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Jennifer Lopez is no stranger to public scrutiny, but the multi-hyphenate star has a talent for turning negativity into something powerful. During a recent interview about her film "Unstoppable," Lopez responded to a comment about her age. "I can't believe that in 30 years we're going to do a retrospective of this, and you will be 60 by then," the person remarked. Lopez's immediate response, a simple "Wow," quickly turned reflective.
Rather than dwelling on the remark, the Latina powerhouse shifted the conversation toward growth, gratitude, and the promise of what's still to come. "What a journey this has been," Lopez said. "I honestly feel that the best is yet to come. My creativity and who I am as an artist… I also feel that this, for me, was another kind of level of going deeper into who I am as a person or as an artist. And these types of roles change you. They come to you at times in your life when you need them, and they help you grow and heal you in a way."
© Variety via Getty Images"What a journey this has been. I honestly feel that the best is yet to come."
Challenging Ageist Narratives
This isn't the first time Lopez has spoken out against the age-centric standards placed on women. In 2020, during her JLo Beauty skincare line launch, Lopez voiced frustration with the phrase, "You look good for your age."
© Variety via Getty Images"No one wants to hear 'Oh, you look great for 50,'" Lopez told HOLA! USA. "You want to hear 'You look great!' It doesn't matter what age you are. The idea of beauty has no expiration date. Being youthful and timeless at every age, and embracing yourself for all that you are—that's what matters."
Lopez has long attributed her glow to natural skincare routines, highlighting hydration, olive oil, and inflammation reduction as her go-to strategies. While others rush to cosmetic fillers and filters, she believes in embracing aging "in a beautiful, graceful way" and maintaining a natural, healthy look." Once you get to a certain age, you start losing some of your face's fullness; you start seeing little lines here and there," Lopez explained. "Those are my concerns now—how to keep my skin healthy, hydrated, and youthful."
Joining a Movement to Redefine Age
Lopez is not alone in her stance. Other stars, like Mexican icon Thalía, have also taken a stand against age discrimination in the entertainment industry and media. In a powerful 2023 essay for Vogue Mexico, Thalía criticized headlines like "Style for Wearing Sneakers at 50" and "How to Wear Loose Pants at 50," calling them out for reinforcing outdated stereotypes.
© Getty Images"Many questions flooded my mind," Thalía wrote. "What defines what a woman should wear at fifty?" She pointed out the contradiction in fashion's celebration of diversity while still perpetuating ageist narratives in media. "Age is the only thing from which no one can escape. The term' anti-aging' itself leads to negativity and rejection."
Embracing Growth and Change
For Lopez, aging isn't something to fear—it's an opportunity for evolution. Her latest roles, including "Unstoppable," reflect her deepening artistry and willingness to take on work that resonates with her current state. "These roles change you," Lopez shared. "They come at times when you need them and help you grow."
Much like her career, Lopez's perspective continues to evolve.
