CULTURE
BRIGITTE NIELSEN, THE ORIGINAL TOWERING BEAUTY
MAY 17, 2023
-
INTERVIEW
by TATIJANA SHOAN
PHOTOGRAPHY
by MIRANDA PENN TURIN
STYLED
by JULES WOOD
MAKEUP
by RIKU CAMPO with SEE MANAGEMENT using LUMENE
HAIR
by LOUISE MOON
Brigitte Nielsen's towering height and striking beauty is a combination few will ever match; such captivating qualities beckon the camera's lens. One can say that fame was predestined for her, but there's much more to her than meets the eye. Brigitte's career has spanned decades and she's remained relevant and respected even in the face of setbacks and obstacles. From posing for the world's most esteemed photographers like Helmut Newton and Herb Ritts, to acting in blockbuster films with Hollywood's most commanding stars like Eddie Murphy, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Sylvester Stallone whom she married and later divorced with damaging and devastating consequences, Brigitte's path wasn't always paved in gold. With this iconic beauty's 60th birthday approaching, we sat down with her to discuss past triumphs and disappointments, how she turns adversity into advantage, her new lease on life with husband Mattia Dessi, and becoming a mother for the fifth time in her 50s.
Vintage corset from Clothed Rentals | Diesel knee high boots | stylist’s own body stalking
AS IF: Brigitte, I need to start by telling you that I got rambunctious feedback and questions when people heard I was interviewing you. People know I am a photographer and run this magazine, so working with celebrities is a big part of what I do, but the reaction from people upon hearing I was interviewing you says a lot about your position in pop culture.
Brigitte Nielsen: Really?
This goes to show you that there's a difference between a celebrity and a celebrity icon.
Oh, you're too kind.
But that’s the reality, Brigitte.
I guess that's why I've been in the tabloids so much. People write so many things, and everybody thinks they know me, but do they? I'm a very different person to what I look like. I have become a modern, strong, and mature woman, but I'm also a sensitive soul that loves mankind, animals, and the world around me. When people first meet me they are a bit intimidated, but when they sit down and talk to me they will surprisingly say, you're actually very nice! And I'm like, what? Was I not supposed to be nice?
Is that the biggest misconception people have about you?
Yes. I'm an Amazonian-size woman who has always played villains in movies. My characters are overpowering and can wield a gun, and people tend to believe that. I’m also an outspoken person and I believe in truth. I'm not afraid to speak the truth and that has hurt me because people have criticized me for being honest and there were times in my life when I wondered if it was worth being truthful. I am turning 60 this summer, and life is worth being truthful, but it takes courage.
Do you remember a specific time when telling the truth hurt you?
I remember doing a three-hour interview and I spoke about my younger years, giving birth, being married, my difficult years drinking and smoking—let's say I set the record straight. However, what was printed didn’t reflect what I said and it was devastating. When you share sensitive and deeply personal matters with someone you hope that they are listening to you and not projecting their own opinions onto what you opened up about. The biggest, painful moments have been interviews where the writer didn't listen to what I was trying to say. Then I start to doubt myself, did I not explain myself correctly? This happened so much that 20 years ago I refused to do interviews that were not Q & A. Journalists are skeptical and while interviewing you are actually out to get you, they are not trying to get the best out of you, but want to break you down.
