In her latest project, Andie MacDowell gets to travel back in time to play a younger version of herself, with chestnut brown hair and the magic of de-aging technology. But in real life, the actress is very comfortable being 65.

In Hallmark's hit series "The Way Home" (Sundays, 9 EST/PST), MacDowell plays Canadian matriarch Del Landry in a complicated, time-traveling family drama with mysteries, love affairs and deep regrets. Part of the series takes place in the 1990s, in which MacDowell, best known for films like "Groundhog Day" and "Four Weddings and a Funeral," plays a younger version of her character. But speaking to journalists at the Television Critics Association press tour Tuesday, the award-winning actress was most excited about the older version of her character, and the opportunity she represents for aging actresses on television.

"I think people my age often thank me, because I’m still representing them and we get left out a lot," MacDowell said. "I think that women are thankful to still be on the screen at my age."

MacDowell isn't just happy to be included, she also relishes the kinds of parts she can get at 65 and the power she has as a veteran in Hollywood.

"I have a lot more freedom now in my age," she said. "I think women go through a really difficult time after they turn 40, because the world starts to chip them away. Men get elevated as they age, and women don’t get elevated. A lot of women in their 50s and 60s struggle with that. But the great thing about where I am now is that I don’t have to struggle to be (myself)."

The actress relishes the masculine, hard-edged character she plays in "Home," who runs a family farm and deals with constant stress. She thinks fans used to seeing her in glitzy in L'Oréal ads might be surprised by her un-made-up look, but she loves playing both ends of the spectrum.

"I’m glad to do L'Oréal and I get to be glamorous, but in my character I don’t have to be glamorous at all," she said, happily. "If you watch television often my generation gets left out completely. I’m just glad to still be working and to play and interesting character and to show up for everyone else (in the cast)."

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