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California bill attempts to combat ageism in Hollywood
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Aug 24, 2016
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California bill attempts to combat ageism in Hollywood
It's not hard to figure out how old Hollywood A-listers are. More often than not, a quick Google or IMDB search will get you there.
387449 01: The Hollywood sign sits on the hills March 25, 2001 Hollywood, CA. (Photo By Eric Ford/Getty Images)
387449 01: The Hollywood sign sits on the hills March 25, 2001 Hollywood, CA. (Photo By Eric Ford/Getty Images)
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Eric Ford/Getty Images
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It's not hard to figure out how old Hollywood A-listers are. More often than not, a quick Google or IMDB search will get you there. 

It's not hard to figure out how old Hollywood A-listers are. More often than not, a quick Google or IMDB search will get you there. 

But age is a touchy subject in Hollywood. It can influence hiring decisions, bringing up concerns about age discrimination and ageism.

A bill that would strike the ages of entertainment industry workers—from screen stars to make-up artists—from hiring and casting websites just passed the California legislature this week. It is now on its way to Governor Jerry Brown's desk.

The bill, AB-1687, was introduced by California state assemblymember Ian Calderon, the Democratic majority leader whose district covers parts of southeast Los Angeles.

Alex Cohen spoke with writer and actor Annabelle Gurwitch, author of the book I See You Made An Effort: Compliments, Indignities and Survival Stories From The Edge of 50.

Click the blue audio player to hear the full interview.