Andie MacDowell is a total pro. It’s no surprise, given that she’s spent the past 30 years as an actor and fronting major beauty campaigns. On set, the 61-year-old struck perfect pose after perfect pose as we photographed her, making slouchy sweaters regal and a patterned ball gown down to earth. In case you didn’t know, MacDowell has an infectious laugh (and a funny bone—have you seen Groundhog Day?) and she’s willing to put herself out there (she did her first nude scene in her late 50s for Love After Love) while also chatting about women in Hollywood, her modelling career, how proud she is of her children and her professional relationship with L’Oréal Paris. 

You’ve lived in so many different parts of America. Where feels like home? 

I’ve been living out of a suitcase my whole life. The idea of settling in one place sounds very appealing, but it hasn’t been my experience. Home is where the heart is, and I’ve always managed to make a place feel cozy. Right now, I’m pretty settled in California; I’m really happy there. But wherever I go, I’m always going to be near my children. They’re the most important part of my life, and I just enjoy seeing them. 

How do you stay active? 

I love to walk and hike. And that’s great because, when you’re travelling, you get to see places. Just getting out and walking is great exercise. I also love yoga—it’s my sanity; I want to get certified. 

What changes have you seen during your 30 years in Hollywood? 

Progress has been slow; sadly, I think I’m going to miss out on a lot of the rewards that are coming, but I do think they’re going to come. My generation was not in a position to demand. The women I know who are directors felt like they had to lose their femininity to be taken seriously. You would be made fun of if you were emotional. I think the younger generation is going to say, “Screw that—we’re emotional beings, so get used to it.” They’re going to demand to be taken seriously. I’m happy for my children because it’s past due. 

Image by: Alvaro Goveia

 

What are you working on now? 

I just did a TV show [Cuckoo] shot all over England. It was a completely different character for me, and that was really rewarding. It’s nice to surprise people and find something that shows a different side. 

Did you think you’d be modelling in your 60s? 

When I first started, everyone said, “Save your money—it doesn’t last.” But I think we’ve become more liberated and have started to appreciate the longevity of beauty, that there’s no time limit. 

Has your idea of beauty changed over the years? 

I think I was pretty evolved about how I thought about beauty from a young age. I think of it as an essence of someone, how they carry themselves. You can sense how they feel about themselves. There’s also a sense of enjoying life; a woman is beautiful when she’s enjoying life and not limiting herself with negativity. 

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