Actress and director Jennifer Love Hewitt is addressing the challenges of aging in the public eye. In a recent interview, she discussed the pressure to remain frozen in time, particularly for women in Hollywood. Hewitt emphasized the importance of self-acceptance and comfort as women age, noting the beauty she sees in women embracing their 40s. However, she acknowledged the difficulty of navigating public perception, especially online, where some fans struggle to accept that she doesn't look the same as she did in her 20s.

Jennifer Love Hewitt discussed the challenges of aging under public scrutiny. (Michael Tran/FilmMagic | Getty Images)

Hewitt revealed that fans often latch onto a specific age or look they associate with a celebrity, making it difficult for that individual to evolve and age naturally. She referenced a quote from Taylor Swift, highlighting the pressure to conform to a particular image. The "Holiday Junkie" star expressed the desire for women to embrace the physical changes that come with age, whether it's lines on their faces or changes to their bodies after childbirth.

Hewitt stars in and directs "The Holiday Junkie." (Chris Haston/WBTV via Getty Images)

She also touched on the hurtful comments she's received on social media regarding her appearance. Last year, a filtered selfie she posted sparked headlines about her being "unrecognizable." Hewitt clarified that she used the filter because she wasn't wearing makeup, and found the subsequent backlash and accusations of hiding her appearance to be absurd. As a mother, she's particularly sensitive to such comments, concerned about the impact they might have on her children.

Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. in "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer." (Columbia Pictures/Getty Images)

Hewitt discussed a filtered photo that led to negative comments. (Jennifer Love Hewitt)

Hewitt in 1998 (left) and 1999. (Getty Images)

The cast of "Party of Five." (Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Hewitt and her husband, Brian Hallisay, behind the scenes of "The Holiday Junkie." (Jennifer Love Hewitt/Instagram)

Hewitt reflected on her career and offered advice to her younger self. (Jerod Harris/WireImage)