Brooke Shields, 59, Recalls Clapping Back at Ageist Comment
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In a recent interview, Brooke Shields recalled clapping back at an ageist comment during an Instagram Live.
The commenter said, “I really wish you looked the way you used to.”
She had the perfect response. Her new memoir, Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old, is out now.
Brooke Shields’ new memoir, Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old, got its quippy title for a reason. The legendary entertainer has fielded criticism about her age ever since she surpassed teen stardom, and the comments just keep coming. But she knows how to handle them now. In fact, the 59-year-old clapped back at an ageist comment in front of an audience during a recent Instagram Live.
Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman
Shields hosted the Live to promote and answer questions about the book. Most viewers shared love for her work and genuine interest in the project but, as always, there were a few naysayers, including one user who said, “I really wish you looked the way you used to.”
In the moment, Shields couldn’t help but laugh. “Read the book dude, read the book,” she joked. “Poor person, that’s OK. You know what? You can keep dreaming. This is me now.”
In a January 13 interview with Good Morning America, Shields brought up the off-handed comment as just one example of the adversity aging women face. “I was like, ‘Really?’” she recalled. “I thought, ‘We’re all so out of touch. We need to find joy in this.’”
Shields hopes her book contributes to her career’s newfound growing mission to support women through mid- and late-life. During the pandemic, she started an online community for the population called Beginning Is Now which has transitioned to a lifestyle company called Commence. At the moment, the brand is focused on menopausal haircare, but Shields said during the Live that they plan on expanding into other areas.
“The beauty industry wants us to chase youth, we look at regrets—what if, what if,” she said on Good Morning America. “And I think it’s important to understand where you’ve been, but I think it’s really joyous to say, ‘I may not know where I’m going but I’m here.’”
The Blue Lagoon star is trying to help herself and others find balance between the natural desire to look and feel good and owning middle age, including the physical changes that come with it. “I want to look my best and I want to be healthy,” she said. “[But] I’ve earned everything that I have on my face. And I think it’s important to pat yourself on your back and say, ‘What do you want to do now?’”
Shields’ memoir is available to order now.
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