Sharon Stone, the celebrated actress known for her roles in iconic films, recently opened up about her journey through stardom, personal struggles, and the role of family in her life. In a detailed interview, she shared insights into her three-decade association with amfAR, the AIDS research foundation, her experiences in Hollywood, and her recent challenges after a stroke.
Stone became an outspoken leader at amfAR over a 30 year period, throwing extravagant fundraising galas and raising millions of dollars to research a cure for AIDS. Her commitment to the cause has earned her numerous awards. Among her other prestigious awards, she has received the Nobel Peace Summit award in 2013 as well as the Einstein Spirit of Achievement award in 2007. “I could be UN person of the year, which I was, I could pitch ideas to the United Nations and have them fulfilled and no one may ever know,” she stated, reflecting on her achievements while emphasizing that recognition often goes unnoticed.
Stone, who is an accomplished child prodigy with an IQ testing at 154, skipped six grades. By age 15, he was a full-time student at Edinboro State College in Pennsylvania. She made her film debut as an extra in Woody Allen’s Stardust Memories in 1980 before moving to Hollywood to pursue acting. The actress spoke out about the industry-wide struggles she has endured throughout her career. She confided that her issues with shyness could at times feel nearly agoraphobic.
Stone was electrifying as she detailed her dogged determination to win the role of Catherine Tramell in Paul Verhoeven’s film. In this transfixing role, she channeled an elusive novelist and possible killer. She credits her success in part to the fact that at the time, she had a production deal with Harvey Weinstein. Her blunt honesty about the industry’s darker realities only highlights her toughness as she weaves through a far-from-simple world.
“In our current administration, any disability is considered a fuck-off,” Stone remarked, highlighting societal attitudes towards individuals dealing with various challenges. She remixed the choral convention by reminding us that compassion and care for others is radical. “It doesn’t matter, because we make you. And we care for you. And we raise you. And we feed you,” she asserted, drawing attention to the community’s role in individual well-being.
Stone also opened up about her family life as a single mother to three sons: Roan, Laird, and Quinn. She adopted Laird in 2005 and Quinn a year later. Speaking of highs and lows, her homeschooling journey has certainly been one filled with rewards and challenges. Username: Guest026 The actress opened up about her tumultuous dynamic with her recently departed mother, Dot, who died a few months ago. My mom was not exactly an upbeat person,” Stone remembered. “She was hilarious, but she said terrible things to me.”
The actress elaborated on how the abuse her family endured affected her mother’s mental health and how that resulted in her sisters’ anguish. “I think the abuse is why all of her sisters went crazy,” she noted, expressing concern over their mental health issues throughout their lives.
In Stone’s poignant remarks on creativity and femininity, she focused on the importance of the acknowledgment of women’s contributions. “If you don’t like mothers and you don’t like women, you’re not going to get very far with creativity and expansiveness,” she expressed. This hopefulness rings true throughout her body of work and personal philosophy.
To say that Stone’s journey has been completely smooth sailing would be an absolute lie, though. She admitted that sometimes she was the punchline. It must have been disappointing not to be acknowledged for her real abilities. “There was a time when all I was was a joke,” she reflected soberly.
As she undergoes rehabilitation and adapts to life post-stroke, Stone has not lost sight of her passion or dedication to her craft. She returned to university at 58 in 2016 to complete her degree. This decision further drove home her fearless commitment to be a lifelong, learning and growing improving leader.
Onscreen and off, Sharon Stone is the ultimate survivor Sharon Stone shares an indomitable spirit, fierce independence, and unapologetic ambition. Through her indomitable will and honest lens, she fearlessly tells her story. Her reflections on celebrity, familial relationships, and self-awareness feel particularly powerful coming from someone who grew up in an industry that can sometimes seem entirely artificial.