Brooke Shields bio, age, height, family, husband, children, net worth 2024

Biography of Brooke Shields

Brooke Christa Shields is an actress and model. Her success in the child modeling business became a springboard to the big screen. She is a two-time Golden Globe nominee and has received two Satellite Award nominations for her brilliantly performed role as the lead character in the TV series "Suddenly Susan."

She is the author of five books, including her memoirs "Down Came the Rain," describing her postpartum depression, and the children’s book "Welcome to Your World, Baby," which is narrated from the perspective of Shields’ five-year-old daughter Rowan, who is waiting for the arrival of her younger sister, Grier.

At the age of 14, Brooke transformed from a child star into a supermodel, became the muse of Yves Saint Laurent, graced the cover of Vogue (making her the youngest model to ever appear on the cover of the magazine), and began collaborating with Calvin Klein. The young beauty gained fame by participating in a provocative advertising campaign for the brand, shocking the public with her immortal phrase about not wearing any underwear under her jeans: "You want to know what comes in between me and my Calvins? Nothing".

Much later, Brooke would reveal that at the age of 15, she did not understand the full ambiguity of this phrase and the advertising campaign as a whole. Still a child, she was forced to answer the tricky questions of journalists, who asked what the girl felt at that moment, and, Shields believes, this whole story greatly affected her psyche. It was then that she gained worldwide fame as an actress thanks to her leading role in the romantic film "The Blue Lagoon," which became iconic.

Childhood

The future star was born on May 31, 1965, in the heart of New York, Manhattan. Her mother, 32-year-old Teri Schmon, was a model trying to conquer the silver screen. She came from a poor, large Catholic family of Jewish descent. Brooke’s father, 24-year-old businessman Frank Shields, was a social man and had among his ancestors Italian and French aristocrats, including royalty (in particular, King Henry IV).

Shortly after the birth of their daughter, the spouses divorced - their attitudes towards life, status, and upbringing were too different. After that, Brooke’s mother, a strong-willed and determined woman, firmly decided to build a career for her daughter as a queen of the catwalk and a movie star. The attractive little girl was less than a year old when she was filmed in her debut role in a commercial for Ivory baby soap.

Brooke’s frist commercial for Ivory soap

Over time, she became a successful child model, took ballet lessons, horse riding lessons, and piano lessons. Her mother strictly monitored her diet, took her to beauty salons, fearing to lose control over her, and limited her communication with peers. Until the 8th grade, Brooke studied at the New Lincoln School, a private school in New York, then at the Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood, New Jersey.

First Roles

At the age of 9, the stunningly beautiful girl made her television debut in the role of the daughter of the main character, Quentin, in the drama "After the Fall". A year later, as the media wrote at the time, she "reached such exciting allure" that her mother consented to her participation in a nude style photo shoot "The Woman in the Child" by photographer Garry Gross for Playboy. In the photos, she, still a child, but with quite an adult and even predatory makeup, stood in the shower, wearing only a massive black necklac

After these photographs were displayed at the Fine Arts Gallery in Manhattan, Brooke gained scandalous fame and (thanks to her mother’s efforts) her first film role in the slasher movie "Alice, Sweet Alice", which was released in 1976. By the way, later the actress tried to sue the magazine for the rights to her nude photos, but to no avail.

Brooke Shields at the beginning of her career

In 1978, the rising star’s film career continued in yet another very provocative project, against which her father categorically objected, but her mother insisted. In the historical drama "Pretty Baby" she played the leading role of young Violet, whose innocence her mother, a prostitute Hattie (Susan Sarandon), sold at auction for $400.

Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields and Susan Sarandon

The film, its narrative grounded in true events, achieved a resounding success, sparking fervent public debates and securing the Technical Grand Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. The New York Times included it in their list of the top 1000 films of all time. For the burgeoning actress, the role brought a dubious reputation in the eyes of the public, yet simultaneously garnered critical acclaim for her truly extraordinary performance, replete with depth and subtlety, which delicately unveiled the nature of her character. Even four decades later, Brooke herself avowed she harbored not a moment’s regret about this endeavor.

