Susan Sarandon has long been one of Hollywood’s most fearless icons, known for her talent, activism, and refusal to conform to expectations. From her breakout in The Rocky Horror Picture Show to her Oscar-winning role in Dead Man Walking, she has proven herself as one of the greats. But Sarandon is just as admired for her unapologetic attitude off-screen. When critics slammed her for wearing a black bra under a white jacket at a red-carpet event, she didn’t argue back.

Instead, she posted a throwback photo of herself posing confidently in her underwear—a bold move that silenced the negativity and made her point clear: only she decides what’s “appropriate.” Sarandon has also been refreshingly open about aging. She embraces the process, saying the key is to laugh, eat well, exercise, and avoid wasting time on negativity—though, she adds with humor, good makeup and hair teams help too.

Her philosophy is simple: live authentically, embrace individuality, and never let others dictate how you should look or live. By choosing confidence over explanations, Sarandon remains a true inspiration and a reminder that the best response to criticism is to own who you are.