Halle Berry Says She 'Refuses To Be Erased' By Hollywood As She Approaches 60

Halle Berry has once again sparked conversation around how Hollywood treats women over 40, as she made it clear she is not afraid of getting older.

For decades, the film industry has often pushed women aside once they reach midlife, favoring younger faces for leading roles and high-profile projects.

Berry, however, is determined to challenge that pattern and has spoken openly about her refusal to be sidelined or forgotten as she prepares to turn 60 later this year.

In a recent interview with The Cut, published Monday (Feb. 2), the actress, who celebrates her 60th birthday in August, discussed her latest role as middle-aged insurance broker Sharon Coombs in the upcoming film Crime 101.

"Her character rang so true for me. You get to this age where you feel like you're being marginalized, devalued. You feel it at work. You feel it from society," she explained.

"But I have adamantly decided I am not going to allow myself to be erased," she continued. "That's why I'm on my menopause mission. I'm going to be louder than I have ever been."

Halle Berry is due to turn 60 in August Simon Ackerman/Getty Images

Berry said the role resonated deeply with her own experiences, particularly as she navigates an industry that often overlooks women as they age.

She explained that taking on characters who reflect real, lived experiences feels more important to her now than ever before.

The actress added that she wants to use her platform to start conversations that many people still avoid, especially when it comes to women’s health.

For Berry, speaking openly is no longer optional but a responsibility she has fully embraced.

Simon Ackerman/Getty Images

As part of what she calls her menopause mission, Berry has also been determined to address topics around aging that are often treated as taboo, including vaginal dryness.

"Look, it happens to more than 60 percent of women as we get older. Everything gets dry! If we talk about it and laugh about it, there's no more shame or embarrassment," she said.

"I'm almost 60," she continued. "Fighting for women's health feels like a formidable cause for my second act."

This is not the first time Berry has spoken candidly about getting older, as she previously opened up to PEOPLE about approaching her milestone birthday and experiencing menopause.

Berry recalled being told: "'Being an actor, you don't want to start talking about menopause'."

"And I'm like, 'But my age is printed before my name every time I read. So it's not like I can hide it and why should I?' " she said. "But I got the same pushback. 'Be very careful: You're going to put yourself in a box.' "

The actress is also fighting to break down the taboo surrounding menopause Raymond Hall/GC Images

"I've had a 30-year career being an actor, but what empowers me and what feels really good is I can take my second act," Berry continued.

"It's been the joy of my life in so many ways but taking the second act and really focusing it on women's health, I can't think of a better way to spend my next chapter of my life."