F E AT U R E S
for me because I rely on those expressions for safety — they’re my go-to. That’s the show person that comes to the rescue. When I was doing Pretty Baby, I would make the other girls laugh on set during downtime. In Daisy Winters I got to explore what’s behind the expression that might be enough. It was frightening. She stripped away the theatrics. I had nothing to fall back on, but it just worked.” The two formed a close bond. They would go antique shopping and enjoyed spending time together. Unexpectedly, Beth LaMure had a sudden death and the film has not yet found its home. Although Brooke mourned her dear friend, she treasures the experience. For someone who has enjoyed a life of recognition, she now values experiences and Daisy Winters is not just a film she worked on, but was a labor of love and growth. Brooke said, “I needed Beth to learn how to move past the theatrics. The experience taught me that I can do a serious piece and I am glad I have that. I will always treasure the experience. For a long time, being just a comedic actress made me feel like I wasn’t enough, but with this film, the work and growth allowed me to transcend that.” And what is there now? What is left after hit shows, iconic fashion campaigns, timeless movies, and personal experiences immortalized in controversial bestsellers? “I feel that I’m on the precipice of something new. My life has always been very cyclical, and I feel as if I’m at the begging of a new cycle. For the first time, I feel really in control of my career. I’m working on a one-woman show and a couple of other projects. I’m most excited about being really involved in my work and generating my own work.”
SocialLifeMagazine.com
As we discuss favorite books, two flutes of Champagne arrive at our table. “Happy birthday drinks from two fans at the bar,” the waitress announces. We both look at each other surprised. Brooke had walked into the bistro incognito and rushed past the bar — how did anyone recognize her? Brooke, who is kind and warmhearted, immediately wonders what could be the proper protocol to thank a stranger. After a lifetime of having fans, Brooke Shields is still an authentic person who wants to repay kindness with kindness. Eventually, the two fans from the bar, students visiting New York from Korea, approach the table in order to chat with Brooke. Instead of talking about herself, she asks about them. After a brief conversation, the pair are happily on their way to explore the city. And I can’t help but notice who Brooke Shields really is. No matter how many images and movies the American celebrity machine has created of her, Brooke Shields remains simply, authentically, just herself, a real person … who just happens to be an American icon.
Producer: Devorah Rose Creative direction and concept: Devorah Rose with Gian Andrea di Stefano Photography: Gian Andrea di Stefano Wardrobe stylist: Ashley Pruitt Stylist assistant: Valeria Leonova Hair stylist: Tim Nolan Makeup artist: Meredith Baraf Location: 30 Park Place Four Seasons Private Residences New York Downtown