Celebrities often shield the more unusual aspects of their personal lives from public view. We've delved into the biographies of actors with the most extraordinary stories, and now turn our focus to Tilda Swinton.
1. In childhood, she wished to eliminate one of her brothers
A glimpse into Tilda's childhood
Swinton has often mentioned growing up in a male-dominated household. Alongside her father, she had three brothers. Being raised among boys, she felt she identified as a boy during childhood and only discovered her feminine side in high school. The home environment wasn't always harmonious; Tilda once confessed that as a child she fantasized about killing one of her brothers because he constantly bullied her. Today, the Oscar winner says those old grudges have faded and she enjoys a wonderful relationship with that brother. One wonders if he ever knew about her dark childhood fantasy.
2. At school, she became close friends with the future Princess Diana
School days with Diana
Swinton hails from an old British lineage; though she holds no official title, she was raised in a tradition-respecting, affluent family. She attended the prestigious West Heath School in Sevenoaks, an institution that caters to students who need more than standard schooling. The tuition is steep, but parents consider it worthwhile because their children gain both excellent education and valuable connections. Tilda herself was class president and formed a close friendship with the future Princess Diana during her time there.
3. She revived androgynous fashion
Non-binary themes are a constant in Swinton's career. In 1987, she performed in the play 'Man to Man,' where her character disguised herself as her deceased husband to survive Nazi Germany. In 1992, she starred in the film adaptation of Virginia Woolf's 'Orlando,' playing a male character in the first half and a female in the second. This role brought her international acclaim and multiple awards. Off-screen, she embraces androgyny, sporting short hair, minimal makeup, and loose men's suits, making the style widely popular.
4. Tilda abstains from alcohol
Tilda's teetotal lifestyle
While many celebrities enjoy partying and drinking, Swinton strictly avoids alcohol. She will only take a few sips if required for a scene.
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5. Roles she missed in Bridget Jones's Diary and Harry Potter
What could have been
Tilda was originally cast as the lead in the romantic comedy 'Bridget Jones's Diary' and was even prepared to gain significant weight for the part. Ultimately, Renée Zellweger took on the role of the endearingly clumsy Bridget. A similar situation happened with Professor Trelawney in the Harry Potter series. Director Alfonso Cuarón, who helmed the third film 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,' offered the role to Swinton, but scheduling conflicts forced her to decline, and Emma Thompson eventually played the character.
6. She took the role in 'Big Splash' due to personal tragedy
Considering the high-profile roles Swinton missed, it's worth noting her involvement in smaller films, often with unique backstories. In 2009, she starred in Luca Guadagnino's drama 'I Am Love,' which was a success. Six years later, the director offered her a part in 'Big Splash' as a nearly silent character. Initially, she declined, but after her mother passed away during negotiations, she felt a connection to the mute role due to her grief and accepted.
7. She practices an open marriage
The star of 'Only Lovers Left Alive' has created a non-traditional family that operates by its own rules. She shares a large home with her long-time partner (common-law husband), Scottish artist John Byrne, their two grown children, and her younger lover, New Zealand artist Sandro Kopp. This polyamorous arrangement is often described as harmonious, with all adults having built a balanced relationship. Even Swinton's children are unbothered. She has said she sees no reason to end her strong bond with her husband, who is fine with her lover living with them. It sounds like a ready-made plot for a Peter Greenaway sequel.
8. She inspired an entire fashion collection
Fashion icon
Swinton has long collaborated with the British avant-garde fashion house Viktor & Rolf. In 2003, they staged a runway show titled 'The One Woman Show,' entirely inspired by her personal style. Every model resembled the actress. At the finale, Swinton herself walked the runway and recited a poem she wrote, which included the line: 'There is only one you in the world. Only one.' Her fashion sense is admired not just by designers but also by critics; in 2013, The Guardian named her one of the most stylish celebrities over 50.
9. She participated in an experimental glass cube performance
Swinton has a passion for experimentation. She started in theater, then moved to film, but periodically steps away for avant-garde art projects.
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One such project was in 1995 at an exhibition by avant-garde artist Cornelia Parker. For a week, Swinton became a living exhibit: eight hours a day she lay motionless with eyes closed in a glass cube, like Sleeping Beauty. Visitors could watch but not interact. This remains one of the most unusual and famous performances.
10. She learned Italian and Russian for a role
Method preparation
For 'I Am Love,' Swinton prepared extensively. Her character is a Russian emigrant who moves to Italy with her husband. Already an admirer of Russian literature, she learned Russian to make the role authentic. While she can't quote Dostoevsky or Chekhov fluently like Ralph Fiennes, she understands both Russian and Italian well and can reply with basic phrases.
Photo credits: Armando Gallo, Serge Arnal, Christopher Tamcke, Manuel Romano, Sony Pictures Classics, Kika Press/ZUMAPRESS.com, Frederic Kern, Daziram, Dave Bedrosian/Geisler-Fotopress, KPA, www.filmstills.net, Kika Press/Keystone Press Agency, Britta Pedersen/dpa, imago stock&people / GlobalLookPress, GettyImages
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