Sharon Stone Embraces Aging, Reflects on Career, and Shares Life Lessons
Sharon Stone, the iconic actress known for her captivating performances and unwavering confidence, is approaching her 67th birthday next week. Far from shying away from the passage of time, Stone is embracing her age and celebrating the beauty and wisdom that come with it. In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, she shared her thoughts on aging, her career highlights, and some valuable life lessons she’s learned along the way.
Stone emphasized the importance of self-love, particularly as one gets older. She expressed her dismay at the tendency of some people to "give up" on their bodies as they age, either due to physical changes or a feeling that they are no longer defined by their physical appearance.
"A lot of people give up as they get older," she observed. "They let go of their body because it’s collapsing anyway, or it’s like, ‘I’m not defined by my body any more.’"
Stone firmly believes that maintaining a positive relationship with one’s body is crucial, regardless of age or physical changes. She playfully acknowledged the natural signs of aging, such as the "pleats" under her arms, but reframed them as evidence of strength and purpose. As an artist, she sees her arms as "strong and painting," comparing the pleats to "angel wings."
"But you still have to love that body," she asserted. "I joke that my underarms have pleats now. I think, ‘Well, I had beautiful arms and now they’re strong and painting and like angel wings. So what if they have pleats? Maybe that’s what makes them wonderful now.’"
The actress also recounted a humorous anecdote involving fellow actresses Jackie and Joan Collins. While at Jackie Collins’ house playing billiards, Joan Collins offered Stone some tongue-in-cheek advice on aging, particularly for women: "Let me give you a tip. After 40, never get on top and never wave goodbye."
Stone also shared a colorful description Joan Collins once used to describe a man: "a ‘bungalow — everything downstairs, nothing upstairs.’"
Beyond her insights on aging, Stone revealed a fascinating detail about her film contracts. After an early experience where a studio attempted to sell her wardrobe, including her underwear, from a television film, she made it a point to include a clause in her contracts stipulating that she gets to keep all of her clothes from every movie, unless they are studio rentals.
"After I did a television film in the 1980s, they sold my wardrobe at a discount at the studio to make their money back, and they were selling my underwear," she explained. "I was so embarrassed and uncomfortable that the crew guys were rummaging around in my underpants, I thought ‘never again.’ So I had it put into my contracts that I keep all my clothes from films, unless they are studio rentals."
Among her treasured possessions is the iconic white minidress from "Basic Instinct," which she keeps in a safe. She also has a collection of shoes from the film, including black split-toe Gucci heels and strappy gold-studded ones.
The rest of her costumes are in storage, including the magnificent clothes from "Casino," designed by Rita Ryack. Stone specifically mentioned the Pucci jacket that her character, Ginger, wears when she dies, noting what an amazing job Ryack did with the costumes for the movie.
Reflecting on the transformation required for red carpet events, Stone humorously compared it to becoming "Mrs. Potato Head."
"It’s like an entire transformation," she admitted. "I call it the Mrs. Potato Head moment. We put on the face, we put on the dress, and we shove her out of the door."
Stone’s candid reflections offer a glimpse into the life and mindset of a woman who has navigated the complexities of Hollywood with grace, resilience, and a strong sense of self. Her perspective on aging, her anecdotes from her career, and her commitment to self-love serve as an inspiration to women of all ages. Sharon Stone continues to redefine what it means to age gracefully and embrace the journey of life with confidence and humor. Her enduring presence in the entertainment industry and her willingness to share her experiences make her a role model for those seeking to live authentically and embrace the beauty of every stage of life. Her words serve as a reminder to cherish our bodies, celebrate our experiences, and find joy in the present moment.
