Why does Halle Berry refuse to be ashamed of her age?
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Los Angeles, Jan 31 (NationPress) Hollywood star Halle Berry is standing strong against societal ageism. As she nears her 60th birthday in August, she has boldly declared that she refuses to feel ashamed of her age, asserting that she feels more valuable now than ever.
The acclaimed actress has shared her insights on the challenges women encounter in Hollywood as they age, but she firmly believes that female stars are not diminished in value as they grow older, according to a report from ‘Female First UK’.
In an interview with The Times, she remarked, “Why do we have to be ashamed of the most natural thing that happens to all of us? I’m not having the problem, society has the problem. They want to put me in a box that says, you are now a certain age; you’re no longer as valuable as you used to be. I refuse, refuse, to accept it because I know I’m more valuable now than ever. Wiser, smarter, stronger, better. It’s a privilege to age but it’s been so stigmatised, especially for women.”
Berry added, “If they talked about men’s ages too, fair game. But they don’t. It stacks the cards against us. I don’t know how old these male actors are because their age doesn’t precede their name. With us, it always does. Soon it will be ‘60-year-old Halle Berry’. If I had this brain and this wisdom when I was 25, I’d be dangerous. But this comes only with time and age.”
According to ‘Female First UK’, the Oscar-winning actress also mentioned her struggles with accepting compliments focused solely on her appearance. She stated, “I die a thousand deaths. It becomes a hard compliment to accept. Year after year after year. When you’re striving to be more. I’ve worked really hard as an actor, and still to be reduced to a beautiful face it’s like, hey, wait a minute. Come on'. I say, 'Thank you’. And I smile. Because you’re an a**hole if you say anything else.”
Recently, Halle has also found love in her 50s, dating musician Van Hunt for over five years, although she has turned down his marriage proposal.