: Major female characters on broadcast TV plummet from 42% in their 30s to just 15% in their 40s.

: In a 2025 analysis of top-grossing films, women aged 60+ accounted for only 2% of major characters, compared to 8% for men in the same age bracket. Beyond the Stereotypes: The Reality of Aging Women in Films

: In roles for those 50+, male characters outnumber females roughly 3 to 1 .

Recent data reveals a stark "visibility cliff" for women as they move past their 30s:

: Women over 50 represent 20% of the U.S. population but receive only 8% of on-screen portrayals.

Reports from early 2026 indicate that mature women (ages 40-50+) remain significantly underrepresented and stereotyped in entertainment , despite high-profile award wins by stars like Meryl Streep and Jean Smart. While women overall make up a larger portion of the population, their presence on screen drops dramatically as they age, often replaced by younger actresses even in roles where a more mature lead would be appropriate. 📉 The Representation Gap