Summary
It’s a crowded group of talentedblonde actressesin their 50s and with the parts they’ve played and the awards they’ve won, these women are making a good argument for the axiom that blondes have more fun. Blonde hair color has always been a subject of fascination, particularly with women, and as hair tends to darken with age,it’s always interesting to see who decides to stick with lighter color into their 30s, 40s, and 50s.Blonde can denote many things on TV and movies — sometimes it’s belittling and sometimes it’s venerating.
It’s not just women either. Movie fans nearly fell out of their chairs when it was announced James Bond would be played by a blond-haired Daniel Craig. But for actresses, it’s always seemed to be a bigger point of conversation.Stereotypically linked with attractiveness, the classic “blonde bombshell"is often used to describe actresses in the lineage of Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield. However, there are plenty of other blondes, natural or not: strawberry, dirty, platinum, sandy, and more, and these acclaimed and talented actresses in their 50s run the gamut.
40 Actresses You Didn’t Know Were In Their 40s
The movie industry can be extremely ageist and sexist, but these successful actresses in their 40s have proven that youth doesn’t rule Hollywood.
1997
Rizzoli & Isles(2010-2016)
Dr. Maura Isles
Sasha Alexanderfirst rose to prominence withDawson’s Creekas Gretchen Witterand later transitioned into roles inRizzoli & IslesandShameless. In 2023, Alexander appeared in bothLaw & OrderandThe Morning Show.
Traditionally, the spelling “blond” is used when talking about men, and “blonde” is used for women.
1983
11
4
6
2
As Dana Scully, Gillian Anderson won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for her performance.Her blonde hair, among other reasons, made herthe spitting image of Margaret Thatcher in season 4 ofThe Crown,a role which also earned her an Emmy and a Golden Globe.
1987
15
8
1
The dirty blonde Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green was the perfect counterweight between the blonde Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) and the dark-haired Monica (Courteney Cox) onFriends. In 2019,Aniston began starring in the ongoingThe Morning Showas Alex Levy.
1972
AnchormanFranchise (2004, 2013)
7
0
Christina Applegate’s blonde locks made her the perfect choice for Samantha Newly inSamantha Who?and asthe underestimated Veronica Corningstone inAnchorman 1and2. Her latest performance came inDead to Meas Jen Harding from 2019-2022.
1981
3
Patricia Arquette was a hot commodity in the ’90s withTrue RomanceandLost Highway,but her star wavered until her Academy Award-winning role inBoyhoodand Emmy-nominated performance inSeverance.
1998
Elizabeth Banks has often been cast as peppy, energetic, and take-charge characters in movies likeThe 40-Year-Old Virginas Beth and shows like30 Rockas Avery Jessup. Banks’later career has been marked by directing and producing, including her 2023 movie,Cocaine Bear.
The 15 Most Iconic ’80s Movie Actresses
The 1980s was the decade of the Hollywood actress, and it saw a few great women rose to superstardom, including Meryl Streep and Glenn Close.
1990
The Lord of the RingsFranchise (2001-2003)
12
Cate Blanchett’s blonde hair has always come off as regal,making her more suited to powerful, dangerous characters like Galadriel inThe Lord of the Ringsand Hela inThor: Ragnarok. Blanchett rarely takes a break from her craft and is set to appear in the upcomingBorderlandsadaptation as Lilith.
Only Bette Davis, Katharine Hepburn, and Meryl Streep have been nominated for more Best and Best Supporting Actress Oscars than Cate Blanchett.
1988
38
9
Mary J. Blige may be better known for her outstanding singing career, but the famously blonde star has also appeared in many notable movies, includingMudboundas Florence Jackson,which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She recently co-starred in the 2024Rob Peaceas Jackie Peace.
Mary J. Blige also sings “Mighty River” inMudbound, which also earned an Academy Award nomination, for Best Original Song.
1991
Maria Bello has had a long career in movies and television, notably playing the recurring character Dr. Anna Del Amico inER. Her 2023 performance inBeefasJordan Foster earned Bello the first Emmy nomination of her career.
1992
13
With her bouncy blonde hair,Julie Bowen was perfectly cast as the energetic and neurotic suburban mom Claire Dunphy inModern Family.Bowen is set to co-star in the upcoming seriesHysteria!as Linda Campbell.
