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10 Women Over 60 That Are Ruling TV Screens
How many of these stream queens have you watched?
Sheryl Lee Ralph (left) and Lisa Ann Walter in "Abbott Elementary."
Gilles Mingasson/Disney
One of my absolute favorite TV shows was Grace and Frankie (Netflix), which ran for 7 seasons and ended in 2022. It was funny, touching and much of it was relatable. The show worked so well because both the writing and the acting were top-notch. Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin played the title roles of Grace and Frankie, two long-time adversaries who became best friends as they navigated the challenges and joys of getting older. Grace and Frankie proved that women over 60 aren’t meant to be just background characters, supporting younger castmates. They deserve strong, dynamic storylines of their own. Luckily, Hollywood seems to have taken note, and there are now a plethora of older women ruling our TVs.
Laurie Metcalf, 71
On Big Mistakes (Netflix), Metcalf plays Linda Morelli, a divorced mother of three adult children. Linda has spent most of her life taking care of others (her mother, her kids, the family business). She is finally ready to do something for herself and decides she will run for town mayor. Metcalf’s impeccable comic timing has her stealing every scene she is in. The show has been renewed for a second season.
Jean Smart, 74
In the comedy Hacks (HBO Max), Smart stars as legendary stand-up comedian Deborah Vance. Throughout the series' five-season run, it feels like people keep insisting that Deborah's career is over and she is washed up. But no matter what is thrown her way (the end of her long residency in Vegas, the cancellation of her talk show, or a gag order), Deborah will not allow anyone to keep her from her true love, which is performing for an audience. Deborah has no intention of just fading out of the limelight. Instead, she continues to reinvent herself and her act, proving the naysayers wrong. Smart has received four Emmy awards for the role.
Michelle Pfeiffer, 68
The Madison (Paramount+) is also about reinventing yourself in midlife. Stacy Clyburn (Pfeiffer) is living a very comfortable life in New York City. She was married to the love of her life, Preston, for over 40 years, until he died unexpectedly in a plane crash while fishing with his brother on the Madison River in Montana. Initially, Stacy goes to Montana (along with her two adult daughters, son-in-law and two granddaughters) to retrieve her husband's body and finalize paperwork. But while there, Stacy finds herself drawn to this place her husband loved so much and wondering what is next for her and her family as they navigate this new chapter. Pfeiffer is also co-starring in Margo’s Got Money Troubles (Apple TV+), playing a mom trying to live her own life while also being a support to her daughter, a single mom. The show was renewed for a second season.
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Christa Miller, 62
Another actress working a double shift is Miller, who stars on Shrinking (Apple TV+) as Liz and has returned to the Scrubs reboot (ABC/Hulu) as Jordan. As Liz, Miller honestly illustrates the joy and struggles of empty-nesting, marriage, friendship and carving out your own identity in midlife. As Jordan, Miller proves once again that she is a worthy match for her ornery husband, Dr. Cox. She may be older, but Jordan is just as ferocious as she was in the original series.
Wendie Malick, 75
Malick plays Dr. Julie Baram on the comedy Shrinking (Apple TV+). Initially, Julie was Paul Rhoades' (Harrison Ford) neurologist treating him for Parkinson’s disease. But when the two develop feelings for each other, Julie stops treating him. The two date and then marry. Malick’s character proves there is no age limit when it comes to being smart, sassy or sexy. The show will be back for a fourth season.
Mariska Hargitay, 62
Hargitay was 35 years old when she originated the role of Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC) in 1999. Olivia is the longest-running character in an American prime-time series, and the Emmy award-winning Hargitay is the only original cast member. Throughout the show's tenure, Olivia has balanced her busy personal life (dating, single motherhood) with her demanding and dangerous career. The show returns in September for its 28th season.
S. Epatha Merkerson, 73
On the long-running medical drama Chicago Med (NBC), Merkerson plays nurse Sharon Goodwin, the Executive Director of Patient and Medical Services at Chicago’s Gaffney Hospital. A divorced mother of three, Sharon has not just dealt with issues in the hospital but also some relatable family struggles. Merkerson’s recent storyline has shown her taking care of her ex-husband Bert as he battles and ultimately succumbs to Alzheimer’s. If that wasn’t enough, Sharon will be fighting to keep her job when the show returns for its 12th season.
Sheryl Lee Ralph, 69, and Lisa Ann Walter, 62
Ralph and Walter play long-time teachers who rule the school in Abbott Elementary (ABC). Barbara Howard (Ralph) is a warm, loving kindergarten teacher who is set in her ways. Melissa Schemmenti (Walter) is a tough-talking second-grade teacher born and raised in Philadelphia. Ralph and Walter have great chemistry both as colleagues who have worked together for a long time and as mentors to the younger teachers on staff.
Kathy Bates, 78
In this reboot of Matlock (CBS), the title role (Andy Griffith in the original) is now played by Bates. Madeline Kingston (Bates) is a retired lawyer, married to her husband Edwin for over 50 years. But when their daughter Ellie dies from a drug overdose, Madeline seeks justice. She reinvents herself as Madeline “Matty” Matlock and gets a job at the law firm she believes covered up evidence. Bates is brilliant as the sharp Matty who uses society’s tendency to underestimate older women to her advantage.
Which of the above shows is YOUR favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
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