Brooke Shields then and now (1974 - 2025)

Brooke Shields has had a long, multifaceted career in entertainment and public life, beginning as a child model and continuing into acting, writing, and advocacy. Here's a summary of her journey:

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*Early Career (1970s–1980s):*

*Modeling Debut:* Shields began modeling at just *11 months old**. By age 12, she was a major child model and gained fame for her controversial **Calvin Klein jeans* ads at 14 ("Nothing comes between me and my Calvins").
*Breakthrough Film:* She starred in Pretty Baby (1978) at age 12, playing a child prostitute—a role that sparked widespread controversy but established her as a serious actress.
*Teen Stardom:* Followed by lead roles in:

The Blue Lagoon (1980)
Endless Love (1981)
Her beauty and fame made her one of the most recognizable faces of the '80s, both in fashion and film.

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*1990s: Reinvention and Television*

Shields studied at **Princeton University**, graduating in 1987 with a degree in **Romance Languages**.
In the ‘90s, she transitioned to more **comedic and television roles**:

Starred in the NBC sitcom *Suddenly Susan* (1996–2000), earning **two Golden Globe nominations**.
Also appeared in stage productions and Broadway musicals like:

Cabaret
Chicago
Wonderful Town

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*2000s: Continued Acting and Advocacy*

Took on recurring roles and guest spots in TV shows such as:

That ’70s Show
Nip/Tuck
Law & Order: SVU
Became a vocal **advocate for mental health**, especially postpartum depression, following her own struggles (detailed in her 2005 book *Down Came the Rain*).
Brief public feud with Tom Cruise over psychiatry drew national attention and further sparked public discourse on maternal mental health.

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*2010s: Diverse Roles and Public Persona*

Hosted and guest-starred on talk shows and reality TV (e.g. *The View*, *Lip Sync Battle*).
Recurring role on Jane the Virgin and other shows.
Continued stage work and published several books for both adults and children.
Became known for speaking candidly about aging, body image, and her career.

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*2020s–Present: Documentary and Legacy*

In **2023**, she was the subject of the **Hulu documentary *Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields***, which explored her early sexualization in media and its long-term impact. It was critically acclaimed and sparked renewed conversations about child stardom, feminism, and media ethics.
Shields has also launched **business ventures**, such as wellness brands, and continues acting and speaking publicly.
As of 2025, she remains a **prominent figure in pop culture**, noted for her resilience, intelligence, and evolution from child star to empowered adult voice.