In the tapestry of global cinema, few names carry as much historic weight and modern intrigue as Isabella Rossellini. A woman who transitioned from being the “daughter of legends” to a powerhouse auteur, model, and scientist, Rossellini has spent her life defying labels.
As of early 2026, she is celebrating a monumental year: from her first appearance in the 2026 Pirelli Calendar to her recent Academy Award nomination for Conclave, Isabella is proving that curiosity has no expiration date.
Isabella Rossellini Biography
Born Isabella Fiorella Elettra Giovanna Rossellini on June 18, 1952, in Rome, Isabella was destined for the arts. Her father was the pioneer of Italian Neorealism, Roberto Rossellini, and her mother was the Swedish screen icon Ingrid Bergman.
Growing up in the midst of a media storm surrounding her parents’ “scandalous” romance, Isabella developed a thick skin and a fierce sense of independence. She spent her early years in Rome and Paris before moving to New York City at 19 to work as a translator and journalist for RAI. Her face eventually became world-famous when she began modeling at the relatively “late” age of 28, eventually holding a record-breaking 14-year contract with Lancôme.
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Career
Isabella’s career is a fascinating blend of high fashion and avant-garde art:
- The Modeling Icon: She appeared on over 28 Vogue covers and became the face of a generation for Lancôme.
- The Breakout Actor: In 1986, she shocked the world by subverting her chic image in David Lynch’s Blue Velvet.
- The Filmmaker & Scientist: In her 50s, Isabella returned to university to earn a Master’s degree in Animal Behavior. This led to her celebrated Green Porno series, short films exploring the mating rituals of animals with eccentric humor.
- 2026 Resurgence: Now 73, she is currently starring in the FX series The Beauty and recently provided voice work for The Painted Bride.
Isabella Rossellini Movies
- Blue Velvet (1986): Her most iconic and controversial role as Dorothy Vallens.
- Cousins (1989): A romantic lead that showcased her softer side.
- Wild at Heart (1990): Another surreal collaboration with David Lynch.
- Death Becomes Her (1992): Playing the mysterious, eternal Lisle von Rhuman.
- Fearless (1993): A powerful dramatic turn opposite Jeff Bridges.
- Conclave (2024): Her role as Sister Agnes earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in early 2025.
- The Beauty (2026): Her latest television venture into high-concept drama.
Isabella Rossellini Net Worth
As of early 2026, Isabella Rossellini’s net worth is estimated at $50 million. Her wealth stems from her legendary modeling contracts, her extensive filmography, and her work as an author and producer. Additionally, her 28-acre organic farm on Long Island, Mama Farm, has become a successful venture focused on biodiversity and heritage breeds.
Family
Isabella is the heart of a vast, artistic dynasty. She has a twin sister, Isotta Ingrid, and a brother, Roberto. She is also the mother of two: Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann (a food editor and model) and Roberto Rossellini Jr. (a photographer and model).
In 2026, Isabella remains the gatekeeper of her parents’ legacy, often participating in documentaries about their lives, such as the 2025 film Roberto Rossellini, Più di una vita.
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The Men and the Muses
Isabella Rossellini and Martin Scorsese
From 1979 to 1982, Isabella was married to director Martin Scorsese. The two were a quintessential New York power couple, but the marriage succumbed to the pressures of their growing careers. Despite the divorce, they have remained admirers of each other’s work; in 2025, Isabella appeared in the documentary Mr. Scorsese to discuss his impact on cinema.
Isabella Rossellini and David Lynch
Perhaps her most transformative relationship was with David Lynch, whom she dated from 1986 to 1991. Lynch cast her in Blue Velvet, a move that forever changed her career. Following Lynch’s passing in early 2025, Isabella has been vocal about their shared history. At the 2025 Oscars, she walked the red carpet with Lynch’s other frequent muse, Laura Dern, as a tactile tribute to the man who redefined their lives.
Isabella Rossellini and Gary Oldman
In the mid-90s, Isabella was engaged to Gary Oldman after they met on the set of Immortal Beloved (1994). While the engagement didn’t lead to marriage, it remains a notable chapter in her life during her transition into more substantive, character-driven roles.
Controversies
Isabella has never been afraid of difficult conversations:
- The Lancôme Dismissal: At age 43, she was famously dropped by Lancôme for being “too old.” She handled the situation with immense grace, returning to the brand 20 years later when they admitted their mistake.
- The Blue Velvet Debate: For decades, critics like Roger Ebert argued she was “exploited” in the film. In 2025, Isabella firmly corrected the record, stating, “I was an adult… it was my choice.” She continues to advocate for nuance in how we view female characters in “dark” cinema.
- The #MeToo Stance: Isabella has been praised for her measured approach to the movement, choosing not to name her own attackers from the past, arguing that the focus should be on changing the culture rather than individual destruction.
Isabella Rossellini’s Age
As of February 13, 2026, Isabella Rossellini is 73 years old. She will celebrate her 74th birthday on June 18, 2026.
Isabella Rossellini Instagram
On Instagram (@isabellarossellini), Isabella has become an “accidental influencer” for the cottagecore and science communities. Her feed is a delightful mix of her sheep and chickens at Mama Farm, throwbacks to her modeling days, and updates on her animal behavior studies.
Conclusion
Isabella Rossellini has proven that aging is not a process of fading away, but one of expanding. Whether she is posing for the 2026 Pirelli Calendar or tending to her heritage chickens, she remains an emblem of class and curiosity.
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