Even they have an earlier "expiration" date than men in cinema and TV. Women are considered sexy for a far shorter period of time.

With this specific example, if McGillis had spent as much time and money and effort on appearing young and attractive as Tom Cruise has, maybe she would have been back in her role as well.

Oh, agreed! But it seems that men can remain "viable love interests" as long as they keep their rugged good looks (yes, with cosmetic help, of course), but in women this takes a stronger requirement of looking youthful.