Why Jamie Lee Curtis Says She’s Been “Self-Retiring for 30 Years”

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After growing up in Hollywood, Jamie Lee Curtis has no problem leaving the industry behind.

As a devoted admirer, I myself can share that the Oscar-winning actress – the daughter of the late Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh – has confided in us that she’s been voluntarily stepping away from acting for three decades. She selectively accepts roles that genuinely ignite her curiosity.

In a recent interview with The Guardian on July 26, Jamie Lee expressed that she has been making preparations to depart so as to avoid enduring the same hardships her family experienced. Essentially, she wishes to exit the party before she is no longer welcomed.

She went on to say, ‘I saw my parents lose what made them well-known, their means of living, and the essence of their lives, when the industry no longer valued them past a certain age. They had achieved great success only for it to dwindle until it was all gone. This experience was extremely painful.’

At the age of 66, Jamie Lee humorously refers to herself as an “elderly woman,” quipping, “I won’t be around much longer.

Consequently, the actress from Freaky Friday jokingly admitted that she has grown rather blunt lately when discussing her work hours and scheduling.

Jamie Lee expressed indifference now, also mentioning that she’s not hesitant to assertively state, “Keep away from me.

Likewise, she has the same approach when it comes to beauty standards.

Jamie Lee, known for speaking openly about her regrets regarding plastic surgery in her twenties, expressed her disdain towards the idea that many actresses and women love to focus on fashion, dressing up, and modeling. She feels strongly that the notion of changing one’s appearance through cosmetic procedures, chemicals, or fillers leads to a distortion of beauty standards across generations, particularly impacting women.

She doesn’t disapprove of other women who opt for plastic surgery. In her own words, “I don’t preach to them. I wouldn’t dream of saying anything to someone like: ‘What have you done?’

Jamie Lee stated, “What I understand is that it’s an unending sequence of events, once you begin, you just can’t pause. However, I’m not here to pass judgment; it’s not for me to decide.

For more celebrities sharing their thoughts on aging in Hollywood, keep reading…

She expressed that she doesn’t view growing older as a matter of improving or deteriorating appearances; instead, it’s simply a transformation. As you evolve, that’s perfectly fine. Life is all about adaptation.

The concept of ‘anti-aging’ doesn’t exist; instead, we all grow older over time. Some women may view aging as a personal shortcoming or disappointment because they feel they should remain youthful forever. I find this perspective perplexing since I believe that aging is a privilege – not everyone has the opportunity to do so.” (She said this to Access Hollywood.)

In historical context, when women have achieved significant advancements, societal norms often respond by exerting pressure on them. Currently, it seems we’ve made considerable progress, but there’s an expectation that one should not age or appear pregnant. I believe this issue has worsened over time. It’s a clever method of maintaining control, as people are often terrified of their own appearance. However, I refuse to feel ashamed about being human, as I expressed in an interview with the Los Angeles Times.

At the age of forty, she found herself thinking, “Ah, I’m getting to know and accept myself better.” She shared that this self-acceptance was incredibly soothing, as she conveyed this to Harper’s Bazaar.

She shared with Popsugar that she is now more content with her body as it’s the result of her hard work and effort. She has developed a healthier connection with it, even though from an external perspective, her body may have been more appealing when she was 22 or 23. However, during those years, she was preoccupied with comparing herself to others, which she no longer does.

She doesn’t mind gravity taking its toll or wrinkles appearing on her face. To her, they are a minor cost compared to the increased wisdom she has gained over time. If her body starts to sag and lose shape, becoming unattractive or unsightly, she won’t fret about it. This was expressed in an interview with Bustle.

“F–k you. I’m 50. That’s what I’m going to say when I turn 50. Sorry,” as she told Popsugar. 

In a reflection spanning six decades, the individual shared their most significant lesson: Courage is invaluable. For far too long, I let fear control me, cowering at life’s challenges. The fear I harbored is something I deeply regret. (As told to PopSugar)

She shared with Bustle that when you’re sixteen, twenty-eight seems incredibly old. But once you reach that age, you find it fantastic. You then wonder about turning forty-two, but not in a positive way. However, when forty-two comes along, you discover that it too is wonderful. As each new age arrives, your perspective and appreciation for it grows.

“I do think about ageing. I have those moments of panic and vanity, but life keeps getting better, so you can’t worry about it too much,” she told Marie Claire UK.

She stated to Ok! Magazine: “Aging doesn’t exist; instead, it’s about maturing and gaining wisdom. I find that truly captivating, and I refer to it as true beauty.

“Age holds absolutely no fear for me. There is so much enjoyment ahead,” as she told MarieClaire.

She expressed surprise at the idea that some people don’t believe women become more attractive as they grow older. She explained to Net-a-Porter Magazine that self-assurance increases with age, and feeling beautiful stems from the sense of confidence one has in oneself.

In simpler terms, “Someone falsifying their age is neglecting reality and adding to a prevalent issue in our society – the issue of wanting to be someone you’re not…. I am confident that embracing your true identity is essential for experiencing life fully,” she expressed in O Magazine.

The process of aging is beyond our control, but how we navigate it is in our hands. Each wrinkle, each smile line, and every age spot on my face tells a story – a testament to the laughter, experiences, and memories I’ve accumulated over time. Some say that with age, one’s exterior does not always reflect their inner self. If you are someone who rarely smiles, your face may appear saggy. But if you smile often, your face will bear more smile lines. These wrinkles serve as a roadmap of my life journey, etched by the winds, sun, rain, and dust from the paths I’ve trodden. My face is not just skin deep; it carries all my memories. Why should I erase these tales of my existence?” she expressed to Vogue.

In her conversation with Glamour, she expressed that as a woman grows older, she tends to develop a greater sense of confidence regarding her sexuality. She’s less likely to be intimidated or embarrassed by it. Her sexuality and femininity are the result of the accumulation of age, wisdom, and comfort in her own skin.

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2025-07-29 23:48