Charles EstherAt 52, Tracee Ellis Ross has found herself more attracted to younger men — not just for their good looks, but for what they represent emotionally and socially.
In a recent episode of the “IMO” podcast hosted by Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson, the Black-ish star revealed why she gravitates toward men who are younger than her.
Moving Away from Toxic Masculinity
Ross explained that many men her age are still entrenched in outdated gender roles and what she described as “toxic masculinity.”
“A lot of men my age are steeped in toxic masculinity and have been raised in a culture where there is a particular way that a relationship looks,” she shared on the podcast.
She noted that the dynamic often leaves women feeling like possessions or prizes — a pattern she no longer tolerates.
“I did enough of it where I was controlled and felt like I was a possession or a prize — I just have no interest in it. And I will not do it again,” Ross said firmly.
Younger Men Offer More Openness
While Ross acknowledged her observations are generalizations, she made it clear that her experiences with younger men have been vastly different.
“There is a difference.
There is an openness that occurs with a younger man around, whether it’s gender fluidity or not even having an issue with homosexuality — something as basic as that,” she explained.
This sense of emotional flexibility and freedom from rigid gender norms has been a game-changer for Ross in her relationships.
No More Teaching or Raising a Partner
Another reason Ross avoids dating older men is her disinterest in being a mentor or caretaker in a romantic relationship.
“I have long been past the age where I feel like it’s my job to teach somebody or grow them up,” she said.
“That, I’m not interested in.”
Other Female Celebrities Share the Same Sentiment
Ross is not alone in her dating preferences.
Several female celebrities have publicly shared their openness to or preference for younger partners.
Cher, 77, has made headlines with her boyfriend Alexander Edwards, 37, with whom she shares a 40-year age gap.
In a past interview, Cher said older men were “always terrified” to approach her.
Kris Jenner, 69, and her partner Corey Gamble, 44, have sustained a 25-year age-gap relationship for nearly ten years.
Supermodel Heidi Klum, 51, married Tom Kaulitz, 35, who is 16 years her junior.
Film director Sam Taylor-Johnson, 57, and actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 34, also maintain a successful 23-year age-gap marriage.
Even The View co-host Joy Behar chimed in during a 2024 episode, saying it’s “scientifically smart” for women to date younger men since their lifespans are likely to align better.
Final Thoughts
Tracee Ellis Ross continues to challenge societal expectations both on and off the screen.
By choosing what feels right for her rather than following age-based norms, she reinforces a message of autonomy, self-respect, and empowerment in dating — something many women can relate to today.
