Top 50 Most Popular Actresses In Their 40s

Jessica Chastain, renowned for her enigmatic presence, maintains a low profile regarding her personal life. However, her remarkable talent and on-screen versatility have made her one of the most respected actresses in the industry.

She has delivered standout performances in critically acclaimed films such as Take Shelter, The Tree of Life, and The Help, earning widespread praise from audiences and critics alike.

Beyond her acting, Chastain is an investor in Angel City FC, a soccer club competing in the National Women's Soccer League. Her achievements include both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award.

Known for her commitment to women's rights and feminist causes, Chastain often selects screen projects that champion these important themes, further solidifying her influence both on and off the screen.

Many of us fondly remember Kate Winslet as the bold and captivating Rose in the iconic global hit Titanic. Her memorable performance captured hearts worldwide and became a defining moment in her career.

Even in her late 40s, Winslet continues to go from strength to strength, earning acclaim for her versatility and enduring appeal in both film and television projects.

Known for tackling complex and powerful roles, Winslet thrives on challenging herself with grittier characters in her diverse body of work.

Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and talented actresses in the world, she is also fiercely committed to authenticity, insisting that her images remain unretouched, as seen in her award-winning HBO drama Mare of Easttown.

A true advocate for body positivity, Kate was honored as Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2012.

Her unfiltered honesty and confidence make her all the more inspiring—qualities that continue to win her fans across the globe.

Natalie Portman made a remarkable debut at just 12 years old in the critically acclaimed film Léon: The Professional, instantly capturing both audience and industry attention.

For nearly three decades, Portman has been a leading star, known widely for her roles in the Star Wars prequels and the Thor franchise, which cemented her place in Hollywood.

Her impressive filmography boasts acclaimed performances in projects like Black Swan, No Strings Attached, and Jackie, showcasing her notable range as an actress.

Throughout her outstanding career, Portman has earned prestigious honors, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, underscoring her talent and dedication to the craft.

Olivia Colman is widely regarded as one of the most talented actors of her generation, consistently delivering outstanding performances in every role she takes on.

Recognized for her versatility, Colman excels in both comedic and dramatic roles across film and television. She first captured audiences’ attention with her breakout performance in the sitcom Peep Show.

After Peep Show, she starred in acclaimed series like Broadchurch and has since earned a reputation as one of the world’s finest actresses.

Her extraordinary talent has been recognized with numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, three British Academy Television Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards.

Marion Cotillard is a versatile talent, excelling as an actress, producer, and singer. Beyond her artistic pursuits, she is also a committed environmentalist. Marion is celebrated for her performances in both independent films and major blockbusters, spanning European cinema and Hollywood.

In recognition of her significant contributions to the arts, she was named a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters in France in 2010 and elevated to Officer status in 2016.

Cotillard's first English-language role came with the TV series Highlander. She made a successful transition to film after appearing in Tim Burton's Big Fish, paving the way for an impressive international career.

Her extraordinary depiction of French singer Édith Piaf in La Vie en Rose earned her a second César Award, as well as BAFTA, Golden Globe, Lumières, and Academy Awards for Best Actress.

Penélope Cruz stands as one of the most celebrated Spanish actors in cinema history. Remarkably, she is the first and only Spanish performer to earn both an Academy Award nomination and win.

Her journey began when she signed with an agent at just 15 years old, leading to her highly anticipated film debut in Jamón Jamón in 1992.

Cruz rose to international prominence with standout performances in films such as Vicky Cristina Barcelona, All the Pretty Horses, Vanilla Sky, Blow, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

For more than two decades, Anne Hathaway has delivered a wide array of unforgettable performances, firmly establishing herself as a true Hollywood star with a dedicated global fanbase.

Early in her career, Hathaway took on iconic roles in widely loved films such as The Princess Diaries and The Devil Wears Prada, shaping the cinematic landscape of the 2000s.

Now in her 40s, she continues to impress with acclaimed and award-winning performances in films like Brokeback Mountain, Les Misérables, and The Intern.

Hathaway is set to appear in a range of exciting upcoming projects, and she has recently become known to fans as a striking presence on the red carpet, showcasing her evolution into a modern fashion icon.

Priyanka Chopra stands as a luminary in Bollywood, ranking among India's highest-paid actresses. In recent years, she has expanded her horizons, successfully pursuing opportunities in Hollywood and broadening her global recognition.

Crowned Miss World in 2000, Chopra made history as the first South Asian to star as the lead in a major American network drama with her role in Quantico.

Featured on Forbes' list of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women, she received the National Film Award for Best Actress for her acclaimed role in the drama film Fashion (2008).

