Tatler Weekend: Jo Berry on carving out a space for little people in the entertainment industry
Editor’s note
March 8 marks International Women’s Day (IWD). It’s a day to celebrate the achievements of women, but also a call to action.
In this special edition of Tatler Weekend, we spotlight women who are changing their own narratives and shifting cultural landscapes for the better. From Jo Berry’s work in redefining representation for little people, to Susan Lankester’s advocacy against ageism, these are two of the many influential women we have spoken to in the past year, sharing their stories of resilience, resistance and reinvention—stories to inspire, spark dialogue and spur action.
While women across industries, societies and generations are challenging the status quo, breaking stereotypes and pushing for change, the battle is far from won, as our story on feminism in South Korea attests. The nation’s economic success and global influence belie its deep-rooted gender equality challenges.
The theme for IWD this year is #AccelerateAction. May these stories inspire you to take action—not just today, but every day.
Rachel Duffell
Rachel Duffell
Regional Content Director, Front & Female
Class act: Susan Lankester on ageism and agency for women in film: “Being a woman in this industry does not make you weaker”
Award-winning actress Susan Lankester gives her candid take on ageism in the entertainment industry and the power of saying no as a woman in this ultra-competitive environment
“I just started pickleball yesterday, and my shoulder is killing me!” Susan Lankester says emphatically, adding with eyebrows cheekily raised: “Old already…”
Entirely unbothered by the aches of a new sport—or, for that matter, the passage of time—the award-winning actress embraces life much like she embraces her acting career: unfazed and unhindered.
With her trademark caustic wit and sense of humour, she’s the leading lady everyone dreams of—charismatic, tenacious, and hardworking. From mastering a different language for a role to learning pickleball and wakeboarding, when Lankester shows up for something, she means business. Having spent over four decades in an industry that isn’t always kind to women—especially those who dare to age—the 62-year-old is not just surviving; she’s thriving and doing it on her own terms.
“I’m absolutely independent and used to doing everything on my own. Coming from a single-parent household, my mum instilled that in me,” Lankester says. “She always said, ‘Susan, you must be strong. Don’t ever let anyone take advantage of you.’”
Read more: Thai stars Lek Patravadi and Dom Hetrakul on cherishing Thai values while filming ’The White Lotus’
Actress Jo Berry is redefining representation and championing little people in the entertainment industry
Jo Berry never imagined she would one day become an actress, let alone the star of a television series. But a chance audition changed everything and she found herself carving out a space for little people in the entertainment industry—on her own terms
“It was my childhood dream to be a lawyer,” says Jo Berry. “But I didn’t want to burden my parents by making them pay for my education, so I decided to work before returning to school.”
Berry had a bachelor’s degree in computer studies, and she found a job in business process outsourcing (BPO).
Little did she know that she would one day be immersed in the legal world, albeit it on screen starring as Lilet Matias, Attorney-at-Law in the television series of the same name.
In case you missed it: Senator Risa Hontiveros on championing women’s rights and a better future for the Philippines
From #MeToo to 4B and Escape the Corset: What feminism looks like in South Korea
The history of gender equality and feminism in Korea reflects a complex interplay between deeply rooted traditions and a rapidly modernising society
Beneath South Korea’s economic success and global influence, the nation continues to grapple with deep-rooted gender equality challenges. Despite rapid modernisation and a thriving cultural and technological landscape, structural barriers and societal expectations still limit opportunities for women in politics, business, and everyday life.
As International Women’s Day 2025 embraces the theme “Accelerate Action”, we take a closer look at how Korean women have mobilised to challenge these inequalities. From grassroots activism to legislative advocacy, their efforts have sparked crucial conversations and tangible progress, shaping a rapidly approaching future where gender equality is not just an aspiration, but a reality.
International Women’s Day 2025: The global women leaders, changemakers and trendsetters the Tatler team talked to in the past year
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, Tatler highlights inspiring interviews with global women leaders and changemakers, showcasing their remarkable contributions and visionary impact across various fields
As International Women’s Day 2025 approaches, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of global female leaders, changemakers, and trendsetters who have inspired and influenced the world this past year.
Tatler’s conversations with trailblazers like Dr Jane Goodall, who instills hope for future generations, and Malala Yousafzai, whose impactful documentary highlights women’s resilience, underscore the vital narratives shaping our society. From Janet Yang’s groundbreaking role in Hollywood to Maria Ressa’s fight against disinformation: these women exemplify the power of courage and vision.
Join us as we reflect on their journeys and the indelible mark they continue to make in their fields.
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