In the early days of Hollywood, mature women were often relegated to secondary roles or portrayed as doting mothers and grandmothers. However, with the rise of the "femme fatale" archetype in the 1940s and 1950s, women like Barbara Stanwyck, Bette Davis, and Katharine Hepburn redefined the notion of maturity and femininity on screen. These iconic actresses brought complexity and depth to their characters, showcasing that mature women could be strong, independent, and alluring.