Isabella Rossellini, born Isabella Fiorella Elettra Giovanna Rossellini on June 18, 1952, in Rome, Italy, is a multifaceted artist whose life and career span the worlds of cinema, modeling, literature, and conservation. Daughter of the iconic Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman and the legendary Italian filmmaker Roberto Rossellini, Isabella’s life was steeped in the arts from birth. Over the decades, she has carved out a unique space for herself, becoming a beloved figure in international entertainment and a respected voice in environmental advocacy.
Early Life: Growing Up in a Cinematic Dynasty
Isabella Rossellini’s childhood was anything but ordinary. Born into one of the most famous families in the film industry, she was raised amidst the glamour and prestige of Hollywood and European cinema. Her mother, Ingrid Bergman, was already an established star by the time Isabella was born, known for her roles in classics like Casablanca and Notorious. Her father, Roberto Rossellini, was a pioneering director in the Italian neorealism movement, responsible for masterpieces like Rome, Open City and Paisan.
Isabella was not the only child in the Rossellini household. She grew up with a twin sister, Isotta Ingrid Rossellini, who would go on to become a professor of Italian literature, and a brother, Roberto Ingmar Rossellini, who pursued a career in finance. The family split their time between Rome and Paris, immersing Isabella in the rich cultural environments of both cities.
At the age of 14, Isabella faced a significant challenge when she underwent surgery to correct scoliosis, a spinal condition. This experience, while difficult, did not deter her from pursuing her passions. By the age of 19, she had moved to New York City, where she began working as a translator and journalist for the Italian public broadcaster RAI. Her first major television appearance came as a “New York correspondent” for the Italian variety show L’altra domenica, hosted by Renzo Arbore.
Career Beginnings: Journalism, Modeling, and a Move to Hollywood
Isabella’s early career was marked by versatility. In New York, she found success not only in journalism but also in modeling, a field where her striking looks and distinguished lineage set her apart. She made her debut as a model at the age of 28, when she was photographed by Bruce Weber for the British edition of Vogue and by Bill King for the American edition. This was just the beginning of a long and illustrious career in modeling.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Isabella Rossellini became one of the most recognizable faces in fashion. She collaborated with some of the industry’s most celebrated photographers, including Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, and Annie Leibovitz. Her image graced the covers of top fashion magazines like Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, and ELLE. In 1988, her status as a fashion icon was solidified when the Musée d’Art Moderne in Paris dedicated a photographic exhibition to her titled “Portrait of a Woman.”
Isabella’s modeling career was not limited to print. In 1982, she became the exclusive spokesperson for the luxury cosmetics brand Lancôme, replacing Nancy Dutheil in the United States and Carol Alt in Europe. Her association with Lancôme lasted for 14 years, during which she became the face of the brand’s campaigns and played a key role in developing the iconic fragrance Trésor in 1990. However, in 1996, at the age of 44, she was controversially dismissed by Lancôme for being “too old”—a decision that sparked widespread debate about ageism in the fashion and beauty industries.
Transition to Acting: From Screen Debut to Cult Status
While Isabella Rossellini was making her mark in the world of fashion, she was also establishing herself as a formidable actress. Her first appearance on the big screen came in 1976, when she had a minor role as a nun in the film Nina, directed by Vincente Minnelli. However, her true breakthrough in cinema came in 1985, when she starred in White Nights, a romantic drama that introduced her to American audiences.
It was her collaboration with director David Lynch, however, that truly catapulted Isabella to international fame. In 1986, she starred in Lynch’s Blue Velvet, portraying the enigmatic nightclub singer Dorothy Vallens. The film, known for its dark and surreal exploration of the human psyche, became a cult classic, and Isabella’s haunting performance was widely praised. Her work with Lynch continued with films like Wild at Heart (1990) and solidified her reputation as a daring and unconventional actress willing to take on complex, challenging roles.
Isabella Rossellini’s acting career has been marked by a series of memorable performances in both mainstream and independent films. She starred in Cousins (1989), Death Becomes Her (1992), and Fearless (1993), showcasing her versatility across genres. In 1997, she played the goddess Minerva in the television adaptation of The Odyssey, further demonstrating her range as an actress.
