Maitland Ward, now a sharp-tongued producer in her forties, paces while Phoenix Marie scrolls through her phone. On screen: a viral clip of a young starlet delivering a monologue Maitland wrote years ago—uncredited.

Several actresses have redefined the landscape for older women by taking on fearless, complex roles: Meryl Streep (76) : Often cited as the gold standard

Maitland Ward, born on February 12, 1996, in Los Angeles, California, began her career in the adult film industry in 2016. Prior to her entry into the industry, Ward worked as a real estate agent and a model. She gained popularity for her versatility, adaptability, and engaging performances.

, as well as critically acclaimed performances by seasoned veterans.

—a feminist body-horror film about aging—has been hailed as a career "vindication". Jean Smart

: The 74-year-old continues to dominate the Emmy stage for her lead role in HBO's Hacks . Show more Persistent Challenges & Stereotypes