Brooke Shields, one of the most recognizable actors of her generation, has always been admired for her stunning beauty. However, she has recently opened up about the unwarranted criticism she has faced throughout her life. This article dives deeper into the experiences that shaped the actress she is today.
Despite her success, the 57-year-old actress has had her fair share of critics attempting to undermine her accomplishments. She speaks openly about her complex relationship with her mother, Teri, who served as her manager since childhood. Unfortunately, her mother was her first critic, leaving a lasting impact on how she viewed herself. Shields remembers, “My mother would get drunk and say: ‘Why don’t you move your fat ass?’ So, I’ve always believed I had a fat ass.” These hurtful comments skewed her perception of her own body.
Tragically, Shields’ mother lost her battle with alcoholism in 2012, but the damage caused by her negative comments remained. It took years for the actress to undo the harm and learn to embrace her body as it was. It was her loving and supportive husband of 17 years, screenwriter Chris Henchy, who ultimately helped her on this journey.
Shields shared, “I would walk backwards out of rooms, and he’d say: ‘No, I want to grab onto you.’ He really celebrated my womanliness and my body. And I needed a man to celebrate me.” This newfound love and acceptance from her husband allowed Shields to see her inherent attractiveness.
Throughout her career, Shields has faced criticism from various sources. She reflects on her early modeling career and how, even at the age of 15, she didn’t believe she had a “swimsuit body.” Despite being a cover girl and a cultural icon, she was always described as “athletic” rather than “rail-thin” or a “runway model.” These messages seeped into her consciousness, perpetuating her insecurities.
In recent years, Shields defied her critics by participating in another swimsuit campaign, teaming up with Calvin Klein once again. For this role, she dedicated herself to looking her best. “I stopped drinking beer and wine, and I worked out three times a week. I was the best version of myself,” she reveals. However, she acknowledges that she was also hungry, highlighting the pressure she felt to meet society’s beauty standards.
It’s surprising to learn that someone as stunning as Brooke Shields has faced insecurities throughout her life. While others saw her as beautiful, her mother and other haters tried to make her feel inferior. Yet, it is encouraging to see how her husband challenged her beliefs and reaffirmed her sense of beauty, helping her accept her body as it was.
The conversation surrounding Shields’ life experiences also touches on a much darker topic – sexual assault. She recently came forward about an assault she endured over 30 years ago at the hands of a Hollywood executive. Shields blamed herself at the time, but as the years passed, she began to process what happened and realizes the importance of speaking out.
When she first shared her experience, few believed these stories, leading her to believe she may never work again. However, now, through a two-part documentary titled “Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields,” she tells her story in more detail, shedding light on the dark side of Hollywood. Shields describes this documentary as a miracle, a testament to her survival.
After graduating from Princeton University, Shields found herself at her “lowest moment” in her career. It was during this vulnerable time that she met with an unnamed Hollywood executive, hoping for a potential role or job opportunity. Instead, she found herself in a hotel room, being sexually attacked. Overwhelmed with guilt, she blamed herself for the incident, questioning her own choices.
Initially, Shields confided in her close friend and former security consultant, Gavin de Becker. But now, she is ready to share her experience with the world to help others not feel alone. She emphasizes that everyone processes trauma at their own pace and hopes to be an advocate for women to speak their truth.
Brooke Shields has faced adversities throughout her life, yet she continues to thrive in her career. Her resilience and determination are inspiring, and we send her all our well wishes. Share this article with others to shed light on her remarkable journey and to remind everyone to embrace their true beauty.
