Happened Today - Historical Events

Kim Basinger

Born on Tue, December 8, 1953

Kim Basinger, whose full name is Kimila Ann Basinger, was born on December 8, 1953. This American actress embarked on her career path initially as a fashion model. However, she eventually transitioned into the world of acting, where she has achieved considerable recognition for her talent and performances across both film and television.

Basinger's work in the entertainment industry has been acknowledged through numerous accolades. She has been the recipient of prestigious awards, which includes an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Her contributions have also been commemorated with a star on the renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame. These achievements highlight her success and lasting impact on the acting profession.

Before fully dedicating herself to acting, Basinger experienced a successful, albeit brief, period as a model in New York. In 1976, she made the move to Los Angeles, marking the beginning of her television acting career. She took on roles in various television films, including a remake of "From Here to Eternity" released in 1979. Her first appearance in a feature film came with the drama "Hard Country" in 1981.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Basinger became widely recognized as a sex symbol. This image was solidified by her portrayal of Domino Petachi, a Bond girl, in the 1983 film "Never Say Never Again." Her talent was further recognized with a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in "The Natural" (1984). She also starred in the erotic drama "9½ Weeks" (1986) and portrayed Vicki Vale in Tim Burton's "Batman" (1989), which remains the highest-grossing film in her career.

A high point in Basinger's career came with her role as a femme fatale in "L.A. Confidential" (1997), for which she received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her filmography also includes appearances in a variety of movies such as "No Mercy" (1986), "Blind Date" (1987), "My Stepmother Is an Alien" (1988), "Cool World" (1992), "The Real McCoy" (1993), "I Dreamed of Africa" (2000), "8 Mile" (2002), "The Door in the Floor" (2004), "Cellular" (2004), "The Sentinel" (2006), "The Burning Plain" (2009), "Grudge Match" (2013), and "Fifty Shades Darker" (2017).

In her personal life, Basinger has been married twice. Her first marriage was to makeup artist Ron Snyder, and her second was to actor Alec Baldwin. She currently lives with her longtime hairdresser, Mitch Stone. Between marriages, she was in a notable relationship with the late musician Prince, with whom she collaborated on an album called "Hollywood Affair." From her marriage to Alec Baldwin, Basinger is the mother of Ireland Baldwin, a social media personality.