What’s Next for Hollywood Icon Sharon Stone?

Sharon Stone is a straight-talking, no nonsense woman who is fully aware of who she is and the effect she has on people. Her power is palpable and her courage and strength soak through the big screen. She is a Hollywood role model for activism, female empowerment and, quite frankly, looking sexy for decades. 

A version of this exclusive interview first appeared in the pages of the 13th issue of ODDA Magazine.

Let’s speak about the present. How are you feeling at this point of your life, Sharon?

I am feeling terrific. Thanks.

Born and bred in an anonymous context with hardworking parents out of the limelight, when did you realize acting was your calling in life?

My mother would say it was always, but I think these things are hard to pinpoint. I knew I needed to leave Pennsylvania and pursue my life.

Photo by Cameron Postforoosh, Dress Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

Have you ever dreamed of becoming the Sharon Stone of today?

Do we ever dream of our later selves? We dream of a bigger life perhaps or a different life? A more adventurous life; a life with the challenges and opportunities to widen our sphere of understanding. And I suppose that all little girls dream about the movies.

Where in the whole world does Sharon feel free and happy?

I love to be at home. The beach, nature, with horses, with friends and family.

What is your biggest goal achieved so far?

The work I have achieved with HIV/AIDS has been quite rewarding.
The work we are trying to do with homelessness, education, clean water, peace movement… these things create a sphere of friends and allow me to meet like-minded people who care about the world and the individual. This is so beautiful.

Tell me the very first success of Sharon as an actress.

I think the ability to go into a room and audition and feel as though I really nailed it was extremely rewarding.

Throughout your artistic career we have seen you in the skin of many powerful and strong women. Who is the character you feel you identified with the most so far?

That is between me and my inner work.

What must a script be like for Sharon to perform a specific character in a movie? Any conditions?

I need to feel the script, love the words and the flow and meaning of the script and I, now more than ever before, need to respect and admire the director.

In such a highly-superficial, double-faced world full of interests and rumors galore, who or what has been your biggest support when you weren’t at your best?

My family and closest friends.

Sensitive issues around Hollywood are showing the most unfriendly and dark side of the industry. What do you think of the women who are shedding light to these hidden stories?

When anyone has the courage to stand and tell their truth, we must listen. This includes those who admit their wrong doing and apologize. Truth and reconciliation are equally important.

Do you empathize with them?

Of course.

Facing an illness is one of the toughest moments in every person’s life. What piece of advice could you give to people who suffered or are suffering from any kind of harm?

Suffering is a part of the human condition. It is a normal part of life. Extreme suffering is something that we who have more must not turn away from: we must prevail in our desire and ability to be of service.

Photos by Cameron Postforoosh, Shorts Prada  Jacket and top Versace.

The pain was extreme. The afterwards was a long, slow, character-building experience that was years of recovery.

This is not an “afterwards” moment, this is a life-changing journey.

Was a new Sharon born when you fully recovered?

I would say there was a renaissance of my spirit and a strengthening of my soul.

Please, share with me a life lesson you have learnt from it and put into practice everyday.

Things can wait.

Choose one: Giving or receiving?

This is a cycle of life, one does not exist without the other.

What would you love to be remembered by?

I would say whom, not what.

2018 seems to be such a good year when it comes to projects. However, we do see two different stories in Mosaic, a six-part limited series exclusively on HBO, and All I Wish, one of this year’s gems. Do you get to find any kind of connection between them both?

I don’t, but I do find the joy of going back to work deeply fulfilling and the pleasure of working in a dramatic docu-style drama on one hand and a romantic comedy on the other. A terrific way to dive into this next phase of my career.

What do you feel more comfortable with? Filming a movie or a series?

Now, the line between is increasingly thin. We work very similarly on either set since it is all digital now.
The differences are melting away and the same directors and actors are working in both mediums.

In All I Wish, Senna Berges is a free-spirited designer while, in Mosaic, you have the chance of getting into the skin of Olivia Lake, a children’s book author and illustrator.
Two different women with different backgrounds and pro les living in two different contexts. Who do you feel more identified with and why? Any similarities?

The character in Mosaic is closer to a true to life person as I related to it. It was as if someone was looking into a window into that woman’s life. There wasn’t a lot of “movie” ideals about it.

And last but not least, please disclose the formula to be always cheerful no matter what happens. Why is your smile so powerful?

I don’t think my conscience is “cheerful” as much as I am usually at peace. This is different. I do know that we must be centered to be at peace.

So, I sleep when I need sleep, eat when I need to eat and above all I am with my family and loved ones when they and I need that.
Love, in the end, is the key to happiness. Of course, I lose my temper.
I am Irish and, you know, Irish temper and all… but I do have a lot of patience.

Sometimes, corruption can wear me out. And then I can lose my patience. And the smile can fade.