From Charlize Theron to Kris Jenner, an expert explains why older women in Hollywood are dating younger men and why the controversial trend might becoming more popular
Age gap relationships in Hollywood are nothing new – but Charlize Theron still managed to cause a social media furore after admitting to sleeping with a younger man on a recent Call Her Daddy podcast. Now it seems she’s beckoning a new era: of cougar romances.
In a candid discussion about her dating life with host Alex Cooper, the 49-year-old actress said that she’s only had a few one-night stands in her life. However, she added: “But I did just recently f**k a 26-year-old, and it was really f**king amazing.”
She then asked herself: “Oh, f**k, I should have done this in my 20s. ” Then jokingly added: “Who has f**king time for dates and shaving and waxing and makeup? I’ve got two children that have to go to school the next [day]. “
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Her story was quick to provoke backlash on X. “Uhh, why is she talking about this openly? ” a commenter asked. “I could not feel attraction to a man that could be the age of my son. Yucky,” another wrote.
However, there were others who were far more supportive. “And what is the problem? They both are adults, right? Let people live their lives as they want,” one user said. Another pointed out the double standard in attitude towards men and women: “And? If [Leonardo] DiCaprio or Elon [Musk] can, why can’t she? ”
She’s far from the only woman in Hollywood to see the appeal in younger men. Massive stars like Tracee Ellis Woods, Madonna and even the world’s most famous momager Kris Jenner have publicly dated younger men.
Kris Jenner, 69, first met 44-year-old Corey Gamble at a party in 2014 and eventually made their relationship Instagram-official the following year. In a 2024 confessional from The Kardashians, she admitted that she initially had her doubts about the 25-year age gap.
“I used to say to Corey all the time when I first started dating him, like why do you want to date somebody who is older than you? I didn’t get the age gap, and then he taught me that age is just a number,” Kris said. “It’s a f**king big number, but it’s a number! “
Meanwhile, Madonna has had a history of dating younger men – most recently 28-year-old Akeem Morris. In a 2017 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, the 66-year-old said: “I have lovers who are three decades younger than me. This makes people very uncomfortable. I feel like everything I do makes people feel really uncomfortable.”
Black-ish star Tracee Ellis-Woods also recently came out to express her preference for dating younger men. On the IMO podcast, hosted by Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson, the 52-year-old said: “A lot of men my age are steeped in toxic masculinity and have been raised in a culture where there is a particular way that a relationship looks.”
“There is a difference. There is an openness that occurs with a younger man around, whether it’s gender fluidity or not even having an issue with homosexuality — something as basic as that,” she added.
So, are we seeing a rise in ‘cougar’ relationships? Hope Flynn, relationship expert and founder of So what?, says this sentiment that younger men are more open is fairly common. She explained: “The appeal of dating younger men often lies in their energy, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives on life. They may bring a sense of adventure, spontaneity and openness to new experiences.”
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She continues: “This dynamic can really boost a woman’s confidence and create a rejuvenating and playful connection. ‘Age-gap relationships’ are no longer just limited to older men and younger women, as we are seeing a rise in relationships that don’t follow traditional ‘age rules’. ”
Part of the trend is also coming from women’s increased autonomy. “Over the years women have become more and more independent, we are more educated than ever, we can pay our own bills and all of these things contribute to allowing older women to pursue relationships with younger guys as they no longer have to be dependent on a man. ”
The shift is also coming from men too. Hope adds: “Younger guys are also increasingly attracted to the independence and maturity that older women have to offer. This can make for a good relationship as younger men have less pressure to be the sole provider within a relationship like they used to years ago. ”
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