The best facts about Monica Bellucci you didn’t know

15. Monica Bellucci transitioned from modeling to acting in her 30s

Monica Bellucci was already in her 30s when she transitioned from a successful modeling career to acting, trading the runway for the silver screen and proving that it’s never too late to switch gears. She proved that the spotlight shines brightest when you follow your passion. | © BN Films

14. Bellucci primarily resides in Rome, Italy

Monica Bellucci calls Rome, Italy, her primary home, a place where she reconnects with her roots and family. She also keeps a residence in Paris, reflecting her ties to the French film industry. | © Miramax

13. Monica was considered for the role in House of Gucci

Monica Bellucci was in the running to play Giuseppina Auriemma in House of Gucci. While the role ultimately went to Salma Hayek, it’s easy to imagine Monica bringing her signature charisma to the dramatic tale. | © Mars Distribution

12. Sophia Loren and Claudia Cardinale inspired her acting career

Monica Bellucci has often credited Sophia Loren and Claudia Cardinale as inspirations for her acting career. With her timeless elegance and talent, it’s no wonder many compare her to these legendary icons of cinema. | © Icon Productions

11. Monica has graced over 60 magazine covers

With over 60 magazine covers to her name, Monica Bellucci is a timeless fashion icon. Even at 60, she remains as in-demand as ever, captivating directors, audiences, and the fashion world. | © Gaumont

10. Monica Bellucci was jury member at Cannes Film Festival

Monica Bellucci was a jury member at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival under the presidency of Wong Kar-wai. She later returned to Cannes for the Official Selection with standout films like Wild Blood and Don't Look Back. | © StudioCanal

9. Bellucci was married two times

Monica Bellucci has walked down the aisle twice. She was first married to Claudio Carlos Basso, with whom she welcomed her daughter Léonie, and later to Vincent Cassel, the father of her eldest daughter, Deva. | © New Line Cinema

8. Bellucci appeared in "adult" calendars for Italian magazines

Monica Bellucci turned heads by appearing in "adult" calendars for Italian magazines Max and GQ. Embracing confidence and elegance, she proved she wasn’t afraid to push boundaries and celebrate her iconic status. | © Tanit Films

7. Monica Bellucci is the most beautiful woman in the world

Monica Bellucci's beauty is legendary, and in 2004, French viewers crowned her the most beautiful woman in the world. With countless accolades from top publications, she remains one of the most beautiful women on the planet. | © Samuel Goldwyn Films

6. She is the oldest Bond girl

Monica Bellucci rewrote history by becoming the oldest Bond girl at 50, featuring in 2015's Spectre. Defying Hollywood norms, she proved to the world that being a Bond girl isn’t about age, it’s about sophistication and allure. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

5. Bellucci started acting career with Italian films

Before moving on to American and French cinema, Monica Bellucci starred in Italian films, with her debut in the 1991 television miniseries Vita coi figli and the film La Riffa. These early roles highlighted her talent and helped her reach international stardom. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

4. Monica Bellucci is a polyglot

Monica Bellucci is a true polyglot. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, she’s mastered multiple languages. She even learned Portuguese while spending time in Rio de Janeiro back in 2013. | © Lionsgate Films

3. Monica was extremely shy as a child

It’s hard to believe, but Monica Bellucci was extremely shy as a child. Growing up as an only child, she often kept to herself, a far cry from the self-confident star we know today. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

2. Before fully committing to modeling and acting, Bellucci studied law

Before dazzling the world with her beauty, Monica Bellucci was a law student at the University of Perugia. To earn money for her studies, she took up modeling on the side, a side hustle that soon became a lifetime passion. | © Bim Distribuzione

1. Monica began modeling at 13

Monica Bellucci’s journey in the fashion industry began earlier than you might think. She had her first professional photoshoot at just 13 years old, thanks to a family friend in Città di Castello. | © Warner Bros. Pictures