Actors say seniors are being short-changed by Hollywood

Thursday, June 15, 2000 | 9:42 a.m.

A trio of actors say older Americans are being shortchanged by Hollywood as older actors are cast in fewer roles.

Actors Kent McCord, Paul Napier and Lev Mailer made the comments while in Las Vegas to attend the National Council of Senior Citizens convention.

"The image of seniors is that of some sexless thing in an old-age home being spoonfed," said Mailer, who started his acting career in the original "Star Trek" series and also appeared in "Mission Impossible" and "The Lucy Show."

Television networks are increasingly targeting younger viewers with programs filled with younger cast members. But that doesn't reflect reality, the actors said.

According to statistics compiled by the Screen Actors Guild, Americans 50 and older comprise 25 percent of the population, but own 77 percent of all financial assets. That makes them a prime audience for advertisers, the actors said.

What's more, as of this year, Americans 55 and older have more discretionary income than those in the 18-34 demographic.

And the American population is aging; in the next 25 years it is estimated that more than 115 million people in the country will be 50 and older.

McCord, who co-starred with Martin Milner in the NBC police drama "Adam 12," said Hollywood doesn't have to aim a show's content strictly at younger people.

" 'Adam 12' had a tremendous children's audience, but it was never made for children," McCord said. "Hollywood should be creating tremendous stories, then the audience will come."

Part of the ageism problem is that Madison Avenue advertising agencies are largely being run by people in the 30 to 39 age bracket, Mailer said.

"Some of the greatest writers in our industry can't get work," McCord said.

Even worse is to be an older actress, the actors said.

"Women over 40 are taboo," Napier said.

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