- AARP’s Movies for Grownups names Angela Bassett No. 1 on its 25 Most Fabulous Women Over 50.
- The list spotlights actresses aged 50 to 96 — from Naomi Watts and Michelle Yeoh to June Squibb and Jamie Lee Curtis.
- The feature celebrates career milestones, age-positive beauty and a push against Hollywood ageism.
- AARP uses the list to amplify advocacy for older talent and its Movies for Grownups Awards.
H2: AARP spotlights women redefining age in Hollywood
AARP’s Movies for Grownups has released its annual list of the 25 Most Fabulous Women Over 50, placing Angela Bassett at the top. The roundup honors actresses across their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond who continue to shape film, television and culture — proving that age can be an asset, not a limitation.
H2: Angela Bassett — famed, fierce, and front-and-center
Angela Bassett, 67, headlines the list. Celebrated for her Oscar-nominated, Golden Globe-winning portrayal of Tina Turner and recent Marvel success as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Bassett combines craft and charisma. As she told AARP, “Half the time, I forget how old I am!” Colleagues have lauded her work ethic and presence; director Ryan Coogler called her “a national treasure.” Bassett also stars in the long-running procedural 9-1-1, where she brings steady power to the role of Athena Grant.
H3: Standout names and what they represent
Naomi Watts (57) — Praised for roles in 21 Grams and Mulholland Drive, Watts advocates for midlife empowerment and launched wellness brand Stripes to support women through menopause.
June Squibb (96) — A late cultural breakout, Squibb earned an Oscar nomination at 84 for Nebraska and landed her first leading role in her 90s, showing longevity and late-career reinvention.
Jamie Lee Curtis (67) — From scream queen to Oscar winner for Everything Everywhere All at Once, Curtis speaks openly about sobriety, aging and radical honesty in her work.
Michelle Yeoh (63) — The first Asian woman to win best actress at the Oscars for Everything Everywhere All at Once, Yeoh credits curiosity and courage for keeping her creatively vital.
Pamela Anderson (58) — Once a tabloid fixture, Anderson’s recent candid appearances and memoir have reframed her public image, underlining self-acceptance at midlife.
H2: Beyond glamour — a broader mission
AARP frames the list as part of its broader fight against ageism in entertainment. The Movies for Grownups initiative highlights how experienced actors, writers and producers enrich storytelling. AARP’s annual Movies for Grownups Awards — broadcast on PBS — celebrates these achievements and spotlights films and performances that resonate with older audiences.
H3: Why this matters now
The list taps into a wider cultural shift: audiences and industry leaders are increasingly valuing diverse, authentic stories that include older perspectives. These 25 women show that creativity, leadership and cultural relevance don’t expire with youth — they deepen.
H3: Final note
AARP’s Most Fabulous Women Over 50 is both a celebration and a statement: age brings refinement, power and fresh possibilities. Angela Bassett’s placement at No. 1 underscores that distinction — a career forged by fierce performances and the kind of presence that keeps audiences watching.
Image Referance: https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/movies-for-grownups/most-fabulous-women-over-50-2025/