Andie MacDowell, 64, opens up about embracing her gray hair: 'I'm tired of trying to be young'

vt-author-image

By Phoebe Egoroff

Article saved!Article saved!

Andie MacDowell has proven that there's nothing wrong with gray hair as she discussed society's constant pressure to look young in a new interview.

The 64-year-old actress - who is best known for her starring roles in romantic comedies like Green Card and Four Weddings and a Funeral - originally began her career as a model in the 1980s.

In recent years, MacDowell has received attention for her firm decision to sport gray hair and age naturally - especially while working in an industry that glorifies a youthful appearance in women.

The Groundhog Day star has spoken multiple times about her views on this, even telling Katie Couric this week (via The Daily Mail): "I want to be old."

"I'm tired of trying to be young. I don't want to be young. I've been young. And to be an older person trying to be young, what an effort. That's a lot of effort," she continued.

Discussing her gray hair, she remarked: "'It looks good on me. As it was growing out, my eyes popped. The color of them looked a little different. I liked the way my skin looked better. And there was a feeling. It empowered me more. I do think there is the importance of seeing beauty at every age and it’s not limited to a certain age."

Though, MacDowell revealed some people still need to admit that there isn't an issue with aging, stating: "Every once in a while, I'll say to someone, 'I'm old,' and they'll say, 'No, you're not!' Like it's some horrible thing to say… And I'll say to them, 'But what if I say I'm young? Don't have a problem with that, do you?'"

In 2021, MacDowell spoke to British Vogue about letting her hair grow out. "At the very beginning of quarantine, my hair started growing and every time my kids would see me, they kept telling me I looked badass with my grey hair. When I pulled it up in a bun, all you could see was the salt and pepper, which is what I am, you know, dark and silver," she said.

"I like to compare myself to George Clooney because why not? I've been saying for a while now it was time for me, personally, to make that transition because I felt like it was appropriate for my personality and just who I am [...] I got a job and very quickly I had to make up my mind about what I was going to do," MacDowell continued.

"My managers had actually said to me, 'It's not time.' And I said, 'I think you're wrong and I'm going to be more powerful if I embrace where I am right now. It's time because in two years, I'm going to be 65. If I don't do it now, I won't have the chance to be salt and pepper,'" she added. "I always wanted to be salt and pepper!"

Featured image credit: dpa picture alliance / Alamy