Sophia Michaels
This article contains references to sexual assault.
Isabella Rossellini, the daughter of renowned actress Ingrid Bergman and noted director Roberto Rossellini, always gravitated towards a career in film. She gained recognition in the 1980s with iconic films like “White Nights” and “Blue Velvet,” later branching out into popular films such as “Death Becomes Her,” “Fearless,” and “Wyatt Earp.” By the late 1990s, she had also earned an Emmy for “Chicago Hope” and a Golden Globe nomination for “Crime of the Century.”
Throughout her career, Rossellini has navigated both commercial and independent projects. She contributed her voice to animated films like “The Incredibles 2” and “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On,” while also appearing in movies such as “Two Lovers,” “Enemy,” and “Joy.” Additionally, she created the unique series “Green Porno,” where she humorously explored animal mating behaviors.
Despite her vibrant public persona, Rossellini has encountered numerous personal struggles and tragedies away from the limelight. From failed romantic relationships to family losses, this article delves into some of her most difficult experiences.
Isabella’s Parents Divorced When She Was Just 5
Isabella’s early life was marked by her parents’ tumultuous relationship. When she was only 5 years old, Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini ended their marriage. For two years following the divorce, Isabella and her siblings lived with their housekeeper in a hotel in Rome, close to their father’s location, who she affectionately views as a maternal figure.
Regrettably, her contact with her mother during this time was limited. “I didn’t feel I missed her,” Isabella later reflected, acknowledging her realization of this peculiar situation only after becoming a mother herself in 1983. Yet, the period was fraught with emotional challenges; Isabella’s twin sister, Ingrid, described it as a time filled with distress every time their mother would come and go.
To address her feelings surrounding her parents’ divorce, Isabella created a short film titled “My Dad Is 100 Years Old.” In it, she acted out conversations with her mother to explore the reasons behind the divorce, allowing her mother to share insights about her father’s character.
Isabella’s Mother Died Just as Her Career Took Off
In 1982, Isabella graced the cover of Vogue magazine for the first time, indicating her rise in the acting world. Tragically, her mother, a luminary actress, did not live to witness her daughter’s growing success.
Ingrid Bergman passed away at 67 in 1982, before Isabella landed her defining American role in “White Nights.” Isabella shared her sorrow, stating, “She never witnessed my career flourish as an actress,” lamenting the loss of her mother at significant life moments.
However, Isabella fondly recalls sharing the screen with her mother in her acting debut, “A Matter of Time,” emphasizing that her mother’s indomitable spirit still inspires her. “Mama had this physical energy. I’m still trying to catch up to her even now,” she said, recognizing a similar strength in her daughter.
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Isabella’s Scoliosis Journey
Diagnosed with scoliosis at 11, Isabella Rossellini faced significant health challenges early in life, including complex surgery and a lengthy period in a full-body cast. These hardships were accompanied by the support of her mother, Ingrid Bergman, and her twin sister, Ingrid Rossellini.
Tragically, Isabella felt her mother’s absence in her own later health struggles, particularly during a second surgery in her 50s. “I missed my mother terribly because she was the perfect nurse,” she recounted to The New Zealand Herald.
Later, Isabella experienced her own daughter Elettra’s battle with scoliosis, having to support her through wearing a back brace from 12 to 17. This fueled Isabella’s aversion to cosmetic surgery, as she expressed, “Even if plastic surgery isn’t this bad, just the word ‘operation’ fills me with fear,” in an interview with The Belfast Telegraph.
Heartbreak of Losing a Half-Brother
Isabella’s health issues began at a young age, undergoing appendicitis surgery at just 5 years old. This ordeal was particularly concerning for her father, Roberto Rossellini, who had lost his first son to the same condition.
She never met her half-brother Marco, who sadly passed away at 9 from a ruptured appendix — a tragedy that haunted Roberto, who dedicated a film to Marco’s memory. This film, though dedicated with love, tackled grim themes reflective of post-war trauma.
This dedication showcased a troubling narrative that juxtaposed sentimental loss with harsh realities, underscoring the family’s deep scars from grief.
Trauma of Teen Years
In her autobiography “Some of Me,” published in 1997, Isabella revealed that she was a victim of rape during her adolescence. Despite this revelation, she chose not to elaborate on the details of her experience.
Reflecting on the impact of the #MeToo movement, Isabella expressed her ambivalence about recounting her experience, emphasizing that such discussions, while helpful to some, may not bring her personal closure. “Why would I dig out this story 48 years later?” she questioned, highlighting the complexities of justice and accountability.
She expressed concern about the potential repercussions for the perpetrator, questioning the morality of calling them out publicly. Nevertheless, she acknowledged the cultural shift towards recognizing and addressing women’s issues with men’s behavior, appreciating the progress made in changing long-standing societal attitudes.
