In the early 20th century, women often held significant roles as producers and directors before the industry became heavily male-dominated as it grew into a major business. For decades, older female stars were often cast in stereotypical roles of such as the washed-up protagonist in Sunset Boulevard or the "witch-queen" archetype in fantasy. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a gradual shift:

Only one in four major female characters on broadcast and streaming television are over 40, compared to over half of major male characters.

Stars like Meryl Streep and Michelle Yeoh began navigating the transition into middle and later life, with careers that eventually enjoyed renewed longevity post-#MeToo.