Naomi Watts wants Hollywood to change the way it portrays menopause, saying that films and television often fail to show this natural stage of life accurately. She believes that real and honest portrayals of menopause can help women feel less isolated and reduce the stigma and shame often associated with this phase. According to Watts, women experience a wide range of physical and emotional changes during menopause, yet the entertainment industry frequently ignores these experiences or turns them into jokes.
Watts shared that early in her career, she avoided talking about menopause because she feared it could affect the roles she was offered. She now believes that showing menopause in a realistic and respectful way is important for representation and for helping women understand and accept their own experiences. Watts hopes that future stories will present menopause as a normal part of life rather than something to be hidden. By portraying this stage authentically, she feels Hollywood can create a more inclusive space where women of all ages feel seen and understood. Watts encourages filmmakers and actors to embrace narratives that reflect the real experiences of women undergoing menopause and to challenge stereotypes in media.
