“It’s a man’s celluloid world”, according to San Diego State University’s Dr. Martha M. Lauzen in her annual report on the portrayals of female characters in the top grossing U.S. films in 2024. Ageism persists, outlines the report, where researchers found more than twice as many male characters as females were 50 and older. The trend they noticed was that for women, the roles significantly decrease from age 40 and above, but for men the opposite is true.
With on-screen representation being shown to have a vital impact on audiences and our perception of the world, we feel strongly about amplifying the women who have defied the status quo, and whose careers are proving a demand for more diversity.
If there is an actress who has proved that the film industry is not just a space for men to succeed beyond their 20s or 30s, it is Bonnie Rose, who you may recognize from some of the most iconic TV shows over the years. A New York gal (Queens born and bred!) who started her professional career as a stand-in for Bette Midler on “First Wives Club”, and then went on to work extensively in television and film, starting with the trifecta of all Dick Wolf’s ‘Law & Orders’, including ‘Law and Order: Criminal Intent’ and ‘Law and Order: Special Victims Unit’.
Bonnie was handpicked by iconic and legendary film director, Sidney Lumet for the feature film ‘Night Falls On Manhattan’ playing a New York City cop opposite Andy Garcia. She then went on to work with Mr. Lumet for many other projects over the next decade including a recurring role as a legal aid attorney opposite Alan Arkin on the TV legal drama ‘100 Centre St’.
Bonnie appeared on screen opposite Oscar Issac on the feature film ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ written and directed by Academy Award® winners Ethan and Joel Coen. Other notable television appearances you have undoubtedly seen her in include ‘Marvel’s Jessica Jones’, ‘Mr. Robot’ working opposite Academy Award® winner Rami Malik, ‘Blue Bloods’, ‘Broad City’ opposite Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer, ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ and the iconic ‘The Sopranos’ and more.
Bonnie can also be seen in HBO’s ‘And Just Like That’ opposite Sarah Jessica Parker, Candice Bergen and Gloria Steinem, underscoring her versatility, and dynamic chemistry with a range of genres and actors.
And let the record show that Bonnie Rose has been in the showbiz game for 32 years and counting, and she ain’t slowing down any time soon. In fact, just reading the list of her latest films has us exhausted! Bonnie recently won her first ever award for Best Actress at the 2025 World Film Festival in Cannes, France, for her role in Finise Avery’s short film ‘Living with Grandma’ and has won several more best actress awards for the same film in a few other festivals since then.
Working non-stop this past year, she also appears opposite Rose Byrne and Oscar® winners Octavia Spencer and Ariana DeBose in Stephanie Laing’s feature film ‘Tow‘, which made its World Premiere at Tribeca Film Festival in June. Bonnie also co-stars in Joe Picozzi’s award-winning short film ‘My Kind of People,’ which made its World Premiere at Dances With Films Festival in Los Angeles in June.
We managed to steal a few moments with the busy actress in between red carpet appearances and going from one movie set to another. What she shared about career longevity and the importance of more women behind the camera and on screen is exactly the inspiration we needed today!
First up – CONGRATS on your multiple Best Actress awards for ‘Living With Grandma’! What did it feel like to receive these awards and be recognized for your work in this way?
I am completely humbled and very grateful at this point in my career and my life. I am at this 32 years and in my “third act” to be recognized is truly a gift.
Tell us about your role in the film, and what drew you to the character?
In ‘Living with Grandma’, her nurturing nature and desire to be helpful to her Grandson is a universal aspect of life. It showed that as an older person I have things to share to be helpful.
As a New Yorker, it must feel great to be starring in a new film that is set in NY and has become an award winner! What is it about New York stories that you love being involved in, and that audiences are drawn to?
New York is so diversified and has so many elements that can be relayed internationally to everyone. Being an authentic New Yorker; having grown up here and lived in Queens all my life, it adds a specific flavor to the role.
Were there any real life figures or real life events you drew inspiration from to play grandma?
In ‘My Kind of my People’ by Joe Picozzi, my real life figure was my Mother-in-law Rose, and I drew a lot of my character from her. And in ‘Living with Grandma’ – a very different type of Grandma- I drew on elements of my own Mother, Mikki.
As an actress whose dynamic career spans over 30 years, you have undoubtedly played many interesting characters in both film and TV. What have been the favorites for you so far, and how do you choose which roles to take on today?
I started my career with the iconic director Sydney Lumet for whom I played many characters – a tough New York City Police Lieutenant, a recurring role as Ellen Klein, a New York City Legal Aid attorney; and with The Coen Brothers, I loved playing the chatty neighbor Ms. Gamble. And recently I played a gossipy yenta with Rachel Brosnahan in ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’. In ‘And Just Like That’ I played the Viviante Publicity agent opposite Sara Jessica Parker, Gloria Steinem and Candice Bergen. In a more dramatic turn, I played opposite Rami Malek as a distraught nurse in ‘Mr. Robot’.
How I choose which roles to take on? I love working in both drama and comedy.
When people hear the term “show business,” they focus a lot on the “show,” but not necessarily the “business” side of it. Can you give us a glimpse into what it means to be a working actress, and having to constantly improve your craft to ensure you keep getting work?
Glad that you asked that! It is a business. I constantly work on my craft and skills. I network. It’s a small town and I support my peers and constantly keep moving.
You are also in a new film starring alongside Rose Byrne and Oscar® winners Octavia Spencer and Ariana DeBose. Can you tell us a little about ‘Tow’ and your character?
Without giving away too much, I was drawn to the real life story and particularly to the resilience of the main character. My character moves a critical scene along with a bit of humor. It was incredible to work with those icons – it was a real honor.
We also love seeing woman of all ages have thriving careers in the spotlight, pushing back against the idea that youth is the only ingredient for success in film and TV. What are your thoughts on women breaking barriers on screen for all generations today?
I love the fact that women are breaking barriers both on the screen and behind the camera – more women are directing and producing which means more stories are being told from a woman’s point of view and that’s very important.
You have worked with some amazing female directors lately. Can you tell us why having more female directors at the helm is important, especially if we hope to see more equality and representation on screen?
Representation is important. That young girl who wants to break into the business needs to see examples that it can be done.
Although you have a busy schedule right now (and deserve to take a moment to bask in your spotlight!) what is next on the acting slate for you, and what kinds of projects do you hope to be involved in the future?
Next up I am on set with an untitled project where I signed an NDA lol! I absolutely love and want to work on episodic TV and feature films – maybe ‘Living with Grandma’ will get picked up for a series!
Inspired by Bonnie Rose and the success she is having in her “third act”? Be sure to keep up with all her work on her website, by subscribing to her Youtube channel, and by following her on Instagram and Facebook.
