-African actress has spoken out against damaging and unrealistic societal attitudes towards women and ageing.

In a recent interview with GQ magazine, Charlize Theron has called out the continuing and enraging presence of sexism and ageist mentality applied to women.

Theron admonished the societal perceptions of gender that forgot women and celebrated men, as they aged: “women wilt and men age like fine wine”.

“It would be a lie to say there is less worry for women as they get older than there is for men,” she said. “It feels there’s this unrealistic standard of what a woman is supposed to look like when she’s over 40”.

Following in the footsteps of countless others in the entertainment industry, Theron has actively championed the case for equality, following the 2014 Sony hacks which revealed a disparity in Hollywood pay between men and women.

Currently promoting her latest film, The Huntsman, Theron made equal pay, between her and co-star Chris Hemsworth, a non-negotiable in her contract.

Theron also commented on the lack of diversity in roles for women and lamented the fact that, depending on appearance, women were rarely offered the chance to play interesting parts.

“Jobs with real gravitas go to people that are physically right for them and that’s the end of the story,” she said. “How many roles are out there for the gorgeous, f***ing, gown-wearing eight-foot model? When meaty roles come through, I’ve been in the room and pretty people get turned away first.”

 

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