I think every major character I've played was originally for an older woman. I have no idea what that says. I guess I'm mature for my age.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
But, you know, it really depends on the character. Age doesn't really matter.
Character roles definitely age better than your ingenues. You don't get to keep doing that.
Sometimes, as a young woman, you are boxed in more to playing characters that are emotional and vulnerable.
I have played old ladies since I was 17 years old, and very convincingly. I've always looked funny and was too tall to play the leads and so had to play the grandmothers.
I was always a character actress, even when I was an ingenue. But as you age, people know what to do with you, and you're not quite as dependent on maintaining leading-lady beauty.
I've never found it made the slightest difference being a woman - though there is a sort of feeling that as you get older you're not so interesting.
Adult characters are all the things they've encountered over time. But kids haven't accumulated all the life experience, all the regrets. They tend to be more in the moment, more willing to play, to be joyful.
Certain type of actresses get younger instead of older. I always say, 'Only ingenues age.'
I've always played characters that were younger than myself.
You never play age, you play character.