Hilary Swank Covers 20th Anniversary Issue of WOMEN’S HEALTH Magazine

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Hilary Swank is exactly where she wants to be. At 50, the actor has two Oscars and two kids—and she’s finally embracing life on her own terms, making time for what truly nurtures her. Featured on the cover of Women’s Health’s 20^th Anniversary Issue, Hilary opens up about becoming a mom at the age of 48, making time for what truly nurtures her, and embracing the opportunities that come with experience and maturity. 

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On the power of intentional decision-making and what she would tell her younger self: “It was like I was shot out of a cannon. I probably would say, ‘Take a breath for a second.’  I’d say to really ruminate on the choices that you’re making every day. Make sure what is happening is what you want. That’s the only control we have—the choices we make every day. My time is my life.”

On agreeing to roles earlier in her career that didn’t always align with her point of view: “Thankfully, it’s becoming more inclusive. But when I started, it was more patriarchal than ever. And so I was playing roles that were written by men from what a female point of view is, and it wasn’t necessarily true…. It’s not that I don’t like being feminine—I just don’t like being told how to be feminine.”

On being drawn to join Netflix’s Yellowjackets by the nuanced characters of the show: “I like to be part of projects where you either relate to somebody or you learn from somebody, or you’re just flat-out entertained. And sometimes the best case is when it’s all three.”

 On working a lot with actor Melanie Lynskey on Yellowjackets: “We have some scenes that are so juicy and so loaded and so full. It’s fun to have that as an actor with another actress like that, to get in there and get in that sandbox and really play.”

On freezing her eggs as one of the best and most important things she did to prepare for the possibility of being a mom further on in life:

“I would have had kids earlier. I’m not saying I actively waited until 47. But that was a magical time in my life, when it all culminated. It was the right time for a myriad of reasons…. Thankfully, I had that ability to freeze eggs for later. It takes some of the pressure off.”

On being a mom in her late 40s and 50s: “I’m a very different parent than I would’ve been, even in my early 40s. I’m much more patient. I’m much more understanding. I am much more, I think, interested in a different way than I would’ve been. I’m really interested in their brains. I’m fascinated about what makes them tick. And I have my career that’s already established, so I’m not divided. I’m able to really sink in and be present with them and be a hands-on parent.”

On how her experience as her father’s caregiver taught her a deep understanding that health is the foundation of a good life: “You don’t realize how well everything’s going until you don’t have your health. It was a strong reminder that I haven’t forgotten—to not take health for granted and to be as diligent as possible about learning all there is to learn about what goes in and on my body.”

 On taking care of her body and working out as a pivotal part of her routine: “Right now, my go-to is tennis and Pilates. Tennis is a big thing. I used to do three days a week of strength training. For me, I love lifting. It just makes me feel really grounded in my body. I’m actually building a gym in my garage, and I just got a piece of equipment I’m really excited about…. I’m really blessed that I have that ability to [work out how I want], because I realize that a lot of people can’t.”

On thriving in nature and with animals: “I have five dogs. I have two horses. Nature is such a fundamental part of who I am. Thankfully, I grew up in nature. For me, it’s in my DNA, it’s in my marrow, and I would not be the same person without it. And so I have to be in nature every day in some facet or another. And where I live is so perfect for that. I have a lake right in front of me and a forest in my backyard. That’s my recharge.”

On how growing older has deepened her appreciation for friendships built on honesty, resilience, and understanding: “I just don’t have time for falsehood in any way. And a lot of people don’t like to be completely honest with people because they’re afraid of either hurting someone’s feelings or they’re afraid of confrontation. The relationships that are important to me are the ones that are willing to be honest and real.”

On finding excitement in her career as she embracing the opportunities that come with experience and maturity: “Most people might be like, ‘Aren’t you worried that you’re now 50 and there’s not a lot of jobs?’ I’m like, ‘No, I have more offers now than I’ve ever had.’ It’s an incredibly exciting time.”

On being present, fully tuned in to the moment—in her work and in her life—and reveling in it: “Energy is flowing when you’re happy to be where you want to be, when you’re happy with where you are, because you made a choice to be there.”

The Spring 2025 issue of Women’s Health—Women’s Health’s 20^th Anniversary Issue—hits newsstands nationwide on April 15.

[Photo Credit: Jonny Marlow for Women’s Health Magazine]

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