Gray hair in Hollywood often sparks conversation, revealing the industry’s complex relationship with aging. Celebrities facing criticism for showcasing their natural grays have flipped the narrative, clapping back at the naysayers and championing self-acceptance.
Here are some of the show business stars who have had their fair share of harsh online criticism regarding their physical appearance throughout the years.
Sarah Jessica Parker, renowned for her role as Carrie Bradshaw in “Sex and the City,” faced backlash for displaying her gray hair make-up free while dining with Andy Cohen once.
Sarah Jessica Parker and Andy Cohen seen at Anton’s on July 18, 2021 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Critics labeled her old, prompting Cohen, who also has silver hair, to denounce the comments as “misogynistic,” as he never received the same criticism for his hair.
In response, Parker, 58, articulated her views on aging in an interview, questioning why people derive pleasure from others’ discomfort with aging.
The actress expressed, “It almost feels as if people don’t want us to be perfectly OK with where we are, as if they almost enjoy us being pained by who we are today, whether we choose to age naturally and not look perfect, or whether you do something if that makes you feel better.”
In addition, she asserted, “I know what I look like… What am I going to do about it? Stop aging? Disappear?” Being in her late 50s, Parker emphasized her comfort with her appearance and aging, highlighting a refusal to obsess over it. “I like to be graceful with myself. I’m not delusional. I know that age adds up…” said the award-winning Hollywood A-list star.
Diane Keaton
Like Parker, Diane Keaton has navigated the complexities of aging in the public eye with remarkable dignity. At 77, Keaton showcased her gray hair at the 2014 Golden Globes, receiving praise for aging naturally.
Online users reportedly loved the esteemed veteran star’s look so much that they even prompted blog posts on how to achieve her stylish silver hair.
An advocate for aging gracefully, Keaton, now 78 years old, has voiced her acceptance of cosmetic procedures but prefers to showcase her “battle scars.”
“I don’t see anything wrong with face-lifts or Botox or fillers. They just erase the hidden battle scars. I intend to wear mine, sort of,” said the Academy Award-winning actress
Reflecting on aging, she contemplates the quality of life in later years, stressing the challenges older individuals face in remaining connected with society
Jennifer Aniston
Similarly, Jennifer Aniston has faced her own journey with aging under the Hollywood spotlight. Aniston, celebrated for her role in “Friends,” showcased her gray hair in 2023, leading to mixed reactions online.
Initially resistant to graying, Aniston’s embrace of her natural hair color sparked debate among fans, with some applauding her courage and others critiquing her appearance.
“Anyone would think going gray was an anamomaly for tv/movie stars seriously!! We better give Jennifer a plack/award for it she’s soooo brave it’s never heard of [sic],” one person wrote.
Meanwhile, some of the TV star’s fans raved about her new look, complimenting her for going gray. “Well done for allowing gray to come through – refreshing,” said one person. “Aside from some bad lip work, she looks amazing,” another individual commented.
Some people mentioned that Aniston looks even more beautiful with gray hair, while others stated she looks as gorgeous as usual. “I am sure she entered the gray hair stage a while back – she’s just starting to embrace it,” an online user said.
However, others believe the movie star going gray would ruin her overall appearance. One social media user advised Aniston, “Nah. Dye it. I know, it’s empowering and all that nonsense. Do yourself a favor and make it blonde.” Someone else who disliked Aniston’s gray look told her “Gray hair doesn’t suit you yet. Save it for later plz.”
Now 55, the Emmy Award winner credits her Greek genes for her ageless beauty. She advised people to stay hydrated and use good face products, which have also played a part in her young-looking appearance. “Don’t overproduct, that’s the other thing. Getting proper sleep is always important,” she added.
Aniston has been vocal about the pressures of agelessness in Hollywood, advocating for natural beauty and condemning social media trolls for their harsh criticism of celebrities’ appearances.
Keanu Reeves’ Girlfriend Alexandra Grant
In a parallel narrative, Keanu Reeves and his partner Alexandra Grant exemplify the strength found in defying conventional expectations together. The couple has faced scrutiny over Grant’s gray hair since their relationship went public.
Grant, who embraced her natural hair color after years of dyeing, has been criticized for looking older than her age. One person on X (formerly known as Twitter), commented, “They say Keanu Reeves’ girlfriend is 46… She looks old as my grandma.”
Another person asked why Reeves’ girlfriend looked older than she actually was: “Why 46 years old Keanu Reeves’ girlfriend looks like she’s 70?” On the other hand, some people commended Grant’s courage to go gray on The Talk’s post, but others said they would never risk going gray.
One online user noted that Grant looked mature for her age because of the gray hair, adding: “[…] But not everyone looks their age. I’m in my late 50’s, and I look a lot younger. Anyhow, if they’re happy, who are we to judge.”
Other people commended Grant for going gray with one individual writing, “I don’t have the guts to go gray. But I think it’s crazy how people are making harsh comments regarding Her hair! “
In a December 2019 Instagram post, Grant, a visual artist, revealed her hair turned gray prematurely in her early twenties and she often dyed it. However, she soon stopped dyeing her locks due to the toxicity of the dyes.
“In my 30’s, I let my hair turn “blonde.” I love and support that every womxn can choose how she wants to look at every age. But/and, if womxn are perishing from beauty standards, then let’s talk about those beauty standards. Love to all womxn!” the now-54-year-old penned.
Despite negative comments, many fans have expressed support for Grant’s decision to go gray, highlighting the couple’s happiness as the most important factor.
Roseanne Barr
Echoing Grant’s defiance, Roseanne Barr has also embraced her gray hair, confronting the negative comments with a sense of pride in her age.
Barr, whose is in her early seventies, has been subject to body shaming on social media for her natural aging process, including her gray hair.
The best-selling author has undergone a dramatic transformation through the years, which includes changing hairstyles and dyeing her hair. But in 2007, she stated she would stop dyeing her hair and wear her natural gray full-time.
However, Barr, who is also a comedian, started to embrace the aging process in 2008 when she attended the TV Land Awards with her natural gray hair.
Fast forward to 2020, the television star began posting photos of herself rocking long silver hair which she styled in waves, on her social media. A year later, Barr shared a picture wearing a cheetah print dress with gray while showing off her gray locks.
Despite the negativity, Barr has embraced her age and gray hair, stating, “I want to look old because I am old. And I think it’s good to be old, too.” Barr’s stance on aging reflects a broader acceptance of natural beauty standards.
Jodie Foster
Finally, Jodie Foster’s experiences bring the discussion full circle. Foster faced criticism for her appearance, particularly her gray roots, in the trailer for HBO’s “True Detective: Night Country.”
The trailer of the long-awaited series came out in April 2023, and while many people were happy to see the Oscar Award-winning actress, otherwise were quick to point out how much she had aged.
In the clip, Foster appeared with her natural gray hair and aging face. Some people were stunned to see the former child star looking her age and mentioned how she is getting old.
One person assumed that the film star has had work done on her face, writing, “I hope she hasn’t gotten one of those facelifts that gives everyone who gets one that permanent ‘pork chopsh and apple shauce’ lishp thing.”
Despite negative comments about her aging, Foster remains content with her natural appearance. Support from fans has shifted the conversation from criticism to admiration, highlighting Foster’s enduring beauty and talent. One individual said she looked good, another sang her praises and complimented her beauty.
These celebrities, facing and responding to criticism over their natural aging process, highlight a growing movement towards embracing natural beauty and challenging traditional beauty standards in Hollywood.
