Brooke Shields, an enduring icon in the entertainment industry, has navigated the complex journey of ageing in the spotlight. Known for her youthful beauty since her infancy, Shields began her career with an Ivory soap campaign and has remained a prominent figure for over four decades. Now 59, she openly discusses the challenges and liberating aspects of ageing, highlighting both the personal and professional impacts on her life as she transitions into new roles and ventures.
Shields' career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. She became a household name in the 1980s, famously dubbed the "face of a decade" by Time magazine in a 1981 cover story. This association with youthful beauty has been both a blessing and a curse, complicating her efforts to reshape public perception. Despite these challenges, Shields has built a multifaceted career spanning Broadway, television, and film. She has graced Broadway stages in productions such as "Chicago," "Cabaret," and "Grease," while her film credits include iconic roles in "The Blue Lagoon" and "Endless Love."
Her modelling career took off at the age of 15 when she posed for Calvin Klein and Richard Avedon, further cementing her status as a beauty icon. However, Shields has expressed that this longstanding association with youthfulness made it difficult for her to embrace the natural ageing process.
"I think, psychologically, it's a very interesting thing… You really have to do a lot of work on yourself internally to be OK with not also being disappointed with yourself." – Brooke Shields
Beyond her on-screen achievements, Shields is also an accomplished author. She has penned two children's books and written candidly about her experiences with postpartum depression. Her academic pursuits led her to Princeton University, where she earned a degree in romance languages and literatures.
Shields' journey into entrepreneurship reflects her evolving identity. She has leveraged her fame into successful partnerships with skincare brands and launched her own haircare line, Commence. In addition, she founded an online platform called Beginning is Now, catering to women over 40. This initiative reflects her commitment to empowering women to embrace ageing with confidence.
"I think that there's a freedom to it and there's so many different factors that when you delve into them, you understand why this is a prime of our life in a way that is focused on just us." – Brooke Shields
Shields' openness about ageing challenges societal norms and celebrates mature beauty. She acknowledges the cultural differences in perceptions of beauty across continents.
"It's definitely a very American thing. I think you go to Europe – I'm not sure about the UK as much, but definitely in Italy and France – there is a certain respect and reverence for beauty, mature beauty." – Brooke Shields
In her book "Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old: Thoughts on Ageing as a Woman," she explores these themes further, offering insights into how ageing can be both liberating and daunting. Shields has come to terms with her evolving self-image and finds solace in newfound confidence.
"I can be good enough. I'm as good as [whomever] I used to hold up on a pedestal." – Brooke Shields
As a mother to two daughters, Grier and Rowan, Shields serves as a role model for embracing life's transitions. Her personal experiences and professional achievements offer a blueprint for redefining beauty standards and embracing the passage of time.
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