Jacqueline Bisset, at 78, continues to captivate audiences with her magnificence, embodying a timeless elegance that spans a remarkable 58-year career encompassing around 50 films. As a little girl, she became one of my earliest role models, cherished by my parents who admired her. Bisset epitomizes the glamour that once defined Hollywood, standing out as an actress who embraces the natural aging process and radiates authentic beauty and allure without relying on excessive makeup.
Throughout her illustrious career, characterized by her distinctive brown hair, high cheekbones, and striking green eyes, Bisset has showcased her versatility by portraying diverse characters. From the sultry seductress Miss Goodthighs in the spy parody Casino Royale (1967) to the devoted mother in Sleepy Time Gal (2001), the iconic First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in America’s Prince: The John F. Kennedy Jr. Story (2003), and Anna Karenina (1985) in the sweeping love story of the same name opposite Christopher Reeves.
Bisset made her on-screen debut in Roman Polanski’s Cul-de-Sac (1966) and gained recognition in 1968 with back-to-back films: Detective with Frank Sinatra, Bullitt with Steve McQueen, and a Golden Globe-nominated performance in The Sweet Ride with Tony Franciosa and Bob Denver.
Her filmography boasts notable works such as Day for Night (1973), Murder on the Orient Express (1974), The Deep (1977), Wild Orchid (1990), Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated role in Joan of Arc (1999), Golden Globe-winning role in the miniseries Dancing on the Edge (2013), Miss You Already (2015), and Birds of Paradise (2021).
In 2010, Bisset, a multilingual talent fluent in English, French, and Italian, received the Legion of Honor, the highest state order in France. Her outstanding contributions to cinema were further acknowledged in 2023 when she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Sedona International Film Festival.
Despite being pursued by Hollywood’s most prominent men, including Frank Sinatra and rumored involvement with Steve McQueen, Bisset has never been married. In an interview with the Daily Mail, she described McQueen as attractive but intimidating due to their cultural differences. Known for her independent spirit, Bisset has had enduring relationships with Canadian actor Michael Sarrazin, ballet dancer Alexander Godunov, and actor Vincent Pérez. In her own words, “I don’t choose easy men, I’m told,” emphasizing her preference for relationships that enrich her life rather than complicate it.
Jacqueline Bisset, the godmother to Angelina Jolie, continues to make a lasting impact with her illustrious career, demonstrating resilience and grace over 58 years in the film industry. Despite not being known for sensational relationships, her Golden Globe win for her role as Lady Cremone in the BBC series Dancing on the Edge created a significant buzz. The acceptance speech, accompanied by background music signaling her exit, reflected genuine gratitude from the then 69-year-old actress, who had waited 47 years for the prestigious award since her first nomination for best newcomer.
Following this triumph, Bisset showcased her versatility by portraying a sassy femme fatale in the French thriller The Lodger (2020) and, more recently, taking on the lead role as Rose in the film Loren & Rose (2022). In this movie, Bisset portrays a legendary actor attempting to revive her career, constrained by a reputation as “a little zany and a bit unreliable.” Director Russell Brown emphasized that Bisset’s real-life persona differs from her character Rose, underscoring her acting prowess and the seamless transformation on-screen.
Known for her timeless beauty, Bisset gracefully embraces the aging process. Her infamous Golden Globes speech included the wisdom that forgiveness is the best beauty treatment, affirming her belief that maintaining a positive mindset contributes to looking good. Despite having “lots of complexes” in her youth, Bisset has consistently rejected the allure of plastic surgery, asserting that it doesn’t make one look younger but rather different. This refusal reflects her commitment to authenticity and self-acceptance in a Hollywood landscape often dominated by cosmetic enhancements.
