Meryl Streep has confessed she believes women are ''demonised'' for growing older but agrees actors should take on ''age appropriate'' roles.

The 65-year-old actress claims she turned down a number of parts in which she was asked to play a witch when she was in her 40s because she doesn't like the idea of women being portrayed as ''horrifying'' for growing older.

Quizzed on why she'd agreed to play a witch in 'Into the Woods' at a press conference for the film at the Corinthia London hotel, she said: ''Because I felt it was age appropriate, I thought it was the right time. I didn't think it was the right time at 40.

''Also, I just had a political sort of reaction against the concept of witches ... Of older women being demonised and age being this horrifying, scary thing. ''I just didn't go for that. I didn't like it when I was a little girl and I don't like it now.''

The 'Devil Wears Prada' star is transformed from a crooked, vindictive hag of a witch into a stunning bombshell when a spell is lifted in the film but she's confessed she felt more comfortable looking haggard.

She shared: ''I actually preferred it before the transformation, interestingly. The one who transforms had a lot of make up.'' 'Into The Woods' is set for release worldwide later this week.