Christie Brinkley and the fabulous Wendi McLendon-Covey were on Access Live to talk about Christie’s guest appearance on The Goldbergs, where Christie recreated her scene in Vacation by pulling up next to the Goldbergs in a red convertible on the highway. I haven’t watched The Goldbergs in years, it’s a cute show but it felt played out after a couple of seasons. The formula got old to me but respect to them for continuing it and there’s even that spinoff show Schooled with Tim Meadows, which had its second season premiere too. (Side note I’ve been listening to the fabulous new Pajiba podcast, where they’re talking about new and returning TV shows and there are so many shows I haven’t even heard of! If you’re looking for new shows to watch check them out they are so funny. I love Dustin’s rants, and they have great recommendations.)
Anyway the first part of the interview wasn’t that interesting to me, they were just talking about the show, but at the end Christie mentioned aging and being fabulous. Wendi is turning 50 and Kit mentioned that, which is why Christie started talking about it. Here’s what she said:
Wendi: I feel like getting a shirt that says ‘ask me how old I am’
Christie: I love that they’re declaring their age because 50 ain’t what it used to be. In the old fashioned days people used to lie about their age. Women really need to declare their age now because our image of those numbers has to shift. It will only shift when we see gorgeous women like these saying ‘I’m turning 50’ and it’s like ‘this is 50.’ This is the result of a healthy diet, exercise, all the advances that we know about now. 50 just ain’t what it used to be.
She was right about some points but of course she only alluded to plastic surgery and injectables. No shame on women who get those, I probably will soon-ish, but that’s the unspoken part of this conversation. As someone closer to 50 than 40, it’s inspiring to see Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry, Julianne Moore, Michelle Pfeiffer and to a lesser extent Christie Brinkley and Gwen Stefani, looking incredible over 50. I think the key is fitness and nutrition, but of course skincare and injectables play a large role too. However most of it is privilege, which is time and wealth. They have time for exercise, spa treatments, dermatologist visits, mindful eating and just to focus on themselves. So many women work full time jobs, care for a family and do most of the housework. We’re also expected to look as good as possible, while living our life for other people.
Christie Brinkley also talked about giving her DWTS gig to her daughter Sailor after Christie broke her arm. There’s no way that was a set up as some people have claimed.
Here’s that interview. The part I quoted is at the end.
“It will only shift when we see gorgeous women like these saying ‘I’m turning 50′ and it’s like ‘this is 50.”
I get what she is saying but I disagree – the problem isn’t that women aren’t gorgeous after 50, the problem is society tells us that all women have to offer is youthful beauty. Plastic surgery and injectibles won’t change that. We need to fight against the ingrained misogyny of our society!
EDA – I am not against plastics, I have had plastic surgery.
I just find it disingenuous from her, I guess. Did she care about this before, or is it only because she doesn’t like the way that people talk about the 50+ crowd now that she’s a member of it?
And the way she’s like ” a healthy diet, exercise, all the advances that we know about now” as if anyone who eats well and walks occasionally will look like her, when what she’s really saying is: I’m rich, I have had a comfortable life, and I can afford all of the plastic surgery in the world to make myself appear more youthful.
Totally agree. Of course 50 isn’t what it used to be in her world at least. With an unlimited bank balance for plastic surgery and fillers, a trainer, chef, cosmetologists and day spas. It’s actually making things more difficult for those of us on normal salaries who can’t afford to look that way as we age. And it literally can’t be anything else other than work she’s had done because normal everyday 50 year olds, even with excellent diet, exercise and skin routines don’t look like her.
ITA, OriginalLaLa. Some of us weren’t blessed with those genetics or those surgeons. What about what you’ve done with those 50 years?
Christie is hoping we just see her talking about 50 not being what it use to be-so the quote in headlines –
‘Christy Brinkley’ and ‘50’
and not realize she is 65.
lmao @paige….it’s too true, saw this and thought– bish aren’t you closer to 70?
…and before someone jumps me as ‘age-ist,’ I’m just being realistic and saying she’d be even more empowering if she broadcast her real age of 65, not just for women around her age and older, but ALSO to give something to all those 50-somethings (she’s weirdly trying to pass for), to look forward to!
She should be yelling 65 from every roof and tree top.
The message, as it came across to me, it that it’s important for women to look good at and after 50, and that society knows such a thing is possible. Now, that’s probably true, especially in sexist Hollywood. But it’s not an “empowering” statement, and is just a reaffirmation that all women are good for are their looks. Which is really sad. Also, she needs to own up about the plastic surgery. It could have a lot of impact if famous women would admit that society (and Hollywood) drives them to constantly chase youth through surgery and photo-shopping (or similarly, chasing thinness through starvation and photoshopping), instead is lying about it.
