Remember Kelly LeBrock? Here's a Glimpse of Her Today
Who could forget the iconic Kelly LeBrock, the quintessential '80s It Girl? Born on March 24, 1960, she stole hearts and took Hollywood by storm. Her fame reached its peak when John Hughes crafted the dream girl concept in the 1985 classic "Weird Science." But before we dive into her intriguing journey, let's set the record straight on that infamous shower scene - she wasn't actually nude; Kelly's career was built on class, not explicit content.
Now that we've got that out of the way, let's take a nostalgic trip through the life of Kelly LeBrock. Discover her meteoric rise, the twists and turns of her Hollywood journey, and what she's up to nowadays. We'll delve into her cinematic achievements, personal life, and more about this iconic model and actress.
Kelly LeBrock: A New York Origin with a Diverse Heritage
Born in New York, Kelly LeBrock boasts an extraordinary family history. Raised in London, she's the daughter of a French-Canadian father and an Irish mother, named after her maternal grandmother from County Armagh. However, she returned to her birthplace, New York City, and embarked on her modeling career at just 16. Her fortunes skyrocketed when she graced the pages of Vogue at a mere 19.
Kelly quickly became one of the world's most sought-after models, catching the eye of none other than Christian Dior himself. She became the brand's ambassador, earning a substantial sum for only 30 days of work each year.
The "Don't Hate Me Because I'm Beautiful" Phenomenon
LeBrock's path to pop culture recognition truly took off when she became Pantene's spokeswoman in a memorable shampoo commercial. Her iconic line, "don't hate me because I'm beautiful," turned into a catchphrase that still lingers today, even among those who may not be familiar with Kelly LeBrock.
This commercial, featuring Kelly in a shower, may have paved the way for her most famous role in "Weird Science," but it wasn't her first film appearance.
From "The Woman In Red" to "Weird Science"
In 1984, Kelly LeBrock starred in the romantic comedy "The Woman In Red," directed by and starring Gene Wilder. She portrayed Charlotte, a woman who captivated Teddy (Wilder) with a Marilyn Monroe-like moment over a ventilation grate.
The following year, 1985, marked the pinnacle of LeBrock's film career when she starred in "Weird Science," a comedy sci-fi written and directed by John Hughes, alongside Anthony Michael Hall and Ilan Mitchell-Smith.
Turning Down "Weird Science" and a Last-Minute Decision
It's astonishing that Kelly LeBrock initially declined the role of Lisa, which was offered to her before Robin Wright and Demi Moore. In her own words, "I had actually turned down 'Weird Science' initially because I was in the South of France with Sting." Her husband at the time, Victor Drai, was producing a movie with Tom Hanks. She had to choose between work and spending time with Sting, and the latter won.
However, fate had different plans. The initial choice for Lisa, model-turned-actress Kelly Emberg, didn't fit the role, leading to a phone call that quickly had Kelly LeBrock on a plane from France to Chicago.
During the filming of "Weird Science," LeBrock held her own, even reprimanding a young Ilan Mitchell-Smith for getting carried away during a kissing scene.
Kelly LeBrock's Filmography
Beyond "Weird Science," Kelly LeBrock's film career included roles in "Hard to Kill," alongside her then-husband Steven Seagal, as well as "Betrayal of the Dove," "Tracks of a Killer," "Hard Bounty," "Sorcerer’s Apprentice," "Zerophilia," "Gamers: The Movie," and the action-comedy "Wrongfully Accused" with Leslie Nielsen.
Prioritizing Family Over Fame
In a 2015 interview, Kelly LeBrock emphasized the importance of her children over Hollywood fame. "My children were and are my most important thing, so saying no to Hollywood was very easy." Having already experienced the spotlight through modeling, she never cared about being famous. Her loyalty was to her kids, and she always believed she could return to filmmaking.
Marriage and Children: A Personal Journey
Kelly LeBrock has three children. Her first daughter, Annaliza Seagal, was born in the spring of 1987, and she later married Steven Seagal the same year. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1996.
After marrying Seagal, LeBrock had two more children: a son named Dominic in 1990 and another daughter, Arissa, in 1993. Arissa, who carries LeBrock's surname, pursued a career as a wrestler for WWE and became proficient in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under her father's guidance.
Recent Appearances and Life Changes
In recent years, Kelly LeBrock has made appearances on various television shows, including "Celebrity Fit Club," where she shared her journey battling weight gain. She also participated in shows like "Hell's Kitchen" and starred in the 2017 docuseries "Growing Up Supermodel" alongside her daughter Arissa.
Marital Twists and Turns
LeBrock's marital history includes three marriages. Her first marriage to film producer Victor Drai in 1984 ended in divorce in 1986. After divorcing Steven Seagal, her third marriage was to investment banker Fred Steck, but that too ended in divorce in 2008, just a year after they tied the knot.
A Heart Devoted to the Terminally Ill
After her brother Harold's passing in 2008, Kelly LeBrock dedicated a significant portion of her time to supporting the terminally ill. She became a spokeswoman for Club Carson, an organization committed to helping children battling cancer.
The Present Day: A Tranquil Life in California
Today, at 62 years old and reportedly single, Kelly LeBrock resides on a ranch in California's Santa Ynez Valley. Her last film appearance was in the made-for-TV Christmas movie "A Prince for Christmas," which aired in 2015. With an estimated net worth of $2 million, Kelly LeBrock enjoys a comfortable and peaceful life.
In conclusion, Kelly LeBrock's journey from a young model to an iconic actress, wife, and mother reflects the ups and downs of a Hollywood career. While she may have left the spotlight behind, her legacy endures, reminding us of an era when she was the epitome of beauty and charisma.
