[NYC GOP Chick]

Other interviewees said that they had financial problems when the parts dried up. Theresa Russell, 46, says: "It was really hard, I didn't get an audition for years and I started running out of money. I thought, what else can I do? I resent being in this situation. They want to put you out to pasture."

Oh, boo hoo. Maybe she should have saved some money when she was at the peak of her career. Or prepared for another one, as she should have known that women in this business have a limited shelf life. Maybe she could teach drama, or is that beneath her?

With so many of my friends and acquaintances here in NYC laid off and otherwise out of work, I have a hard time whipping up much sympathy for these women. Nobody forced them into this career and to turn up their noses at less glamorous, less lucrative jobs. Because of economic and market conditions, I'm going from graphic design into fitness training. It's called "economic reality."

[LisaMalia]

You always make too much sense, and hit the nail on the head on so many topics.
If I weren't such a died in the wool heterosexual, your brains and personality would certainly turn my head.

[lavrenti]

I am sympathetic to your struggles. I lucked out when I changed from one publishing job to a better one.

Unfortunately, I had the sad experience of looking for my own replacement. Went through nearly 200 resumes. So many were overqualified--and hadn't found work in a while.

The market bears, what the market bears. The same goes for Hollywood. There are many actresses who managed to do well with middle aged parts, and there is an aging moving-going, video rental demographic. These women complaining are talented, pretty and can find suitable parts.

Or they can do what Ida Lupino, and several other actresses dissatisfied with the process have done in movie history--make their own *&%^$ films! Winger, for instance, I thought was of a stronger mettle. After all, she is an IDF vet!

Holly Hunter is smart enough to direct her own features. But, whatever, 'tis easier to complain than to do.