Amy Adams, renowned for her stunning beauty and remarkable talent, has been nominated for six Academy Awards, though she has yet to claim a win.

Her dynamic and varied screen career showcases remarkable versatility, with Adams excelling in both film and television roles. She is celebrated for her ability to portray a wide range of characters with depth and authenticity.

The acclaimed red-haired star has delivered powerful performances in acclaimed movies such as The Fighter, American Hustle, The Master, Arrival, and Vice.

Regarded as one of the best actresses working today, Adams only seems to have grown more impressive and accomplished since entering her 40s.

Charlize Theron, one of the highest-paid actresses globally, is a charismatic talent hailing from South Africa. Inspired from an early age, she dreamed of becoming a movie star and has since achieved remarkable success.

Renowned for her versatility and stunning screen presence, Theron has captivated audiences in both film and television with her portrayals of diverse characters. She shot to international fame through acclaimed films such as The Devil's Advocate, Mighty Joe Young, and The Cider House Rules.

Theron made history as the first South African to receive an Oscar for acting, earning the award for her powerful role in Monster. In 2016, Time magazine recognized her as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Hilary Swank began her acting career in the early 1990s and first gained widespread recognition for her role as Julie Pierce in The Next Karate Kid, the fourth film in the franchise.

She quickly proved her exceptional talent with outstanding performances in acclaimed films like Boys Don't Cry and Million Dollar Baby, both of which earned her critical praise and numerous prestigious awards.

In 2005, Swank was honored by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, and she has also established herself as a producer in the industry.

Michelle Williams is a renowned A-list actress, acclaimed for her nuanced portrayals of characters facing emotional fragility or personal loss in a range of acclaimed films.

She first gained widespread recognition for her role in the popular '90s teen drama Dawson’s Creek. Since then, Williams has continued to impress audiences and critics alike with standout performances in independent dramas such as Brokeback Mountain, Blue Valentine, My Week with Marilyn, Manchester by the Sea, and Shutter Island.

Her outstanding talent has earned her two Golden Globe Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood's most respected actresses.

Angelina Jolie has consistently ranked among Hollywood's highest-paid actresses and remains one of the world’s most popular celebrities for over twenty years.

A winner of an Academy Award and three Golden Globe Awards, she became a household name by bringing video game heroine Lara Croft to life in "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider."

From blockbuster hits like "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," "Wanted," "Salt," and "The Tourist" to critically acclaimed performances in "A Mighty Heart" and "Changeling," Jolie has proven herself a versatile and bankable star throughout her career.

Kirsten Dunst first captivated audiences with her unforgettable performance as a child vampire in the 1994 film Interview with the Vampire. She later cemented her status as a Hollywood star through her roles in Bring It On, the Spider-Man franchise, and multiple collaborations with director Sofia Coppola.

The talented actress earned her first Academy Award nomination for her standout work in The Power of the Dog, and previously received critical acclaim with an Emmy nomination for her role in Fargo.

Dunst's career continued to flourish with notable performances in films such as the Spider-Man trilogy, Elizabethtown, and Marie Antoinette, showcasing her impressive range and versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles.

Reese Witherspoon has long been recognized as one of the most dependable stars in Hollywood, frequently ranking among the world's highest-paid actresses during the peak of her career.

Beyond her undeniable acting talent, she has evolved into a successful producer and entrepreneur, achieving remarkable milestones since her standout roles in "Legally Blonde" and "Cruel Intentions."

Through her production company, Hello Sunshine, Witherspoon supports a variety of innovative projects while maintaining her beloved status. Most recently, she has captivated audiences in the hit Apple TV+ series, "The Morning Show."

Maggie Gyllenhaal, the daughter of filmmakers Stephen Gyllenhaal and Naomi Achs, and elder sister to actor Jake Gyllenhaal, has established herself as an exceptionally talented actress with a wide-ranging and dynamic career.

She earned widespread acclaim for her powerful lead roles in films like Secretary and Sherrybaby. Her popularity soared even further with standout performances in notable movies such as World Trade Center, The Dark Knight, and Crazy Heart.

Gyllenhaal's impressive versatility shines through her memorable work in other acclaimed projects, including The Kindergarten Teacher and the HBO series The Deuce.

Rosamund Pike is widely recognized as one of the most sophisticated and accomplished actresses in the world today.

The talented British actress and narrator has earned prestigious honors, including a Golden Globe Award and a Primetime Emmy Award.

Pike has delivered memorable performances in acclaimed films such as An Education, Gone Girl, Fracture, and The Libertine. She also stars as the lead in the ambitious Amazon Original series The Wheel of Time.