I know, she looks great from a distance, and like herself, but close up, it looks like two softballs, and she’s veering into Jocelyn Wildestein territory.
God bless you, OriginalLala. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but you nailed it. Guess what? Women don’t have to be physically gorgeous to be valuable human beings worthy of love and respect. I don’t need an injected-up former super model to proclaim we’re worthy at 50 only because we look better than our mothers did! Keep your old-time misogyny to yourself, Christie.
What if you are 50 and don’t look amazing, don’t want to and don’t care about it?
I just find these conversations so tiresome. Just live your life regardless what people’s projections are.
My beef with these celebrities is that they are setting a standard for women (and sometimes even for men) through an unhealthily amount of physical attention to a certain kind of detail (blonde straight hair, puffy lips, wide expressionless eyes, thinness…) that their profession brings as if it was the case for everyone.
Most people’s standards of feeling good, and taking care of appearance are based elsewhere – or at least (sorry if I sound judgemental) they should.
I prefer style, charm and originality of thought any time of the day.
ITA.
This world is going to get whatever face and body I decide to give it.
I’m about to turn 40. This weekend I was cleaning and found pictures of me when I was in my 20s. All I saw was a really pretty woman, but at the time I thought I was fat, ugly, ect. I refuse to spend the next 20 years being that hard on myself again. Because in another 20 years, when I turn 60, I don’t want to find pictures of myself in my 40 and realize how negative I was being on myself.
First,Happy Birthday!I am sure you make 40 look beautiful.
Second-you stated so well something I’ve been thinking for a while.I just turned 44,and I look good,I know it,not as good,young,perfect as the world says women should look,but I’m content.Several months ago I found a photo of myself in my early thirties and I was shocked by how good I looked and simultaneously remembered the day that pic was taken,and behind the hair and makeup and smile I was stressed because my jeans felt snug.
I don’t want to be sixty wishing I’d appreciated myself more in my forties.
I won’t do that to myself or be that example to my daughter.
I get what you are saying to an extent but this is their job. The way they look is part of their profession.
I work too much. I don’t have children, I like My job and I work remotely so I don’t necessarily need to be in my office to work. As a result, I tend to email at weird times of the day or work at odd hours. I dont Expect others to answer at that time, but I’m just focused on my job. I think the same applies, it can become all encompassing.
TL;DR – they get paid to look pretty and while I’m not saying it’s healthy it’s top of mind for them all day every day.
Well, that is not ‘pretty’ to me and for a whole bunch of people. Moreover, that is exactly what I am saying: looking a certain way is par of the course for them due to their ‘jobs’ but please don’t impose that on me. It’s like a corporate lawyer stating that everyone should wear suits, high heels, a face full of make up and manicured hands.
A. By pretty I meant That their looks matter. And while it’s not attractive to you or many others (me included), it is currently what society is interested in.
B. Nobody is imposing anything on you.
@Crowhood, of course they are. This actor-type of beauty is imposed on everyone especially people who cannot afford the treatments they have and young – to -older women. I see people around me in all kinds of jobs with inflated mouths, fried hair and unexpressive faces. It is an incredibly wealthy industry these people are repping for – either financially compensated from it (from Goop to the Kardashians) of falling prey to it. Celeb industry has an enormous influence or they wouldn’t be replacing models in magazines and brands and building their own brands to produce unsustainable commodities and narcissistic projections of womanhood.
Ok, you win.
Funny how all of these women are also in the industry yet they look human. I’m sure they have some minor stuff done, but if so it’s good work and not obvious and they are aging! They aren’t frozen. They are my idols. I’d much rather age like any of them than this alien face of Christy Brinkley. And guess what? They all still work, even though it’s their job to be beautiful. Beauty doesn’t have to be equated to zero wrinkles and a frozen face. It could simply be looking good for your age, or looking good in spite of your age. Not desperately trying to hold onto youth. It’s sad.
Jane Seymour
Elizabeth McGovern
Andie McDowell
Celine Dion
Louise Dreyfus
Patricia Arquette
Marisa Tomei
Naomi Watts
Helen Mirren
Her wealth cushions her from many of the normal stressors women face as we age. Most Americans are living longer, which means that many 50 year olds have the responsibility of caring for aging parents. When I took care of my own father I was so exhausted that I wondered if I might die before him. Some of us have had our adult children move back home, often bringing their own children. I’ve had friends battle breast cancer and other diseases. But Christie Brinkley says we also have to look our best, a youthful whatever. I think we all try, but the truth is that she won the gene lottery, and she has the time and the money to keep looking great.
