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According to the Daytime Emmys-winning actress, labeling yourself in your golden years doesn’t exactly make for a better outlook on life.
Here’s what she has to say about positive thinking well into your golden years.
Susan Lucci Explains Reason She Still Wants “A Challenge” Even Though Hollywood Has Fewer Roles For Older People
Ahead of receiving the Spirit of Life Award on June 4 in New York City, the 77-year-old actress opened up about navigating her career in her golden years.
Despite having two heart surgeries in 2018 and 2022 and losing her husband Helmut Huber, who died at age 84, that same year in March, Lucci is still living life to the fullest. She just recently wrapped filming the crime drama ‘Outcome,’ co-written and directed by Jonah Hill. Other cast members include Hill, Keanu Reeves, Cameron Diaz, Matt Bomer and Laverne Cox.
“I am feeling good,” she shared. “I realized there were fewer parts for someone in her seventies as I am. But on the other hand, I’m thrilled right now to have been playing a part that I absolutely viewed as a challenge, and what I wanted to take and get to work with Jonah Hill, who I have so much respect for.”
Apart from appearing on the crime drama, Lucci has been receiving the recognition she deserves for her decades-long work in television – especially for her role as Erica Kane on the ABC daytime drama ‘All My Children’ for nearly 40 years
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During her acceptance speech, she gushed, “How lucky am I to dream my dreams of becoming an actress and grow up and have my dreams come true? There were obstacles and there were roadblocks — they were wannabe obstacles and roadblocks — but tonight’s a night to celebrate.”
Susan Lucci Says “Don’t Count Yourself Out” To Older People
During her talk with PEOPLE, the soap star advised people in their golden years not to count themselves out.
“No matter what her career is … don’t count yourself out. Don’t assume the worst,” she added. “Keep on being you.”
She also praised her mother, who died in 2021, for inspiring her with great wisdom.
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“I remember when I turned 60. I called my mother,” the star recalled. “I was having a lot of trouble with that particular number, and I called my mother and I said, ‘Mom, how did you deal with it? And how are you dealing with now?’ … And there was a little pause on the other end and she said, ‘Well, I just don’t think about it.’ And I thought, you know what? That is the best answer anyone could give me. … Don’t put any labels on yourself. Don’t let the number define you.”
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