The co-creator of the CW show "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" is proof that you're never too old to achieve your dreams, even in Hollywood.
In a viral tweet aimed at women who want to direct, Aline Brosh McKenna wrote, "If you're a women who writes, acts, edits, ADs, etc and you're ready to direct, you're not too old."
She noted that "Sleepless in Seattle" director Nora Ephron was 51 when she directed her first movie, and "Something's Gotta Give" director Nancy Meyers was 49. She added that she was 47.
"Tell the people you work with your dream. Put your hand up. Men ask. Ask," she wrote.
More: How 'Sleepless in Seattle' and Nora Ephron changed romantic comedies 25 years agoNora Ephron was 51 when she directed her 1st movie. Nancy Meyers was 49. Their kids were grown. If you're a women who writes, acts, edits, ADs, etc and you're ready to direct, you're not too old. I was 47. Tell the people you work with your dream. Put your hand up. Men ask. Ask.
— Aline Brosh McKenna (@alinebmckenna) October 22, 2018
McKenna was nearly 40 when she hit it big with her adaptation of 2006’s "The Devil Wears Prada." She followed that with screenplays for the movies "27 Dresses" and "We Bought a Zoo." And in 2015, she co-created the musical comedy series "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend," serving as the showrunner and head writer. She directed her first episodes in 2016.
McKenna's Twitter message resonated with people inside the industry as well as outside, drawing over 70,000 likes.
Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker Liz Garbus, "One Day at a Time" showrunner Gloria Calderón Kellett and Holly Sorenson, the executive producer of the webseries "Step Up: High Water," were among those who responded.
This is the best post.
— Liz Garbus (@lizgarbus) October 22, 2018
Yes!! I was 42! And I loved every moment!
— Gory-A Kill It ????? (@everythingloria) October 22, 2018
I LITERALLY asked to run my own show, my first show when I was 43. Ask. https://t.co/sdaFpvyfEg
— Holly Sorensen (@HollyBSorensen) October 22, 2018
Others outside the industry also found it inspiring.
I absolutely love this. I’ll be 48 in a few weeks and am ready to embrace the writing career I was too insecure to pursue. Full steam ahead!!!! #liveGreater
— Aretha Grant (@ReeInspired) October 22, 2018
And my first novel was published on my 59th birthday!
— Margaret Morgan ??? (@Monocotyledon) October 22, 2018
I started writing when I was 41. I was 51 when I was offered a column in the New York Times.
— Jennifer Gunter (@DrJenGunter) October 23, 2018
