Hollywood is usually seen as a place full of sparkle and fame, where celebrities dazzle and careers reach amazing levels. But not every talented person stays in the spotlight. For instance, Sydne Rome had a quick rise to fame but then disappeared from view. She was once compared to the famous Brigitte Bardot, charming audiences with her looks and skills. Unfortunately, her life took some surprising twists, including a serious accident that left her with lasting scars.
This is the story of a woman who dared to dream, challenged the norms, and found her light even in the darkest of times.
Early Life: A Small-Town Girl with Big Dreams
Sydne Rome was born on March 17, 1951, in Akron, Ohio, and she didn’t grow up in the flashy world of Hollywood. Her dad worked in plastic manufacturing, and her mom, who Sydne called a “born hippie,” helped shape her free-spirited nature. Sydne was raised in the small town of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, in a comfortable upper-middle-class family.
Unlike many stars who have famous parents, Sydne made her own way. Acting wasn’t something her family did; it was a passion she discovered as a teenager. She was determined to follow her dream, so she went to the Carnegie Tech School of Acting at Pittsburgh University, where she learned from some great teachers. Sydne showed her talent on stage, performing everything from Shakespeare to Chekhov.
A Rocky Start in Hollywood
After finishing her studies, Sydne dreamed of making it big in Hollywood, wanting to turn her stage success into movie fame. But at first, things didn’t go as planned. It was tough to find good roles, and her chance to shine in Hollywood felt far away. Her first big opportunity in a film called Candy didn’t work out, so she decided to look for chances in other places.
Instead of staying in California, she traveled to Europe, where her stunning looks and personality quickly grabbed the attention of movie directors. With her beautiful blonde hair and bright blue eyes, she really stood out during a time when stars like Brigitte Bardot and Raquel Welch were all the rage.
Rising Stardom in Europe
The Roman Polanski Connection
Sydne’s big break came in 1972 when she starred in Roman Polanski’s What?. Although the film received mixed reviews, it cemented her as a rising star in European cinema. Her captivating screen presence and undeniable charisma earned her comparisons to Hollywood icons, with many dubbing her the “next Brigitte Bardot.”
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Success in Italian and French Cinema
Rome was really popular in the European film industry during the 1970s, acting in many French, Italian, and German movies. Even though she was super talented, she had a hard time getting big roles in the US. So, she decided to enjoy her growing fame in other countries. Critics loved her acting, and soon she was a well-known name all over Europe.
A Brush with David Bowie and Romance Rumors
In the late 1970s, Sydne teamed up with the famous musician David Bowie for the movie Just a Gigolo. Their great chemistry on screen led to gossip about them being a couple in real life, which Rome later said was true. They supposedly went out for a year, and Sydne remembered their time together with a smile. “He was a lot of fun and really charming,” she mentioned in a 2021 interview.
Life Beyond Acting: Music, Family, and a Personal Tragedy
Venturing into Music
As the 1980s began, Rome started to look for new ways to be creative, especially in music. She put out a few albums, but it was tough for her to achieve the same level of success in music as she had in movies. Even with these difficulties, Sydne stayed committed to her art, using both acting and music to express herself.
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Building a Family
Rome married twice, first to photographer Emilio Lari and later to Dr. Roberto Bernabei. With Bernabei, she adopted two daughters from the favelas of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The family became her anchor, providing love and stability as her career ebbed and flowed.
The Accident That Changed Everything
In 2009, Sydne Rome experienced a heartbreaking event. While she was driving with her eight-year-old daughter, she lost control of the car and crashed into a tree. The airbags saved her life, but they also caused serious injuries to her face. At first, doctors thought her injuries were not too serious, but later on, she discovered that the trauma had resulted in partial facial paralysis.
Thinking back on the accident, Sydne shared how it changed the way she saw herself. “I know it’s me, but it’s like seeing another person,” she said while looking at old pictures. Even though the accident took a big toll on her physically and emotionally, she didn’t let it stop her. She went through physical therapy and kept working in the entertainment field.
A Quiet Resurgence
Later Career Highlights
Sydne didn’t let the accident stop her from being part of the entertainment industry. She got a regular part in the Italian show Don Matteo, where she was in 53 episodes from 2021 to 2022. In 2023, she also acted in the Italian movie La Quattordicesima Domenica Del Tempo Ordinario, proving that her love for acting is still strong.
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Advocacy and Resilience
Beyond her career, Sydne became an advocate for embracing change and finding beauty in resilience. Her journey inspired many, proving that setbacks—no matter how severe—can be overcome with determination and grace.
Legacy of a Forgotten Star
Sydne Rome might not be as famous as some of her peers, but her influence on movies and her life story are really powerful. She faced tough times in Hollywood, then found success in Europe, and showed amazing strength in overcoming personal challenges.
Her journey teaches us that success isn’t just about being famous or rich. It’s often about discovering happiness in surprising ways, valuing family, and being authentic. Now at 72, Sydne still radiates positivity, showing that true stars never disappear; they just discover new ways to shine bright.
