10 fascinating facts about Kim Basinger
Nowadays, Kim Basinger is recognized by modern audiences for her role as Elena Lincoln in the Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed films. However, many might be unaware of some intriguing facts about her life. From her childhood idolization of Audrey Hepburn to her battle with anxiety and agoraphobia, here are 10 lesser-known aspects of Kim Basinger's life. SSP prepared.
10. Childhood love for My Fair Lady
As a child, Kim Basinger was enthralled by classic movies, with her favorite being Audrey Hepburn's My Fair Lady. She even showcased her adoration by singing the song "Wouldn't It Be Loverly" during a pageant in her hometown.
9. Almost pursued ballet and opera
Before her modeling career took off, Basinger had plans to become a professional ballerina or opera singer. Her aspirations stemmed from years of dance training and a dedicated vocal coach who aimed to groom her as a classically-trained opera singer.
8. Lucrative modeling career
Basinger's foray into modeling paved the way for a thriving career in the industry. She earned more than $1000 per day, yet the constant pressure and the need to always maintain her appearance led her to eventually leave modeling and pursue acting.
7. Averse to mirrors
Contrary to the assumption that models are self-absorbed, Basinger actually disliked looking in mirrors. She was shy as a child and continues to avoid mirrors, even throughout her modeling career. Basinger finds it challenging to behold her own reflection.
6. Auctioned off her engagement ring from Alec Baldwin
A committed animal rights activist, Basinger auctioned off the engagement ring she received from her second husband, Alec Baldwin. The ring fetched close to $60,000, with all proceeds going to the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in 2004.
5. Battle with agoraphobia
Basinger, plagued by anxiety since childhood, later developed agoraphobia during her marriage to Alec Baldwin. This condition made it difficult for her to leave the house for months. Over time, she sought therapy to manage the problem and overcome panic attacks while driving.
4. A unique accolade
As a model who transitioned into acting but continued appearing in magazine shoots, Basinger holds a distinctive distinction. She is the only actress to have both posed nude for Playboy Magazine and won an Academy Award.
3. Estrangement from her family
Despite her achievements, Basinger has experienced significant strain in her personal and family life. Her relationship with her parents became challenging after they advised her poorly on real estate and bankruptcy matters. Only her father and youngest sister attended her wedding, and they were the only family members she thanked in her Oscar acceptance speech.
2. Husband's name change
In addition to her well-known marriage to Alec Baldwin, Basinger's first husband, hairstylist Ron Snyder, changed his last name to Britton at her request. She wanted him to have a name starting with "B." He also embraced staying out of the spotlight, allowing Basinger's sex symbol status to remain unaffected.
1. Unique love interests
Kim Basinger holds a couple of unique distinctions in her acting career. In addition to being the only actress to have won an Academy Award following a Playboy Magazine appearance, she is also the sole actress to have portrayed love interests opposite both Batman and James Bond. Basinger starred as Domino in the Connery Bond film Never Say Never Again and captivated as Vicki Vale in Tim Burton's 1989 Batman movie.
