Advertisement

Sharon Stone says she struggled to be seen as 'sexy' before posing for Playboy

Actress Sharon Stone attends the 28th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 9, 2020 in West hollywood, california. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Actress Sharon Stone attends the 28th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 9, 2020 in West hollywood, california. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP via Getty Images)

Sharon Stone may be renowned for her iconic role in Basic Instinct, but prior to landing the part of Catherine Tramell she was struggling to be seen as “sexy” to land leading roles - until she posed for Playboy.

The actor was looking to be "perceived differently" by shooting with the publication for its July 1990 issue, and it subsequently led to the defining role.

She shared with Vogue Germany: "When I started as a model and actress, the term “f***able” was equated with workable and camera."

Read more: Kanye West says he was a functioning alcoholic

Stone stated she wasn't initially perceived as such due to a muscular physique that was deemed to be "too masculine".

American actors Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone on the set of Basic Instinct directed by Dutch Paul Verhoeven. (Photo by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)
American actors Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone on the set of Basic Instinct directed by Dutch Paul Verhoeven. (Photo by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)

Her starring role in Basic Instinct in 1992 saw her quickly enter into sex symbol status, but the actor was surprised her role as a serial killer was deemed "sexy".

The 62-year-old also opened up on how she struggled to feel like the woman who had topped 'sexiest women alive' lists while in her forties over issues with body confidence.

The Total Recall star shared that she locked herself into a bathroom with a bottle of wine during that time, not allowing herself to leave until she accepted her body.

Sharon Stone shot to sex symbol status with Basic Instinct. (FS/AdMedia /MediaPunch /IPX)
Sharon Stone shot to sex symbol status with Basic Instinct. (FS/AdMedia /MediaPunch /IPX)

Stone revealed she was looking for love on Bumble late last year as she made headlines when she was blocked by the dating app over claims of a fake profile.

Read more: Britney Spears calls Justin Timberlake a 'genius' as she addresses 2002 split

However, she was eventually reinstated on the platform after some users thought it "was too good to be true".