Andie MacDowell

One of the stars of the new ABC Family series Jane by Design, Andie MacDowell has always had strikingly natural good looks. She began her career as an Elite model after dropping out of college. Despite being challenged as a young actress by her South Carolina accent, MacDowell landed a role in St. Elmo’s Fire in 1985, launching a long and successful acting career. Her role in Sex, Lies, and Videotape garnered MacDowell a Golden Globe Award nomination, as did her performance in Green Card. Parts in successful films such as Groundhog Day and Four Weddings and a Funeral followed.

MacDowell is also starring as Judge Olivia Lockhart in Cedar Cove, an adaptation of Debbie Macomber’s book series. The Hallmark Channel will introduce the project as a two-hour movie and series pilot, and it will air in late 2012 or early 2013
(Andie MacDowell).

Today this mother of three, the youngest of whom is 17, lives in Asheville, North Carolina, where the southern mountains offer endless opportu­nities for hiking, one of the secrets to that still-youthful glow she radiates.

If you’re wondering what else MacDowell does to stay looking so young (she’s 54, believe it or not), it’s all about protecting her skin and her health. Little wonder then that she’s one of the faces of L’Oréal. “I take really good care of my skin,” she says. “I wear hats; I exercise every day; I drink a lot of water.” That’s right—all the “secrets” you’ve been reading about for years actually work. “I’ve used Revi­taLift and sun block forever,” she adds.

But MacDowell doesn’t think she really looks any younger than she is. “I think I’ve aged appropriately,” she says with a grin, “but I think I look good for my age.” So do we! That’s why we’ve gathered these tips on how this South Carolina native stays fit and lovely.

What’s your favorite way to stay fit?

MacDowell: I actually enjoy exercise. I look forward to it every day. I don’t feel as well without some form of exercise. Even walking the dog 3 miles is good. I like going to yoga classes that incorporate mind, body, and spirit. I like the elliptical, bike, and tread­mill. I’m an avid hiker, and where I live in North Carolina, there are 40 peaks over 6,000 feet. I’ve hiked half of them. 

 What are the top foods that are always in your kitchen?

MacDowell: A variety of nuts—I eat a few almonds, walnuts, or pecans raw in the morning. Fruit—I try to eat an apple a day. Blackberries, yogurt, honey. I’m big into vegetable soup and anything to make a salad.

 What’s the top guilty food pleasure you couldn’t live without?

MacDowell: I like sweets in moderation, whether cookies or ice cream. And dark chocolate is great.

Who has been the biggest health/fitness/food inspiration in your life?

MacDowell: One of the great features of my job is the necessity to stay in shape. It has become a way of life for me. I have my job to thank. In the begin­ning, I didn’t enjoy exercise much, but now I’ve learned to take joy from it. 

How do you fight stress or relax at the end of a crazy day?

MacDowell: I drink relaxing teas for tension or a busy mind. I like chamomile tea. I like to take a hot bath. I tell people not to give me upsetting news after 5 pm. You have to be careful when you’re menopausal not to get stressed out.

 What book is on your nightstand right now?

MacDowell: I’m reading The Story of a Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon, and I’m reading a book about Freud—A Dangerous Method by John Kerr.

What’s your favorite recipe?

MacDowell: I love good beets. I chill and steam them. I love arugula or fresh spinach. I’ll heat up goat cheese, olive oil, and a sprig of rosemary, then sprinkle on walnuts. I do a variety of salads. Beets and goat cheese complement each other well. Salads are amazing. You can be so creative.

Andie MacDowell— DRH