Tina Fey, the acclaimed actress and writer, has opened up about her experiences of ageing in her 50s, describing the process as akin to “reverse puberty.” In a recent interview with *Today*, Fey, now 56, shared her revelations about the physical and emotional changes that accompany this stage of life, highlighting the surprising challenges that have emerged for her.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/tina-fey-060426-eb34af472c1c48308165889208fbdfad.jpg)
Reflecting on her journey, Fey explained that the shifts in her body have conjured feelings reminiscent of her teenage years. “It’s like your body starts to change and be disgusting in new ways,” she remarked humorously. She likened the changes to the awkwardness of adolescence, saying, “When you’re 12 or 13, you’re like, ‘Why am I so oily?’ And now you’re like, ‘Why am I so papery?’” This candidness about her insecurities hints at a universal struggle faced by many as they navigate the complexities of growing older.
Fey has cleverly translated her personal experiences with ageing into her new series, *The Four Seasons*. In an era where shared experiences resonate deeply, Fey and her fellow writers, all around the same age, draw inspiration from their common struggles. “Almost all of us have known each other a super long time, and so all the writers are really good about sharing their own things,” she shared. Their camaraderie has enabled them to craft relatable humour, including a specific joke about a character married to a middle-aged woman with “dry skin.”
As she continues to adapt to this new phase of life, Fey has reconsidered her social engagements, especially in the context of night-time events. In a previous discussion with *The Hollywood Reporter*, she recounted her attempt to stay late at the 50th anniversary afterparty of *Saturday Night Live*, expressing disappointment over her early departure from a chance to see Prince perform. “I drank water, I went to bed early… But when I got to the afterparty, I couldn’t find any of my friends… I thought, ‘Actually, I’m out,’” Fey revealed, illustrating her struggle to keep up with the late-night scene.
Fey’s reflections extend beyond personal anecdotes; she has also addressed broader life challenges associated with ageing, particularly the stress of caring for children while looking after an elderly parent. In her discussions, she alludes to being part of the “sandwich generation,” a term used to describe those balancing the responsibilities of youth and old age simultaneously. Fey remarked, “This sandwich generation stuff… is wonderful, but it also really takes a lot out of you.”
The actress recently faced significant life changes after her mother passed away, coinciding with her elder daughter’s departure for college. These losses have been poignant reminders of the realities of adulthood. However, Fey credits her work on *The Four Seasons* as a welcoming distraction during this turbulent time. “It kept me in the world. It saved me from just shrinking up like a little granny apple head,” she said, affectionately describing the need to remain active and engaged amidst personal challenges.
Fey’s revelations about growing older shine a light on the often unspoken anxieties that many women face as they age. Rather than shying away from the subject, she embraces it, using humour as a coping mechanism to navigate her feelings. Her relatable commentary resonates not only as a testament to her authenticity but also as a balm for others grappling with similar transformations.
As she embarks on this new creative journey, Fey exemplifies how humour and openness can serve as powerful tools for confronting the inevitable realities of life. Her reflections on ageing are a reminder that while the changes may be unsettling, they are also a source of inspiration—both for her and those who feel similarly. Through her work, she continues to foster connection and understanding within an ever-evolving landscape of adulthood, showcasing the resilience that comes with growing older in the public eye.