ISABELLA ROSSELLINI : Hollywood Actor , Model , Conservationist
Instagram : @ isabellarossellini
Isabella Rossellini , renowned for her diverse acting and modelling career , earns her place as a true European icon . From her breakthrough role as the alluring singer in David Lynch ’ s Blue Velvet ( 1986 ), to her most recent role as an observant nun in the gripping Vatican thriller Conclave ( 2024 ), Rossellini has dazzled audiences and made a name for herself away from her “ nepo baby ” roots . The daughter of Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman and Italian film director Roberto Rossellini , Rossellini was born in Rome and lived between the Italian capital , Santa Marinella and Paris until she moved to New York at 19 and attended Finch College . While studying , she worked as a translator and journalist for RAI , interviewing the likes of Massimo Troisi , Woody Allen and the Taviani brothers . In fact , she met her future husband , Martin Scorsese , during one of these interviews . She embraces her famous lineage with pride and often speaks fondly of her parents in interviews . Indeed , she openly addresses her first steps into film , telling The Guardian ’ s Simon Hattenstone in 2024 that she was initially intimidated by acting and hoped to pursue a different career altogether . It was her mother who encouraged her into the profession as she was so in love with her own acting work . Rossellini premiered with a small appearance as a nun in A Matter of Time ( 1976 ), watching her mother ’ s character , an eccentric countess , die in a hospital bed . Later in her acting career , she became known for tackling challenging , avant-garde roles . In Blue Velvet , for instance , she plays a hauntingly tragic nightclub singer , who is trapped in a world of violence and desire . Nowadays , however , she is happy to take on smaller roles , but still keeps an epic presence on-screen . As Sister Agnes in Edward Berger ’ s Conclave , she exudes a formidable aura whilst observing the intricate political manoeuvres of the cardinals during the papal conclave . Although she is often silent , her subtle scrutiny of the rising tensions makes a strong impression , which left critics and audiences alike wishing she had been given more screen time . Nevertheless , this magnificent performance earned Rossellini her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress . Now 72 , Rossellini surrounds herself with nature , a passion which has always been close to her heart . In 2008 , combining her love of film and animals , she created her own series Green Porno , in which she dons elaborate animal costumes and demonstrates their mating rituals . Miles away from her Lancôme beauty ads , these videos are the perfect combination of eccentric and educational , and are indeed a joy to watch . Then , as she began to approach her 50s and her acting work slowed down , she seized the opportunity to go back to university and take a Master ’ s degree in Ethology , the science of animal behaviour .
Even more impressive is her work in conservation . In 2013 , she founded the immensely successful Mama Farm , a 28-acre sanctuary on the East coast of the United States , dedicated to preserving biodiversity through organic and regenerative farming methods . The farm is home to a variety of animals , including chickens , sheep and bees , which provide products like wool and honey – though none are ever slaughtered . Rossellini often shares glimpses of her farm life on Instagram , proudly showcasing her fresh eggs , close bond with her animals and active support of the Guide Dog Foundation . All in all , Rossellini ’ s career is a testament to her remarkable ability to evolve and embrace her diverse talents and passions . Whether captivating audiences on-screen , educating them through her unconventional film-making , or championing conservation , she continues to leave an indelible mark .
By Lily Schofield ( She / Her ) // Final Year ; French , Spanish and Italian
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