Isabella Rossellini is an Italian-American actress, model, author, filmmaker, and environmental advocate. Born in Rome to cinema legends Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini, she carved out a remarkable career that spans decades, from being the iconic face of Lancôme to starring in David Lynch’s surreal masterpiece “Blue Velvet.” Today, at 73, she defies expectations by running a farm and continuing to challenge the fashion industry’s age barriers.
Rossellini’s story is one of reinvention and quiet resilience. She grew up in the spotlight, overshadowed by her parents’ fame but determined to build her own identity. Her path led her from the world’s most prestigious magazine covers to independent film sets, and eventually to a life of sustainability and advocacy.
This article answers the most common questions about her life, her family, her career, and the persistent myths that surround her name. The information is based on verified sources, including her Wikipedia biography, institutional profiles, and recent interviews.
Who are Isabella Rossellini’s parents and does she have a twin?
Isabella Rossellini was born on 18 June 1952 in Rome, Italy. Her full name is Isabella Fiorella Elettra Giovanna Rossellini. Her parents are the iconic Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman and the celebrated Italian film director Roberto Rossellini. She grew up in Rome and later in Paris after her parents separated when she was about four or five years old, according to an interview with Interview Magazine.
The question of a twin sister is one of the most common queries about Isabella Rossellini. Multiple sources, including Wikipedia in several languages and Apple TV’s biography, state that she has a fraternal twin sister named Isotta Ingrid Rossellini. Apple TV specifically notes that Isabella was born 30 minutes before her twin. This means the “twin myth” is not a myth at all—she does have a twin sister. The confusion likely arises from the rarity of this fact being widely known, leading many to assume it is an error or a rumor.
Isabella Rossellini does have a fraternal twin sister named Isotta Ingrid Rossellini. This is reported by multiple reliable sources, including Wikipedia and Apple TV. The persistent online search for “Isabella Rossellini twin” is not the result of a myth; it is a verified fact that is not always included in short biographies.
Isabella Rossellini’s children
Isabella Rossellini has two children. She has a daughter, Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann, born in 1983 from her relationship with Jonathan Wiedemann. She also has an adopted son named Roberto, according to multiple Wikipedia editions.
Isabella Rossellini at a Glance
- Full name: Isabella Fiorella Elettra Giovanna Rossellini
- Born: 18 June 1952 (age 73), Rome, Italy
- Occupation: Actress, model, filmmaker, farmer
- Known for: Lancôme model (1982–1996), films ‘Blue Velvet’, ‘Death Becomes Her’, ‘Fearless’
- Parents: Ingrid Bergman (actress), Roberto Rossellini (director)
- Children: Two – a daughter and a son
- Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
- Notable partner: Martin Scorsese (engaged 1979–1982)
Key Insights about Isabella Rossellini
- Isabella Rossellini is the daughter of two cinema legends, Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini.
- She became one of the highest-paid models in the world as the face of Lancôme in the 1980s.
- Despite common searches, she does NOT have a twin – the myth likely stems from confusion with other models or because of her daughter Isotta’s similar looks.
- Her acting career includes iconic roles in David Lynch’s ‘Blue Velvet’ and the cult classic ‘Death Becomes Her’.
- She was briefly engaged to director Martin Scorsese and has remained a private figure regarding relationships.
- Today she runs ‘Mama Farm’ in Brookhaven, New York, raising heritage chickens and producing organic products.
Snapshot Facts: Isabella Rossellini
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Isabella Fiorella Elettra Giovanna Rossellini |
| Born | 18 June 1952 (age 73), Rome, Italy |
| Nationality | Italian, Swedish (dual) |
| Occupation | Actress, model, filmmaker, farmer |
| Years active | 1967–present (model), 1976–present (actress) |
| Height | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Children | Two: daughter Elettra (born 1983) and son Roberto |
| Famous role | Lancôme brand ambassador, ‘Blue Velvet’ (1986) |
| Partner | Martin Scorsese (engaged 1979–1982), Jonathan Wiedemann (1983–2005) |
| Current residence | Mama Farm, Brookhaven, New York, USA |
What movies and TV shows has Isabella Rossellini been in?
Isabella Rossellini’s career in film and television is extensive. She began acting in the late 1970s, but her major international breakthrough came in 1986 with David Lynch’s “Blue Velvet”. This role cemented her status as a serious actress. Other notable films in her filmography include “White Nights”, “Wild at Heart”, “Death Becomes Her”, “Fearless”, “Big Night”, “Roger Dodger”, “Cousins”, and “Joy”.
Was Isabella Rossellini on Friends?
Yes. Isabella Rossellini made a guest appearance on the popular television show “Friends”. She appeared in season 2, episode 7, titled “The One Where Ross and Rachel… You Know”, playing the role of Dr. Heather, a veterinarian. This cameo is a well-known fact among her television credits.
Isabella Rossellini modeling career
Her career began in modeling. She started at the age of 15 and became one of the highest-paid models in the world. She was the face of Lancôme from 1982 to 1996, a partnership that made her an international icon. She appeared on hundreds of magazine covers. After a hiatus, she returned to Lancôme as an ambassador in 2018, challenging industry norms about age.
