The rise of streaming platforms has also created new opportunities for mature women to take on complex, leading roles. Shows like "Big Little Lies," "The Crown," and "Enlightened" feature mature women as central characters, exploring themes of identity, power, and relationships.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the visibility and diversity of mature women in entertainment. The success of films like "The Heat" (2013), "Book Club" (2018), and "Ocean's 8" (2018) demonstrates that women over 40 can carry films and attract large audiences.

The 1980s also saw the rise of women-centric films like "Thelma & Louise" (1991) and "Fried Green Tomatoes" (1991), which featured mature women as central characters. These films tackled themes of female empowerment, friendship, and self-discovery, paving the way for future generations of actresses.

Despite the progress made, mature women in entertainment still face significant challenges. Ageism and sexism continue to affect the types of roles available to them, and they are often underrepresented in leading roles and behind the camera.