Seems to me that women on screen get a shorter shelf life than the men. Here are some examples of popular women I recall from the past who've all but disappeared now:
1970s Jenny Hanley, Susan Penhaligon, Susan George, Nicola Pagett, Sally James, Ali McGraw, Faye Dunnaway
1980s Jacqueline Bissett, Fiona Fullerton, Magenta Da Vine, Muriel Young, Darryl Hannah, Kelly McGillis, Bridget Fonda
1990s Jayne Middlemiss, Jenny Powell, Anthea Turner, Sally Meen, Wincy Willis
Jenny Powell is still a regular on the TV
Ally McGraw was buys until the late '90's - they are allowed to retire you know lol
Faye Dunaway is filming as you typed and she directs and produces
Jacqueline Bissett is also filming at the moment
I picked a few, just cos they are not in the news all the time doesn't mean they faded into obscurity
There are some people in films and on TV right now that should do that though ;-)
A lot of these ladies may have got married/had kids/moved to the Cotswolds.ie.moved on with their lives.Although you would'nt believe it today appearing on tele was'nt considered the be all & end all of life once.