Brooke Shields, one of the most recognizable actors of her generation, has always been admired for her amazing beauty. However, she has faced her fair share of unwarranted criticism throughout her life. Now, at the age of 57, she is speaking openly about her experiences and the challenges she has overcome.
Growing up, Shields faced criticism from an unexpected source – her own mother. She recalls her mother’s hurtful remarks, saying, “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.” This constant body-shaming from her own mother deeply affected Shields’ self-perception.
Sadly, her mother’s battle with alcoholism ended in 2012 when she passed away. However, the lasting impact of her hurtful comments remained. It took years for Shields to undo the damage that had been done.
A Journey to Self-Acceptance
Fortunately, Shields found support and encouragement in her husband, screenwriter Chris Henchy. He played a crucial role in helping her embrace her body as it was and recognize her inherent beauty. 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.”
Throughout her career, Shields has faced criticism about her appearance. Even though she was always considered beautiful by the masses, there were always voices of doubt. She recalls, “I modeled swimwear when I was 15, and even then I didn’t think I had a swimsuit body. I was a cover girl, not a supermodel. I was described as ‘athletic,’ ‘not rail-thin,’ ‘not a runway model.’ Those messages, they seep into your consciousness.”
Despite these challenges, Shields remains resilient. Recently, she did another swimsuit campaign, teaming up with Calvin Klein once again. She dedicated herself to looking her best, working hard to achieve her goals. Shields changed her lifestyle, giving up beer and wine, and committing to exercise three times a week. She became the best version of herself, even though it wasn’t always easy.
Overcoming Trauma
In a recent interview with People magazine, Shields opened up about a traumatic experience she endured over 30 years ago – a sexual assault by a Hollywood executive. At the time, she blamed herself and carried the guilt with her for decades. But as time passed, Shields began to process what happened and realized the importance of healing and speaking out.
She acknowledges that the industry was not receptive to these stories back then, leading her to suffer in silence. However, she believes that now is the time to share her truth and hopes to empower others to do the same. Shields’ story will be told in a two-part documentary, Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields, offering a more detailed account of her experiences.
Reflecting on her journey, Shields expresses gratitude for her survival. She admits that she reached her “lowest moment” in her career after graduating from Princeton University. It was during this vulnerable time that she encountered the Hollywood executive who assaulted her. Despite the trauma, Shields is determined to use her voice to help others and advocate for women to speak their truth.
Thriving Despite Adversity
Despite the adversities she has faced, Brooke Shields continues to thrive in her career. She represents resilience, strength, and the power to overcome obstacles. We send her all our well wishes and encourage everyone to share her story. By doing so, we promote awareness and support for those who have faced similar challenges.
Join us in celebrating Brooke Shields and her determination to thrive through adversity. Her journey is a reminder that with resilience and support, we can overcome any obstacle that comes our way.
