Renee Zellweger, who turned 50 in April this year, has spoken about the joys of ageing, saying that she feels less encumbered by "societal pressures" now than she did when she was younger.
The actress, who is starring as a femme fatale in the new Netflix drama, What/If, celebrated the milestone birthday on April 25 and says she thinks women's attractiveness doesn't diminish with getting older.
Speaking to British Vogue, she said: "I don’t believe that our appeal as women disappears. It just evolves, if only people were willing to recognise it.
"At 21, you have an attractiveness that’s... obvious. You only really come into your own a bit further along in your life. I think women are exquisite after a particular age."
When asked if she feels any different since turning 50, she responded: "You know, I feel like a kid. It’s a clean slate. You get to a point where you recognise what you value and live by it with a greater degree of ease.
"You forget about the societal pressures that you never even realised were influencing your decision making.
"Good luck to every girl until you get to 50, that’s all I have to say! I’ll be thinking about you, but just wait – what fun. Oh my goodness."
The actress plays venture capitalist Anne Montgomery in the new noir thriller What/If.
Zellweger said she relished playing a character who is so forthright about her desire.
"I mean, hooray, right?" she said. "Hooray for her and her audacity. I love that she’s entitled and takes up space and leads with her sexuality.
"I wish I had a smidge of her entitlement! Let’s see more of that please. Why is it so exceptional?"
What/If is available to stream on Netflix now.
