Los Angeles, Dec 25 (AZINS) Actor Russell Crowe believes actresses should portray roles that suit their age, and says that those who complain about not getting roles of younger characters, need to get a reality check.

The 50-year-old's comment has come after older female stars recently complained about the industry being discriminatory against middle-aged women, insisting that there are roles out there, but they still expect to be cast in the young character roles, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Speaking to Australian Women's Weekly magazine, he said: “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 ingenue, and can't understand why she's not being cast as the 21 year old.”

The “Gladiator” star said that successful women in the industry support his view, especially those who are now renowned for playing older characters.

“Meryl Streep will give you 10,000 examples and arguments as to why that's bulls**t. So will Helen Mirren, or whoever it happens to be,” he said.

Crowe feels that film stars need to ensure they're comfortable within themselves if they're to succeed.

“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,” he added