Demi Moore is making a splash with her thoughts on aging as she stars in the upcoming horror film “The Substance.” At 61 years old, she plays an aging movie star who takes a pill that creates a younger version of herself, a role that has earned her critical acclaim and early Oscar buzz. Despite her nude scenes in the film, Moore says that working on the project hasn’t changed her mindset about getting older. She emphasizes the importance of challenging preconceived ideas and limitations, and is determined to write her own story as opposed to letting age dictate her path.
Moore reflects on her career choices over the years, which have been the subject of much conversation. From shaving her head for “G.I. Jane” to appearing pregnant and nude on the cover of Vanity Fair, she has constantly pushed boundaries and tackled insecurities about her body through her work. Despite misconceptions that she loved her body, Moore explains that many of her projects were actually aimed at helping her overcome insecurities. She is drawn to projects that provoke meaningful thought and challenge societal norms, rather than simply being provocative for the sake of it.
While Moore was a major box office draw in the ’90s, her career shifted after appearing in “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” in 2003. Turning 40 on the set of the film brought about a change in focus to her external self, leading to uncertainty about where she fit in the industry. However, she believes that things have changed since then, with more interesting roles available for women in their 40s and 50s. “The Substance” tackles the harsh realities of the entertainment industry, including its judgments and beauty standards, while also challenging the notion that a woman’s desirability ends with her fertility in Hollywood.
Moore emphasizes that she is enjoying figuring things out as she goes along in her 60s, highlighting that the typical expectations of that decade no longer apply. She notes that she faced more challenges in her career in her 40s, when people struggled to categorize her. Despite the uncertainties of that time, Moore remains determined to define her own path and challenge societal norms. She takes pride in the unique opportunities that have come her way and remains focused on breaking down barriers in the industry.
One of the most iconic moments in Moore’s career was her role in the 1997 film “Striptease,” for which she earned the highest salary ever given to a female actor at that time. Despite assumptions that she was highly confident in her appearance, Moore reveals that the project was another opportunity to overcome insecurities. She clarifies that the provocative nature of her work was aimed at freeing herself from self-imposed limitations, rather than a reflection of her level of self-assurance. Moore’s willingness to push boundaries and challenge societal norms has been a defining aspect of her career and has earned her a reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.
Throughout her career, Moore has been known for her bold choices onscreen, from her physical transformations to her willingness to challenge societal norms. As she continues to navigate the entertainment industry in her 60s, Moore remains committed to defying expectations and proving that age is no barrier to success. She offers a message of empowerment and self-acceptance, highlighting the importance of writing one’s own story and challenging preconceived ideas about aging and beauty. Moore’s resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to women of all ages, demonstrating that confidence and self-acceptance are key to thriving in a competitive industry.