Emma Thompson is 59 years-old, and she's just getting started.
The acclaimed actress first broke out in a series of beloved '90s period films, including Howards End (for which she won the Oscar for Best Actress), and Sense and Sensibility (for which she won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, making her the only person to ever win Oscars for both acting and writing).
She made us cry in Love Actually, giving a heartbreaking performance which elevated the entire ensemble film. Then she made us laugh as a supernatural nanny in the children's movie Nanny McPhee.
All in all, she's proven herself to be a masterful actress with an extraordinary amount of range, who has the unique ability to reveal the innermost feelings of characters that are determinately guarded and poised. She's bringing that skill to her latest film, The Children Act, in which she plays a highly respected judge whose marriage is strained by her demanding career.
She recently sat down with Vulture for an in-depth interview which included some extremely mood-boosting monologues on the joys of aging. Read on to hear some of her wisdom, because we can all use a schooling from her. And for more on aging gracefully, check out Allison Janney Reveals How She Makes 58 Look Like 38.
1 Aging Makes You Bolder
"As I get older…I'm released by my boredom. I no longer bother. I'm free to go and look for new ideas and new voices. I'm able with absolute comfort and ease to reject so much. It's fantastic being this age. I'm old…I mean 'old' in the really good sense of the word. "
Sounds a lot like the it's-never-too-late mantra of Jane Seymour. For more of her advice, check out Jane Seymour Reveals Her Ageless Beauty Secrets.
2 There Are More Great Roles for Older Women Than Ever
"We're constantly watching films where older men have wonderful roles and older women really don't. But I'm a character actor, don't forget. If you've got form and you're a character actor, you're much better off because you're not fighting the way you once looked."
For more on fighting ageism in Hollywood, read Here's How Sharon Stone Makes 60 Look Like 30.
3 Being Healthy Is a Major Blessing
"It feels extremely fortunate. My dad died at 52. My uncle was 51. My sister-in-law, a couple years ago at 51. I've got quite a number of friends who have dropped off. You can't take survival for granted. What else do I feel? The work I'm doing is more fulfilling and happy-making than ever. I think your 60s, if you are well, are the most fantastic decade."
4 As Is Menopause
"No more periods: resolved! Menopause over: hooray!"
5 You're Free to Do Whatever You Want
"Kids grown up: bye! Marriage, if you've managed that long — 20 or more years — you're fine. So this should be one of the most powerful patches of your life, the youth of old age as it were. I'd say it's the best bit ever."
6 It's Easier to Feel Grateful
"When you get older it's much easier to hold onto that appreciation [of life] because you're more mortal. I want to enjoy every minute and use the wisdom that I've accrued whilst acknowledging my fallibility and the continuance of all sorts of foolishness. It's so enjoyable to be alive in this state."
Indeed, a positive attitude is the key to the fountain of youth. For more on this, read Here's How Jane Fonda Stays an Ageless Wonder.
To discover more amazing secrets about living your best life, click here to sign up for our FREE daily newsletter!
Diana Bruk Diana is a senior editor who writes about sex and relationships, modern dating trends, and health and wellness.Read moreFiled UnderCelebrities • Over 60Read This Next11 Times A-List Celebrities Became Real Life Heroes
As if you needed us to tell you this: don't mess with Tom Hardy. April 25, 2017A Look Back at Emily Ratajkowski's Steamy Instagram Diary from Cannes
She's since left the glitzy film festival, but boy did she leave her mark. May 22, 201746 Celebrities Named in Instagram Endorsement Scandal
The Federal Trade Commission is cracking down on stealth marketing campaigns.May 9, 201710 Things You Didn't Know about Justin Trudeau
Athlete, nerd, hopeless romantic, thespian. Yes, there’s a lot more to Canada’s Prime Minister than just politics.March 21, 2017Jon Hamm: The Best Life Interview
Jon Hamm, star of TV's Mad Men, reveals the secrets of manliness in a postmodern world.November 15, 2016Driving Tips Smart Men Know
Ten easy ways to be the safest driver on the road. April 3, 2017Men Who Set the Time: Cash Warren
The successful producer, entrepreneur and husband of Jessica Alba reveals how you, too, can live your best life.October 31, 2016Dr. Oz: The Best Life Interview
Mehmet Oz, M.D., asks the toughest question: Are you living or dying?October 23, 2016Dr. Oz's 15 Best Life Tips
October 23, 2016The One That Got Away
A single nutrient—omega-3 fatty acids—may have turned early humans into civilized man. Has stripping it from our diet given rise to cancer, diabetes, and other civilized diseases? Our correspondent investigates.February 23, 2017
