In a shocking interview, Jamie Lee Curtis has called plastic surgery “the genocide of a generation of women” and revealed her plan to step back from Hollywood. Despite continuing to secure high-profile roles, including an Oscar-winning performance, Curtis is preparing to leave the industry. Why would she walk away from it all at the peak of her career? Is it the pressure of aging in an image-obsessed industry, or something more? Find out what’s behind her bold decision 👇👇👇

Jamie Lee Curtis Slams Plastic Surgery as “Genocide” and Announces Plan to Step Back from Hollywood

In a candid and powerful interview with The Guardian published on July 2025, actress Jamie Lee Curtis opened up about her decision to eventually leave Hollywood, offering a bold critique of the entertainment industry and its obsession with physical appearance. Curtis, who has had a career spanning decades, shared deeply personal reflections on witnessing the decline of her famous parents’ careers as they aged, as well as her concerns over the rise of plastic surgery and artificial beauty standards in modern media.

A Personal Reflection on Aging in Hollywood

Curtis, 66, discussed the painful process she observed in her parents, iconic actors Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, as they faced rejection due to aging in the unforgiving world of Hollywood. “I witnessed my parents lose the very thing that gave them their fame and their life and their livelihood, when the industry rejected them at a certain age,” Curtis explained, noting how it had been incredibly painful for her to see her parents, who once enjoyed immense success, gradually lose their careers due to their changing appearances.

Her father, Tony Curtis, who starred in classic films like Some Like It Hot, and her mother, Janet Leigh, famously known for her role in Psycho, both saw their careers falter in their later years. This experience, Curtis admits, has deeply influenced her perspective on the pressures of Hollywood, and it’s one of the reasons she is considering stepping away from the spotlight.

Plastic Surgery: “The Genocide of a Generation”

Curtis did not mince words when discussing her views on plastic surgery. She condemned it as what she called “the genocide of a generation of women” by the cosmetic surgery industry. “We’ve wiped out a generation or two of natural human appearance,” Curtis stated. She believes that the rise of plastic surgery, fillers, and other cosmetic procedures has caused a disfigurement of generations, particularly women, who feel the societal pressure to look a certain way.

“The concept that you can alter the way you look through chemicals, surgical procedures, fillers – there’s a disfigurement of generations of predominantly women who are altering their appearances,” she explained. Curtis further criticized the societal expectation that beauty must be artificially constructed, asserting that people should be more accepting of their natural selves.

The Influence of AI and Social Media

Curtis also expressed concern over the increasing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media filters, which she believes have contributed to an unrealistic standard of beauty. “Now the filter face is what people want. I’m not filtered right now. The minute I lay a filter on and you see the before and after, it’s hard not to go: ‘Oh, well that looks better.’ But what’s better? Better is fake,” she said, highlighting the growing pressure on individuals—especially women—to conform to a digital version of beauty.

Although she did not name specific celebrities, Curtis pointed to the prevalence of plastic surgery in the industry and suggested that it had become normalized to the point where many media outlets and personalities were shaping a distorted view of beauty.

Curtis’ Upcoming Projects and Career Reflections

Despite her criticisms of the industry, Curtis continues to be an in-demand actress. In 2024, she won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. She has also been featured in the Emmy-winning drama The Bear, where she plays Carmy’s mother. Curtis is set to star in Freakier Friday, the sequel to the beloved Freaky Friday film, and will also take over the late Angela Lansbury’s iconic role of Jessica Fletcher in a Murder, She Wrote reboot. She is also slated to star in the Prime Video series Scarpetta alongside Nicole Kidman.

Even with these high-profile projects on the horizon, Curtis revealed that she has been “self-retiring for 30 years.” She explained that she has been preparing to leave the industry to avoid suffering the same fate as her parents. “I want to leave the party before I’m no longer invited,” she said, adding that she has become “quite brusque” and no longer hesitates to set boundaries in her personal and professional life.

Curtis’ Vision for the Future

Despite her long career and continued success, Curtis is clear about her desire to step back from the public eye when she chooses. Her decision is driven by her wish to avoid the pain and rejection she witnessed in her parents’ lives, as well as her growing dissatisfaction with the pressures Hollywood places on aging and appearance. Curtis believes it’s important to leave on her own terms, and her comments about the entertainment industry highlight the need for more acceptance and less pressure to conform to artificial standards of beauty and success.

As for her legacy in Hollywood, Curtis says she has no regrets about her career and the choices she’s made. “I’ve had a full, wonderful career, and I’m proud of the work I’ve done,” she concluded. But for now, she’s focused on enjoying the projects she’s passionate about while remaining committed to her own personal values.

Conclusion: A Call for Authenticity

Curtis’ comments serve as a powerful call for authenticity and self-acceptance in an industry often defined by superficial standards. As Hollywood continues to evolve, her views may inspire a broader conversation about beauty standards, aging, and the impact of cosmetic procedures. Jamie Lee Curtis’ decision to reflect on her career, her parents’ experiences, and the pressures of the industry makes it clear that she values staying true to herself above all else—something she believes should be a priority for everyone in the public eye.

While her plans to “step back” may mean a slower pace in her professional career, it’s clear that Curtis’ influence will remain, as she continues to advocate for authenticity, aging with grace, and rejecting societal pressures to conform.