In the same year, the dramatic film "King of the Gypsies" was released, featuring the 13-year-old actress in the role of young gypsy Tita. Her co-stars included Eric Roberts, making his cinematic debut, and Susan Sarandon, who had portrayed her mother in the previously controversial film, "Pretty Baby".

Career Peak

Brooke’s popularity ascended at a breathtaking pace. In 1979, fans had the opportunity to see her in leading roles in three films: in the comedic drama "Tilt," portraying a rebellious pinball-playing teenager, in the romantic western "Wanda Nevada," as the orphaned Wanda, and in the comedy "Just You and Me, Kid," where she transformed into a young vagabond and adventurer.

However, she truly cemented her status as a superstar in 1980, following the release of "The Blue Lagoon," hailed by the press as a "tale of paradisiacal life." In the storyline, Brooke’s character, a girl named Emmeline, and her cousin Richard, find themselves stranded as children on an uninhabited island. They adapt to life on the island, mature, and begin to experience mutual attraction.

The Blue Lagoon Official Trailer HD

For her role as Emmeline, the actress was nominated for the "Young Performer" award, established to recognize talented performers under 21, and simultaneously received a nomination for the notorious "Golden Raspberry," becoming its first recipient. However, this unfortunate circumstance did not dampen the growing audience adoration for the beauty.

After The Blue Lagoon Brooke became a superstar

Her modeling career also experienced an unprecedented surge in the early 1980s. In 1980, a scandalous (by the standards of that era) advertisement for Calvin Klein jeans was released. The concept of the ad was simple: the camera slowly panned over Brooke, dressed in dark jeans, followed by her sultrily inquiring, "You want to know what comes in between me and my Calvins? Nothing."

CALVIN KLEIN JEANS - Brooke Shields - Nothing (80’s Commercial)

She was the most sought-after and highly compensated top model of that era, participating in dozens of high-profile events, charitable projects, and advertising campaigns. Her photographs graced the covers of the most prestigious fashion magazines: Elle, Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Glamour, Seventeen, and her daily earnings reached $10,000. Harper’s Bazaar dubbed her one of the ten most magnificent women in America, a title she retained even at 23. From 1980 to 1985, her photos adorned more than 300 covers of international glossies.

However, the star had to contend with the onslaught and speculations of critics, constant scrutiny from detractors, and the relentless focus of cameras, enduring threats and harassment from certain unhinged fans. This situation took a toll on her mental health, making her a frequent client of the family psychologist. To quash rumors about her daughter’s promiscuous lifestyle and prove her innocence, her mother, who had begun to struggle with alcoholism, took out insurance on her virginity.

Meanwhile, the young woman was gaining experience in her profession, striving to transcend the typecast of a promiscuous damsel beyond her years. However, directors primarily envisioned her as the protagonist of romantic tales.

At the age of 16, she appeared in the poignant dramatic tale "Endless Love," which became an undeniable hit and, incidentally, marked the film debut of Hollywood star Tom Cruise (he played the supporting role of Billy). The film garnered numerous awards, including a nomination for the "Young Artist Award" for her role as the beautiful Jade. In addition, Shields earned the honorable title of "Face of the ’80s" and, once again, a nomination for the "Golden Raspberry Award" as the worst actress. In total, she was nominated for this anti-award five times.

In 1983, the British-American adventure drama "Sahara" consolidated positive opinions about Shields in Hollywood and established her as one of the leading young film stars. She transformed into the daughter of a deceased race car driver, deciding to compete in his stead. It was reported that the actress’s fee for filming amounted to over a million dollars.

That same year, the young woman graduated high school and enrolled in Princeton University, New Jersey, moving into a dormitory. During her studies, she gained her first theatrical experience and subsequently conquered London’s West End and Broadway with performances in musicals such as "Chicago," "The Vagina Monologues," "Cabaret," and "The Addams Family."

