Linda Hamilton has joined a growing number of Hollywood women openly discussing the realities of aging. At 69, the actress famed for her role in the Terminator series shared her perspective on ageism during a conversation with AARPs Movies for Grownups.
I never spend even a moment trying to appear younger, Hamilton said. Ive fully accepted that this is the face Ive earned. It tells a story sometimes more than I want to hear.
The actress emphasized that she doesnt chase beauty standards or cling to the idea of prolonging youth. I try to stay present. That doesnt mean I dont aim to be healthy, but life isnt rigid sometimes its just about enjoying a jelly donut. Its a great way to grow older.
Hamilton rose to global fame as Sarah Connor in 1984s The Terminator, returning for Terminator 2: Judgment Day in 1991 and once again in 2019s Terminator: Dark Fate, reuniting with Arnold Schwarzenegger after years away from the franchise.
She recently appeared at the Los Angeles premiere of Stranger Things Season 5 on November 6, 2025. The final season of the hit series debuted on Netflix on November 26, marking another major on-screen moment for the actress.
Hamilton is far from alone in celebrating the aging process, and experts note that this shift is beneficial. Susan Yara, founder of Naturium Skincare and Mixed Makeup, previously told USA TODAY that women flourishing with age should be widely accepted. We bring confidence, assurance, and wisdom that only comes with time, Yara said.
Other celebrities have sparked similar discussions, including Jennifer Love Hewitt, who spoke in late 2024 about the challenging public reaction to her natural aging. Hewitt explained that while shes comfortable growing older, fans often expect celebrities to remain frozen at a certain age.
Pamela Anderson also made headlines in 2023 for attending Paris Fashion Week makeup-free, while Justine Bateman has openly embraced her natural appearance, calling her aging look rad. Public figures such as Kelly Ripa, Valerie Bertinelli, Katie Couric, and Courteney Cox have similarly shared experiences with aging under public scrutiny.
Medical esthetician and YouTube skincare creator Cassandra Bankson noted that aging is a privilege and that people should value the stories their skin carries through the years.
Expert Advice for Navigating Aging with Confidence
- Recognize the unreality of social media: Plastic surgery specialist Dr. Michael Keyes reminds people that many influencers heavily edit images to hide natural signs of aging. He encourages following creators who share unfiltered content.
- Update your makeup approach: Dermatologist Dr. Heidi Goodarzi suggests opting for tinted sunscreen instead of heavy foundation to enhance the skins natural glow without masking its features.
- Practice self-compassion: Yara encourages embracing the bodys journey. My confidence is my greatest strength, earned through years of experience and becoming comfortable with who I am, she said.
This story originally appeared in USA TODAY.