Once constantly told she needed to lose weight and even losing out on jobs for being on the heavier side, this well-known actress’s ageless beauty in her 80s reflects the self-love and acceptance she has embraced after decades in the industry.
She rose to fame for her undeniable talent in front of the camera, earning acclaim for her performances in notable films. Behind the scenes, however, she was battling the relentless pressures of maintaining a leading-lady image.
The iconic actress and a fellow actor filming a series in 1967. | Source: Getty Images
Take a look at this iconic actress’s journey over the years — from navigating Hollywood’s demands to be thin to her relationship with a dashing legendary actor — and marvel at her ageless beauty now at 85.
The well-known actress circa 1968. | Source: Getty Images
From Stardom to Industry Battles
This icon emerged as a most versatile Hollywood actress in the 1960s, captivating audiences with unforgettable performances in films like “Midnight Cowboy” and “Once Is Not Enough.”
The actress filming “Midnight Cowboy” circa 1969. | Source: Getty Images
Her talent and determination earned her critical acclaim, including an Emmy win in 1974 for her role in “The Shape of Things.” Despite the accolades, she faced constant scrutiny from an industry obsessed with image and perfection.
In a 2015 interview, she reflected on her career and the significance of her achievements. When asked whether her Golden Globe, Emmy, and Academy Award nominations would carry more weight if she received them in today’s industry, she replied candidly, “No, I don’t think so.”
The “Sara” star circa 1971. | Source: Getty Images
Still, the actress admitted that winning the Academy Award in 1975 for “Once Is Not Enough” would have been a career-defining moment. Instead, the honor went to Lee Grant for “Shampoo.” The “Sara” star laughed as she recalled Grant’s gracious words on Oscar night, “Well honey, I’m older.”
The iconic actress photographed in 1973. | Source: Getty Images
Amid her professional journey, this actress also found love with a young Michael Douglas. The pair first crossed paths while filming “Summertree,” and their connection was instant. She described him as a “handsome colt,” brimming with youthful charm.
The Hollywood star and Michael Douglas filming “Summertree” circa 1971. | Source: Getty Images
Their romance blossomed into a seven-year relationship, one that was unconventional yet deeply meaningful. True to the free-spirited ethos of the 1970s, they even held a hippie wedding in her agent’s backyard — a simple ceremony without rings or formal vows.
Michael Douglas as Keller and the famous actress as Officer Sherry Reese in “The Streets of San Francisco” on January 18, 1973. | Source: Getty Images
Marriage, she explained, wasn’t necessary in their bohemian lifestyle. “At that time, it wasn’t the thing to do,” she said. Although their relationship eventually ended, it remained an integral chapter of her life.
Michael Douglas and his “Summertree” co-star at the 48th Academy Awards in 1976 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
While her personal life garnered attention, she also grappled with the immense pressure to maintain a flawless image. The entertainment industry’s unforgiving standards often overshadowed her immense talent, forcing her to confront insecurities about her weight.
The actress at the Earthwalk ’91 event on April 21, 1991, in Century City, California. | Source: Getty Images
A self-professed compulsive eater, she found herself struggling to meet Hollywood’s demands to be thin. Her love for pasta and indulgent meals at her mother’s Dallas restaurant, Mario’s, clashed with an industry that prioritized appearance.