Ageless Ambition
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the renowned actress from 'You Hurt My Feelings' and 'Veep,' discusses stardom, fresh projects, and tackling ageism in the US entertainment industry in an exclusive interview with The Guardian.
Stardom and Worthy Pursuits
Julia Louis-Dreyfus dismisses the notion of stardom as a "worthy pursuit," likening it to air seemingly intangible and unimportant. Instead, she focuses on seeking projects that excite her and that she would genuinely enjoy watching as an audience member. Her passion for choosing meaningful and entertaining material shines through, making her acting choices more personal than career-driven.
A Quest for Fresh Material
With a desire for innovation and originality, Julia expresses her search for fresh material. She mentions that she aims to be part of projects that she would willingly watch even if she weren't involved in them. Her commitment to quality storytelling and engaging content highlights her dedication to her craft and her audience.
Embracing Age and Wisdom
At 62 years old, Julia Louis-Dreyfus reveals that she feels "about 30 in terms of energy and ambition." While she admits to being taken aback by old footage of herself, she is delighted with her current age. Aging is not seen as a negative aspect for her; instead, she embraces the wisdom and experience that comes with it, considering it a liberating phase of life.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus in 2018. Photo taken from the official Istagram account of Julia Louis-Dreyfus (@officialjld)
Challenges of Ageism
Despite her positive outlook on aging, Julia acknowledges the problem of ageism in the US entertainment industry. She hopes for a positive shift in attitudes and believes that older women are often overlooked compared to older men, particularly older white men. She stands as an advocate for change, voicing her concerns about the underrepresentation of older women in the media.
Conclusion
In her candid interview, Julia Louis-Dreyfus rejects the pursuit of stardom, focusing instead on fresh projects she would genuinely enjoy. Embracing her age, she finds wisdom liberating, while also advocating against ageism in the industry. Her passion for meaningful storytelling and her determination to drive positive change make her a remarkable and inspiring figure in Hollywood.
