And then I found myself weeping over the story and the tagline.
Which was evidence, I guess, that it actuallywasa very clever piece of marketing.
But also something more.
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And its now been translated into 40 languages and endured for over half a century.
Because [old or young], we have the same desires, we have the same feelings.
You know, a whole life is valuable.
Youre not only valuable when youre young.
I want to love where I am, becausethis is where I am.
I dont want to venture to be like someone else.
I mean the worst thing is to attempt to be young, its kind of silly to do that.
We women have been so repressed, so convinced of our lesser selves.
Im sure youve heard the idea that men age better than women.
Weve been brainwashed about this and weve accepted it and passed it on.
Ive seen some progress, but nowhere close to equality.
Some people are more enlightened and realize they need to have more women on set and hire female directors.
Im fortunate because Im still working, but its not easy.
Itd be much easier for me if I were a man.
It has to be something thats in the characters purpose.
Margaret has been dancing since she was a little girl so shes really comfortable in her body.
And my daughters are very brave.
They have this strong sense of themselves and awareness of their value.
[Ed note: Ilon insisted the slogan subsequently be changed to BecauseImworth it.]
But thats not me.
And thats what that tagline is about.
It was a huge deal to get a contract like that.
And I had to tell them I was pregnant.
I mean, I was afraid they would move on, right?
But they didnt; they kept me.
And I worked through the pregnancy.
Ive had three babies while Ive been with LOreal, so I have lots of experience nursing on set.
Discreetly, of course!
How shereallyfeels when a fan approaches her on the street:
I love people.
If I go to a public place and Im happy talking to strangers, theyre always shocked.
I feel like a regular person and thats how I relate to people.
Thats not something Im pretending.
Its how I live my life.
If they cant relate to me, thats them.
But I grew up in a small town, no privilege.
I worked really hard to get where I am.
Why she decided to go gray:
It was during Covid.
It felt like the right time.
When I started growing out my gray, I loved it.
It made me happy.
The process was time consuming.
My sistershes full-on silverwas my inspiration.
Iwasconcerned that LOreal would have an issue with it.
And I feel beautiful.
Everyone has options to present themselves in the way they feel most comfortable.
This is just mine.
And I thought, just be grateful.
I did the best I could but I kept saying to the hairdresser on set, Im too young.
When we talk about covering gray at 40 were just getting some highlights.
I appreciated them letting me have a sense of humor about it.
It cant be something were getting from someone or somewhere else.
I think its really important to build each other up and have each others back.
I wish there was more diversity on the runway, size-wise, for example.
We need to be more responsible as a culture.
Now, the guys would probably say they still see me… but its different and I know it.
[I hope Im being seen for] my ability to do my job well.
But I used to have a different kind of power.
Ive been doing [what I do] for a long time and Im an expert.
I have something to offer.
And I can figure out pretty quickly if someones interested.
You become a watcher.
But if someone sees that I have something to offer…I have a lot to offer!
And I was sitting right there and I was kind of, Oh, shit.
[You become] the looker rather than the looked at.
And theres a certain freedom and joy in that.
I think it can also help you make certain decisions about yourself.
Like this is whatIwant.
This is whatIwant to do with the rest of my life.
Its not always easy, though, because I would still like to be seen.
If I put the right dress on, people will even say to me, Whoa!
Its as if, all of a sudden, Oh my God, shes notallgone, look at her!
I appreciate being seen again when that happens.
I do take good care of myself.
I work out a lot.
I like a little makeup.
I think thats my greatest resource.
Im in the process of growing, I would say.
I want to get rid of the edges; I want to be soft.
I dont want people to ruffle my feathers; I dont have time for that.
I just want to take care of myself.
And love other people.
