I don't chase beauty. I earned this face: Linda Hamilton on aging and beauty (6 photos)

Terminator fans were delighted to see 69-year-old Linda Hamilton in the new season of Stranger Things. Viewers noticed that the actress is in excellent shape, yet hasn't resorted to plastic surgery (there are only a handful of such older actresses in Hollywood).





In a recent interview with AARP Magazine, the actress spoke candidly about her feelings about aging.

- You said you want to embrace your age. What does that mean?

- I don't want to waste a second trying to look younger. I've simply accepted that I've earned this face. It tells me a lot. And sometimes it tells me things I really don't want to hear.

I don't chase beauty, and frankly, I don't particularly strive for longevity. I live in the moment. And that doesn't mean I should give up on my health. But sometimes you can indulge in a jelly donut; there's nothing wrong with that. I remain flexible in every sense, and that's a great way to age. I've always said that rigidity kills us: we keep running through the same thoughts, standing still. I've tried my whole life to remain as flexible as possible.

There's a definition of happiness: standing in the middle of a fast-flowing river and not trying to swim to one shore or the other. And, essentially, that's exactly how it was for me. What a wonderful, fun trip.



Still from the fifth season of "Stranger Things"

- How do you stay in shape now?

- To film "Stranger Things" and generally stay in shape (and to heal old injuries I got on set), I started going to the gym three times a week. I found an amazing place. They have Pilates, yoga, lots of weights, machines, and ropes. I like to come not for "chest and back day," but for a workout that's more like "what do you need to relax and stretch today?" It's incredibly beneficial. That's what I do three times a week.





- A couple of months ago, when your friend and former co-star Arnold Schwarzenegger asked, "Is there anything good about aging?" he replied, "Nothing." Do you agree?

- Now I've completely accepted myself. I couldn't do that when I was younger. I'm not trying to please anyone, prove anything, or impress anyone. I know it sounds smug, but I really mean it. I know that pleasant feeling of satisfaction with how I've spent my life and where I've come.

I have a new grandson; he lives next door. And I'm slowly entering a wonderful state—becoming a grandmother. There's some incredible connection between us. You look into his eyes, and there's something truly precious there.

I've found a balance between work and life. I've been filming quite a lot these past few years, which was a surprise to me. I haven't worked this hard for three years straight in a long time—two series at the same time, and a movie in between. And yet, I still manage to stay part of my circle, not losing friends because of work. I've learned to balance it all beautifully. And honestly, now I feel like I'm surrounded by pure happiness.



Still from "Terminator 2"

- What's the best advice you've ever been given?

- My daughter, Josephine, she was about six years old at the time. We were visiting my parents in Maryland. I woke up after a nice little nap, and my mom said, "Josephine and I were talking about beauty. And Josephine said, 'My mom is beautiful. Should I tell you why?'" My mom asked, "Why do you think that?" And she replied, "Because her face is filled with joy." That's how I've defined beauty ever since. And I strive for that joy.



With her sister Leslie, who was her stunt double on the set of "Terminator"

- Do you have a bucket list of things you need to do in life?

- Five years ago, my twin sister died. It was a huge shock for me. Losing my other half knocked me off my feet. And then I really decided to follow through on the bucket list. For example, after a 40-year hiatus, I got back in the saddle. I just decided, "I need this. I want to get back in the saddle and start jumping." It was absolutely crazy and a lot of fun.



- What do you regret?

- Nothing. But that doesn't mean I'm not sad about some of my actions in the past, when I was young, unruly, and had mental health issues. (Note: In 2004, Hamilton revealed she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and depression.) I am sad. And, of course, I'm trying to atone for those actions.

It's hard to upset me now. I live in peace now. I appreciate the place I'm in. I guess I had to go through all of this—the pain and the long internal battles—to reach a state of inner peace and self-esteem. And I feel it every day.

- What would you tell your younger self?

- Everything will be okay in the end. Don't worry.