Lea Thompson reveals why she pivoted to directing amid limited roles for older women

Lea Thompson opened up about the realities of aging in Hollywood and the career pivot that helped her stay in the game.

The Back to the Future star revealed that she began directing as a strategic move, anticipating the limited opportunities available to women over 50 in the entertainment industry.

“Only a small percent of roles in Hollywood go to women over 50,” Thompson shared, adding that the most desirable parts are often reserved for award-winning performers. “A lot of parts are ones I didn’t want to do.”

Recognizing the shift early, the actress said she didn’t want to “fight over scraps” as roles became scarce. Instead, she made the decision to move behind the camera — a choice that would reshape her career.

Thompson’s directorial journey began in 2006 with the Hallmark TV movie Jane Doe: The Harder They Fall, where she was already starring. That opportunity opened the door to a new creative path, one she says she genuinely enjoys.

Over the years, she has built an impressive directing résumé, working on popular television series such as The Goldbergs, Mom and Will Trent, while continuing to act in projects including Switched at Birth and The Chicken Sisters.

Reflecting on her decades-long career, Thompson said experience ultimately gave her confidence behind the camera.

“It’s very easy to think that everybody knows so much more than you do, especially when you’re a woman,” she explained. “But after a while… I realized that in having done this for over 40 years, I already knew a lot.”

Now, directing offers more than just creative fulfillment; it provides purpose. Thompson described each project as a “brain teaser” and an opportunity to give back by mentoring younger talent in the industry.

“It’s a chance to give back instead of getting bitter,” she said, emphasizing the importance of passing on knowledge as careers evolve.

Despite her success behind the scenes, Thompson hasn’t stepped away from acting. Instead, she continues to balance both roles, embracing a career that has adapted with time.

“I still love acting,” she said. “And I feel incredibly lucky to be able to act and direct.”