Russell Crowe says Hollywood actresses must act their age

Los Angeles - Russell Crowe thinks actresses need to act their age.

The 50-year-old Hollywood actor has slammed older female stars who complain about the industry being discriminatory against middle-aged women, insisting there are roles out there but they still expect to be cast as young characters

He explained: "I think you'll find that the woman who is saying that the roles have dried up is the woman who at 40, 45, 48, still wants to play the ingénue, and can't understand why she's not being cast as the 21 year old."

The Noah star - who has 11-year old Charles and Tennyson, eight, with ex-wife Danielle Spencer - went on to say his view is supported by successful women in the industry who have become renowned for playing older characters.

He continued: "Meryl Streep will give you 10 000 examples and arguments as to why that's bullshit.

"So will Helen Mirren, or whoever it happens to be."

Russell added film stars need to ensure they are comfortable with who they are in order to succeed in the industry.

He told Australian Women's Weekly: "If you are willing to live in your own skin, you can work as an actor. If you are trying to pretend that you're still the young buck when you're my age, it just doesn't work."