Unveiling 70-Year-Old Kim Basinger's Hidden Side
Born on the 8th of December, 1953, actress Kim Basinger turns 70 this week. Lately, Basinger has preferred to keep her public appearances to a minimum, and her reasons are quite personal.
Basinger recently sat down with actress Jada Pinkett Smith for the popular talk show "Red Table Talk" to discuss her anxiety disorder, which has significantly impacted her life. "I didn't leave the house, I didn't go out to eat anymore. I had to learn how to drive again. Everything made me nervous, everything became a big thing that I had to figure out how to do," she shared.
But before her current stage, Basinger was a household name. From her debut as a Bond girl in "Never Say Never" to winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "L.A. Confidential," Basinger has left an indelible mark on Hollywood.
A Model's Journey into Acting
Basinger was born to a musical father and a theatrical mother in Athens, Georgia. Her mother encouraged her to take ballet lessons at the tender age of three, and later, as a 16-year-old, Basinger began her modeling career.
Her modeling success led her to New York where she honed her acting skills. She landed roles in the series "Three Angels for Charlie" and eventually starred in films like "9 1/2 Weeks."
Basinger's career as a model opened doors to acting but it was her work as an actress that truly made her shine. Her role as a Bond girl in "Never Say Never" (1983) was a game-changer,but despite her success, it was the erotic film "9 1/2 Weeks" that propelled her to global stardom.
A Role Turned Down and a New Beginning
Despite her impressive body of work, Basinger turned down the leading role in the iconic film "Basic Instinct," which saw Sharon Stone rise to fame. After her divorce from makeup artist Ron Snyder, Basinger went on to marry fellow actor Alec Baldwin in 1993, with whom she had a daughter, Ireland. However, their marriage ended in a highly publicized custody battle in 2002.
Now, in her seventies, Basinger's life is centred around her commitment to animal welfare and rebuilding her relationship with her daughter, Ireland, who is also a successful model. Basinger and her daughter spoke candidly about their challenges on "Red Table Talk," emphasizing that despite their differences, they have found a way to coexist.
Despite the negativity that some critics have had, Basinger remains grateful for her lengthy career. In her words, "We all have our challenges, our ups and downs, our successes and failures, but it's all a process, and over time I've learned to like my journey in life and be grateful for everything."
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Enriching the Story
Career Milestones
Basinger's career took off after her successful modeling stint in New York, but it was her role as a Bond girl in "Never Say Never" that truly set her apart. Over the years, she has proven herself to be a versatile actress, taking on roles in a variety of genres and receiving many accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for "L.A. Confidential."
Awards and Recognition
- Societe Generale prize (2002)
- Cannes Film Festival (Best Actress Nomination, 1990, for "The War of the Roses")
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (1997) and Golden Globe Awards for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture and Best Supporting Actress – Drama (1997) for "L.A. Confidential"
Recent Roles
Basinger has continued to act in a variety of films and TV shows, including "8 Mile" (2002), "Cellular" (2004), "Grudge Match" (2013), "The Nice Guys" (2016), "Fifty Shades Darker" (2017), and "Fifty Shades Freed" (2018).
Personal Life Challenges
Basinger's personal life has been marked by a few challenges, including her high-profile divorce from actor Alec Baldwin in 2002, and her struggles with anxiety. However, she has remained resilient and continues to pursue her passion for acting, as well as her commitment to animal welfare.
In summary, Kim Basinger's career spans three decades and several genres, from her iconic role as a Bond girl to her Academy Award-winning performance in "L.A. Confidential." Despite personal challenges, she has remained dedicated to her craft and fought back against anxiety, ultimately finding new purpose and happiness in her personal life.
