The Age Game

So it seems that there is some debate about Irene Cara's real age. Now I know most showbiz folks don't like people to know their real age for fear of being considered "too old" or "out of touch," and it is not my intention to get into some big rant about how absurd it is to cling to the illusion of youth for the sake of an audience that really doesn't care, but it looks like I just might. So before I do that, let me at least make the point that I originally intended to make: Irene Cara and her "people" should be happy that someone, anyone, is talking about her.

So what if she is 45 or 46 (depending on who you listen to), or even 40 for that matter? Sadly her days in the spotlight are behind her, and not because of five or six years. Irene Cara was part of pop-culture in the '80s and like all well behaved pop-culture, she was easily discarded. Which isn't to say that she isn't valid anymore; she has just moved beyond being a commercial draw. And there is no shame in that. It happens to the best of 'em (think that other dude from Wham ((actually he may not be a good example, so if you'd like, insert your own irrelevant disposal 80s pop-star)).

Regardless of how old a celeb claims to be though, time is always against them. If you were a star twenty years ago, it isn't too hard for someone to do the math and realize that that celeb isn't in their 20s anymore. And that is the biggest problem. Everyone always says audiences want fresh new faces at the expense of more seasoned talent. Nonsense. Audiences are easily manipulated, and it is the industry itself that feeds this notion to the stars. I admire those in entertainment that embrace who they are, and, for the most part, at least indirectly, never played on their youth to begin with.

So I say be proud, Irene. Be proud to be 45 or 46 or even 40, but don't lie about it. Don't get caught up in the race for relevance in an irrelevant society. That race is too similar to a dog chasing its tail, and eventually leads to regret at not having done things your way in favor of trying to appeal to a fan base that is for the most part fictitious.