Her work in television also includes guest appearances in popular series like Alias, where she played the diabolical Katya Derevko, and in the Canadian film The Saddest Music in the World (2003), directed by Guy Maddin. In 2004, she took on the role of the Supreme Priestess Thar in the miniseries The Legend of Earthsea.
Beyond Film: Isabella Rossellini’s Artistic and Environmental Endeavors
Isabella Rossellini’s contributions to the arts extend far beyond her work in film and modeling. She has become a respected author, with three books to her name: Some of Me (1997), Looking at Me (on Pictures and Photographers) (2002), and In the Name of the Father, the Daughter, and the Holy Spirits: Remembering Roberto Rossellini (2006). The latter, a tribute to her father, was accompanied by a short film titled My Dad Is 100 Years Old, which she described as “a 15-minute love letter to my father.”
In 2008, Isabella embarked on a new and unusual artistic adventure with the creation of Green Porno, a series of short films that explore the reproductive habits of insects and other animals. The project, which she wrote, directed, and starred in, is a playful yet informative exploration of the natural world, blending humor, science, and art. Green Porno became a critical success and led to several sequels and adaptations, including Seduce Me and Mammas.
Isabella’s passion for nature and wildlife is not limited to her film work. She is deeply involved in environmental conservation, serving as a board member of the Wildlife Conservation Network and as the director of the Howard Gilman Foundation, an organization dedicated to the preservation of nature, the arts, and dance. Under her leadership, both organizations have secured significant funding from major corporations, including Disney, to support their conservation efforts.
Personal Life: Love, Relationships, and Family
Isabella Rossellini’s personal life has been as colorful and eventful as her career. In 1979, she married the acclaimed Italian-American director Martin Scorsese, but the marriage ended in 1982. She then married German model Jon Wiedemann in 1983, with whom she had her daughter, Elettra Wiedemann, who has gone on to become a successful model and food writer. However, this marriage also ended in divorce in 1986.
Over the years, Isabella has been romantically linked with several prominent figures, including director David Lynch, actor Gary Oldman, Italian actor Christian De Sica, and theater director Gregory Mosher. Despite these high-profile relationships, Isabella has always maintained a level of privacy and dignity, focusing on her career and personal growth.
In addition to her daughter Elettra, Isabella adopted a son, Roberto Rossellini, named after her father. Family has always been a central part of Isabella’s life, and she has often spoken about the influence her parents had on her values, work ethic, and artistic vision.
Legacy and Influence: An Icon of Style, Substance, and Sustainability
Isabella Rossellini’s legacy is one of remarkable diversity. She has managed to navigate the often fickle worlds of fashion, film, and art with grace and intelligence, constantly reinventing herself and pushing boundaries. Her ability to blend beauty with intellect, art with activism, has made her a role model for many aspiring artists and environmentalists.
As an actress, Isabella has left an indelible mark on the film industry with her fearless performances and her collaborations with some of the most innovative directors of our time. As a model, she challenged the industry’s narrow definitions of beauty and age, becoming a symbol of timeless elegance and sophistication. As an author and filmmaker, she has used her platform to explore complex themes, from family legacy to environmental conservation, contributing to a broader cultural dialogue.
Isabella’s work in environmental advocacy has also had a significant impact. Through her leadership roles in conservation organizations and her educational projects like Green Porno, she has helped raise awareness about the importance of protecting our planet’s biodiversity. Her efforts have inspired a new generation of environmentalists and demonstrated that art and activism can go hand in hand.
Conclusion: A Life Lived Fully, with Passion and Purpose
At 71 years old, Isabella Rossellini continues to be a vibrant and influential figure in the arts and environmental conservation. Her life is a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place. Whether through her unforgettable performances, her groundbreaking projects in film and literature, or her tireless work in conservation, Isabella Rossellini has proven that true success is not just about fame and fortune—it’s about living a life of purpose, passion, and impact.
Isabella’s journey from the daughter of cinematic legends to an icon in her own right is a story of determination, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to her craft and her beliefs. As she continues to explore new avenues for expression and advocacy, there is no doubt that Isabella Rossellini will remain a beloved and respected figure for many years to come.
