isabella rossellini
Isabella Rossellini (born June 18, 1952) is one of the most celebrated figures in modern entertainment, blending a successful career in film, fashion, and art with her unique vision of beauty, aging, and creative expression. Born into an iconic family, the daughter of legendary actress Ingrid Bergman and filmmaker Roberto Rossellini, Isabella carved her own path to become an actress, model, and artist admired for her distinctive voice in the arts and her dedication to bringing unconventional, thought-provoking projects to life.
Early Life and Family Heritage
Isabella Rossellini was born in Rome, Italy, in 1952, and grew up surrounded by the cinematic world that shaped her early years. Her mother, Ingrid Bergman, was one of the most acclaimed actresses of the 20th century, winning three Academy Awards, while her father, Roberto Rossellini, was a revolutionary Italian filmmaker known for his contributions to neorealism. With such a prestigious lineage, it was clear that Isabella would inherit a strong artistic gene.
Despite her family’s fame, Isabella was determined to find her own identity in the world, stepping away from the shadows of her parents’ towering legacies to pursue her own career. She attended school in Rome, Paris, and New York, and later, she became fluent in both English and Italian, which would help her as she navigated international cinema and fashion. Her multicultural background allowed her to develop a distinctive perspective on art, beauty, and culture.
Modeling Career: A Global Icon
In the 1970s, Isabella’s striking looks and unique presence helped her transition into the world of modeling. With her porcelain features and sophisticated elegance, she quickly became one of the most sought-after faces in the fashion industry. Rossellini’s long career as a model included campaigns for top designers and fashion houses such as Lancôme, where she became one of the brand’s most prominent faces. Her relationship with the brand spanned over a decade, and her iconic images as a Lancôme spokeswoman helped solidify her status as a global beauty icon.
But Rossellini’s appeal was more than just her physical beauty; it was her intellectual depth and artistic sensibility that set her apart from the typical modeling world. As a model, she portrayed an air of sophistication and intelligence, breaking the mold for what it meant to be a fashion icon. Her modeling career allowed her to work with legendary photographers, photographers like Richard Avedon and Peter Lindbergh, who captured her beauty and poise in some of the most iconic images of the 1980s.
Film Career: Breakthrough and Recognition
While Isabella Rossellini’s modeling career brought her widespread fame, it was her acting career that truly made her a cultural icon. Her breakthrough role came in David Lynch’s 1986 film Blue Velvet, where she played Dorothy Vallens, a complex and tragic character trapped in a dark, surreal world. Her performance was hauntingly memorable, showcasing her ability to embody vulnerability and strength simultaneously. Blue Velvet became a cult classic, and Isabella’s portrayal of Dorothy cemented her place as a talented actress in the world of serious cinema.
Following Blue Velvet, Rossellini continued to work with prominent filmmakers and appeared in various films, often taking on complex and unconventional roles. Her collaborations with Lynch didn’t stop at Blue Velvet; she also starred in his film Wild at Heart (1990), alongside Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern, further solidifying her place as a trusted and versatile actress in the independent film scene.
Some of her other notable films include:
- Death Becomes Her (1992), where she starred alongside Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn in a dark comedy about immortality. Her role as Lisle von Rhuman, a glamorous, enigmatic woman, became one of her most iconic performances.
- Cousins (1989), a romantic comedy where she showcased her ability to balance humor and charm.
- Big Night (1996), a film about family, food, and Italian-American life, where Rossellini played the love interest of Stanley Tucci’s character.
- The Saddest Music in the World (2003), a quirky and visually striking film where she played a role in the 1930s during the Great Depression.
Isabella’s acting career was never about fitting into one genre or category; it was about embracing roles that intrigued her and allowed her to explore new creative territory.
Creativity Beyond Acting: Art and Film Projects
Rossellini’s creativity extends far beyond acting. In the 2000s, she ventured into the world of filmmaking and writing. Her Green Porno series, which she created and starred in, combined humor, science, and performance art to explore the mating habits of animals. This project gained worldwide attention for its bold and unique approach to both education and entertainment, blending her love for animals with her artistic instincts.
She has also written books, including “Some of Me” (1997), which explores her personal life, career, and reflections on beauty and aging. The book was met with critical acclaim for its intellectual depth and candor. Rossellini’s approach to aging and beauty has made her a notable voice in discussions around the pressures of youth and appearance in Hollywood.
In addition, she has continued to explore the realms of photography and art direction, consistently blending her acting career with creative endeavors that focus on self-expression and intellectual exploration.
Personal Life: Family and Relationships
Isabella Rossellini’s personal life has often intersected with her professional journey. Her relationships, both personal and romantic, have shaped her experiences in the public eye:
- Martin Scorsese: Rossellini was married to the famous director Martin Scorsese from 1979 to 1982, a relationship that brought her closer to the world of cinema.
- Jonathan Wiedemann: She also married model and actor Jonathan Wiedemann in 1983, and they have one daughter, Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann, born in 1983. Elettra went on to become a model and food writer.
- Gary Oldman: Isabella also had a significant relationship with actor Gary Oldman during the 1990s.
Despite her connections to Hollywood’s elite, Rossellini has always maintained a sense of independence, staying true to her own vision in both her career and personal life.
Legacy and Influence
Isabella Rossellini has transcended her roles in film and modeling to become a cultural icon whose influence is still felt today. From her groundbreaking roles in Blue Velvet and Death Becomes Her to her work in environmentalism and animal rights, Rossellini’s legacy is multifaceted and ongoing.
She has challenged conventional ideas about beauty, aging, and fame, and her creative projects — like Green Porno — have allowed her to redefine what it means to be an artist in the modern world. Her role as a spokeswoman for Lancome and her extensive work in the arts and fashion world have solidified her as a global style icon.
Conclusion
Isabella Rossellini career is defined by her refusal to be confined to any one category. Whether as an actress, model, filmmaker, or activist, she has continuously redefined what it means to be a woman in the entertainment industry. Her work in cinema, her advocacy for aging gracefully, and her ongoing creative ventures show that she is more than just an iconic actress — she is a cultural force. Isabella Rossellini’s journey from fashion model to actress to creator has inspired generations, and her influence continues to grow, proving that artistry and beauty transcend time.
About the Author