I think women just dont recognize their own beauty. Even into older age women still think models and celebrities are unicorns, but it’s smoke and mirrors to me.
I know three women off the top of my head who are in their 60s (all late 60s actually) as beautiful as Brinkley. I really do. She doesnt look younger than her age, either, to me. She just looks good AT her age. Looking good AT your age is a thing I wish women would get into.
You really do learn something new every day. For instance, I just learned photographing a person from below, when they’ve had a lot of fillers, is a little freaky. She looks great from straight ahead or looking down at her but that second to last pic was unfortunate.
I find her insufferable.
Live your best life, enjoy yourself and don’t freak out about your appearance.
@Vava I too, find her insufferable. She has had multiple bouts of plastic surgery (good for her) while denying it all. “Just a little Botox” then she owned up to “just a light touch of juvaderm”! Do what you wish to your face but don’t do the whole it’s really exercise & clean eating BS. She is a horrible person. She screams at people who walk past her house on the beach at The Hamptons. No matter how attractive she is on the outside, she is a deplorable hag on the inside and that is really what counts.
I have been struggling with myself for the last two years, and I turned 50 several months ago. I have always had good skin, and probably looked a few years younger than my age. However, it all changed when I started dating again and also lost my job 2 years ago. I decided to stop coloring my hair too a few months ago. Wow, it’s like I’m invisible. I’m not getting hired. I’m probably over-reacting, but it’s been hard. AND people have been telling me to dye my hair again, and that it would help me get a job. It’s OK for men to have grey hair, but if you’re a woman with grey hair you’re immediately targeted as “old.” I has been a serious conflict for me lately. It’s wonderful looking at Hellen Mirren or other women who embrace their age and wrinkles, but turning 50 for the rest of us isn’t easy. I am about to give up on dating. What am I supposed to do? I am a 5-year breast cancer survivor. I am not against surgery, and eating well, and exercising, but jeez…. it’s f*ked how I have been judged.
There are moments like those in life when it seems that no one notices us. I’ve gone through the same. Lost my job and self-assurance with it, no one seemed to notice or appreciate me and the advice I got made me feel that my friends didn’t really know me.
Until it came back somehow, with work on myself, confidence. I find this to be the hardest to accomplish, but also the only weapon we have against ageism, misogyny, homophobia, bigotry etc. Feeling ourselves, letting go of other people’s projections… Easier said than done.
Also appearance counts a lot more in some industries than others I guess.
@snowslow – Yes, I agree with you 100%. Best wishes to you 🙂
Hang in there @NYC!
Reading your post angers me so much – this double standard for women as we age is ridiculous! Sending you strength , you’ve got this!
Hey sister!
I went through the same thing when I transitioned to my silver locks. Give it some time. It took two years for my confidence to fully return as I had a lot of deprogramming to go through. Now I feel so gorgeous and the world reflects that to me! Big hugs
Thanks all! xoxo
50 may be young to women with access to trainers, nutritionists, and excellent plastic surgeons. To the average Karen living in middle of the road nowhere? Yeah, it’s still 50. Thanks.
Women are gorgeous after 50! Says the woman whose face is pulled so tightly that it can barely contain the 60 cc of filler in each cheek. She has quintessential filler face/ meat face.
If you go that route, great. Just don’t pretend that it’s all genetics/ clean living. It’s just as easy to say, ” I get a little help here and there.”
*Insert epic eye roll here*
I love Wendi! She is the heart and soul of that show, and so funny.
I’m all for people embracing their ages, but I don’t love the idea that it’s OK to be 50 now if you look like you’re 30.
What a fool of a woman. I have no time for this disingenuous prattle. How about women have worth irrelevant of how they look. The women who have been discarded as “un-f**kable” are the women who serve the community, raise children, care for parents, do the heavy work of keeping communities alive and flourishing. Every day I meet women who are ‘too heavy’, ‘too wrinkly’ etc…. to be viewed as important and when I talk to them, I find they are working, creating, building and thriving. Screw this lady. 50 looks like 50 unless you have amazing genetics or access to surgery. 50 is alive.
I wonder how she’d look had she had a “normal” life…worked as a teacher or did 12 hour shifts in a factory.
Christie had a full facelift 10 years ago and has lied and denied it. She is as phony as this award
There’s so much pressure at EVERY age now!
