40 Facts About Isabella Rossellini

Early Life and Education

Isabella Rossellini's journey began in Rome, Italy, surrounded by cinematic legends. Her early years were marked by unique experiences and challenges.

1. 01Isabella Fiorella Elettra Giovanna Rossellini was born on June 18, 1952, in Rome, Italy.
2. 02She spent her early years in Santa Marinella and Paris.
3. 03At age five, she underwent an operation for appendicitis.
4. 04Diagnosed with scoliosis at 11, she faced an 18-month ordeal of painful stretchings, body casts, and surgery on her spine using pieces of one of her shin bones.
5. 05At 19, she moved to New York City to attend Finch College while working as a translator and television reporter for RAI.

Modeling Career

Rossellini's striking looks and unique heritage quickly made her a sought-after model in the late 1970s.

6. 06She began her modeling career in the late 1970s, becoming an overnight success after being photographed by Bruce Weber.
7. 07She graced the cover of over 500 magazines, becoming a prominent figure in the fashion world.
8. 08In 1982, she became the exclusive spokesmodel for Lancôme, replacing Nancy Dutiel in the United States and Carol Alt in Europe.
9. 09Despite being removed from Lancôme in 1996 for being "too old," she was rehired in 2016 as a global brand ambassador at the age of 63.

Acting Career

Rossellini's transition from modeling to acting brought her critical acclaim and iconic roles.

10. 10Her film debut came in 1976 with a brief appearance as a nun opposite her mother in A Matter of Time.
11. 11Her breakthrough role was in White Nights (1985), directed by Taylor Hackford.
12. 12She received the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead for her role as Dorothy Vallens in David Lynch's Blue Velvet (1986).
13. 13She considers her time with David Lynch as her "most significant relationship," collaborating on several projects including Wild at Heart.

Personal Life

Isabella's personal life has been as intriguing as her professional one, marked by high-profile relationships and family ties.

14. 14She has been married twice: first to Martin Scorsese from 1979 to 1982, and then to Jon Wiedemann from 1983 to 1986.
15. 15She has one child, Roberto Rossellini, from her marriage to Jon Wiedemann.
16. 16Rossellini dated Gary Oldman in the 1990s, though their engagement was called off after Oldman went to rehab.

Animal Lover and Conservationist

Beyond the glitz and glamour, Rossellini has a deep passion for animals and conservation.

17. 17She holds a master’s degree in animal behavior and conservation.
18. 18She received a PhD Honoris Causa from the science faculty at the University of Quebec at Montreal.
19. 19Her interest in animal behavior led her to create a series of short films called Green Porno, which offer comical and scientifically accurate insights into animal behavior.
20. 20She has toured extensively worldwide with her theatrical monologues Green Porno and Link Link Circus.

Notable Filmography

Rossellini's filmography is diverse, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

21. 21Some of her notable film roles include Cousins (1989), Death Becomes Her (1992), Fearless (1993), Wyatt Earp (1994), Big Night (1996), Roger Dodger (2002), Infamous (2006), Two Lovers (2008), Enemy (2013), Joy (2015), and La chimera (2023).
22. 22She has also voiced roles in Incredibles 2 (2018) and Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021).

Awards and Nominations

Her talent has not gone unnoticed, earning her several prestigious nominations and awards.

23. 23She has received nominations for two Golden Globe Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award.
24. 24Her performance in the film Conclave (2024) earned her a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress.
25. 25In 1997, she was nominated for an Emmy Award as Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her guest appearance on Chicago Hope.

Health Challenges

Rossellini's life has not been without its challenges, particularly concerning her health.

26. 26She suffered from scoliosis and underwent an 18-month ordeal of painful stretchings, body casts, and surgery on her spine using pieces of one of her shin bones.
27. 27This experience left her with incision scars on her back and shin but also a deeper appreciation for her health.

Fashion Icon

Isabella Rossellini's influence extends beyond acting, making her a fashion icon.

28. 28In 1990, she modeled for Madonna's controversial book Sex.
29. 29She also appeared in Madonna's music video for her successful Top 5 hit song "Erotica," released in autumn 1992.
30. 30In 2004, she became the inaugural brand ambassador for the Italian Silversea Cruises company, embodying the brand's exclusive standard of elegance, glamour, and sophistication.

Philanthropy and Educational Work

Rossellini's commitment to giving back is evident in her philanthropic and educational efforts.

31. 31She is an animal lover who donates time and money to wildlife causes.
32. 32Her work in animal conservation extends beyond her films, reflecting her deep commitment to the field.
33. 33She has taught at various institutions and has been a guest lecturer on topics related to animal behavior and conservation.

Family Legacy

Rossellini's family legacy in cinema is profound, and she continues to honor it.

34. 34Her mother, Ingrid Bergman, was a three-time Oscar-winning actress, and her father, Roberto Rossellini, was a neo-realist master director.
35. 35She is dedicated to preserving her family’s cinematic heritage, including founding Mama Farm, an organic farm in Brookhaven, NY.

Cultural Impact

Rossellini's cultural impact is vast, influencing both film and fashion.

36. 36Her collaboration with David Lynch on Blue Velvet marked a significant milestone in her career.
37. 37She has been a prominent figure in the fashion world, gracing the covers of numerous magazines and representing Lancôme for over 40 years.
38. 38Her influence on fashion extends beyond her modeling career, including product development for Lancôme and modeling for Madonna’s book Sex and music video for “Erotica.”

Legacy in Film and Fashion

Isabella Rossellini’s legacy in both film and fashion is profound, inspiring new generations.

39. 39She has won several Webby awards for her short film series Green Porno, Seduce Me, and Mammas.
40. 40Her journey from a young model to a renowned actress and filmmaker is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for storytelling.

Isabella Rossellini: A Timeless Icon

Isabella Rossellini's life and career are nothing short of fascinating. From her early days in Rome to becoming a global icon, she's made a lasting impact in film, fashion, and conservation. Her roles in Blue Velvet and Death Becomes Her showcase her acting chops, while her work with Lancôme highlights her influence in the fashion world. Beyond the screen, her dedication to animal behavior and conservation through projects like Green Porno reveals her multifaceted talents. Her resilience in overcoming health challenges and her commitment to preserving her family's cinematic legacy further underscore her remarkable journey. Isabella's story is a testament to her versatility, passion, and enduring legacy. Whether on the runway, in front of the camera, or advocating for wildlife, she continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.