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30 Most Popular Actresses in Their 40s, in 2023

Actresses are important people in the entertainment industry. Try to imagine a life without actresses. It could be boring right? They keep us entertained on boring and lazy days. We have so many popular actresses from all over the world who have changed Hollywood over time.

In this article, we have compiled the 40 most popular actresses in their 40s, in 2023. We have showcased their remarkable work over the years and their achievements. Read this article to the end to get to know more about the named actresses. 

1. Stephanie Beatriz (42)

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Stephanie Beatriz is an American actress who is in her early 40s. Though she has been acting since the 2000s, Beatriz became widely known in her late 30s for playing Rosa Diaz on the comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine from 2013-2021. Her deadpan humor and tough persona earned her praise. Now in her 40s, Beatriz continues to act in comedic roles, including as Mirabel in Encanto in 2021.

She often plays bold, assertive characters. Beatriz also uses her platform to advocate for LGBTQ and immigrant rights. While she has been acting for a while, her career really took off in the last several years. Beatriz has proven herself as a talented comedic actress who can steal any scene. Her rising fame and influence continue as she enters her 40s.

2. Kerry Washington (46)

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Kerry Washington is an acclaimed American actress who is now in her 40s. Though she has been acting since the 1990s, Washington became a huge star in her late 30s for her role as Olivia Pope on the TV drama Scandal from 2012-2018. As Olivia Pope, she was the first Black woman to headline a network TV drama in almost 40 years. This role earned her Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

Today, Washington continues to act in impactful roles, such as in American Son and Little Fires Everywhere. She is also a producer and activist. Washington uses her platform to advocate for diversity in Hollywood. With her talent and influence, she remains a respected and trailblazing actress in her 40s.

3. Angelina Jolie (48)

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Angelina Jolie is an internationally famous actress and humanitarian who is now in her late 40s. She became a major star in her 20s for movies like Girl, Interrupted, Tomb Raider, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. She is known for her edgy, action-packed roles showcasing her versatility. In her 30s, Jolie focused more on humanitarian work while occasionally acting. She also underwent major surgeries. Now in her 40s, Jolie is acting more again.

Recent roles include Maleficent and Those Who Wish Me Dead. She also has moved into directing. Jolie uses her platform to advocate for human rights. Though her personal life remains very public, Jolie’s undeniable screen presence and talent keep her in high demand in Hollywood.

4. Charlize Theron (48)

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Charlize Theron is a highly respected American actress. She first gained fame in the late 1990s for roles in Mighty Joe Young and The Devil’s Advocate. In her 30s, Theron won an Oscar for playing serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster. She went on to star in many major films over the next two decades like Mad Max: Fury Road, Bombshell, and The Old Guard.

As she has entered her 40s, Theron continues to take on transformative, complex roles. She is admired for playing strong, complicated women. Her excellent acting skills and producing talents keep her highly in-demand in Hollywood, even in her 40s. Charlize Theron remains a powerful force on screen.

5. Amy Adams (48)

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Amy Adams is a very respected American actress who is now in her late 40s. She began acting in the early 2000s, gaining attention for roles in indie films like Junebug  (2005) and Catch Me If You Can (2002).  Her breakthrough role was Enchanted in 2007. After that, she began getting leading roles in many major films. Some of her most acclaimed roles have been in movies like The Fighter, American Hustle, Arrival, and Vice. Adams has been nominated for 6 Oscars so far.

She continues taking on exciting, complex roles in films like Hillbilly Elegy and Dear Evan Hansen. Her fans and critics admire her versatility and commitment to playing interesting characters. She remains one of Hollywood‘s top dramatic actresses.

6. Emily Blunt (40)

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Emily Blunt is a popular English actress. She first got attention in 2006 for her roles in The Devil Wears Prada and The Young Victoria. In her 30s, Blunt starred in many successful films like Looper in 2012, Edge of Tomorrow (2014), and two Mary Poppins movies. She received praise for her acting talent and versatility. 

Blunt continues to take on a variety of roles in both independent and blockbuster films. Recent movies include A Quiet Place, Jungle Cruise, and Oppenheimer. She balances serious dramatic roles with big action movies. Admired for her skill and likable screen presence, Blunt remains a top Hollywood actress as she enters her 40s, captivating audiences in whatever part she plays.

7. Jessica Chastain (46)

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Jessica Chastain is one of the famous American actresses. She first got noticed acting in films in 2011. Some of her early movies were The Help, Take Shelter, and The Tree of Life. In 2012, she received an Oscar nomination for Zero Dark Thirty. Chastain quickly became known for her talent in serious, dramatic roles.

