Let me tell you a story about Geena Davis, and how she picked up a life lesson from the late Polly Bergen, her co-star on the 2005 TV series Commander in Chief. Now, Polly was in her 80s at the time, and she was one feisty lady who didn’t mince her words. Geena, recounting this to Closer Weekly, which is out now, said she was utterly shocked by Polly’s salty language. “Oh, honey, when you get to my age you just don’t give a [damn] anymore!” Polly told her, leaving Geena both amused and inspired.
Growing up in Massachusetts, Geena was raised to be the epitome of demure and polite behavior. She says, “It’s been my life’s work to become more authentic.” Reflecting on her journey, she reveals that part of this transformation has been discovering the things that truly make her happy. At 64, Geena’s motto is simple yet powerful: “If a person can do it, I can do it.” She’s ambitious, sure, but she truly believes there are no limits to what we can achieve and learn, no matter our age.
A Lesson in Authenticity
Geena’s journey toward authenticity is one that many of us can relate to. She grew up in a household where politeness was paramount, but as she matured, she realized that being true to herself was far more important. She found joy in unexpected places, like taking up archery at the age of 41 and becoming a semi-finalist for the 2000 Olympic trials. Geena didn’t stop there—she decided to become a parent and, at 46, welcomed her daughter Alizeh into the world. Two years later, twins Kian and Kaiis arrived. “In my case, I became a parent at exactly the right time,” she reflects with a smile.
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Wisdom with Age
Like many of us, Geena feels she’s grown wiser and more in touch with herself as the years have passed. “I honestly feel that every year has gotten better,” she says. She’s not just talking about her career or her family life—she’s talking about her overall well-being. “I like how I look better every year. I feel better,” she adds, her words brimming with positivity and self-assurance.
Challenging Stereotypes
Geena knows that women over 50 often don’t get the representation they deserve in media. That’s why she’s partnered with TENA, the incontinence protection brand, and her own Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media to examine how women in this age group are portrayed on-screen. “So often they are stereotyped as being cranky, unattractive and dowdy—not the vital, thriving people that we are,” she explains. Geena is determined to defy these clichés and show the world that mature women are dynamic, multifaceted individuals. “It’s a lifelong challenge to own your life and be in charge of your destiny,” she says, her voice filled with resolve.
— Reporting by Lexi Ciccone
For more on this story, pick up the latest issue of Closer magazine, on newsstands now.
