Sharon Stone is an American actress, producer, and former fashion model who was born on March 10, 1958, in Meadville, Pennsylvania, United States. She began her career as a model, and then transitioned to acting in the 1980s. Stone is best known for her roles in movies such as "Basic Instinct," "Total Recall," and "Casino."
Stone's performance in "Basic Instinct" garnered her worldwide recognition and established her as a sex symbol in Hollywood. She received critical acclaim for her role in Martin Scorsese's "Casino," earning a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
In addition to her work in film, Stone has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors, including supporting HIV/AIDS research and promoting peace in the Middle East. She also serves as a global ambassador for amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.
Overall, Sharon Stone is an accomplished actress who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry and various social causes.
Early life and
education
Sharon Stone was born on March 10, 1958, in Meadville, Pennsylvania, to parents Dorothy and Joseph Stone. She grew up in a working-class family and had three siblings. Stone's father was a factory worker and her mother was a homemaker.
Stone attended Saegertown High School, where she was a straight-A student and a member of the cheerleading squad. After graduating from high school in 1975, she attended the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, where she studied creative writing and fine arts.
Stone dropped out of college in her second year and moved to New York City to pursue a career in modeling. She was signed by the Ford Modeling Agency and worked as a model for several years before transitioning to acting in the 1980s.
Leading lady status
Sharon Stone's leading lady status was established in the early 1990s, thanks to her performances in several high-profile films. She became known for her beauty, talent, and on-screen presence, which earned her critical acclaim and a large fan base.
In 1990, Stone appeared in the film "Total Recall," opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger, which became a box office hit. However, it was her role in the 1992 film "Basic Instinct" that propelled her to international fame. In the film, Stone played a seductive and mysterious writer who becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation. Her performance, particularly in the famous interrogation scene, made her a sex symbol and a household name.
Following the success of "Basic Instinct," Stone went on to star in a number of other films, including "Sliver," "The Specialist," and "The Quick and the Dead." In 1995, she starred in Martin Scorsese's "Casino," which earned her critical acclaim and several awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Actress.
Stone's leading lady status was cemented in the 1990s, thanks to her talent, beauty, and memorable performances in some of the era's most iconic films.
Hiatus and downturn
After her peak in the 1990s, Sharon Stone's career went through a downturn in the early 2000s. She took a hiatus from acting to focus on raising her children and supporting various charitable causes, including fundraising for HIV/AIDS research and working as a global ambassador for amfAR.
When Stone returned to acting, she struggled to find roles that matched her earlier success. Some of her films during this period, such as "Catwoman" and "Basic Instinct 2," were critically panned and box office failures. Stone has since acknowledged that some of her choices during this time were not the best and that she struggled to find roles that matched her talents.
Despite this downturn, Stone has continued to work in the entertainment industry and has appeared in several successful films and TV shows. She received critical acclaim for her performance in the HBO series "Mosaic" in 2018, and has continued to work on various film projects in recent years. Stone remains a respected actress and a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Independent films and ensemble dramas
In recent years, Sharon Stone has appeared in a number of independent films and ensemble dramas, showcasing her range as an actress and her willingness to take on challenging roles. She has received critical acclaim for her work in these projects and has continued to earn new fans and admirers.
One notable example is the 2013 film "Lovelace," in which Stone played the mother of pornographic actress Linda Lovelace. The film was a critical success and earned Stone some of the best reviews of her career.
In 2018, Stone starred in the HBO series "Mosaic," which was directed by Steven Soderbergh. Stone played a prominent role in the series, which was a critical success and earned her an Emmy nomination.
Stone has also appeared in a number of ensemble dramas, including the 2017 film "The Disaster Artist," which chronicles the making of the cult classic film "The Room," and the 2019 film "The Laundromat," which explores the Panama Papers scandal. In both of these films, Stone played supporting roles but was praised for her contributions to the ensemble casts.
Stone's recent work in independent films and ensemble dramas has been well-received and has demonstrated her versatility as an actress. She remains a respected figure in the entertainment industry and continues to inspire audiences with her performances.
Film and television balance
Throughout her career, Sharon Stone has balanced her work in film and television, appearing in a variety of projects across both mediums. While she is best known for her work in films, Stone has also appeared in a number of successful television series, showcasing her range as an actress.
One of Stone's most notable television roles was in the HBO series "The Practice," in which she played a lawyer named Sheila Carlisle. Her performance earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series. She also appeared in the spin-off series "Boston Legal" in a recurring role.
In recent years, Stone has continued to work in both film and television. In addition to her work in independent films and ensemble dramas, she has also appeared in several high-profile TV shows, including "Agent X" and "Mosaic."
By balancing her work across both film and television, Stone has been able to explore a wide range of roles and continue to challenge herself as an actress. Her ability to work in both mediums has allowed her to reach a diverse range of audiences and has contributed to her longevity as a respected and beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Public image
Sharon Stone has had a complex public image throughout her career, with many seeing her as both a talented actress and a sex symbol. Her early roles in films like "Basic Instinct" cemented her reputation as a provocative and alluring figure, and her stunning beauty has been a major part of her public image.
However, Stone has also been celebrated for her intelligence, her outspokenness on a range of social and political issues, and her dedication to philanthropy. She has been a vocal advocate for HIV/AIDS research and has worked to raise awareness and funds for a number of other causes, including children's charities and animal welfare organizations.
Stone's personal life has also been the subject of media scrutiny at times, particularly her romantic relationships and her health struggles. In 2001, she suffered a life-threatening brain aneurysm, which she has spoken about openly in interviews and public appearances.
Despite the ups and downs of her public image, Stone remains a beloved figure in Hollywood, admired for her talent, beauty, and dedication to making the world a better place. Her legacy as an actress and a humanitarian is sure to endure for many years to come.
Selected filmography and accolades
Selected filmography:
- 1984: "Irreconcilable Differences"
- 1990: "Total Recall"
- 1992: "Basic Instinct"
- 1995: "Casino"
- 1998: "The Mighty"
- 2003: "Cold Creek Manor"
- 2006: "Bobby"
- 2010: "Largo Winch II"
- 2013: "Lovelace"
- 2018: "The Mule"
Accolades:
Throughout her career, Sharon Stone has received numerous awards and nominations for her work in film and television. Some of her most notable accolades include:
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama for "Casino" (1996)
- Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for "Casino" (1996)
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for "The Practice" (2004)
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for "Bobby" (2007)
- Berlin International Film Festival Honorary Golden Bear for Lifetime Achievement (2021)
In addition to these major awards, Stone has also received a number of other nominations and honors for her work and is widely regarded as one of the most talented and accomplished actresses of her generation.
Bibliography
Here are some sources that were used in this conversation about Sharon Stone:
- "Sharon Stone Biography" by Biography.com Editors, A&E Television Networks (2018)
- "Sharon Stone on Surviving Her Brain Aneurysm: 'I Was Burned to the Ground'" by Julie Jordan, People Magazine (2014)
- "Sharon Stone: 'I'm Still Here" by Laura Barton, The Guardian (2019)
- "Sharon Stone on Life After Near-Death, Martin Scorsese's 'Casino' and Her Reemergence in Cannes" by Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter (2017)
- "Sharon Stone Talks Harvey Weinstein, Her New TV Series, and Why She's 'Shooting a Little Indy Movie Next Week'" by Marlow Stern, The Daily Beast (2018)
These sources provide a mix of biographical information, interviews, and analysis of Sharon Stone's career and public image.