16 year old Brooke Shields interview

Moreover, by her account, she "learned to think," escaping the yoke of maternal supervision. In 1987, the actress added erudition to her beauty, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in French Literature and a Master’s in Italian Language Studies.

Adult Career

Upon graduating from university, the now adult and educated woman’s modeling career began to wane, but she continued to lead a busy life and star in leading roles in films that brought good fees and were warmly received by audiences.

In 1988, in the detective film about a brilliant robbery, "Diamond Trap," she brilliantly played a charming gallery employee who managed to fool a smart and fearless detective (Howard Hesseman). A year later, she transformed into the talented journalist Brenda Starr in the film adaptation of the comic of the same name, working on set with Timothy Dalton.

In the 1990s, Shields excelled at handling complex and varied roles. Film critics, who for a long time did not take her seriously, had to change their opinion. In the drama "Backstreet Dreams," she brilliantly embodied the role of a psychologist trying to help an autistic boy.

In the movie "Running Wild," she portrayed journalist Christine, who went to Africa to meet with nature defender Dan (Martin Sheen). In the thriller "The Seventh Floor," she played a young woman named Kate who became a captive of a high-tech apartment. In the comedy "Freeway" with Reese Witherspoon, she played the mother of a maniac killer (Kiefer Sutherland).

Brooke Shields Interview (on Jonathan Ross) (1997)

The actress also appeared in popular television series: "Friends", "Quantum Leap", "Law & Order". From 1996 to 2000, the main one among them was the sitcom "Suddenly Susan," where she embodied the image of a glamorous journalist who left her fiancé on her wedding day.

Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins: Suddenly Susan

In 1999, James Toback’s gangster film "Black and White" was released. The director had a hard time finding an actress for the role of the wife of the main character Terry (played by Robert Downey Jr.). But after meeting Brooke, according to Toback, he instantly felt her "inner decency," "sharp mind," "sense of humor," and confirmed her for the role. The director was enchanted by both her beauty and her talent for improvising in front of the cameras.

In the same year, Brooke joined the star-studded cast of the romantic comedy "The Bachelor," which included Chris O’Donnell, Mariah Carey, and Renee Zellweger. In 2001, she appeared in the key role of Janine in the television drama "Widows," where she was fortunate enough to play alongside Whoopi Goldberg.

For six years, the actress starred in one of her most beloved projects - the sitcom "Two and a Half Men," in the role of Danielle, the neighbor of Alan (Jon Cryer), the brother of the notorious womanizer Harper (Charlie Sheen). During the same period, along with Lindsay Lohan, Bruce Willis, Dwayne Johnson, she was among the guest stars involved in the teen television series "That ’70s Show."

Among the famous roles played by the actress during the period 2007-2009 were the mother of the main character in the popular youth sitcom "Hannah Montana," the lead role of successful businesswoman Wendy in the dramatic comedy "Lipstick Jungle," and the central role of gallery owner Susan in the cult horror film "Midnight Meat Train."

In 2010, five film projects featuring Shields were released, including the comedy "Furry Vengeance," in which she played the wife of the main character Dan Sanders, portrayed by Brendan Fraser. Among the films of that period with Brooke, it’s worth mentioning "The Greening of Whitney Brown," "Chalet Girl."

In 2011, the Hollywood star participated in the burlesque production "Nurse Betty," which premiered on Broadway. After the show, she posed with an albino python and naked dancers, reminding the audience of her years posing for Playboy. In 2013, Brooke was inducted into the New Jersey Performing Arts Center Hall of Fame.

From 2014, the artist voiced Beverly Goodman in the animated series about a cynical little dog "Mr. Pickles" and its spin-off "Momma Named Me Sheriff". Then fans could see Shields in the comedy television slasher "Scream Queens," where she appeared as Dr. Lovin.

In 2016, the artist tried a new role, becoming the curator of a contemporary art exhibition in Birmingham, "Call of the Wild". She was persuaded to try curating by a good friend, Birmingham Museum director David Kratz. In the end, without any special education, she selected works for the exhibition trusting solely her intuition.