Other acclaimed films she has starred in include Interstellar, A Most Violent Year, and The Martian. More recently, she won the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in The Eyes of Tammy Faye in 2021. Chastain remains one of Hollywood‘s top actresses. She continues to choose interesting and complex roles that showcase her excellent acting abilities.

8. Claire Danes (44)

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Claire Danes is an acclaimed American actress who is now in her early 40s. She became famous as a teenager for the TV show My So-Called Life in the 1990s. In her 20s and 30s, she transitioned to more adult roles in films like Romeo + Juliet, The Hours, and Temple Grandin. Danes also starred as Carrie Mathison on the drama Homeland from 2011-2020, winning multiple Emmys for the role.

In 2022, she starred in the limited series Fleishman Is in Trouble. Danes is widely respected for her acting talent and carefully chosen roles. She remains a prominent leading lady in Hollywood in her 40s.

9. Zooey Deschanel (43)

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Zooey Deschanel is an American actress and singer known for comedy roles. She is now in her early 40s. Deschanel became famous in the 2000s for playing quirky, cheerful characters in films like Elf, 500 Days of Summer, and Yes Man in 2008. In 2011, she began starring on the TV show New Girl, which ran for 7 seasons. On the show, she played the funny, offbeat Jessica Day. 

Today, Deschanel has continued acting while also focusing on her music career. She is half of the musical duo She & Him. With her distinctive personality and talents, Deschanel remains popular in comedic TV and film roles.

10. Kate Hudson (44)

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Kate Hudson is an American actress who is now in her early 40s. She rose to fame in her 20s starring in lighthearted romantic comedies like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Raising Helen. As she entered her 30s, Hudson expanded into more dramatic roles in films like Nine and Deepwater Horizon. She also enjoys pursuing other creative passions like writing books. Hudson continues acting in movies and on TV.

She currently stars on the show Truth Be Told. Hudson also launched an athletic clothing line. She often discusses embracing aging and living a balanced life. Though still landing iconic rom-com roles, Hudson is now taking on more mature parts. Her success from a young age keeps her in the spotlight even as she enters her 40s.

11. Eva Longoria (48)

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Eva Longoria is a well-known American actress. She became famous in her 30s for playing Gabrielle Solis on the hit TV show Desperate Housewives from 2004-2012. The show made her a household name. After it ended, Longoria acted in some movies and produced TV shows and documentaries. She also invested in businesses.

She recently directed the movie Flamin’ Hot. Longoria is also known for her charity work with Latinas. While less active as an actress now, Longoria had great success on Desperate Housewives in her 30s. In her 40s, she is transitioning to working more behind the camera instead of in front of it.

12. Sarah Paulson (48)

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Sarah Paulson is an acclaimed American actress who is now in her late 40s. She has been acting since the 1990s in films and TV shows. Paulson became very famous in her 40s starring in many seasons of the hit show American Horror Story. She has played different characters each season, showing her talent and versatility. Paulson has also won praise for dramatic roles in movies like Carol and 12 Years a Slave and as Marcia Clark in The People v. O.J. Simpson.

She has received many Emmy nominations and wins. Even in her 40s, Paulson takes on challenging and complex roles in TV and film. With her acting range and choice of interesting projects, she remains a standout, respected actress in Hollywood in her 40s.

13. Natalie Portman (42)

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Natalie Portman is a very respected American actress. She started acting as a teen in films like Leon and Beautiful Girls. In her 20s, she gained fame for playing Padme in the Star Wars prequels. She won an Oscar for her role in Black Swan. In her 30s, Portman took a break to raise her children.

Her recent roles include playing Jackie Kennedy in Jackie and a scientist in Annihilation. She will play Thor in the next Thor movie. Portman is admired for her intelligence and careful selection of serious, complex roles. She is also a director and social activist. Even in her 40s, she remains one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed and dedicated actresses. Her fans are excited to see the roles she takes on next.

14. Eva Mendes (49)

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Eva Mendes is an American actress who is now in her late 40s. She became well-known in the early 2000s for starring in films like Training Day, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Hitch, and We Own the Night. Her good looks and talent made her a popular leading lady. In her late 30s, Mendes took a break from acting to raise her two daughters.

She has acted infrequently, instead focusing on her fashion business and philanthropy. But with her trademark beauty and acting skills, Mendes remains admired. She is still offered acting roles regularly, though she is selective, knowing her priority is her family. Fans hope to see her on screen again soon.

