Isabella Rossellini, the iconic actress, model, and daughter of Hollywood legends Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini, has had a life filled with significant relationships that have shaped her journey. Her story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment, often in the face of societal expectations.
Rossellini’s early life was anything but conventional. Growing up in France and Italy, she was surrounded by the glamour and scandal of her parents’ lives. Her mother, Ingrid Bergman, was denounced by the US Senate as a “vile free-love cultist” after giving birth to Rossellini’s older brother while still married to her first husband. This scandalous backdrop set the stage for Rossellini’s own complex relationships.
At 14, Rossellini’s father gave her a book by Konrad Lorenz, sparking her interest in animal behavior. However, she lacked the confidence to pursue zoology or biology, opting instead for modeling, a path that seemed more accessible given her beauty. This decision led her to become the face of Lancôme in 1982, making her the world’s highest-paid model at the time.
Rossellini’s first marriage was to renowned director Martin Scorsese in 1979. Their relationship was intense, with Scorsese later admitting that being in a relationship with Roberto Rossellini’s daughter was significant to him. However, their marriage ended in divorce four years later. Rossellini then married former model Jonathan Wiedemann, with whom she had a daughter, Elettra. This marriage also lasted four years.
Her relationship with director David Lynch was another significant chapter in her life. They were together for six years, during which Rossellini starred in Lynch’s cult classic “Blue Velvet.” This period was marked by professional collaboration and personal connection, but it eventually came to an end.
In 1993, Rossellini made a bold decision to adopt a son, Roberto, as a single mother. This choice reflected her growing independence and desire to create a family on her own terms. Three years later, at the height of her modeling career, she was unceremoniously dropped by Lancôme for being “too old” at 43. This rejection was a turning point, leading her to embrace her age and explore new creative avenues.
Rossellini’s journey into single life was not entirely by choice. After her last relationship ended in her forties, her therapist suggested she try living alone for a while. What began as a six-month experiment turned into a 25-year period of self-discovery and contentment. Rossellini found serenity in her solitude, a state she had not anticipated but grew to cherish.
Her reflections on single life resonate with many who have faced similar paths. Rossellini’s story is a testament to the idea that happiness and fulfillment do not necessarily come from traditional relationships. Instead, they can be found in embracing one’s authentic self and making choices that align with personal values and desires.
Rossellini’s later years have been marked by a return to her early passion for animal behavior. She created the “Green Porno” series, a collection of short films about the sex lives of animals, blending humor, education, and a touch of the bizarre. These films, along with her live-streamed show “Sex & Consequences,” showcase her unique ability to engage audiences with unconventional topics.
Throughout her life, Rossellini has navigated the complexities of relationships, both romantic and familial, with grace and resilience. Her story is a reminder that the path to fulfillment is not always linear and that embracing one’s individuality can lead to unexpected and rewarding experiences.
As Rossellini continues to explore new creative projects and live her life on her own terms, she remains an inspiring figure. Her journey underscores the importance of self-discovery, the value of independence, and the joy that can be found in embracing one’s true self.
Source: Out.com, The Guardian
