Celebrating her 70th birthday, Kim Basinger was one of the most iconic 1980s Hollywood actresses. Basinger has an impressive resume that includes a Golden Globe and an Oscar, both of which she earned for her outstanding performances in a variety of roles.
In the Beginning: My Life and Career
The daughter of a financial advisor and a model, Basinger came into this world on December 8, 1953, in the state of Georgia, USA. She is a vegetarian who grew up with two younger siblings and two older brothers. At the tender age of seventeen, Basinger became known as “Miss Georgia.” Her career as a fashion model took off from there. Ford signed her later on, and she began appearing in ads and on magazine covers. But she left the modeling industry in 1976 to pursue acting in Los Angeles.
Become a Famous Star
An early and significant role for Basinger came in the film “Hard Country.” After appearing in an ad for Playboy magazine, her acting career took off. Her 1983 Bond film appearance was in “Never Say Never Again.” Comedies such as “Blind Date” and “The Man Who Loved Women” helped Basinger maintain her rising star status.
Highly Esteemed
“9½ Weeks” was an erotic film in which Basinger played a highly praised role. She made her film debut in Tim Burton’s “Batman” (1989) as Vicki Vale. The two met on set of “The Marrying Man,” and in 1993 they tied the knot. Their daughter, Ireland, was born in 1995, and the couple then went their separate ways.
Accolades and Acknowledgment
Oscar and Golden Globe winner Basinger played a prostitute in 1997’s “L.A. Confidential,” for which she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Her subsequent film appearance was substantial in 2002’s “8 Mile.” Cast members of Basinger’s previous feature films include “Charlie St. Cloud,” “I Am Here,” and “The Nice Guys.”
The Hollywood Walk of Fame Honored with a Star
A star, number 7021, was placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to honor Basinger for his services to the film business.
Most Notable Films
Her movie credits include of “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,” together with “Fifty Shades Freed.”
Renowned Positions
When James Bond was in “Never Say Never Again,” Basinger portrayed Domino Petachi. While filming “L.A. Confidential,” she portrayed the role of call girl Lynn Bracken. For the film “8 Mile,” she portrayed Stephanie Smith, Eminem’s character Jimmy “Rabbit” Smith Jr.’s mother. She portrayed Christian Grey’s lifelong friend and business partner, Elena Lincoln, in the “Fifty Shades” books and movies.
Well-Known Spouses
Alec Baldwin, a Golden Globe and Emmy winner and nominee for Tony, Oscar, and Screen Actors Guild Awards; Joe Namath, an American football player and a symbol of the NFL, and Basinger were married. Along with her roles in “Blind Love,” “Paris Can Wait,” and “Pearl Harbor,” Baldwin has been in numerous other films.
Recognition and Praise
Basinger was honored with multiple accolades in 1998, including an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.