Drew Barrymore began her acting journey as a child and quickly rose to prominence as one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars during her prime.

She is a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award winner, and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004.

Beyond her successful acting career, Drew has launched her thriving beauty brand, Flower Beauty. Her passion for acting remains strong, as she continues to take on new projects in the industry.

Zoe Saldaña made her screen debut in an episode of Law & Order, quickly captivating audiences with her dynamic presence. She is widely known for portraying strong, commanding characters that leave a lasting impact.

Her breakthrough came with a role alongside Britney Spears in Crossroads, but Saldaña's fame reached new heights with leading roles in blockbuster franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy, Avatar, and Star Trek.

Ranked among the highest-grossing actresses of all time, Saldaña has appeared in four of the top-grossing films ever: Avatar, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Avatar: The Way of Water.

Emily Blunt stands out as one of the most talented actresses spotlighted in our feature. Recognized by Forbes in 2020 as one of the world's highest-paid actresses, she began her film career with the acclaimed 2004 release, My Summer of Love.

Blunt's star rose quickly with notable roles in Gideon's Daughter and The Devil Wears Prada. Her impactful performance in the former earned her the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress, highlighting her skill and versatility.

Over the years, Blunt has solidified her reputation as a reliable box office draw, consistently appearing in films that achieve both critical and commercial acclaim.

The wonderful and versatile Rachel McAdams deserves a spot in our compilation and for the right reasons.

After having made her Hollywood film debut in the comedy The Hot Chick, the actress rose to instant fame following the release of cult classics such as Mean Girls and The Notebook.

McAdams, who doesn't look her age at all, has been seen in titles such as Spotlight, Game Night, and Disobedience in the recent past.

Christina Ricci was the precocious and outspoken child star of the 1990s. She went on to establish herself as a dependable screen performer as she continued to age.

The actress was seen delivering some of her finest performances in independent productions and box hits such as The Addams Family, Now and Then, The Opposite of Sex, Sleepy Hollow, and Monster.

Ricci has also been seen playing a major part in the critically acclaimed Showtime series Yellowjackets. Previously, she had received acclaim for her guest role on Grey's Anatomy.

The terrific Tessa Thompson is already in her 40s and is still killing it. People first noticed her after she appeared in the comedy-drama Dear White People and the historical drama Selma.

Mainstream success soon followed as the lady made her presence felt in the popular and successful Creed franchise of motion pictures. Add to that the fact that she was also roped in to portray Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder.

Tessa has managed to impress film critics with her adroit performances in independent features such as Passing, Sylvie's Love, and Sorry to Bother You, among others.

Bryce Dallas Howard was recently seen in Jurassic World Dominion. She is known to have attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

She went mainstream after having made her likable presence felt in features such as The Village, As You Like It, and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.

That said, critical acclaim and further opportunities followed as Howard appeared as a "fair-weather" girlfriend in 50/50 and as a racist socialite in The Help.

Sarah Paulson began her acting career in New York City stage productions. Trust us when we stress that she deserves more credit than we give her.

A thriving screen performer even in her 40s, the American Gothic star has delivered outstanding performances in feature films and television shows such as Game Change, Run, and Ratched.

A recipient of a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award, Paulson was named among the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2017.

This German-American actress shot to fame after portraying Helen in the epic war film Troy. She rose to prominence internationally after her critically acclaimed performance as Bridget von Hammersmark in Quentin Tarantino's blockbuster war drama, Inglourious Basterds.

Kruger played a Detective in the crime drama series The Bridge and made her German-language debut in Fatih Akin's In the Fade. The project won her the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress.

The talented cine-star was made an Officer of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2014.

One of the most underappreciated actresses in the world, Rebecca Hall has gone on to stun us with her diligent character projection in features such as The Gift, Christine, and The Night House.

She made her maiden screen appearance at the age of 10 in the 1992 television adaptation of The Camomile Lawn.

The supremely talented lady not only amazed the film pundits with her career-best performance in Christine but she also earned acclaim after making her directorial debut in 2021 with the period drama Passing. The film is currently streaming on Netflix.

Kerry Washington is a name that has been synonymous with brilliant performances in motion pictures and television series for as long as most of us can recall.

Since she is only one of the few 40-year-old actresses with directing and TV writing abilities, we are more than certain that she will continue to make her remarkable presence felt for years to come.

The talented actress has demonstrated her acting skills in movies and television shows such as Confirmation, Scandal, and Little Fires Everywhere.

Anna Paquin was recently seen in the critically acclaimed biographical sports drama American Underdog. She made her feature film debut with The Piano; a film that won her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at the age of 11.

