Kim Basinger Turns 70: A Look at the Hollywood Icon's Life and Career

Written by Henrik Rothen

Dec.09 - 2023 9:08 AM CET

Entertainment
Foto: Wikipedia Commons (1990)
Foto: Wikipedia Commons (1990)
Kim Basinger Turns 70.

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Kim Basinger, one of Hollywood's most iconic actresses from the 1980s, celebrated her 70th birthday. Known for her diverse roles and remarkable talent, Basinger has been a recipient of both a Golden Globe and an Oscar during her illustrious career.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on December 8, 1953, in Georgia, USA, Basinger's parents were a model and a financial consultant. She grew up with two younger sisters and two older brothers and is a vegetarian. Basinger's career began as a fashion model, and at 17, she won the title of "Miss Georgia." She later signed with the Ford modeling agency, appearing in commercials and magazine covers. However, in 1976, she ended her modeling career to move to Los Angeles and pursue acting.

Rise to Stardom

Basinger's first major role was in the film "Hard Country." Her acting career took off after a photoshoot for Playboy magazine. In 1983, she appeared in the James Bond film "Never Say Never Again." Basinger continued to gain popularity with roles in comedies like "Blind Date" and "The Man Who Loved Women."

Critical Acclaim

Basinger's performance in the erotic film "9½ Weeks" was widely acclaimed. In 1989, she played the role of Vicki Vale in Tim Burton's "Batman." During the filming of "The Marrying Man," she met actor Alec Baldwin, whom she married in 1993. The couple had a daughter, Ireland, in 1995, before eventually separating.

Awards and Recognition

In 1997, Basinger portrayed a prostitute in "L.A. Confidential," earning her a Golden Globe and an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. She later played a significant role in the 2002 film "8 Mile." Basinger's other notable films include "Charlie St. Cloud," "I Am Here," and "The Nice Guys."

A Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Basinger's contributions to the film industry were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, number 7021.

Filmography Highlights

Her filmography includes "Never Say Never Again," "Blind Date," "The Man Who Loved Women," "9½ Weeks," "The Marrying Man," "L.A. Confidential," "8 Mile," "The Nice Guys," "Batman," "Fifty Shades Darker," and "Fifty Shades Freed."

Notable Roles

In "Never Say Never Again," Basinger played Domino Petachi, James Bond's love interest. In "L.A. Confidential," she portrayed Lynn Bracken, a call girl. In "8 Mile," she was Stephanie Smith, the mother of Jimmy "Rabbit" Smith Jr., played by rapper Eminem. In the "Fifty Shades" series, she played Elena Lincoln, a longtime friend and business partner of Christian Grey.

Famous Husbands

Basinger was married to football player Joe Namath, a symbol of the American Football League, and actor Alec Baldwin, a Golden Globe and Emmy winner, and nominee for Tony, Oscar, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Baldwin has appeared in films like "Blind Love," "Paris Can Wait," "Pearl Harbor," and others.

Awards and Honors

In 1998, Basinger received an Oscar and a Golden Globe, as well as a Screen Actors Guild Award.