15. Reese Witherspoon (47)

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Reese Witherspoon is a very famous American actress. She is now in her mid-40s. Witherspoon became popular in the late 1990s for playing cheerful characters in movies like Election, Legally Blonde, and Sweet Home Alabama. In her 30s, she began producing and starring in films like Walk the Line, for which she won an Oscar.

Nowadays, Witherspoon continues to act and produce successful movies and TV shows. Some of her recent hits are Wild, Sing, Big Little Lies, and The Morning Show. Witherspoon chooses roles in movies about strong, complicated women. She runs a production company to make more of these types of stories. Witherspoon remains one of the most acclaimed and influential actresses, even in her 40s.

16. Anna Faris (46)

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Anna Faris is a popular American comedy actress who is currently in her 40s. She rose to fame in the 2000s with starring roles in spoof films like Scary Movie, The House Bunny, and the Scary Movie sequels. She also starred in the sitcom Mom for many years. 

The actress continues to act in comedic roles. She recently starred in the comedy films Overboard and The Estate. Faris has proven herself as a gifted comedic actress who can get laughs in both slapstick films and more subtle TV comedies. Her cheerful persona and comedic timing keep her in demand for funny roles even as she is in her 40s.

17. Drew Barrymore (48)

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Drew Barrymore is a very famous American actress. She started acting as a child in the 1980s in films like E.T. As an adult, some of her popular movies were The Wedding Singer, 50 First Dates, and Charlie’s Angels. She took a break from acting for a few years to focus on raising her daughters.

Today in her 40s, Barrymore is acting again. She stars in and produces the Netflix comedy Santa Clarita Diet. She also hosts her own daytime talk show called The Drew Barrymore Show. It is popular because of Barrymore’s cheerful personality. Even after almost 40 years in show business, Barrymore remains one of America’s sweethearts. Her fans have loved watching her career continue successfully into her 40s.

18. Maggie Gyllenhaal (45)

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Maggie Gyllenhaal is a popular American actress in her 40s. She first became famous in the early 2000s for movies like Donnie Darko and The Dark Knight. In her 30s, Gyllenhaal began taking on more mature, complex roles in films like Crazy Heart and Hysteria.

She won a Golden Globe for The Honourable Woman in 2014. She also stars in the recent hit The Lost Daughter. With her ability to portray complicated characters, Gyllenhaal remains an acclaimed dramatic actress in her 40s. She is respected for taking on challenging roles.

19. Katherine Heigl (44)

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Katherine Heigl is a well-known American actress who is 44 years old as of 2023. She started becoming famous in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Her breakout role was as Izzie on the TV show Grey’s Anatomy. She was on the show for several years. Heigl also starred in romantic comedies like Knocked Up, 27 Dresses, and The Ugly Truth. She took some time off from acting to raise her young daughters.

Recently she has been acting again. She stars on the TV show Firefly Lane. She also acts in movies from time to time. While not as busy as early in her career, Heigl remains a recognizable actress known for her romantic comedies and TV dramas. She is trying new roles as she continues acting in her 40s.

20. Michelle Williams (43)

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Michelle Williams is a very famous American actress. She is in her early 40s now. Williams started acting as a teenager in the 1990s. Some of her early famous roles were on the TV show Dawson’s Creek and movies like Brokeback Mountain. In the 2000s and 2010s, Williams began taking more serious adult roles in films.

She has gotten praise for movies like My Week with Marilyn, Manchester by the Sea, and The Greatest Showman. She has been nominated for 4 Oscars. She chooses interesting and often difficult roles. Williams is respected as a great dramatic actress.

21. Jessica Chastain (46)

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Jessica Chastain is a popular American actress in her 40s as of 2023. She rose to fame in 2011 with performances in The Help in 2011 and Tree of Life in  2011.

Some of her most acclaimed roles have come in her 40s, including Zero Dark Thirty (2012), The Martian (2015), and The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021), for which she won the Oscar for Best Actress. Known for her versatility and commitment to complex roles, Chastain remains a top leading lady in Hollywood in her 40s.

22. Tessa Thompson (40)

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Tessa Thompson is an American actress born in 1983. So, she is 40 years old in 2023. Thompson started acting in TV shows like Veronica Mars early in her career. Her big break came when she was in the movie Creed in 2015. After this, she started getting many big roles. She has been in Thor, Westworld, and Men in Black. Thompson gets praise for portraying strong women.

She often speaks out about issues like discrimination in Hollywood. Thompson is very respected as an actress and activist. Her talent and rising fame make her one of the most popular actresses working today.

