The ages I put are how old they were when they most recently played the role according to IMDB, so some of the ages are from playing the same characters in sequels, not the original movie. Also, some of them are in ongoing shows/movies so the ages will obviously not be right forever, but according to imdb they are right at the moment.

Since so much emphasis is put on youth by Hollywood I thought it would be nice to take a look at some of the 'older' actresses who have kicked ass. By the way, I mean old by Hollywood standards, because none of these women register as old to me. Add any female ass kicker as long as they were 40 or above when they played the role, and if you could try to include the age they were at when you add the option.
By the way, if you are going to add this pick is just focused on characters who physically kicked ass. Female characters who are mentally/emotionally strong are just as important but it seems to be the physically kickass roles that the more mature actresses are most passed over for, so that's just what this pick is for.

The choice is which actress you prefer, so you don't have to like the role I listed for them if you like the actress.

Linda Fiorentino was 41 when Dogma was made... I don't think she's reprized the role since.

But I've really been feeling the Dogma love lately.

Although after reading your comment, I'm not sure she counts... Even if she did fight against angels and get shot by cosmic energy...

EDIT: Reconsidering... may delete...

EDIT EDIT: A thought-- How about Alanis Morissette as God? A woman cast in a predominantly patriarchal role? That's pretty kickass-- albeit, not physically, but more.... metaphysicially.

EDIT EDIT EDIT: Just realized it was about the actress. Will delete when I get home, as I don't think Linda will beat anyone out... I even prefer Sandra to her, though I love Bethany.

I think she's a valid option Cinders, it's been a long time since I saw dogma but if I remember right the character goes through some physical toughness to save the day, right? (I might be wrong, I saw dogma ages ago, and pretty much all I remember is Alanis Morissette doing a handstand as God and Alan Rickman's character dropping his pants to prove he has no...uh...man bits)

Yeah, she does. She kind of sacrifices herself to save the day, then is resurrected by God, which makes her a sort of Christ figure...

I dunno, though. Still, I like the character, but the actress isn't my favorite. I may leave her as an option, but change my vote.

Gracie-lou Freebush.

Helena Bonham Carter has one of the most original styles in acting that she just is the best over and under 40

i love Sigourney Weaver too.

There's a ton of great actresses on this list but I think Sigourney is my favourite! She's so talented- and she totally kicked ass in Aliens: Resurrection.

Oh MAN SO TOUGH! I LOOOOVE Demi in CA2, because I have it memorised. I also LOVE Sandra in MC & HBC in HP! :D

I was about to pick Sandra Bullock cause she was FREAKIN AWESOME in the Miss Congeniality movies!But I had to pick Helena!Bellatrix is such an original and kick ass character and she was portrayeted so well by Helena!I can't think of anyone else who could be Bellatrix over Helena!Sigourney wasin the Alien movies?I haven't really seen them but I love her<3

Sigourney and Helena are my fave old school female role models, if you wanna call it that, both totally kick ass!

She's 45 now and still kicking ass, and daaamn she looks good for her age. =D