Halle Berry pushes back against age-shaming over ‘Crime 101’ casting

Halle Berry says women must reclaim narrative that they’re not done at 50, 60 or 70 amid age-shaming for ‘Crime 101’

Halle Berry is speaking out against age-shaming surrounding her casting in the upcoming thriller Crime 101, saying she hopes to change outdated perceptions about women and aging in Hollywood. The Oscar-winning actress made the remarks in an interview while promoting her role as Sharon Colvin in the Bart Layton film.

Berry, who turns 60 this year, acknowledged that reactions to her casting and commentary about her age, reflect broader industry pressures that often marginalise older women. In the conversation, she highlighted a recurring situation where women are treated as though their careers or value diminish once they hit certain ages. Rather than accept that narrative, Berry said women need to “reclaim” how aging is understood and discussed.

“As women, we have to reclaim the narrative that we’re not done at 50, 60, or 70. We have so much more to offer,” Berry told Variety, stressing that talent, experience and creative energy do not have an expiry date. She also shared that she feels creatively invigorated as she approaches 60, saying she’s “just getting my second groove started.”

 

The remarks come amid Crime 101’s buildup to its February 13, 2026 theatrical release, with Berry starring alongside Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo. The film itself touches thematically on age and value, with Berry’s character, an insurance broker facing professional and personal challenges, confronting patrimonial and ageist dynamics.

Berry’s comments echo a broader conversation in entertainment about ageism, particularly for actresses. Many performers over 50 advocate for more nuanced roles and opportunities, pushing back against a long-standing Hollywood bias that prioritises youth. Berry’s stance places her squarely in that discussion, as she uses her own platform to encourage women to see ageing not as a limitation but as a stage of continued relevance and contribution.

Industry observers and fans alike have responded by noting how rare it is to hear such candid reflections on age from leading actresses with sustained careers.