This ‘Blue Velvet’ Star Chose Farm Life & Natural Aging – Users in Awe Seeing Her Transformation
This “Blue Velvet” actress, who once dominated the modeling world, left fame behind for farm life, embracing natural aging over cosmetic enhancements. See her stunning transformation that captivated fans as she has gracefully defied industry norms.
This iconic actress, director, and writer, often regarded as cinema royalty as the daughter of two film legends, was born in 1952 and became an acclaimed actress from being a model. In 1982, the Italian beauty became the world’s highest-paid model after signing an exclusive deal with a major cosmetics brand.
The famous actress roaming the streets of Rome, Italy, with her mother, Ingrid Bergman, circa 1974. | Source: Getty Images
For over a decade, she was the face of their iconic fragrances, lipsticks, and skincare, appearing in ads that captivated audiences worldwide. However, as she approached her 43rd birthday in 1995, her career with the brand ended abruptly.
The Italian actress at the Filmex closing party on March 27, 1977, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The company told her that their advertisements were meant to sell dreams, and as she recalled, “Women dream to be young, not to grow old.” Their reasoning didn’t sit well with her.
She remarked, “Which might be a dream for some women, but I think the biggest dream for women is to grow old with beauty and dignity and elegance.”
The movie star at the New York Film Festival on September 23, 1977. | Source: Getty Images
Fans shared the actress’s sentiments, expressing disappointment with the company’s decision. Despite the backlash, it took over two decades before she was invited back, this time by a new female CEO with a fresh perspective.
“They said, ‘We should have never let you go.’ I certainly didn’t expect it 20 years later!” the actress/model recalled while speaking about the surprising reunion in 2016.
The Italian actress at the “King of the Gypsies” wrap party on May 15, 1978, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Since then, the Italian star continued her work with the brand, even starring in their campaign for their “La Vie Est Belle” fragrance. However, for her, the French phrase, which translates to “Life is beautiful,” was more than just a tagline — it was a philosophy she lived by.
The actress, circa 1979. | Source: Getty Images
Her return to the beauty brand was not without its challenges. After being unceremoniously replaced by a younger model, the Italian actress began questioning her next steps.
Heartbroken and financially worried, especially as a single mother of two young children, she sought advice from a company’s senior executive, only to be coldly told, “I am not your wet nurse.”
The movie star filming “The Meadow,” circa 1979. | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on that difficult time, the Italian native shared, “It was pretty rough, no doubt, it was hard. My daughter was 10 and my son was one, and I was a single mum. I cried and was depressed, and I worried financially.”
The famous actress, circa 1980. | Source: Getty Images
Decades later, when asked why she chose to return to the company that once let her go, she expressed mixed feelings, “There was that feeling when a friend asked why I was going back. I said, ‘Because I’m flattered, I’m very touched, [and] I miss them.’ It’s very personal, but I don’t know whether I’m being forgiving.”
The model and actress, circa 1980. | Source: Getty Images
The model/actress believed the company and the industry had evolved, especially with more women in leadership roles. “When I was here 20 years ago, the secretaries were women and the bosses were men,” she noted.
The movie star posing for a portrait on March 3, 1980, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
However, over the years, the Italian-American star became somewhat disillusioned with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. “The red carpet has become a job. It’s like a beauty competition, and everyone feels uncomfortable about it,” she revealed.
Instead, she embraced her age with grace and refused to chase youth through artificial means. “We all age. It’s part of nature. I’ve never done any plastic surgery. If you do it, you might win a battle, but you lose the war,” she said.
The actress, circa 1980. | Source: Getty Images
Her stance extended beyond cosmetic surgery to all forms of injectables. As the owner of a 28-acre organic farm on Long Island, the model found it impossible to reconcile her commitment to natural living with cosmetic enhancements.
The Italian model and movie star, circa 1980. | Source: Getty Images
Yet, she admitted that even she had moments of self-doubt, particularly about her neck. “The neck is always a little bit upsetting, but I live with it. I prefer a little scarf to an operation!” she said.
Though she once graced the big screen in films like “Blue Velvet,” the actress instead found fulfillment tending to her farm, surrounded by chickens, dogs, bees, and sheep.
The actress photographed with Martin in Los Angeles, California, on January 1, 1981. | Source: Getty Images
For the actress, her new phase of life was about freedom and doing what she loved without the pressures of youth. “When you’re old, you can do everything you’ve always wanted to do. That’s the great fun about being old,” she reflected.
“I think you acquire a lot of freedom. When you’re young, you have many obligations…you have children to raise, you have to make it [in] your career. When you’re older, all these things have been answered. So now, I just do what I like,” the actress/model added.
The actress and model at her 30th birthday celebration on June 18, 1982, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
As she looks ahead, the star is focused on preserving her farm for future generations. She ran a bed-and-breakfast and sold organic eggs, honey, wool, and vegetables, hoping her legacy would continue long after she was gone.
Though she once thrived on the red carpet, she realized it was just another job. For her, life was no longer about competing but embracing every season with authenticity and joy.
The Italian movie star at her mother’s memorial service in 1982. | Source: Getty Images
Now, at 72 years old, here’s how the iconic actress Isabella Rossellini has transformed over the years. She has remained just as beautiful over time.
1980s
Isabella Rossellini, circa 1988. | Source: Getty Images
Isabella Rossellini, circa 1988. | Source: Getty Images
Isabella Rossellini, circa 1989. | Source: Getty Images
1990s
In 2024, actress Eva Mendes took a trip down memory lane on Instagram and shared a stunning clip of Rossellini as the iconic Lisle Von Rhuman in the 1992 film “Death Becomes Her.” In the caption, she wrote, “Icon. Isabella Rossellini. Loved her in this movie. Love her in all her movies. The coolest 🖤.”
Isabella Rossellini at the grand opening of Galeries Lafayette on March 26, 1991, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
“She is Iconic!!! Always,” a social media user commented. “She’s one of those GOATs!🔥❤️,” another added. A third shared, “Isabella was gorgeous…classic, an Italian beauty…an icon and legend for sure❤️.”
Isabella Rossellini filming “Immortal Beloved,” circa 1994. | Source: Getty Images
Isabella Rossellini at the “Panther Panchali” premiere on April 3, 1995, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
2000s
Isabella Rossellini posing for a portrait in Germany during the 56th Berlin International Film Festival on February 11, 2006. | Source: Getty Images
Isabella Rossellini on May 9, 2006. | Source: Getty Images
Isabella Rossellini at the 2008 National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) East Coast Gala on April 14, 2008, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
2010s
Isabella Rossellini at the 10th Rome Film Fest on October 16, 2015, in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
Isabella Rossellini at the premiere of “Joy” on December 13, 2015, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Isabella Rossellini at “The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Screening of ‘Joy'” event on December 14, 2015, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
2020s
In August 2024, Rossellini graced the cover of Vogue Italia, and social media users flooded her comments sections with praise. “You inspire all of us. Inner beauty and kindness is ageless,” one person shared.
Later in the month, the iconic model was the picture of ageless beauty in an adorable clip she shared of herself driving her sheep, Toto and Titi, to her farm. “I love your happiness! Like a playful child,” one person commented. Another social media user typed, “You are fabulous, darling!”
Isabella Rossellini at the photocall during the 69th David Di Donatello at Cinecitta Studios on May 3, 2024, in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
Isabella Rossellini’s journey from a global beauty icon to a life rooted in nature reflects her commitment to authenticity and aging gracefully. Embracing her years with dignity, she has redefined her path, prioritizing personal fulfillment over societal expectations.