# Mary Steenburgen's appearance **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 14, 2012, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844 "2012-02-14T20:00:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![quixotic78](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/3ab097/32.png) [@quixotic78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/quixotic78)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844/21 "2012-02-15T06:26:09Z")
I thought she looked like a total MILF, but she sounded like she had had a stroke recently. Or like her face was so full of Botox or WTFE that she couldn’t move enough to properly enunciate. Just constantly slurring. ---
**Author:** ![bienville](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4bbf92/32.png) [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844/22 "2012-02-15T12:24:24Z")
Wow. Looking at the Thread Title, I honestly thought this was going to be a “How has her appearance not changed at all?” Thread. I always thought when she was younger she looked older than she was (but beautiful) then she just stopped aging. She had a “Sexy Older Woman” thing going on when she was younger than any age to which that term should apply (she is older than me, so she’s always been an older woman but even as an adolescent I would not apply the category “Sexy Older Woman” to a woman younger than mid-to-late-forties). In _Parenthood_ and _Back to the Future III_ I’d place her at 45 at _least_ even though she was only about 36. In _What’s Eating Gilbert Grape_ she came off as about 20 years older than Johnny Depp even though she is only 10 years older than him. I would have guessed her to be about 50 in that movie- she was 40. Now, normally, attributing advanced age to a woman implies that she is _un_attractive. To the contrary, I always found her very sexy- it’s just that she had always seemed older to me than she actually was. The 40 year old who I thought was a 50 year old in _What’s Eating Gilbert Grape_? I thought she was a _ridiculously sexy 50 year old_. Damn, did my 18 year old self want to do her! In _Elf_ she actually was 50, and I thought she seemed late-forties to 50. Today, she’s approaching 60- and I _still_ think she seems late-forties to 50. I’ve pretty much thought she looked the same age for the past 25 years: Older than her actual age 25 years ago / Younger than her actual age now. The only major difference I see is straight hair instead of curly hair (I think the straight hair is much more flattering for her). ---
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844/23 "2012-02-15T15:14:16Z")
It could be the hair. And by the way, what in the _hell_ is wrong with Macauley Culkin (in the link up thar by Sampiro)? ---
**Author:** ![Skammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skammer/32/143_2.png) [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844/24 "2012-02-15T15:28:38Z")
Coincidentally I saw the _The Help_ last night and I had not realized that Mary S. was in it. She looked fantastic as usual, although I did notice that the camera kept its distance from her. She was almost always in a wide shot except for maybe one phone conversation, which was a medium shot. No close-ups, so I could examine these alleged cheek implants.\* \*I think it’s not implants, just weight fluctuation. ---
**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844/25 "2012-02-15T16:22:07Z")
> [@Meltdown](#): > > I’ve always had a crush on Mary Steenburgen. > > Here she is from [A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy](http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3861494272/tt0084329) (1982). > > Gorgeous then, gorgeous now. Completely agree. I’ve always had a thing for Mary (glad to know I’m not the only one!). I would not be at all surprised if she’s had some work done, but if so it’s _good_ work, and she definitely hasn’t overdone it like a lot of women I can think of. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844/26 "2012-02-15T16:51:54Z")
It’s pretty clear to me she’s had her cheeks and forehead done, at least, but she doesn’t have that evil clown look. The work is very good. I’ve always found her attractive and I still do. ---
**Author:** ![Skammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skammer/32/143_2.png) [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844/27 "2012-02-15T16:59:17Z")
[This article from 2009](http://news.makemeheal.com/celebrity-plastic-surgery/mary-steenburgen-plastic-surgery/789) interviews several cosmetic surgeons about Steenburgen and the consensus seems to be that she has not had any facial surgery, but has made good use of Botox injections and possibly had some work on her breasts (which, judging by the picture in that article, are pretty impressive for a woman in her late 50s. Heck they’d be impressive in her late 30s). ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844/28 "2012-02-15T18:06:32Z")
Maybe the life has drained out of her knowing she was the backup plan for Whoopi Goldberg. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844/29 "2012-02-15T18:10:42Z")
Look, the woman let Larry David live in her house for months on end when his marriage was breaking up. She has got to be a saint. ---
**Author:** ![bouv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bc8723/32.png) [@bouv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bouv)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844/30 "2012-02-15T18:22:33Z")
Her and Jane Seymour should have some sort of “who’s the hottest woman close to 60” contest…they’re both very attractive, have obviously kept care of their bodies, and have probably had a small amount of work done, and done well. It’s sad that too many older actresses go full on, balls-to-the-wall (ovaries-to-the-wall?) like Joan Rivers or what have you. ---
