Nicole Scherzinger Details The Harsh Reality of Ageism in Hollywood ‘It Is a Tragedy’
Photo by Victor Boyko/Getty Images for Magnum Reading Time: 3 minutes
In a recent interview, former Pussycat Dolls star, Nicole Scherzinger opened up about the challenges of growing older in the entertainment industry. At the age of 45, Scherzinger candidly discussed the issue of ageism in Hollywood, shedding light on the harsh realities that many actors and performers face as they mature in an industry obsessed with youth.
Nicole Scherzinger Gets Candid About Aging in Hollywood
Scherzinger emphasized that ageism remains a prevalent concern in Hollywood, asserting, “It’s just as relevant today, and it’s still very brutal.” She revealed that even maintaining a youthful appearance isn’t enough to escape the industry’s age-related biases.
The singer and actress, currently portraying the iconic role of Norma Desmond in the West End revival of Sunset Boulevard in London, shared how her character’s journey has given her fresh insights into the struggles women face as they age. In the musical, Norma Desmond is a 50-year-old former silent film star who cannot come to terms with the fading of her fame.
Scherzinger initially felt offended when offered the role, wondering how it related to her own life. However, immersing herself in the character’s story made her empathize with Norma’s yearning for her lost youth. Scherzinger observed, “It’s relevant to parallels” in her life.
“First of all, I still look great under bright lights, and isn’t that an older woman who is, like, an old relic?” Scherzinger said. “How does that even remotely have anything to do with me?”
The artist also understands the character’s fear of not measuring up to Hollywood’s impossible beauty standards, drawing from her own experiences. During her time with the Pussycat Dolls, Scherzinger spent up to five hours a day working out and battled bulimia for years due to pressure from the group’s manager to lose weight.
Today, Scherzinger has found peace with herself and celebrates the body-positivity movement championed by figures like Ashley Graham and Lizzo. She is content to let her body “hibernate” during downtime, accepting fluctuations in her weight without judgment, ranging from “10 to 15 pounds.”
Scherzinger Relates Her Role in Sunset Boulevard to Real Life
Scherzinger’s role in Sunset Boulevard represents a transformative moment in her career. She feels that she has been underestimated since her pop star days, and she is eager to showcase a different side of herself through this role.
“It’s hard when people don’t see you for who you truly are, but if you don’t show it to them, they will never know; so that’s why I’ve taken this [role],” She said. “Hopefully, people will get the opportunity now to see who I really am and what I have to give.”
Despite her initial reservations about playing Norma, Scherzinger has found a profound connection to the character. She expressed her love for Norma and understood that this role had been her lifelong aspiration.
“There are so many parallels between Sunset Boulevard and what you have to do to make it in Hollywood,” she said. “Even when you’re fully loaded with so much talent, you could still be overlooked because of stereotypes and ageism. It is a tragedy.”
