Isabella Rossellini

Isabella Rossellini. An Italian actress, model, filmmaker, and author, she is renowned as a global icon of beauty and sophistication. The daughter of actress Ingrid Bergman and director Roberto Rossellini, she first gained international fame as the face of Lancôme for fourteen years. Her diverse career spans acclaimed performances in films like *Blue Velvet* and Death Becomes Her, alongside pioneering work in wildlife filmmaking and advocacy.

Early life and family

Born in Rome to cinematic legends, her childhood was steeped in the world of Italian neorealism and international filmmaking. Her mother's career with studios like Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and collaborations with directors such as Alfred Hitchcock contrasted with her father's influential work with actors like Anna Magnani. The scandal surrounding her parents' relationship during the filming of *Stromboli* was a persistent media narrative. She attended the Lycée Français Chateaubriand in Rome before studying at Finch College in New York City, later working as a translator for RAI and as a reporter in New York City.

Modeling and acting career

Her modeling career began in the late 1970s, with her distinctive features quickly gracing the covers of magazines like *Vogue* and Harper's Bazaar. This visibility led to her film debut in the 1976 Roger Vadim film *A Matter of Time*, which also starred her mother. Her breakthrough acting role came as the tortured nightclub singer Dorothy Vallens in David Lynch's controversial 1986 masterpiece *Blue Velvet*. She subsequently appeared in a wide range of films, including *Cousins*, *The Pick-up Artist*, and *Wild at Heart*. A notable comedic turn came in Robert Zemeckis's Death Becomes Her alongside Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn.

Lancôme and later work

In 1982, she was signed as the exclusive face of the French cosmetics house Lancôme, a role she held until 1996, becoming one of the most recognizable models in the world. After being dropped by the brand for being "too old," she was dramatically rehired in 2018, a move celebrated as a victory against ageism in the beauty industry. Parallel to this, she developed a second career as a filmmaker and author, creating the award-winning series Green Porno for the Sundance Channel, which explored animal sexuality. She has also hosted and produced documentaries for National Geographic and published the memoir Some of Me.

Personal life and activism

Her personal life has included marriages to director Martin Scorsese and model Jonathan Wiedemann, as well as significant relationships with David Lynch and actor Gary Oldman. She has two children, including actress Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann. A dedicated philanthropist, she serves on the board of the Wildlife Conservation Network and is a vocal ambassador for The George Eastman Museum. Her activism extends to animal welfare, supporting organizations like the Howard Gilman Foundation, and she is a prominent advocate for conservation efforts, frequently lecturing on biodiversity.

Filmography and awards

Her extensive filmography includes roles in *The Innocent*, *Fearless*, *Big Night*, and *The Funeral*. She received a César Award nomination for her performance in *The Odyssey* and won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead for her role in The Saddest Music in the World. In television, she has appeared in series such as 30 Rock, Shut Eye, and Maya and the Three. Her contributions to arts and culture have been recognized with honors like the Moscow International Film Festival's Stanislavsky Award and the Romy Schneider Award.

Category:Italian film actresses Category:Italian models Category:1952 births