Monica Bellucci turns 62, reflecting on aging, film roles and her Mediterranean lifestyle

Perspectives on aging and maturity

Italian actress Monica Bellucci marked her 62nd birthday on 30 September 2026 by sharing her views on life, career, and physical changes in an interview with Harper's Bazaar España. Appearing on the cover for the magazine's October issue, Bellucci rejected the notion that getting older is inherently negative for women, describing cosmetic interventions in the entertainment industry as artificial. She explained that aging provides distance, transforming an individual from an active participant into a thoughtful observer of the world. Bellucci noted that growing older is an affirmation of life and future possibilities rather than something to fight.

Either you grow old and accept the process with dignity, or you die.

New film role and shifting screen careers

Bellucci addressed how her accumulated life experiences directly inform her artistic choices, specifically in her new film, The Birthday Party. In the production, she portrays an Italian painter living in solitude on an isolated island. She stated that she could not have portrayed such a complex figure during her thirties or forties, even with stage makeup, because the role demands emotional depth derived from actual lived experiences.

To give substance, weight, and truth to a character with such strong internal turmoil, you have to have lived. You have to have gathered scars and experiences.

Bellucci also observed that the film industry has evolved regarding age. In earlier decades, opportunities for female performers declined sharply after the age of 40. Residing in France, she pointed to French performers Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Huppert, and Fanny Ardant as prominent examples of older women who continue to lead feature film productions, secure magazine covers, and head advertising campaigns.

Nutrition and daily dietary approach

Bellucci maintains a relaxed philosophy regarding food, avoiding extreme dietary restrictions in favor of portion management. She previously described her lifestyle to The Telegraph, expressing an appreciation for pasta, desserts, wine, and occasional cigarettes while prioritizing overall vitality.

Eat well, drink well, have good sex and laugh a lot!

To sustain her metabolism, Bellucci structures her nutrition around five meals per day, consisting of three main meals and two light snacks. Her regimen follows the Mediterranean diet, incorporating vegetables, fresh fruits, lean proteins, and olive oil. She includes foods rich in healthy fats, such as avocados and nuts, to nourish her skin from within. Portion control remains her primary method for balancing indulgences with daily nutritional requirements.

Physical fitness and evolving priorities

In terms of physical exercise, Bellucci favors moderate, low-impact routines over intensive gym regimens. She swims a few times each week for 45 minutes and occasionally practices Pilates to support joint mobility and personal well-being. Speaking to The Sunday Times, Bellucci stated that she adjusts her exercise routine and diet when preparing for specific film roles, but avoids physical fixation.

She noted that physical priorities naturally change with age, contrasting the expectations of someone in their fifties or sixties with those in their twenties. Bellucci linked this perspective to motherhood, explaining that having children shifts personal focus outward. Daily appreciation, such as enjoying good health or the aroma of morning coffee, takes precedence over physical vanity as the years advance.