Extraordinary Health Magazine EHMagazine Vol 36 | Page 17

Model, Actress, Environmentalist, Humanitarian
Andie
MacDowell
Defying Ageism in Every Thing She Does
by Priscila Martinez
After being in Hollywood for over 30 years, Andie MacDowell
has learned how to perfect a poker face. Her gentle smile would
never give away that after turning 60, she’s overcome her past
hang-ups and is now the most comfortable in her body. You
wouldn’t be able to tell from her kind demeanor that she’s been
putting up a fight for decades. A non-stop struggle that has
landed her complex roles that defy ageism and turn the negative
concept on its head. How did she get to this place?
She was born in South Carolina and started a grueling modeling
career gracing the pages of every fashion aficionado’s bible—
Vogue. Couture houses like Yves Saint Laurent and Bill Blass
would vie to feature her in their campaigns. Her fate was quickly
sealed when Calvin Klein took out a series of billboards featuring
Ms. MacDowell and plastered them all over New York City’s Time
Square. That campaign landed Andie’s next gig: her film debut for
the blockbuster Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes.
The film went on to receive three academy Award nominations
and like they say in Hollywood, the rest is silver screen history.
Hollywood is known for its ups and sharp downs. In a city where
actresses are easily discarded, working in Tinsel town for over
three decades is no small feat. It’s also something that can’t be
accomplished without having rules of one’s own. “I need to be
outside; I need to be around trees and nature; I hike a lot,” she
begins. “It helps me destress and balances my cortisol levels and
I think it helps with my serotonin. I need a little sunshine and I
Photo courtesy of: Un Jour Ailleurs
love yoga because of the breath work and the physical work.”
Andie MacDowell constantly feels the need to move. Luckily for
her, yoga and hiking have not only preserved her sanity, but a
strong and healthy body. “On beautiful days I want to get outside.
I hike up a pretty steep mountain for about 6 miles with my dog,”
she says. Although she’s been keeping a yoga practice for 30
years, spinning is her go-to when she wants heart pumping fun.
“I look forward to working out, if I don't get to do it, [I] don't feel
right,” she explains. “I do something every day unless I'm working
terribly long hours.” Should she find herself in that predicament,
she will squeeze in a lunchtime yoga session. In addition to her
self-prescribed vitamin D and yoga habits, she has learned to
keep everything in perspective. “In my profession, there are
hills and valleys, so learning how to maintain contentment
is important for the long-term,” Andie reflects. “Having other
interests gives you a sense of stability and something to focus on,
particularly in the valleys.”
Extraordinary Health ™ • Vol 36 15