Yeah, awesome message Christie. Oh wait, aren’t you the one who holds court at Hamptons social events and cackles with your friends about who needs more plastic surgery, who is looking “long in the tooth,” etc? Oh yeah, that was you.
Oh, snap!
I’m 66 and a breast cancer survivor – I’m heading into hospital tomorrow for an arduous operation to rebuild what remains of my wonky boob so forgive me if I sound a little harsh. She is a vain, self-obsessed harpy who continues to rub her looks into the faces of female society. I look good for my age despite not bleaching my hair or having $100,000 worth of injectibles, face tightening, fat-sucking or whatever else she does. She and her group of LA-faced bitches are NOT the standard by which any of us should measure our beauty. It’s meretricious and cruel.
I’m a breast cancer survivor too,@Jaded.I was 42,I’ve just turned 44,I had double mastectomy with Immediate reconstruction,and am seriously considering explanting.I hate my fake breasts,they feel like paper weights,and I’ve been sick a lot since they were put in.
I understand how you feel towards Christie and women like her,especially given what all you’ve been through.It is this image of what we’re supposed to look like that makes me even consider breast implants and I’ve had to deal with my truest beliefs about myself and beauty and what I’m willing to put up with or go without.
I wish you success tomorrow in your procedure,and good health and healing after.
You had more to say in your comment that matters than Brinkley has probably said,like,ever…
Hi Spicecake38 – I have 2 acquaintances who have “explanted” due to breast implant illness. There is a lot of information out there (e.g. on instagram, #breastimplantillness) on this so do your research. This was covered on a tv program I watched and they had a plastic surgeon on who specializes in explant surgery – that shows how great the demand is.
All the best to you.
Thanks Spicecake – I’m actually having abdominal tissue and skin transplanted into my boob – it’s called DIEP flap surgery, it’s a long surgery and 6-8 weeks’ recovery but I too am uncomfortable with implants so it’s worth it in the long run.
Wishing you continued good health!
Jaded,I figured that was what you were alluding to when you said an arduous operation-I don’t have the desire to undergo such a lengthy surgery as I had a DVT a while back.But I really hope it works out for you,hope it’s a speedy recovery and that you’ll be happy with the results.
Good luck with your surgery, Jaded!
Much appreciated Erinn!
I know of an awesome tattoo artist who does fabulous 3D nipple tattoos if you’re anywhere near Hampstead, MD and are foregoing nipple reconstruction.
Let’s take a moment to dig on Mario Lopez. Whew! What’s going on with his face and dyed hair? Ooh la la, he’s botoxed and filled beyond what’s acceptable as good work. I know people remark that he doesn’t age, but, honey! Not a good lewk at all!
I interpret what she says as internal. It isnt about whehter you look like you did when yure 20 or are a movie star- its abotu not saying “welp, games over” to yourself, once you hit 35, 40, 50….. its about whether you still WANT TO FEEL as fabulous and attractive as you always wanted to when you were younger. Im getting older and I get it– I cant say well its all over for me cos then Ill give up, but then Ill only be unhappy with myself. it isnt about what others see or dont see, its about how I feel.
So seeing amazing women at 50 and 60 IS m motivation and I say “Yes, thats gonna be me!!”
I think a lot of the hate n her comments is jealousy/insecurity because it takes confidence and strength to develop an inner beauty.
I work at a bank in a rich area and we get SO many people with obvious work. Most obvious are the bad lip injections, omg! There is one lady who came through and said hi today and I almost did a double take. She is so sweet and I want to say she’s younger than me (I’m 43), but she’s had more work done since the last time I saw her. I’ve had Botox before but couldn’t keep it up due to finances. So I’m not against getting work done but whoever is injecting the ladies here are terrible! Very obvious. I’ve moved since the last time I got Botox and I’m scared to go anywhere
She is annoying AF. I recently saw her being interviewed on DWTS. Never mind her obvious and obnoxious plastic surgery. The woman is vapid. She made me cringe!
The only thing she’s saying here is that she’s terrified of being seen as old. This isn’t inspiring, this is the same old bull… telling women not to get old because the only thing we have to offer is what is on the outside. I’m sorry but these women are trapped in the last century and proclamations like these don’t help us, they hurt us. I agree fitness is important for mental wellbeing as you age but please stop pretending your face is your face. Urgh this made me mad first thing in the morning lol
I love being in my 50’s. I do the best I can to take care of myself and while I’m not against plastic surgery and fillers, it’s not for me. One of my friends gets Botox and it works wonders on this vertical line between her eyes.