Demi Moore Recalls Challenging the Beauty Standard in “Charlie’s Angels” Bikini at Age 40: It Was a 'Big Conversation'

"I was 40, which meant I shouldn’t have a body that was desirable—that’s what I challenged," Moore told Elle

Demi Moore was Full Throttle when it came to wearing a bikini at age 40 during the 2003 Charlie's Angels sequel.

In an interview for Elle’s 2024 Women in Hollywood portfolio for the December 2024/January 2025 issue, the actress, now 62, recalled her experience wearing a sexy two-piece swimsuit for Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, revealing that she "never imagined in a million years" it would become "such a big conversation."

"I was 40, which meant I shouldn’t have a body that was desirable—that’s what I challenged," she said.

Related: Demi Moore Turns Heads in Trailblazing Black Dress at Landman Premiere: See Her Look

"I feel like we all have a role to play in life, to be of service, and for whatever reason, I feel like that has been something I’ve been called to do," continued Moore. "But I don’t think it would’ve been such a big deal if I hadn’t been of an age that, at that time, it was already determined that you should look like s---."

While the movie star said she believes that beauty standards have "changed," she expressed that she is now "62 at a point where we need to reevaluate the desirability of a woman who has gone through menopause."

Related: Demi Moore Opts for Dazzling Silver Gown and Sleek Updo at 2024 Academy Museum Gala

"Women used to be relegated to the sidelines, made to be, in fact, almost asexual," Moore said. "It's not like I've set out to redefine that; it’s really that I’ve just been trying to find what’s truthful and authentic within myself—and if I can do that, then hopefully that reflects for others."

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Moore tackled the issues of beauty and aging head-on in one of her latest projects, The Substance, which was released in September.

The film finds Moore playing Hollywood star Elizabeth Sparkle, who, after being fired from her long-running gig as the host of an aerobics television series on her 50th birthday, is introduced to a black market drug known as The Substance.

The drug creates a younger version of herself known as Sue, portrayed by Margaret Qualley, and viewers follow the conflict that arises between them and within themselves.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

"What I really was moved by, this is not what was happening to her from the outside, but what Elizabeth was doing to herself. That idea that she was placing so much more of the prize on fame and fortune than on inner peace and personal growth," Moore shared with PEOPLE about the film at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.