Nicole Scherzinger, the former Pussycat Dolls star, is shedding light on the harsh realities of aging in the entertainment industry. In a candid interview with the Sunday Times, the 45-year-old artist opened up about the challenges of growing older in Hollywood and how ageism continues to persist.
Scherzinger didn’t mince words when she discussed the prevalent issue of ageism in Hollywood. She emphasized
It’s just as relevant today. And it’s still very brutal.
Even maintaining a youthful appearance is often not enough to escape its grasp.
In a striking gesture, Scherzinger illustrated the harsh judgment associated with age by drawing her hand across her throat while stating,
Even if I look like I’m 37 or something, the moment somebody knows your age they will just—
Insight from a Role
Scherzinger’s latest role as Norma Desmond in the West End revival of Sunset Boulevard in London has provided her with a profound understanding of the challenges women face as they age. Her character, a 50-year-old former silent-film starlet who struggles to accept the fading of her fame, mirrors the real-life struggles of women in the entertainment industry.
Initially, Scherzinger was taken aback when director Jamie Lloyd offered her the role. She questioned how a character like Norma, an aging relic, could relate to her.
I was like, Are you out of your mind? First of all, I still look great under bright lights. And isn’t that an older woman who is, like, an old relic? How does that even remotely have anything to do with me?
However, as she delved into the role, she discovered unexpected parallels in her own life. Scherzinger empathized with Norma’s longing for lost youth, recognizing that it mirrored her own experiences. She also understood the character’s fear of not measuring up to Hollywood’s impossible beauty standards, as she had faced immense pressure during her time with the Pussycat Dolls.
During that period, Scherzinger dedicated up to five hours a day to intense workouts and battled bulimia for years, driven by demands from the music group’s manager to lose weight. Her inner critic was her harshest judge.
A Journey Towards Self-Acceptance
Today, Scherzinger has found peace and embraced the body-positivity movement championed by figures like Ashley Graham and Lizzo. She no longer feels the need to push herself relentlessly and allows her body to “hibernate” when not working, accepting weight fluctuations of “10 to 15 pounds.”
Her role in Sunset Boulevard signifies a new chapter for Scherzinger, a chance to reveal a different side of herself. She acknowledges that people often underestimated her since her pop-star days, but she’s determined to show the world her true capabilities.
In taking on this role, Scherzinger hopes to break stereotypes and showcase her true self. She believes that by revealing her capabilities, she can change perceptions. As she puts it,
Hopefully people will get the opportunity now to see who I really am and what I have to give.
Nicole Scherzinger’s story is a reminder that true talent knows no age, and it’s never too late to shine in Hollywood.