She's been a successful child actress and has received multiple Young Artist Award nominations. Later, she also won acclaim for her work on the television show True Blood.

Paquin continued to perform for the mainstream audience by portraying the mutant superheroine Rogue in the X-Men franchise of films for over a decade.

Actress and businesswoman Kate Hudson made her feature film debut in the 1998 drama Desert Blue. However, it was her confident performance in Almost Famous that not only earned her a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress but also fetched her fame.

The actress was seen headlining several romantic comedies throughout the 2000s. Co-founder of the fitness brand and membership program Fabletics, Hudson was seen playing the recurring role of Cassandra July on the hit series Glee.

Not many are aware of the fact that Rosario Dawson was discovered by photographer Larry Clark and filmmaker Harmony Korine while hanging out on her doorstep.

She is one of the few actors on our list to have starred in both indie hits and action blockbusters during the course of her career.

Dawson delivered her best in film and TV projects such as He Got Game, 25th Hour, Sin City, Death Proof, and The Mandalorian. She's set to play the leading role in the Star Wars series Ahsoka.

Jessica Alba began appearing on television and in the movies at the young age of 13. She was first seen in Camp Nowhere and The Secret World of Alex Mack.

Soon after, she grabbed the opportunity to portray the main lead in the television series Dark Angel; a show that even earned her a Golden Globe nomination.

Popular magazines such as Men's Health, Vanity Fair, and FHM have often included her on their lists of the world's most beautiful women.

Alba has starred in several commercial hits such as Good Luck Chuck, Fantastic Four, and Mechanic: Resurrection.

Rose Byrne is an admirable actor who made her screen debut in Dallas Doll. She continued to star in Australian film and television projects throughout the 1990s.

Her award-winning performance in The Goddess of 1967 helped her make her transition to Hollywood. While she managed to prove her comic timing in Bridesmaids, she was also seen playing a dramatic role in movies such as Troy, Insidious, Insidious: Chapter 2, and 28 Weeks Later.

That said, her performance in the legal thriller series Damages fetched her two Golden Globe Awards nominations and two well-deserved Primetime Emmy Award nominations.

Kristen Bell made her feature film debut in 1998's Polish Wedding. She began her acting career by starring in stage productions while attending school.

Her character projection in the teen noir drama television series Veronica Mars not only fetched her fame but also a Saturn Award for Best Actress on Television.

Bell played the female lead in the comedy series House of Lies and has been seen partaking in mainstream features such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Bad Moms, and Frozen.

Ukraine-born American actress Mila Kunis shot to instant fame after portraying the unforgettable brat Jackie in the very popular That 70's Show. She is also known to have voiced the character of Meg Griffin in Family Guy.

The gorgeous actress began her journey in the entertainment industry in her preteens. Not long after her successful television outing, she was seen making her dynamic presence felt in motion pictures such as Black Swan, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Friends with Benefits, and Ted.

She and her husband Ashton Kutcher are credited with creating a GoFundMe page to raise $30 million to pay AirBnB and Flexport for housing Ukraine refugees. It's been reported that the couple personally donated $3 million for the same.

Alicia Silverstone made a splash right after she appeared in her debut film, The Crush. For her performance in the same, she earned the 1994 MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance.

Her inclusion in the teen comedy flick Clueless paved the way for her appearance in the big-budget superhero film Batman & Robin, in which she was seen playing Batgirl.

Silverstone, who has published two vegan cookbooks, is also known to endorse PETA activities.

Elizabeth Banks is a gifted personality who, besides acting, has also gone on to prove herself as a filmmaker, writer, and producer.

The actor made her feature film debut with Surrender Dorothy and went on to star in popular credits such as the Spider-Man trilogy, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Role Models, and Brightburn.

She received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her performance in the sitcom 30 Rock.

One of the stalwarts of the smash-hit Fast & Furious franchise of films, Michelle Rodrigues is yet another actress who looks great in her 40s.

The tough-talking Texan made her screen debut in the award-winning boxing drama Girlfight. She rose to prominence after having been cast as a permanent member of the Fast & Furious series.

Rodriguez has been able to carve a niche for herself in the world of movies after participating in titles such as Avatar, Machete, and Smurfs: The Lost Village, to mention a few.

Katherine Heigl first made a name for herself by starring in the ABC television medical drama Grey's Anatomy from 2005 to 2010. Her performance in the same fetched her the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2007.

Before featuring in films, the actress had given her career a kick-start as a child model. She soon turned her attention to acting and was, therefore, seen in features such as The Night and My Father the Hero.

As her career progressed, we saw her not only establishing herself as a cover model but also as a mainstream actor who appeared in motion pictures such as Knocked Up, The Ugly Truth, Killers, and 27 Dresses, among others.

