Jacqueline Bisset is remarkable in countless ways.

With a career that has lasted 58 years and a filmography of around 50 movies, the 80-year-old actress remains as active as ever.

She’s been one of my role models since childhood, as my parents adored her. For me, she embodies the elegance and allure that Hollywood used to exude.

I admire how she has aged gracefully and naturally, always showcasing her beauty and charm without relying on heavy makeup.

Throughout her illustrious career, the brown-haired beauty, known for her distinctive high cheekbones and captivating green eyes, has showcased her versatility by portraying a wide array of characters. These include the seductive Miss Goodthighs in the spy comedy Casino Royale (1967), a caring mother in Sleepy Time Gal (2001), First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in America’s Prince: The John F. Kennedy Jr. Story (2003), and the title role of Anna Karenina (1985), where she starred alongside Christopher Reeve in the iconic love story.

Bisset made her on-screen debut in Roman Polanski’s Cul-de-Sac (1966) and rose to fame in 1968 by appearing in three major films in a single year: The Detective with Frank Sinatra, Bullitt with Steve McQueen, and her Golden Globe-nominated role in The Sweet Ride, where she starred with Tony Franciosa and Bob Denver, best known for playing Gilligan on Gilligan’s Island.

You might also recognize Jacqueline Bisset from her standout roles in Day for Night (1973), Murder on the Orient Express (1974), The Deep (1977), Wild Orchid (1990), her Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated performance in Joan of Arc (1999), her Golden Globe-winning role in the miniseries Dancing on the Edge (2013), as well as Miss You Already (2015) and Birds of Paradise (2021).

In 2010, the multilingual actress—fluent in English, French, and Italian—was honored with the Legion of Honor, France’s highest distinction. More recently, in 2023, the Sedona International Film Festival celebrated her with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Despite working with some of Hollywood’s most sought-after men, Bisset has never married. The striking actress was pursued by Frank Sinatra, and there were rumors of a romance with her Bullitt co-star, Steve McQueen. However, Bisset, the quintessential English lady, explained that they were simply too different.

Referring to Steve McQueen in an interview with the Daily Mail, Bisset remarked, “He was attractive, but a little scary. I was very English, and he was a cool American. The way he talked would have driven me crazy—I didn’t even know what a dude or a soul chick was!”

Throughout her life, Bisset has had long-term relationships with notable men, including Canadian actor Michael Sarrazin, ballet dancer Alexander Godunov, and actor Vincent Pérez. However, she admits that her strong sense of independence has kept her from settling down permanently.

In an interview with The Independent, Bisset shared, “I’ve had some very interesting men in my life. They’ve been a handful. I’m told I don’t choose easy men.” She added, “Sometimes, when you spend a lot of time with someone, you begin to see their bad habits. You start to uncover things, and then you’re faced with the idea of marrying those habits, which I’m not sure I can handle. I’ve never had a bad breakup—I’ve just stepped away from situations that became overwhelming.”

Although Jacqueline Bisset, who is also Angelina Jolie’s godmother, has never made headlines for scandalous relationships, she did go viral after winning a Golden Globe for her role as Lady Cremone in the BBC series Dancing on the Edge.

Her acceptance speech, delivered as background music signaled for her to wrap up, was a mix of rambling thoughts, yet it reflected the heartfelt gratitude of a 69-year-old actress who had waited 47 years to win, dating back to her first nomination for Best Newcomer.

Since that moment, Bisset has continued to take on dynamic roles, including playing a seductive femme fatale in the French thriller The Lodger (2020). Most recently, she starred in Loren & Rose (2022), portraying Rose, a legendary actress striving to revive her career while grappling with a reputation for being “a little eccentric and somewhat unreliable.”

According to Loren & Rose director Russell Brown, the character of Rose is quite unlike Jacqueline Bisset in real life. Brown explained, “Viewers often assume that Jacqueline is ‘like she is in the movie.’ But that’s not the case—both as an actress and a person, she’s very different from Rose. Her ability to make that transformation so effortless is a testament to her talent.”

Bisset remains a timeless beauty, embracing aging with grace. During her memorable Golden Globes speech, she shared her personal beauty philosophy: “I believe, if you want to look good, you’ve got to forgive everybody. It’s the best beauty treatment.”

Reflecting on her youth, Bisset admitted to having “lots of complexes,” but she was never drawn to plastic surgery. “I don’t think it makes you look younger. It just makes you look different,” she explained.

Jacqueline Bisset truly stands out as a remarkably honest, graceful, and talented actress—an enduring presence in Hollywood who has always maintained a sense of humility and class. Her genuine spirit and elegance have earned her a unique place in the hearts of fans.

Over her 55-year career, Bisset has delivered powerful performances across a wide range of roles, from glamorous to deeply emotional characters, all while maintaining her natural beauty and an air of timeless sophistication. Whether it’s her work in Bullitt or Dancing on the Edge, she continues to captivate audiences with her talent and grace.

Please feel free to share your memories and thoughts on her incredible career—what roles of hers have touched you most?