**Author:** ![Skammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skammer/32/143_2.png) [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844/31 "2012-02-15T18:33:18Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > Look, the woman let Larry David live in her house for months on end when his marriage was breaking up. She has got to be a saint. She’s also been married to Ted Danson since '95, so, yeah. And reading her bio on wikipedia - I had totally forgotten she won the Oscar in 1980 for _Melvin and Howard_. So we should be referring to her as “Academy Award Winner Mary Steenburgen.” ---
**Author:** ![delphica](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9a140/32.png) [@delphica](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/delphica)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844/32 "2012-02-15T18:48:20Z")
Wow, she is in a few years of my mom’s age, but she looks like she is within a few years of MY age. It’s making me feel like a slacker. Looking back at photos from earlier in her career, I think she has always looked younger than her actual age, so she must have some good genes in addition to whatever work she has had done. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844/33 "2012-02-15T19:04:09Z")
Before the _30 Rock_ episode, I most recently noted her in 4 episodes of _Bored to Death_ where she played Ted Danson’s love interest. (Real creative casting there, folks.) She was clearly recognizable to me. I always thought of her as being a big “different” in looks, but not in a bad way. People with different looks tend to have that difference become more apparent as they age. That’s what I’m seeing. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844/34 "2012-02-15T19:10:56Z")
> [@ftg](#): > > I most recently noted her in 4 episodes of _Bored to Death_ where she played Ted Danson’s love interest. (Real creative casting there, folks.) So long as it’s effective, who cares if casting is creative? John Slattery and Talia Balsam are married to each other and they were effective as a married couple on _Mad Men_ ---
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844/35 "2012-02-15T19:18:34Z")
I must be the only person who think she’s a terrible actress. An Oscar? Unbelievable. Watching _30 Rock_, I thought at first she must be some non-actress, famous-person-I-don’t-know cast in the role for yuks which escaped me. I don’t hate her or anything—I’m probably sounding like I do. I’m mostly incredulous. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844/36 "2012-02-15T19:23:06Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > … > I’ve always found her attractive and I still do. Major ditto. ---
**Author:** ![phreesh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9fc29f/32.png) [@phreesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phreesh)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844/37 "2012-02-15T19:29:02Z")
She played a MILF in ‘My Life as a House’ where she had a lingerie shot and she was smoking hot. That was about a decade ago, but she’s been hot for a long time. ---
**Author:** ![DianaG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7ab992/32.png) [@DianaG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DianaG)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844/38 "2012-02-15T19:32:36Z")
> [@Skammer](#): > > [This article from 2009](http://news.makemeheal.com/celebrity-plastic-surgery/mary-steenburgen-plastic-surgery/789) interviews several cosmetic surgeons about Steenburgen and the consensus seems to be that she has not had any facial surgery, but has made good use of Botox injections and possibly had some work on her breasts (which, judging by the picture in that article, are pretty impressive for a woman in her late 50s. Heck they’d be impressive in her late 30s). I recently rewatched Joan of Arcadia, and I can confidently say that either she’s had her boobs done or whoever did her cutlet/duct tape combo that night is an artist with talents verging on the magical. If it’s the former, I ain’t mad at her for it. And I’ll agree with everyone who’s said that if she’s had work done, it’s exceptionally good work. She looks amazing. ---
**Author:** ![bienville](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4bbf92/32.png) [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2012, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844/39 "2012-02-15T22:38:46Z")
> [@phreesh](#): > > She played a MILF in ‘My Life as a House’ where she had a lingerie shot and she was smoking hot. That was about a decade ago, but she’s been hot for a long time. We get full backside nudity in _My Life as a House_- yummy. Broken Link: http: //www. [Mary Steenburgen :: Celebrity Movie Archive](http://celebritymoviearchive.com/tour/movie.php/5222) We got a lingerie scene (or, “sexy undergarments” if I’m misusing the term lingerie) as recently as 2008 in _Stepbrothers_. Damn did I want to be Richard Jenkins on that day of filming! ---
**Author:** ![handsomeharry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9c0ed/32.png) [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2012, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844/40 "2012-02-16T15:06:23Z")
I had always thought that she was a pretty mousy looking woman. Her role as Nixon’s mom surely didn’t change that any. However, the link in the OP amazes me. She never looked that good in her life, and now, close to 60, she looks killer. Being married to Ted Danson must be a transforming event! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-steenburgens-appearance/612844.md?page=3)