23. Lupita Nyong’o (40)

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Lupita Nyong’o is an actress born in Mexico in 1983. She is 40 years old in 2023. Nyong’o first became very famous when she won an Oscar for 12 Years a Slave in 2014. After this, she was in Star Wars and Black Panther. These blockbuster movies made her even more popular around the world.

Nyong’o often uses her fame to speak out on issues like racism and women’s rights. She is also active in charity work. As an actress, Nyong’o can play any role. She is talented at drama, action, and comedy. Today, Lupita Nyong’o remains one of the most admired and influential actresses working today.

24. Kirsten Dunst (41)

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Kirsten Dunst rose to fame as a child actor in films like Interview with the Vampire in 1994 and Bring It On in 2000. She is 41 years old and her acclaimed acting continues with roles in Melancholia, The Power of the Dog, and Becoming a God in Central Florida.

Dunst’s decades-long career has shown her versatility in both blockbusters and indies. With her girl-next-door relatability and emotional depth on screen, Dunst remains a beloved and respected actress.

25. Anne Hathaway (40)

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Anne Hathaway’s breakout role came in 2001’s The Princess Diaries. She went on to star in films like Brokeback Mountain and The Devil Wears Prada. Born in 1982, Hathaway won an Oscar in 2013 for her performance in Les Misérables.

In recent years, she has starred in Ocean’s 8, Dark Waters, Locked Down, and Armageddon Time. With her stunning looks and ability to captivate audiences, Hathaway has remained a sought-after A-list actress for over two decades. Approaching 40, she is expanding her producing credits as well. With her talent and fame only growing, Anne Hathaway continues to shine as one of Hollywood’s most popular actresses.

26. Rachel McAdams (44)

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Rachel McAdams rose to fame in the early 2000s starring in hit films like Mean Girls and The Notebook. Born in 1978, she has smoothly transitioned from playing the ingénue to more mature roles in her 40s. McAdams earned an Oscar nomination for her performance in Spotlight in 2015. She continues to star in acclaimed projects like the second season of True Detective in 2015 and more recently Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga in 2020. 

McAdams balances blockbusters like Doctor Strange with grittier indie films. Her girl-next-door charm and versatility have kept McAdams in demand. With talent and fame on her side, she remains one of the most beloved actresses working today.

27. Felicity Jones (40)

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Felicity Jones is an English actress. She was born in 1983 and she is 40 years old in 2023. Jones started acting in British TV shows as a teen. She got famous in movies like The Theory of Everything. This earned her an Oscar nomination. Jones went on to act in more big films like Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and On the Basis of Sex.

She is very talented at playing real people. Jones can make history feel real and moving. She is also beautiful and charming on screen. She continues to choose interesting, serious roles. Felicity Jones is considered one of the UK’s most respected actresses.

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28. Gugu Mbatha-Raw (40)

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Gugu Mbatha-Raw is a British actress. She was born in 1983. Mbatha-Raw started acting in the early 2000s. She got more famous when she starred in the TV show Touch. Then she was in some big movies like Belle and Beyond the Lights. Her fame kept growing. She was in The Morning Show and Loki. 

She uses her fame to help charities too. She supports women’s rights and racial equality. Mbatha-Raw is talented at both comedy and drama. She can sing beautifully too. Mbatha-Raw is considered one of Britain’s best and most inspirational actresses.

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29. Hayley Atwell (41)

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Hayley Atwell is an English actress. She is 41 years old in 2023. Atwell first became famous in 2008 when she played Agent Peggy Carter in the Marvel movie Captain America. People loved Atwell’s strong, smart character. She played Peggy Carter again in more Marvel movies and TV shows.

Fans around the world now know Atwell as Peggy Carter. She has also been in other popular shows like Pillars of the Earth and Agent Carter. Now in her 40s, Atwell continues to act in big movies and shows. She is beautiful, talented, and very popular. Atwell is considered one of the best British actresses working today.

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30. Danai Gurira (45)

Danai Gurira, age 45, has risen to prominence in recent years thanks to her role as Michonne on the hit series The Walking Dead. Her portrayal of the fierce, katana-wielding character made her a fan favorite. Gurira has also had memorable roles in Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War as Okoye.

Her talent, athleticism, and range have led to increased opportunities in film and television. With projects like The Walking Dead movie trilogy ahead, Gurira is sure to remain a compelling presence on screen. Her authenticity and ability to inhabit complex characters have cemented her as a standout actress in her 40s.