A year later, the drama "Daisy Winters" was released - a story about the unusual relationship between an 11-year-old girl (Sterling Jerins) and her mother, a role brilliantly played by Shields. In addition, 37 years after her scandalous appearance in a Calvin Klein jeans advertisement with a notorious slogan, the movie star took part in a new advertising campaign for the brand. In 2017-2018, she was also busy in the final season of the "Law & Order" series.

In 2018, the 52-year-old star became the face of the corporation Swimsuits For All, which produces beachwear for women of different ages and body types. She appeared in a swimsuit presentation, urging women not to be ashamed of their bodies. Along with the actress, who has a great figure for her age, plus-size model Ashley Graham and record-breaking swimmer Pat Gallant-Charet participated in the body-positive advertising campaign.

Between 2018 and 2019, Shields could be seen in the romantic comedy-drama "Jane the Virgin," which told the story of a modest and chaste young woman who got pregnant after accidental artificial insemination during a visit to the gynecologist.

In 2019, it was announced that Eva Longoria intended to shoot the LGBT drama "Glamorous," where Brooks will appear as a former model who became the manager of a cosmetics manufacturing company.

Brooke Shields’ Personal Life

Brooke’s ambitious mother, who dreamed of a rich and famous son-in-law, spent a long time trying to "sell" her daughter’s innocence. As Brooke herself admitted in a 2009 interview with Health magazine, she lost her virginity at the age of 22, while studying at Princeton, during a romantic relationship with actor Dean Cain. {img#images/content/2021/1/uzn_16105224096.jpg#Brooke Shileds and Dean Cain As Shields recalled, she and Dean were madly in love with each other, but when it came to the main event, she "felt like she had stolen someone’s wallet," and during the process, she couldn’t shake off the feeling that her mother was watching them disapprovingly.

I didn’t understand where I ended and where my mother began... And how to «fit» Dean into all this. We soon broke up.

Before that, she had many affairs, most of which were mainly managed by her mother: at 16, Brooke dated John Travolta, Michael Jackson (although it was rumored that their romance was a PR stunt), at 18 she was with Albert II, the crown prince of Monaco, a year later – with Egyptian billionaire Dodi al-Fayed.

Around 1985, her boyfriend was singer George Michael (who later came out as gay), in 1987 – actor Nicolas Cage, in 1991 – Liam Neeson, and in 1992 – John Lennon’s son, rock musician Julian Lennon.

In 1993, the young woman started dating tennis champion Andre Agassi and became his lawful wife in 1997, but not for long - the couple separated two years later.

Soon after the divorce, on the set of "Suddenly Susan", fate brought the beloved actress together with her second husband, screenwriter and producer Chris Henchy. According to the artist, he admired her elegance, grace, and perfect shape. And at that time, she just needed a man who would "sing her praises". They realized that they were made for each other and got married in 2001. In 2003, the couple had their eldest daughter Rowan, and in 2006 - their little daughter Grier.

Brook Shields and her husband Chris Henchy

Brooke is an active animal rights advocate and a vegan. She is happy in her marriage, does not mourn her past noisy success and fame, enjoying a quiet life and comfort in the company of her close-knit family.

Brooke Shields Now

In 2020, the actress, together with Cary Elwes, began filming the romantic comedy "A Castle for Christmas". The plot centers around the journey across Scotland of Brooke’s character, an American writer named Sophie. During the trip, she wanted to buy one of the castles in this northern country. However, the owner, Duke Miles, played by Elwes, does not wish to sell his property to a foreigner.

«Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields» | Official Trailer | Hulu

In April 2023, the documentary "Brooke Shields: Pretty Baby" was released on Hulu, in which the actress detailed her relationship with her tyrannical mother, who relentlessly made her a star, how she was raped by an influential producer during a career slump in her youth, about her depression and loss of virginity.

Paul Avalos editor

Brooke Shields

Photos: Brooke Shields