She rose to fame for her undeniable talent in front of the camera, earning acclaim for her performances in notable films. Behind the scenes, however, she was battling the relentless pressures of maintaining a leading-lady image.

Take a look at this iconic actress’s journey over the years — from navigating Hollywood’s demands to be thin to her relationship with a dashing legendary actor — and marvel at her ageless beauty now at 85.

From Stardom to Industry Battles

This icon emerged as a most versatile Hollywood actress in the 1960s, captivating audiences with unforgettable performances in films like “Midnight Cowboy” and “Once Is Not Enough.”

Her talent and determination earned her critical acclaim, including an Emmy win in 1974 for her role in “The Shape of Things.” Despite the accolades, she faced constant scrutiny from an industry obsessed with image and perfection.

In a 2015 interview, she reflected on her career and the significance of her achievements. When asked whether her Golden Globe, Emmy, and Academy Award nominations would carry more weight if she received them in today’s industry, she replied candidly, “No, I don’t think so.”

Still, the actress admitted that winning the Academy Award in 1975 for “Once Is Not Enough” would have been a career-defining moment. Instead, the honor went to Lee Grant for “Shampoo.” The “Sara” star laughed as she recalled Grant’s gracious words on Oscar night, “Well honey, I’m older.”

Amid her professional journey, this actress also found love with a young Michael Douglas. The pair first crossed paths while filming “Summertree,” and their connection was instant. She described him as a “handsome colt,” brimming with youthful charm.

Their romance blossomed into a seven-year relationship, one that was unconventional yet deeply meaningful. True to the free-spirited ethos of the 1970s, they even held a hippie wedding in her agent’s backyard — a simple ceremony without rings or formal vows.

Marriage, she explained, wasn’t necessary in their bohemian lifestyle. “At that time, it wasn’t the thing to do,” she said. Although their relationship eventually ended, it remained an integral chapter of her life.

While her personal life garnered attention, she also grappled with the immense pressure to maintain a flawless image. The entertainment industry’s unforgiving standards often overshadowed her immense talent, forcing her to confront insecurities about her weight.

A self-professed compulsive eater, she found herself struggling to meet Hollywood’s demands to be thin. Her love for pasta and indulgent meals at her mother’s Dallas restaurant, Mario’s, clashed with an industry that prioritized appearance.

Determined to reclaim her career and confidence, the actress enrolled in UCLA’s Optifast program, losing 37 pounds in just six weeks. The transformation not only revitalized her physically but also reshaped her perspective.

“Since losing all those pounds, I feel a lot better psychologically as well as physically,” she once said. However, the experience also exposed the harsh realities of the industry.

“I’ve been told dozens of times they want me to be thin for my roles. The people who count in this business demand it. Producers, and the public, I guess, want their actresses to have the siren, sexy look,” she remarked.

The Hollywood star acknowledged that being heavier had cost her roles, noting, “No actress ever lost a role because she was too thin.” Her humor remained intact, though, as she joked about the extremes of Hollywood’s beauty standards, calling herself Bulbous Brenda during her heavier days and Reedy Wilma after her weight loss.

Though the challenges were taxing, she eventually found peace in prioritizing her well-being and embracing her individuality. As the years passed, she adopted a more reflective outlook, no longer feeling the need to prove herself to anyone.

Instead, she embraced the wisdom and grace that came with age, inspiring fans and earning admiration for her timeless beauty and confidence in her 80s.

This next chapter of her life would demonstrate that her legacy was far from over, as she continued to captivate and inspire with every passing year.

Embracing Life with Confidence and Grace

After decades of navigating the highs and lows of the entertainment industry, Brenda Vaccaro reached a point where she no longer felt the need to prove herself. Reflecting on her career, she acknowledged that while opportunities for actresses her age were scarce, she had made her mark.

“If you say my name, people will know who I am and what I do,” she said, addressing the respect she had earned over the years. She humorously compared competing for roles at her age to “a bunch of Italian widows sitting in chairs in a room,” all leaping at the chance when a job became available.

While she admitted she would still love to work, she added with characteristic grace, “If it comes, that’s fine. If it doesn’t, I’m marching on.” Vaccaro’s confidence extends beyond her career and into her views on aging.

The actress has a refreshingly youthful mindset, rejecting the notion of feeling her years. “I don’t think of age, I just don’t,” she shared. “And I sit up in bed after I have a birthday and I go, ‘But I feel 15.'” The passage of time puzzled her occasionally, but she accepted it with humor, asking herself, “Where did it go? Did it really go, all those years?”

However, while she embraces her youthful spirit, Vaccaro doesn’t shy away from the realities of aging. She speaks candidly about the inevitable losses and changes that come with time. “I feel as life changes and you get older there are two things you really have to accept. One is loss, and the other is changes,” she said.

The “Midnight Cowboy” star acknowledged the heartbreak of losing loved ones and the challenges of physical changes like arthritis or needing a hip replacement. But she approaches these moments with dignity, focusing on acceptance. “[…] These things have to be accepted with grace,” she emphasized.

Despite life’s difficulties, the actress, who just turned 85, radiates positivity. Laughing about how far she had come, she once remarked, “I’m having such a good time.” In 2021, she posted a stunning photo of herself on Instagram, captivating fans and followers alike.

“Ageless beauty 🙌,” one person commented in reaction to the post. “Who’s that classy, elegant, amazing woman???” another shared. A third wrote, “So beautiful 😮😍.”

Brenda Vaccaro’s journey is a testament to her resilience, humor, and self-acceptance. Despite the challenges she has faced over the years in a demanding industry, she refused to let anything define her or diminish her outlook on life, proving that confidence and beauty are timeless qualities.