Aging Stars' Plastic Surgery Ices Out Rising Hollywood Talent

As of August 8th, 2025, rising actor Sam Nivola has expressed concerns over the impact of older Hollywood stars' use of plastic surgery on the careers of younger talent. Nivola, who gained attention for his role in the hit series "The White Lotus," laments that established actors are able to extend their careers by undergoing cosmetic procedures to appear younger, thereby taking on roles meant for actors decades their junior.

This trend, Nivola warns, is "icing out" new and emerging talent, leaving little room for the "young'uns to move in and make a name for themselves." He cites Timothée Chalamet as one of the few modern examples of a true movie star, but notes that Chalamet represents a "different kind of movie star" - one who is not "huge and jacked" like many of the aging stars relying on plastic surgery.

Nivola's concerns echo those of actress Jamie Lee Curtis, who has spoken out against the "genocide of a generation of women" by the "cosmeceutical industrial complex" that has led to widespread alterations of natural appearances. Curtis argues that this trend, aided by the prevalence of AI filters, has "disfigured" multiple generations.

As the older generation of actors continues to hold onto roles, Nivola fears a potential talent deficit in Hollywood once these stars eventually pass away. He hopes that the industry will soon create opportunities for a new wave of young actors to rise to prominence and fill the void.