The attractive Rebecca Ferguson came into the spotlight following her portrayal of Elizabeth Woodville in the British television miniseries The White Queen. For her performance in the same, she was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film.

She found further fame by starring as an MI6 agent in the fifth, sixth, and seventh instalments of the hit Mission Impossible franchise.

A recipient of the Best Actress award at the 2016 Prague Independent Film Festival, Ferguson has been seen playing significant characters in full-length features and shows such as Doctor Sleep, Dune, Life, and Silo.

One of the few actresses who started her ascent to fame in her 40s, Rashida Jones used to write and direct for television before taking up acting for good.

The actress has been featured in different beauty magazines courtesy of her exquisite looks. She made a name for herself by appearing in acclaimed shows such as The Office and Parks and Recreation.

Her documentary film Quincy, which is based on the life of her father, Quincy Jones, won the Grammy Award for Best Music Film in 2019.

Despite being in her 40s, Zooey Deschanel continues to be double trouble for actors half her age. Not only is she a competent screen performer but she is also a likable singer.

She had played minor roles in several films at the beginning of the new millennium before Elf helped her come into the spotlight.

Deschanel has also contributed songs to various movies she has been involved in. Her rise as a cine star continued with 500 Days of Summer and the hit comedy series New Girl.

Given the fact that the lovely Evangeline Lilly gained recognition soon after having started her screen career, it's a bit surprising that she did not participate in a ton of feature films.

However, thanks to her sincere performance in the hit television series Lost, she was able to cement a place for herself in the highly competitive industry.

While Lilly was seen playing a decent role in the Academy Award-winning war film The Hurt Locker, her career found a new lease of life when she was given the opportunity to portray Hope van Dyne/Wasp in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

One of the fittest actors to make it to our piece, Jessica Biel began her career as a vocalist appearing in musical productions. She achieved recognition after having been cast as Mary Camden in the family drama series 7th Heaven.

The good-looking actor gained further fame after partaking in motion pictures such as I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Total Recall.

Biel received nominations for a Golden Globe Award and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her performance in The Sinner.

Eva Green is a sensational actress whose presence is enough to light up the screen. She achieved international recognition for her adroit performance in Ridley Scott's historical epic Kingdom of Heaven.

The very next year, she went on to earn the BAFTA Rising Star Award for her character projection in the hit Bond film, Casino Royale.

A star of numerous independent titles, Green was also nominated for Best Actress in a Television Series - Drama at the 73rd Golden Globe Awards for her character projection in the horror drama series Penny Dreadful.

The gorgeous Isla Fisher was born to Scottish parents in Oman. She moved to Australia at the age of six and started featuring in commercials.

Sooner than later, she gained recognition for her performance in the Australian soap opera Home and Away. However, she broke-out in the true sense of the word after playing a part in The Wedding Crashers.

Also an author, the Definitely, Maybe star serves as both an actor and executive producer in the Peacock series Wolf Like Me.

English actresses Natalie Dormer managed to impress critics with her character projection in The Tudors. She consolidated her position as a screen performer after having played the cunning Margaery Tyrell in Game of Thrones.

Even though she was seen in the explosive final two Hunger Games motion pictures, it's rather obvious that she has managed to make a mark on the small screen.

Dormer can also be seen in Penny Dreadful: City of Angels and Picnic at Hanging Rock.

Ranked among the sexiest women in the world at the peak of her cinematic journey, Eva Mendes is in her late 40s, but it's incredibly tough to tell.

Aside from being an actor, she has also been a model and fashion designer.

Her performance in Training Day marked a turning point in her career, and she was soon seen playing a crucial role in popular mainstream features such as Hitch, 2 Fast 2 Furious, and Ghost Rider, to mention a few.

Born and raised in London, the wonderful Hayley Atwell came to fame after playing Lady Elizabeth Foster in The Duchess. For her performance in the same, she earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the British Independent Film Awards.

While she continued to prove her mettle by marking her presence in shows such as The Pillars of the Earth and Black Mirror, further fame followed as she successfully portrayed Agent Peggy Carter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film Captain America: The First Avenger.

Atwell reprised her role on the television series Agent Carter soon after.

Cobie Smulders may have commenced her career by appearing in an episode or two of shows such as Special Unit 2, Jeremiah and Tru Calling, but she shot to instant fame after starring as Robin Scherbatsky in the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother.

Not long after the show finished, the actress was cast to play S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill in the biggest Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero films. She reprised the role in the ABC action drama series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Smulders has also appeared in Netflix series such as A Series of Unfortunate Events and Friends from College in the recent past.