Countless celebrities in their 40s, 50s and 60s have now been candid about turning to Botox, fillers and other ‘tweakments’ to try and turn back the clock.
But back in the day, such options were unheard of, and the most glamorous A-listers eased into a new phase of life – wrinkles and all – without going to a surgeon.
The age-defying stars of today refuse to chop their hair into sensible bobs and stick to flowy, modest dresses – instead accentuating their long tresses with extensions, going for glam make-up and sporting skin-bearing silhouettes.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, aesthetics doctor Dr Ahmed El Muntasar has shared how the mature actors and actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Age had entirely different faces to today’s celebs, with anti-ageing intervention now taking place earlier and earlier today.
While some in the industry, including Meryl Streep and Kate Winslet, have taken a firm stance against doing anything to their face – stating they don’t want to sacrifice any artistry by ‘freezing’ their features – many have also been candid about feeling like they needed to fight the effects of time.
Back in 2023, Friends star Courteney Cox opened up about the ‘pressure’ she felt to look young.
She told Woman magazine: ‘My biggest beauty regret is fillers.
‘There’s so much pressure to stay looking young in this industry that once you start, it becomes a bit of a domino effect and you keep on having more.
‘To the rest of the world your face is so obviously changing, but to yourself – because you’re only having one procedure at a time – you don’t notice.
‘It was a total waste of time and I wish I hadn’t caved into the pressure of having it.’
Here, Dr Ahmed has broken down what ‘midlife’ used to look like back in the day – and what it means today…
JULIE ANDREWS & DEMI MOORE
The surgeon remarked that stars today work hard to maintain ‘skin integrity’
Julie Andrews and Demi Moore are both legendary cinema stars with plenty of awards. However, Dr Ahmed says they show how ‘there’s been a clear shift from simply accepting lines to actively preserving skin integrity and facial structure’.
‘With a combination of treatments, we can now slow visible ageing rather than just address it once it’s advanced,’ he added.
‘That might include a mix of skin treatments, injectables and sometimes surgery, all working together to maintain a more consistent appearance over time.’
TIPPI HEDREN & NICOLE KIDMAN
Nicole, at 58, (right) is known for bringing full glamour to red carpets. Tipi pictured left, aged 60
Scream queen Tippi Hedren, who received recognition for her part in Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller The Birds, became known for her staggering performances in eerie psychological flicks – much like Nicole Kidman today.
‘What stands out here is the improvement in skin texture and luminosity,’ Dr Ahmed said.
‘Modern treatments focus heavily on collagen stimulation and skin quality, which is why we see a fresher, more radiant appearance even at a similar age.
‘Technologies like lasers and regenerative treatments have played a big role in that shift.’
VERONICA LAKE & VICTORIA BECKHAM
Veronica and Victoria are both known as fashion stars of their time
Both Veronica Lake and Victoria Beckham are fashion and beauty icons in their respective eras.
‘What this comparison shows is how much more we understand about maintaining skin quality over time,’ Dr Ahmed said.
‘In the past, ageing was often more visible through fine lines, pigmentation and loss of firmness, whereas today we can support the skin much earlier with treatments and medical-grade skincare.
‘Victoria Beckham’s appearance reflects that more preventative approach, where the focus is on consistency and maintenance rather than correction later on.’
JOANNE WOODWARD & CATE BLANCHETT
Whereas Joanne leaned into her greys with the years, Cate is still sporting a golden mane
Both Cate and 50s legend Joanne stood out for their distinct blonde bobs and glamorous fashion.
However, whereas Joanne leaned into her greys with the years, Cate is still sporting a golden mane.
‘Previously, ageing often showed more in terms of skin laxity and volume loss, whereas today we’re able to maintain structure and skin quality much earlier,’ Dr Ahmed added.
‘Cate Blanchett’s look reflects that shift towards subtle maintenance rather than visible correction.’
ELIZABETH TAYLOR & COURTENEY COX
Elizabeth and Courteney both pictured in their early 60s
Both beloved for their distinct raven hair and bright blue eyes, Elizabeth Taylor and Courteney Cox are known as standout acting talents of their eras.
‘In the past, ageing often came with more pronounced volume changes and heaviness in the lower face,’ Dr Ahmed shared.
‘Today, we take a more balanced approach to restoring volume and maintaining facial proportions, creating a more lifted and refined look.
‘There is also a much better understanding now of avoiding overcorrection, which helps results look more natural and in keeping with someone’s features.’
PRUNELLA SCALES & RENEE ZELLWEGER
Dr Ahmed shared that ‘this comparison highlights how much earlier intervention has become’
Both are known for their legendary comedic timing and glamour – but 50s star Prunella Scales and Britain’s favourite American, Renée Zellweger, show the difference in eras.
‘What this comparison highlights is how much earlier intervention has become,’ Dr Ahmed shared.
‘By maintaining collagen and supporting the skin over time, we’re seeing smoother, more even ageing rather than more sudden or pronounced changes.
‘It’s a more gradual, managed process compared to how ageing presented in previous decades.’
SEAN CONNERY & BRAD PITT
Sean Connery and Brad Pitt show how views on men’s ageing has evolved in Hollywood, Dr Ahmed said
Both are known as some of Hollywood’s most famous leading men – but according to Dr Ahmed, Sean Connery and Brad Pitt show how views on men’s ageing has evolved in Hollywood.
‘In men especially, ageing used to be accepted as deeper lines and more significant skin changes,’ he explained.
‘Now, discreet treatments and better skincare mean we can soften those changes while still preserving a masculine, natural appearance.
‘There’s also been a cultural shift, with more men now open to treatments that were previously seen as female-focused.’
LANA TURNER & GWYNETH PALTROW
Gwyneth Paltrow (right) and Lana Turner (left) both pictured in their 50s
Much like Gwyneth Paltrow, Lana Turner was known for her striking looks almost as much as she was for her acting.
Dr Ahmed explained: ‘This comparison highlights how expectations around ageing have evolved.
‘Today there is far more focus on a holistic approach, including skincare, lifestyle, nutrition and in-clinic treatments, which all contribute to a more sustained, healthy appearance.
‘Gwyneth Paltrow’s look reflects that broader, more preventative mindset.’
AVA GARDNER & JENNIFER ANISTON
Ava Gardner and Jennifer Aniston both had looks and fashion tastes that shaped generations
Ava Gardner and Jennifer Aniston have both been praised for their striking looks and culture-defining style legacy – as well as their dramatic prowess.
‘With someone like Jennifer Aniston compared to Ava Gardner, you can see the shift towards long-term skin health,’ Dr Ahmed said.
‘Today there is a much greater emphasis on protecting the skin from environmental damage, stimulating collagen and maintaining hydration, which all contribute to a smoother, more even appearance over time.
‘It’s less about reversing ageing and more about slowing how quickly those changes become visible.’
