Isabella Rossellini, the daughter of one of Hollywood's most legendary power couples, is expressing concern about the fading legacy of her parents, Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini. The 72-year-old actress recently opened up to Variety, revealing her fears that younger generations may not fully appreciate the profound impact her parents had on cinema history.

Isabella's Journey: From Annoyance to Heartbreak

Isabella recalls a time when being introduced as "Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini's daughter" used to irritate her. "I would think, 'I am my own person,'" she shared. However, her perspective has shifted dramatically over the years. Now, she finds herself heartbroken by the reality that younger generations don’t recognize the names that once defined an era. "Their reputations outlived them, but fame is fleeting," she lamented.

Reflections on Legacy in Her Memoir

In her 1997 memoir, Some of Me, Isabella delves into the concept of legacy and fame. She poses thought-provoking questions to her readers, such as, "Is being remembered a kind of antidote to death? Is fame a sort of eternity?" These musings reflect her deep connection to her parents' legacies and the desire to ensure they are not forgotten.

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Isabella's siblings have also shared their memories of their mother, Ingrid Bergman, with Closer. Her daughter from a previous marriage, Pia Lindström, recalled Ingrid’s transformation into characters on screen. "She was one of those people who loved to put on the clothes and makeup of another person," Pia said. "When you become that person, you’re brave. But deep down, I think she was very frightened." This insight into Ingrid's personality adds a layer of complexity to her public persona.

A Scandalous Love Story That Changed Hollywood

Ingrid and Roberto's love story began on the set of the 1950 film Stromboli, despite both being married to other partners at the time. Their affair caused a scandal, but it also led to the birth of their son, Renato “Robin” Rossellini. Ingrid and Roberto eventually divorced their respective spouses, tying the knot in 1950. Their union produced two more children: Isabella and her twin sister, Isotta Rossellini.

While their marriage lasted only until 1957, Isabella emphasized that their love endured beyond their separation. "They loved each other immensely," she explained, "but the external pressures were enormous." Despite the challenges, the couple maintained a strong friendship long after their divorce.

Isabella Rossellini on Younger Generations Not Knowing Parents — Elisabetta A. Villa/Getty Images

Remembering Ingrid: A Warm and Admired Figure

Ingrid Bergman was married three times in her life, with her final union being to Lars Schmidt from 1958 until her passing in 1982. Pia Lindström fondly remembers her mother as "a very funny, warm and open person." She adds, "Nobody ever disliked our mother." Even on the 40th anniversary of her mother’s death, Isabella continues to honor Ingrid's memory. "If I could say anything to Mama, I would say, 'Thank you,'" she expressed in 2022. "I think of her every day."

Isabella's admiration for her mother has only grown over time. "As time goes by, I find myself understanding Mama even more," she reflected, quoting Casablanca. "The admiration for my mom has augmented—not just as an actress, which was always there, but as a human being. I understood how hard she fought."

Following in Her Mother's Footsteps

Isabella pursued a successful acting career and became a prominent face for Lancôme, following in her mother’s illustrious footsteps. Despite achieving her own success, Isabella feels a bittersweet nostalgia about her mother missing out on these milestones. "I got my first cover of Vogue in 1982, the year my mom died," she reminisced. "She never saw my success as an actress. She was not with me when I had my own children or became a grandmother." Nonetheless, Isabella cherishes her mother’s legacy, celebrating her independence and strength.