London: Actress Meryl Streep feared her career was over when she turned 40 because she was convinced directors had no use for women past “childbearing age”.
The 62-year-old won critical acclaim early in her career with roles like Out of Africa, Sophie’s Choice and A Cry in the Dark but Streep says that she entered the 1990s concerned that film projects would be few and far between, reported Contactmusic.
“I remember turning to my husband and saying, ‘Well, what should we do? Because it’s over,” Streep said.
The actress’ fears were momentarily realised when she received three consecutive scripts to play a witch.
“Once women passed childbearing age they could only be seen as grotesque on some level.”
Ironically, the actress is still one of the most sought-after stars in Hollywood but she said it’s no coincidence most of her roles – like those in The Devil Wears Prada, Mamma Mia!, Julie & Julia and It’s Complicated involve her playing “women whose usefulness had passed.” (PTI)