Once constantly told she needed to lose weight and even losing out on jobs for being on the heavier side, this well-known actress’s ageless beauty in her 80s reflects the self-love and acceptance she has embraced after decades in the industry.
She rose to fame for her undeniable talent in front of the camera, earning acclaim for her performances in notable films. Behind the scenes, however, she was battling the relentless pressures of maintaining a leading-lady image.
Take a look at this iconic actress’s journey over the years — from navigating Hollywood’s demands to be thin to her relationship with a dashing legendary actor — and marvel at her ageless beauty now at 85.
After decades of navigating the highs and lows of the entertainment industry, Brenda Vaccaro reached a point where she no longer felt the need to prove herself. Reflecting on her career, she acknowledged that while opportunities for actresses her age were scarce, she had made her mark.
“If you say my name, people will know who I am and what I do,” she said, addressing the respect she had earned over the years. She humorously compared competing for roles at her age to “a bunch of Italian widows sitting in chairs in a room,” all leaping at the chance when a job became available.