Gwyneth Paltrow: It’s tough for women in Hollywood

The actress discusses her career in the new edition of American magazine Elle, and explains making it in the movie business wasn’t easy. She has worked hard to achieve the level of success she now has, but worries women who are more impressionable than her may run into problems.

“When I was just starting out, someone suggested that we finish a meeting in the bedroom,” she explained. “I left. I was pretty shocked. I could see how someone who didn't know better might worry, 'My career will be ruined if I don’t give this guy a blow job!’”

Gwyneth went on to discuss the current state of the film industry, and bemoans the lack of meaty roles for women. She admits worrying her career might end as she gets older, but looks to some female Hollywood stalwarts for inspiration.

“There’s a lot that’s OK, but there’s little that's really good, especially for someone my age,” the 38-year-old said. “Sometimes you find out that something you really liked is going to someone ten years younger. I find it heartening that Meryl Streep and Sandra Bullock have been able to find and create amazing projects.”

Kate Hudson also discusses her career experiences with the publication, and says she agrees with Gwyneth. She would like to see more exciting roles for women who are older, but is hopeful things will change in the future.

“The roles for women tend to be dispensable. I have faith that we can make female-driven films that are as interesting to men as they are to women,” she said, adding her mother Goldie Hawn inspires her. “Apart from the fact that she’s my mother, she’s a brilliant comedian and a force as a producer. She paved the way for women to produce and star in their own films and to balance that with being the matriarch of our family is really inspiring.”