The local celebrities who are turning 50 and ageing gracefully

Whoever said women lose their shine with age clearly hasn’t met these Singaporean celebs. All over 45 and still turning heads, these local stars are showing us what it really means to age with grace, confidence and zero apologies. Whether they’re killing it on screen or just living their best lives, they’re proof that growing older doesn’t mean fading into the background — it means stepping into your power. 

Zoe Tay (10 January 1968; 57 years old) 

Some know her as the “Queen of Caldecott Hill,” others call her “Ah Jie” — but whatever name you go by, there’s no denying that Zoe Tay is a true powerhouse in Singapore’s entertainment scene. Her impressive career kicked off back in 1988 when she won Star Search as a fresh-faced model, and she’s been unstoppable ever since. These days, the veteran actress is still landing major roles, most recently starring in Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story, a spin-off series that’s taken the top spot on Netflix. Despite being a mum of three boys, she shows no signs of slowing down — just take her 2024 ski trip as proof that age is no barrier to living life to the fullest.

Phyllis Quek (23 August 1972, 52 years old) 

If there’s one person who seems to only get better with time, it’s local actress Phyllis Quek. The Malaysian-born star, best known for her iconic role as Bai Mudan in the 1998 Mediacorp drama Legend of the Eight Immortals, turns 53 this year — and honestly, she’s the definition of ageless beauty. A quick scroll through her Instagram shows just how much she prioritises skincare and self-care. And it’s not just about looking good — according to The Straits Times, she hits the gym at least five times a week and enjoys staying active by walking, swimming, cycling, and even trekking. Now that’s dedication.

Michelle Chia (19 September 1975, 49 years old) 

Michelle Chia has been in the spotlight for years, but it’s still hard to believe she’s approaching the big 5-0. The local media personality who won us over with her hosting skills and acting talent has built an impressive empire for herself — and she’s clearly not slowing down anytime soon. Beyond being a total girl boss, Michelle puts in the work when it comes to her fitness and glowing complexion. In an interview, she shared, “Besides maintaining a balanced diet, keeping myself active and having a good skin regime, I’m also constantly trying new things to keep my mind and body from getting ‘lazy’. Enough sleep, if I can add one more to the list.” Honestly? Goals.

Diana Ser (26 April 1972, 52 years old) 

Diana Ser’s resume is packed with accomplishments — from host and journalist to Channel NewsAsia presenter and actress. While many of us remember her from her Mediacorp days, Diana left in 2008 and now runs her own communications consulting and media training company. But it’s not just her career that she’s dedicated to — she puts just as much effort into staying fit and healthy. In an interview with The Straits Times, she revealed that she clocks at least 15,000 steps a day, does cardio at the gym or park, and practises Pilates at home three to four times a week. On top of that, she keeps her diet clean with balanced meals, goes to bed by 10pm, and is up by 5am. Now, that’s what you call discipline. 

Fann Wong (27 January 1971, 54 years old) 

From running her own baking business to illustrating children’s books and fronting shopping live streams, Fann Wong proves that age is no limit when it comes to creativity. Best known for her iconic roles as Xiaolongnu (“Little Dragon Girl”) in The Return of the Condor Heroes (1998) and Chon Lin in the Hollywood action comedy Shanghai Knights (2003) alongside Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson, Fann has truly made her mark as a veteran in the industry. These days, she keeps her youthful glow through a solid skincare routine, staying hydrated, eating clean, and embracing a simple, comfortable style that’s effortlessly her.

Constance Song (18 May 1975, 49 years old) 

While Constance Song didn’t clinch the win at Star Search in 1997, she still landed a spot with then-TCS (now Mediacorp) and made her acting debut in The Return of the Condor Heroes (1998). Since then, she’s built a solid acting career across both Mandarin- and English-speaking roles — from dramas like C.I.D. (2006), The Ultimatum (2009), and On the Fringe (2012), to Point of Entry (2010) and Tanglin (2015). Known for staying active and maintaining a toned physique throughout her adult life, Constance shared that she hit 69kg during her second pregnancy. Postpartum, she committed to an intensive weight-loss programme, working out three times a week and swimming once or twice weekly — and clearly, the results speak for themselves.