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If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual assault, assistance is accessible. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or reach out to RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Isabella Rossellini: A Star on the Sidelines of Hollywood
It may surprise many, but iconic actress Isabella Rossellini has never received an Academy Award nomination. Despite her performances in numerous acclaimed films over decades, her few major hits leave many questioning why she hasn’t achieved the recognition she deserves.
Rossellini attributes part of her struggle to her Italian-American background and her accent. In a 2021 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she expressed her desire for a robust Hollywood career but noted the industry was less welcoming when she began. Furthermore, her inherited experimental nature from her filmmaker father may have influenced her unique career choices.
Working with directors like Guy Maddin and David Lynch, Rossellini remarked, “I just took roles that appealed to me. Unlike typical American actors who might worry about their career trajectory, I did not focus on crafting an image.”
The Emotional Impact of Her Breakup with David Lynch
Isabella Rossellini has faced the pain of divorce, including high-profile relationships with filmmaker Martin Scorsese and model Jon Wiedemann, but her breakup with David Lynch deeply affected her.
She began dating Lynch after starring in his film “Blue Velvet” in 1986, but their relationship ended in 1991. Reflecting on their romance, Rossellini said, “David was the great love of my life, and I thought he loved me in return, but I was clearly mistaken. My instincts told me we were happy together, yet we were not.“
The heartache from their separation led her to seek therapy and connect with other women with similar experiences: “I spoke with others and underwent therapy. Ultimately, time was what aided my healing the most.”
Lancôme’s Face: Discarded for Aging
In 1996, at the age of 43, Isabella faced society’s focus on youth when she was dropped from her role as the face of Lancôme after 14 years. This decision was made under the pretext that she could no longer embody the dream of eternal youth, something she later deemed “very unjust.”
Reflecting on this experience years later, she shared with The Irish Independent, “I felt sad. I had acquired so much knowledge and experience in posing and expression, yet was unable to share it. It was painful.” Her eventual return to Lancôme in 2016, however, was unexpected.
When questioned about why she did not decline Lancôme’s offer, she explained to The Guardian, “When a friend asked me if I wanted to take it, it felt like a warm invitation, rather than a job offer.”
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I expressed my feelings, saying, ‘I’m flattered and touched, but I miss them.’ It’s deeply personal, and I’m unsure if I’m actually forgiving.’ The actor mentioned that a woman named Francoise Lehmann, who is now the CEO, had invited him back to the company, acknowledging significant changes in the corporate structure since his previous time there.
Gary Oldman ended his relationship with Isabella for a woman he encountered in rehab
Isabella Rossellini, after a painful breakup with David Lynch, faced yet another heartbreak in the mid-1990s when her fiancé, Gary Oldman, a future Oscar winner, left her for someone else while in rehab preparing for their wedding.
Rossellini and Oldman had initially connected on the set of the 1994 film “Immortal Beloved.” However, their wedding plans faced obstacles due to Oldman’s struggles with substance abuse. After a 70-day drinking binge, Rossellini issued an ultimatum for him to get help.
Following this, Oldman entered rehab. Unfortunately for Rossellini, he emerged not only sober but also involved with another woman, model Donya Fiorentino. The couple married that same year and had two sons before a tumultuous divorce in 2001.
Isabella faced challenges in finding roles as she aged
Isabella Rossellini found her accent, background, and innovative style hindered her mainstream success, especially as she entered middle age. From the late ’90s onward, her notable projects dwindled, often replaced by lesser-known releases.
In a 2016 interview with The Guardian, she revealed the harsh reality of Hollywood’s age discrimination. She recalled her mother cautioned her about the lack of roles for women aged 45 to 60, describing how they fall into a ‘limbo.’ However, she noted that opportunities often return for women after age 60, a cycle she observed in her own mother’s career.
Recently, Rossellini has stepped back into more significant roles, featuring in acclaimed works like “Problemista” and the drama “Conclave.”
Isabella is saddened that modern audiences overlook her parents’ legacies
Many film lovers recognize the talents of Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini, with the former celebrated for her roles in classics like “Casablanca,” and the latter noted for Italian neorealism. However, their daughter feels the general public has largely forgotten their contributions.
In a 2024 interview with Variety, Isabella shared her struggle with being known primarily as the child of famous parents rather than for her own artistic merit. She lamented, “The newer generation doesn’t recognize them, which saddens me.” She reflected on the fleeting nature of fame and how quickly it fades.
In her 1997 autobiography, “Some of Me,” she explored her parents’ legacies and mused about the nature of remembrance and fame as a form of immortality.
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