Brooke Shields Reflects on Aging, Acceptance, and Empowering Women in New Book

Last Sunday, Demi Moore received her first significant acting award at the Golden Globes, an occasion that prompted a light-hearted reflection from Brooke Shields, who watched the event from home. Shields humorously recalled how her kids rally to prepare her for award nights, highlighting the emotional complexities such shows can evoke, as they can sometimes lead people to question their own worth and validity in the industry.

Despite being a long-standing figure in Hollywood, Shields admitted to feeling a desire for recognition as she expressed her own human insecurities. While she acknowledged receiving People’s Choice Awards, a sign of popular appreciation, she still harbored aspirations for more official accolades like Emmys or Oscars. This longing reveals a vulnerability that she relates to younger women seeking acceptance and belonging in a world often defined by superficial measures of success.

Now at 59, Shields feels a youthful exuberance that stands in contrast to societal views that often dismiss women over 50 as irrelevant. She vocally challenges the narrative that relegates aging women to invisibility, stressing that society often overlooks this demographic. To address this issue, she has written her fourth book, entitled "Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old," which aims to empower women and showcase her personal journey as she confronts the societal expectations placed upon her.

In her book, Shields candidly reveals a traumatic experience involving an unwanted surgical procedure that she did not consent to, discussing how it impacted her life and relationships. She reflects on how decades ago, women often lacked avenues to voice their concerns or fight back against medical malpractice. With a newfound resolve, she advocates for open discussions with her daughters about such topics, in hopes of fostering a healthier dialogue around women's experiences.

Shields is also making strides beyond writing, having been elected president of the Actors' Equity Association, which represents thousands of actors and stage managers. This position aligns with her commitment to giving back to the community that has supported her and advocating for better funding and policies that benefit performers. Her entrepreneurial journey has led her to create a beauty brand called Commence, focusing on the needs of aging women who feel overlooked by the market.

When asked about the challenges of being a CEO, Shields spoke candidly about the difficulties in raising funds to keep her business afloat. Despite the pressures, she expressed enthusiasm for her work and the opportunities that lie ahead as she embraces this new chapter in her life. As she approaches her 60th birthday, Shields feels invigorated and ready to tackle the next adventures that come her way, emphasizing how confidence gained over the years opens up new possibilities.