Carrie Coon is getting candid about her experience with aging in Hollywood and the roles she’s offered. The 44-year-old actress recently discussed in an interview that she’s often typecast to play more mature and “complex” characters because of her decision not to get Botox. “We all have a way we present in the world,” she explained.
“The perception of me is that I am verbal, intellectual. My voice is lower, and I don’t have Botox, so I tend to play older than I am. And so I’ve always had a gravitas or some authority.”
Botox, which prevents wrinkles in the face, is a common medical procedure in today’s society, especially in Hollywood.
While Coon is among those who have opted out of facial injections and still found success in the entertainment industry, she also hopes younger Hollywood talent sees that they don’t need to conform to the pressure of Botox and filler to fit into roles. “Authenticity is more evocative than any kind of engineering you might consider doing to your face or your body,” she said. “Now, this is not the message coming from culture.
As a woman who is 44, watching myself in HD is not easy, and it’s not comfortable.”
Coon acknowledges that she still has insecurities, especially when she sees herself onscreen, but she looks for other skin care alternatives rather than injections. “I like science-based skin care,” she added. “But I’m not going to inject anything into my face.
It’s just…I think it’s scary and strange.”
Coon’s refusal to undergo Botox treatments has not hindered her career, with notable roles in shows such as “The Gilded Age” and “The White Lotus.” She continues to be an advocate for natural aging and hopes that her stance offers a different perspective in a largely youth-obsessed industry.
Coon’s natural aging journey
The actress isn’t one to judge, however.
“You’ve got to do what makes you feel good, what makes you feel like the authentic version of yourself,” she said. “That is not my place to judge, but I know people are going to judge me.”
Coon also starred with Michelle Monaghan and Leslie Bibb in The White Lotus, where they played childhood best friends now in their 40s and 50s who reconnect on a vacation in Thailand. What’s supposed to be a relaxing week abroad quickly turns into a toxic, competitive show of superiority as the women desperately try to outdo each other.
For Coon, the storyline is proof of widening opportunities for middle- and older-aged women. “We have three women in their 40s and 50s playing with each other,” Coon said. “I would work with them at my own age if it was before this time.
So, I just feel lucky that the parts on TV are so compelling that film actors want to be on TV.”
The Leftovers star is also well-versed in navigating comments on her physical appearance. On X, one user pointed out that Coon looks “simultaneously 35 and 55” and “old and young,” but still “fine as hell.” Coon then replied, acknowledging her personal decision to refrain from injections of any kind. “Thank you.
I totally agree and I can answer this one: 43, generally healthy, two little kids and not enough rest, no Botox or filler. Have a marvelous day,” she wrote in her response from November 2024. The Emmy-nominated actress added: “I’m not trolling you! I really do agree! Feeling ‘fine as hell’ and loving my 40s; some days I’m feeling 35 and some I lean 55, but they are all me.”
