If you’re someone who has no intention of settling down anytime soon, or if you’re itching to try on some new hats, you’re going to find this conversation with actor Diane Britt-Smith so inspiring. Diane left a successful longtime stint as a video producer to dive into a multifaceted midlife career that includes acting, modeling, voiceover artistry and street photography. She’s also inspiring people with her encouraging, age-positive social media that offers an important message: It’s never too late to explore your talents, try something new, or launch an entirely new career for yourself. Even though she’s navigating a notoriously ageist industry, Diane is a firm believer that “we should enjoy watching ourselves age”—as naturally and with as much joy as possible.
During this uplifting conversation, Diane and I also chat about:
- What types of acting and modeling opportunities are available to women in midlife and beyond, and whether or not the film, TV and advertising industries have evolved in terms of age representation
- Why we need to set an example for the next generation by aging on our terms
- How you can build your confidence and embark on something new, even if you’ve convinced yourself it’s too late (hint: It’s not), and the best way to tackle that change
- Why it’s so important to be candid about your age
- Why you need to start brushing your teeth while standing on one foot (yeah, you heard that right)
- The trick to a long-lasting relationship
- The best advice Diane’s mom ever gave her about getting older
Diane also spills her top secrets on how to age well, and reveals the one thing you should never, ever stop doing. Whatever age you are, you’re going to love Diane and devour her words of wisdom.
Diane Britt-Smith spent the first part of her career as a video producer and manager. For almost 30 years she worked at The Voice of America, an international media company, and traveled to to more than 30 countries to cover stories in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2021, she pivoted to launch a new career as an actor, model and voiceover artist. She’s appeared in ad campaigns for Delta Airlines, Humana Health, Carol’s Daughter, Hilton Hotels, It Cosmetics, CVS and many others. As a voice artist, she has been featured on radio ads, political campaigns and promotions.
Diane is also a social media content creator whose goal is to inspire like-minded followers who seek a community of encouragement and support. She is also using her lifelong love of still photography as a street portrait photographer, meeting everyday people and capturing their images and stories of love and resilience. Diane is currently based in New York City and Washington, D.C. She is married with two adult sons.
Follow Diane on Instagram @dianebrittsmith.
In this episode, Diane and I mentioned the following books:
The Blue Zones: 9 Lessons For Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest
This episode was edited by Ryan B. Jo.
