You are describing a Hallmark Channel movie; almost all of them. I suppose now that Lori L is facing prosecution for a variation of "Acting like a Kennedy" they may have an opening for a 40+ actress to play parts intended for 30-35 yo's. Not sure what the audition process is there.
“Move out of the city and ditch the Hollyweird social scene. Become a Christian. Become a Republican. Take up shooting and attend a few NASCAR races. Campaign for school choice. Etc. She might never get another role, but she’d meet a better class of men.”
That is what John Kerry’s wife did, way back. Pretended she wasn’t a lib, married a wealthy guy, Heinz, and once he died, she went back to the lib ways she was born to follow, now with billions in her pocket.
Life does tend to be patterned. Maybe all aspiring actresses should be required to binge watch Hallmark movies until they understand the formula.
Janet Leigh was getting roles well into her 50s and 60s, although the types of roles undoubtedly changed as she grew both older and up.