Justine Bateman Defends Herself After Being Called “Old” at 40 and Why She Wants to Age Naturally

People often have a habit of freezing celebrities in their minds when they were at the peak of their fame, forgetting that they are human beings who age like everyone else. In addition, the widespread use of cosmetic surgery and fillers today further distorts our perception of how people naturally look as they age. However, fortunately, there are still some celebrities who remind us that there is absolutely nothing wrong with looking different as we age compared to our younger years.

Justine proudly embraces her age.

If you were a kid or teenager in the ’80s and ’90s, you probably remember Justine as Mallory Keaton from the popular TV show Family Ties. But after that, she shifted her focus from acting to working behind the scenes. Now, she’s a successful author and director. In a recent interview, the actress, now 57 years old, came back into the spotlight to share an important message with all women concerned about getting older.

When she reached her 40s, people considered her “old.”

Justine didn’t think about getting older until she had to search for something online. She wanted to research and refresh her memory about something that happened during her fame. But when she typed her name, Justine Bateman, into Google, the search autocomplete suggested: “looks old.” This happened when she was only around 40 years old.

That revelation actually boosted her self-confidence.

When questioned whether she had ever considered cosmetic procedures, Justine explained that plastic surgery would cause her to “lose all of her authority.” She expressed contentment with her current appearance and emphasized that she finds satisfaction in the visible signs that indicate she has evolved into a different individual from her younger self.

She even decided to write a book about her experiences.

Justine doesn’t criticize those who choose to undergo beauty treatments to appear younger, but she does express a feeling of sadness for them. She explains that she feels sorry for those so preoccupied with the idea of fixing their appearance that it distracts them from focusing on the meaningful aspects of life. In 2021, Justine Bateman released a book titled “Face: One Square Foot of Skin,” which addresses this significant issue.

Women shouldn’t spend too much time fixating on their looks.

Justine shared some exciting news: “There’s absolutely nothing wrong with your face!” she wrote as the caption for an Instagram post promoting her book. Justine draws from her experiences to illustrate society’s obsession with how women’s faces transform as they age. When asked about the beauty of aging, Justine firmly states that she doesn’t care about others’ opinions. She confidently asserts, “I think I look rad. My face represents who I am. I like it, and that’s basically the end of the road.”

Several notable figures in the public eye have made the conscious choice to embrace natural aging, rejecting the pressure to undergo cosmetic interventions. One such individual is Cameron Diaz, who boldly opted to age gracefully without relying on Botox or similar treatments. After an unpleasant experience where Botox altered her appearance in an unexpected manner, Diaz decided to embrace her natural features and allow the aging process to unfold authentically.

Preview photo credit Invision / Invision / East News, Invision / Invision / East News

Iconic ’80s Teen Star Fights Cancer on a Remote Farm—See Her at 58

This veteran actress didn’t plan on an acting career, but one unexpected role on a popular TV show changed her life. Now, in her late fifties, she’s overcome major challenges and is living happily today. Here’s a look at her inspiring journey and how she’s doing now.

Known for playing Natalie Green on *The Facts of Life* (1979–1988), she was discovered as a teenager. Years later, health issues forced her to leave Hollywood, but now, at 58, she’s thriving once again.

Source: Getty Images

In a 2013 article, the actress shared about her younger years, saying, “Have I ever mentioned performing or wanting to act? No, sir.”

She explained, “If someone had asked what I wanted to be, I’d have probably said a doctor, since I wanted to help people and had a talent for it.”

Source: Getty Images

Her acting journey happened by chance. In the summer of 1979, just before ninth grade, she and some classmates were pulled from class to meet TV producers creating a new sitcom set in a girls’ school.

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The producers, including actress Charlotte Rae, were casting for The Facts of Life and thought she’d be perfect for a role. Rae found her “charming and funny,” suggesting a part be created for her.

Source: Getty Images

Her role on The Facts of Life made her a household name. She continued acting after the show and voiced Velma in What’s New, Scooby-Doo? for over a decade.

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But in 2012, her life took a turn. One morning, she felt unusually tired during a walk. She called her friend Helen Hunt for help. After a doctor’s visit, tests revealed troubling news: she had breast cancer.

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For the next five years, she endured a “siege,” facing surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. Known for her optimism, she admitted feeling worn down by the recurring cancer.

“I kept waiting for things to get better, but they didn’t,” she said. “I couldn’t control or fix any of it.”

Seeking peace, she left Hollywood for a quiet life in the country. She moved to a farm owned by friends Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge, where she found a sense of family.

The farm kept her busy, from stacking shelves to feeding chickens and even caring for goats. Her friends often saw her helping around the property, finding comfort in the farm work.

Source: Getty Images

In 2017, she was declared cancer-free and expressed gratitude for her parents and close friends who supported her through it all.

With her health restored, she returned to Hollywood, reconnecting with her fans and eager for new roles. She felt ready to work again, saying, “I think I’m a good actress, and I have a lot to give.”

At 58, she remains single and child-free, having dedicated herself to her career. Though she enjoys seeing her friends’ families, she cherishes the close relationships in her life.

Source: Getty Images

She’s open to finding love, but with a strong network of loved ones, she feels fulfilled, knowing she can lean on others and support them in return.

Now in her late fifties, she has embraced aging naturally. Feeling more beautiful than in her youth, she avoids cosmetic fixes, humorously singing Let It Go from Frozen when tempted.

As she nears sixty, she is living life fully, surrounded by friends, pursuing her passions, and looking forward to what’s next. Her journey shows that love, humor, and resilience can guide us through even the hardest times, making every chapter meaningful.

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