Hollywood is one of the biggest industries worldwide. For more than 100 years, this platform has sold entertainment in the form of millions of actors, actresses, and directors. This industry gave a break to many struggling actors and actresses and made them what they are today. Every successful performer owes their career to Hollywood.

Unfortunately, there is a downside too. The industry is discriminatory to the older professionals due to the demand for the younger and more glamorous cast. While it doesn’t happen a lot with Hollywood male stars, the females do suffer to an extent.

Despite the challenges, many Hollywood actresses have broken the norm. They are redefining the traditions by not only getting the lead roles but also negotiating better wages from their directors.

The Best Hollywood Actresses in their 40s

These women have come a long way, and they continue doing so. Here are the best Hollywood actresses in their 40s.

1. Kerry Washington

American actress Kerry Washington is 44 years old. She has achieved great success since her days when she starred opposite Julia Stiles and impressed everyone as Chenille in the hit Save the Last Dance.

Kerry is versatile, and it shows on the screen. She has proven her acting mantle in the movies such as Scandal, Little Fires Everywhere, and many others. The good-looking diva is a natural actor and deserves to be on the list.

2. Kate Winslet

Many of us have grown up watching her playing the beautiful and elegant Rose in Titanic. Kate Winslet is 45 years old and still rules the industry. Despite her middle age, this lady’s career is growing from strength to strength. She loves experimenting with grittier roles.

Kate is not just a beautiful face. She is an advocate of body positivity as well. In her recent HBO hit Mare of Easttown, she refused to be photoshopped. It is yet another reason why many people are in awe of her.

3. Kate Beckinsale

As of July 2021, Kate Beckinsale’s age is 47 years old. She is one of the notable British actresses in Hollywood. Her beautiful aura and attractive personality have gathered her a massive fan following in the early days of her career, and they continue doing so.

Besides being on the cover of various well-known magazines and publications in the USA and UK, she has also acted in many high-budget Hollywood movies and TV shows. Her lead roles in Pearl Harbor 2, Underworld, and Van Helsing are still loved by all.

4. Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron, 45, is an Academy Award winner and one of the most talented actresses Hollywood has today. She is a native of Africa. Charlize wanted to be an actress since a very young age.

Throughout her career, Charlize has played many roles in movies and TV shows. However, the biggest project that she has been a part of is Arrested Development. Charlize’s looks are to die for. Time and again, she has been named one of the most attractive ladies in Hollywood.

5. Drew Barrymore

We all know this beautiful actress and businesswoman. Drew Barrymore, 46, is one of the most beloved celebrities. She has been a part of the industry since her childhood. Her growing IG followers list proves that she is hard to forget.

Drew has developed her successful beauty line, Flower Beauty. Her love for acting hasn’t stopped. Recently, she was seen in the hilarious Santa Clarita Diet on Netflix. She has many other projects in the pipeline.

6. Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz is a hottie and everyone loves her. The 48-year-old actress has evolved from the queen of rom-com to a blossoming entrepreneur in her 40s and there is no pause to her achievements.

She got married to Benji Madden at her 42 and released a book about the aging process called the Longevity Book in 2016. Not only this, but she also launched her own wine label, Avaline, in 2020. It seems like Cameron is redefining the 40s in her own way, and we cannot complain! Another good news, she even welcomed a baby girl in her 40s.

7. Zoe Saldana

Zoe Saldana is 42-years-old. This brown beauty rose to fame in Crossroads, where she starred opposite Britney Spears. She has also played lead roles in many movies, including her action films Guardians of the Galaxy. Avatar, and Star Trek.

The American actress appeared in three of the five highest-grossing movies of all time. It makes her one of the highest-paid actresses. Zoe is looking forward to working on many projects on the big screen and OTT.

8. Rachael McAdams

One of the most versatile actresses, Rachael McAdams, has a standing in the list of the top ten Hollywood actresses in their 40s, and for the right reasons. From Mean Girls to The Notebook, The Family Stone, and About Time, Rachael has come a long way in her career.

The 42-year-old beauty looks much younger than her age. She became a mother when she was 39 and welcomed her second child earlier this year, thus defying all odds and redefining motherhood in the 40s.

9. Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling, 42, first became famous for her role in the NBC sitcom, The Office. Since then, Mindy has appeared in many shows and movies, thus establishing a successful career for herself.

Her skills are not restricted to acting alone. Mindy is also a famous writer and director in Hollywood. In the past decades, she has written books, and this record makes her one of the most published actresses in the industry. She is one of the most followed personalities on social media.

10. Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones is a 45-year-old American actress and the daughter of music legend, Quincy Jones, she followed her father’s footsteps into the show business and made notable appearances in the shows like Parks and Recreation and The Office.

In 2009, she starred in a Hollywood hit, I Love You, Man. Nowadays, she can be found leading the cast of hit comedy #BlackAF. The show has been on air since 2020.

These boss ladies have proven that age doesn’t define your talent and capabilities. After all, age is just a number. Keep in touch for more.