Isabella Rossellini began her professional journey in front of the lens as a model before securing a breakthrough role in the 1986 film Blue Velvet. Born in Rome in 1952, she established a diverse career encompassing acting, directing, and screenwriting. Her portfolio spans decades of European and American cinema, grounded by a background in television and editorial fashion.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1952 to Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman and Italian film director Roberto Rossellini, Isabella Rossellini spent her childhood in Rome, Santa Marinella, and Paris. She received a liberal Catholic education. Her youth included medical challenges, notably surgery for appendicitis at age five and a spinal procedure at age 11 to correct scoliosis. At 19, she moved to New York City to attend Finch College, supporting herself as a translator and television reporter for the Italian national broadcaster RAI.
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Rossellini entered modeling at 28, working with photographers such as Bruce Weber, Richard Avedon, and Robert Mapplethorpe for publications including British Vogue, American Vogue, and Vanity Fair. In 1982, she became the exclusive spokesperson for Lancôme, contributing to the development of the fragrance Trésor in 1990. After an exit from the brand in 1996, she returned in 2016 as a global brand ambassador. Her commercial work also included a 2004 role as the inaugural ambassador for Silversea Cruises.
Film and Television Career
Her acting debut occurred in the 1976 film A Matter of Time. Subsequent film credits include White Nights, Cousins, Death Becomes Her, Fearless, and Joy. Her performance as Sister Agnes in the 2024 film Conclave earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her television work features appearances in series such as Alias, 30 Rock, Friends, and the HBO series Julia. She has also contributed voice work to projects including Incredibles 2 and Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.
Honours and Awards
Rossellini has received various accolades throughout her career, including the Nastro d'Argento for Best New Actress in 1980 and the Rachel Carson Award in 2010. In 2024, she was recognized with the European Film Academy Lifetime Achievement Award and the European Film Academy Achievement in World Cinema Award. She holds the distinction of being named to the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
Fast facts
- Born: 1952, Rome, Italy
- Education: Finch College
- Citizenship: Italy, United States, Sweden
- Film Debut: A Matter of Time (1976)
- Lancôme Spokesmodel: 1982–1996, 2016–present
- 2024 Award: European Film Academy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Languages spoken: Italian, French, English
Questions readers ask
What was Isabella Rossellini's breakthrough film role?
Her breakthrough role was as Dorothy Vallens in the 1986 film Blue Velvet, directed by David Lynch.
Has she received any Academy Award nominations?
Yes, she received a nomination for Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Sister Agnes in the 2024 film Conclave.
Achievements
- European Film Academy Lifetime Achievement Award — 2024
- Worked as model, film director and autobiographer
