Jane Seymour Wants to Be ‘the Poster Child for Women Over 50’: ‘Life Is Not Over’

**Jane Seymour Reflects on Empowering Women Over 50 in New Role**

Acclaimed actress Jane Seymour is using her influence to inspire women over 50, stating her desire to be the “poster child” for this demographic. At 75 years old, Seymour is embracing her current phase of life and encouraging women to view it as a time for new opportunities, rather than endings.

During a recent panel at the Fanboy Expo Knoxville, Seymour, alongside her former co-star Joe Lando from “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” reflected on their long-standing careers in Hollywood. Seymour’s latest role in Acorn TV’s “Harry Wild” sees her portraying a retired professor who takes on the role of an amateur sleuth after experiencing a traumatic mugging. This series, now in its fifth season, sees Lando joining the cast as a charming pathologist.

Seymour shared her enthusiasm for her character, stating, “Having Harry Wild at this time of my life is just huge for me. I am playing a woman of a certain age who has not chosen to retreat into obscurity, waiting for the end of life.” She emphasised that after significant life changes, such as children leaving home and the possibility of being without a partner, life continues, and opportunities for personal and professional growth remain.

In her current career phase, Seymour has taken on more roles that reflect the authentic experiences of older individuals. She has previously worked on projects like Netflix’s “The Kominsky Method” and her own series “Ruby’s Choice,” where she portrays a woman facing early dementia. “I’m not trying to play younger than I am,” she said. “I want to portray my true age and share these important stories.”

Seymour expressed her gratitude for leading roles like that in “Harry Wild,” where she takes centre stage rather than being relegated to the role of a typical grandmother. Her career spans several decades, commencing with her breakthrough as the iconic Bond girl Solitaire in 1973’s “Live and Let Die.” Her talents were further recognised when she won a Golden Globe for her performance in the 1981 adaptation of John Steinbeck’s “East of Eden.”

Her portrayal of Dr. Quinn in “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” which aired from 1993 to 1998, earned her widespread acclaim and another Golden Globe award. The series later spawned two sequel films. Other memorable roles include a part in the 2005 comedy “Wedding Crashers” and her upcoming appearance in “Irish Wish.”

Reflecting on her career trajectory, Seymour recently revealed to PEOPLE that her iconic role in “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” came at a time when she was facing severe financial difficulties. “I took the job because I was literally penniless and about to lose my home,” she explained. Thanks to luck and timing, she learned about the opportunity and felt an immediate emotional connection upon reading the script. After quickly agreeing to the role, she found herself on set the very next day.

Recently, Seymour celebrated her 75th birthday with a special event organised by her charity, the Open Hearts Foundation. The gathering had a western theme and saw a reunion with numerous cast members from “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” including Joe Lando and Jessica Bowman, among others. In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, Seymour expressed gratitude for the deep connections created through shared memories and kindness over the years.

Seymour’s message is clear: life does not cease after reaching a certain age. Instead, she hopes to serve as a beacon of hope for women navigating the complexities of life after 50. Through her work in the entertainment industry, she seeks to highlight the importance of embracing opportunities, sharing experiences, and fostering the ambition to continue evolving in the later stages of life.