Julia Gets Wise with Isabella Rossellini
Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Deep Dive
Why does Isabella Rossellini love referring to herself as ancient?
She finds joy in connecting to ancient experiences and past traditions, such as being raised by a wet nurse after World War II when formula was unavailable.
What is the best part about being Isabella Rossellini's age?
The serenity and freedom that come with accepting oneself as one is, allowing for a sense of liberation to pursue personal interests and curiosities without societal pressures.
How does Isabella manage her farm while also working as a model and actress?
She has employees to handle daily tasks, but she personally manages the bees, which require weekly or bi-weekly attention, enabling her to travel for work while still being involved in farm management.
What unique aspect of bee genetics does Isabella find fascinating?
Male bees, or drones, have a grandfather but no father because they are created without the need for sperm, which is different from the creation of female bees.
How does Isabella describe the transition from city life to farm life?
She notes changes in dressing and cleanliness standards but also mentions a shift in mental state, becoming more serene and less concerned with societal expectations of beauty and success.
What does Isabella say about the role of women in society and the workplace?
She believes there needs to be more inclusivity and a redefinition of beauty and success in the workplace, moving away from age, race, and weight stereotypes, and that women should have more control over their professional lives.
How did Isabella get rehired by Lancôme after being let go?
A new female CEO, who aimed to redefine beauty inclusively, reached out to her, appreciating her unique qualities that resonated with a broader definition of beauty beyond youth.
What does Isabella say about her relationship with her body as she ages?
She acknowledges the changes and accepts them, using makeup creatively rather than to hide age, focusing on enhancing her features rather than trying to look younger.
Why does Isabella prefer being single in her later years?
She finds it more serene and less stressful, allowing her to focus on her children and personal interests without the complications and demands of a romantic relationship.
What does Isabella wish she had done differently in her life?
She regrets not pursuing film directing earlier and wishes she had spent more time being single and focusing on her true loves rather than constantly seeking romantic relationships.
- Rossellini feels the same inside as she did as a teenager.
- She experiences a sense of freedom and serenity as she ages.
- She returned to studying animal behavior and conservation in her fifties.
Shownotes Transcript