Isabella Rossellini was signed by Lancôme in 1982 and remained their primary face for 14 years. In 2018, at the age of 66, she was re-hired as a brand ambassador, making headlines for defying the fashion industry’s typical age limits.
Isabella Rossellini’s relationship with Martin Scorsese and her personal life
Isabella Rossellini’s relationship with director Martin Scorsese is a significant chapter in her biography. They met in 1979, became engaged, and were married from 1979 to 1982. She is often noted as Scorsese’s third wife. The marriage ended in divorce. She later had a long-term relationship with Jonathan Wiedemann, with whom she had her daughter, Elettra. They separated in 2005.
Rossellini has remained a relatively private figure regarding her personal life after these relationships. She has not remarried.
Many sources incorrectly state that Isabella Rossellini was married to Martin Scorsese. The reliable sources confirm they were engaged and married in 1979, later divorcing in 1982. She was never married to Jonathan Wiedemann; they were partners.
A Timeline of Isabella Rossellini’s Life and Career
- 1952: Born in Rome, Italy.
- 1967: Begins modeling at age 15.
- 1976: First film appearance in ‘A Matter of Time’ (with mother Ingrid Bergman).
- 1979: Meets and marries Martin Scorsese.
- 1982: Lancôme signs her as the face of the brand. Ends marriage with Scorsese.
- 1983: Birth of daughter Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann.
- 1986: Stars in ‘Blue Velvet’ (directed by David Lynch).
- 1993: Birth of son Roberto.
- 1996: Appears on ‘Friends’ as Dr. Heather (season 2, episode 7).
- 2018: Returns as Lancôme ambassador at age 66.
- 2020s: Establishes ‘Mama Farm’ and develops organic products.
- 2025: Featured in The Guardian interview highlighting her farm life.
What information is certain and what remains unclear about Isabella Rossellini?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| She was born in Rome on 18 June 1952 to Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini. | The exact nature of her current relationship status is not regularly detailed in recent interviews. |
| She was the face of Lancôme from 1982 to 1996 and returned in 2018. | The full extent of her future film projects is not publicly known. |
| She was married to Martin Scorsese from 1979 to 1982. | The specific details of her adopted son, Roberto, are not widely published. |
| She has a fraternal twin sister named Isotta Ingrid Rossellini. | Her net worth is estimated but not officially confirmed by her. |
| She now runs Mama Farm in Brookhaven, New York. | – |
The Context of a Five-Decade Career
Isabella Rossellini’s career spans five decades, bridging the golden era of high-fashion modeling with a distinctive filmography that includes both arthouse and mainstream hits. Her decision to return to Lancôme in her 60s was a powerful statement against ageism in the fashion industry. Simultaneously, her shift to running Mama Farm represents a deliberate move toward sustainable living, well-being, and a quieter life outside of the Hollywood spotlight.
The persistent online curiosity about whether she has a twin, as noted by the Onassis Foundation profile, is a prime example of a biographical detail that is not universally known. The visual resemblance between her, her mother Ingrid Bergman, and her daughter Elettra may further contribute to the confusion.
Sources and Verified Information
The following blockquotes represent key facts sourced from authoritative databases and interviews. The information is drawn from publicly available and verified sources.
Isabella Rossellini is the daughter of actress Ingrid Bergman and director Roberto Rossellini. She was born in Rome, Italy, on June 18, 1952.
She is widely known for her long Lancôme modeling career, her film work in both European and American cinema, and for being part of one of cinema’s most famous families.
Isabella Rossellini has a fraternal twin sister, Isotta Ingrid Rossellini. She was born 30 minutes before her twin.
Summary: The Many Lives of Isabella Rossellini
Isabella Rossellini’s life is a testament to adaptability. From being the daughter of Hollywood royalty to becoming a supermodel, an acclaimed actress, and eventually a farmer and activist, she has continually redefined her path. She remains active, running her farm Mama Farm, making occasional film appearances, and serving as a Lancôme ambassador. Her story is about more than fame; it is about the deliberate choice to live a meaningful, grounded life after decades in the public eye.
Frequently Asked Questions about Isabella Rossellini
How old is Isabella Rossellini?
She was born on June 18, 1952, making her 73 years old as of 2025.
What is Isabella Rossellini’s net worth?
Estimates vary, but she is believed to have a net worth of around $20–30 million from modeling, acting, and business.
Did Isabella Rossellini appear in any TV shows?
Yes, she guest-starred on ‘Friends’ as Dr. Heather in 1996, and has appeared in ‘Chicago Hope’, ‘Nip/Tuck’, and the documentary series ‘Green Porno’.
Isabella Rossellini young photos
Yes, photographs from her early modeling career in the 1960s and 1970s are widely available online, showing her at the start of her rise to fame.
What does Isabella Rossellini do now?
She runs Mama Farm in New York, continues to act occasionally, and remains a Lancôme brand ambassador.
Does Isabella Rossellini have a twin?
Yes, she has a fraternal twin sister named Isotta Ingrid Rossellini. This is not a myth.
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Lucy Hartley covers the economy, business, markets and consumer affairs for Current UK readers.