Brooke Shields is widely known as one of the most iconic actresses of her generation, celebrated for her beauty and talent. But now, she’s opening up about the unfair criticism she faced throughout her life.
Shields, who has built a successful career as a supermodel and actress, faced criticism even as her star rose. She reflects on her relationship with her mother, Teri, who was also her manager. Her mother was her first critic, often making hurtful comments about her body. Shields recalls, “My mother would get drunk and say: ‘Why don’t you move your fat ass?’”
The actress’s struggles with body image were affected by these remarks, and it took years to heal from the damage. In 2012, her mother passed away after battling alcoholism, but the impact of her comments lingered. It was only through the support of her husband, Chris Henchy, that Shields began to accept her body for what it was.
Henchy, who has been married to Shields for 17 years, played a significant role in helping her embrace her womanhood. Shields recalls, “He really celebrated my womanliness and my body. And I needed a man to celebrate me.”
Throughout her career, Shields faced constant criticism. Despite being seen as a beauty by many, she didn’t always feel that way. As a teen model, she was often told she wasn’t the right “type” for high fashion. “I was ‘neck up’ — the face, the eyebrows,” she says, noting how those comments shaped her self-image.
Even years later, Shields continued to work hard to look her best, especially when she returned to modeling for a Calvin Klein campaign. She worked out regularly, giving up alcohol to ensure she felt confident in front of the camera.
In addition to her career challenges, Shields recently opened up about a sexual assault she experienced shortly after graduating from Princeton. She’s sharing her story in the hopes of helping others feel less alone.