Sharon Yvonne Stone is an American film actress who achieved worldwide recognition with her role in Basic Instinct. She won a Golden Globe Award for her performance in Casino, and was named by Playboy magazine as one of the 25 sexiest women of the 20th century. Known for her bold screen presence and controversial roles, Stone became one of the defining female stars of the 1990s.

Early Life and Education

Sharon Stone was born on 10 March 1957 in Meadville, Pennsylvania, United States. She is the second of four children born to Dorothy Stone and Joseph Stone. She graduated from Saegertown High School in 1975 and enrolled at Edinboro University at the age of sixteen.

While studying at university, Stone worked as a cashier at McDonald’s to support herself. Her life changed dramatically in 1975 when she won the Miss Pennsylvania beauty pageant. Following this success, she left university to pursue a career in modeling and relocated to New Jersey.

Modeling Career and Early Film Roles

After winning Miss Pennsylvania, Sharon Stone began working as a model and commercial actress. She appeared in television advertisements for major brands such as Burger King and Maybelline, and later signed with the Ford Modeling Agency, which helped advance her professional modeling career.

Her first film appearance came in Stardust Memories, directed by Woody Allen. This was followed by roles in Deadly Blessing (1981), King Solomon’s Mines (1985), and Action Jackson (1988).

In 1987, she appeared in the adventure film Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold, for which she received a Razzie Award nomination for Worst Actress. During this period, she married television producer Michael Greenburg in 1985; the marriage ended in divorce in 1987.

Breakthrough with *Total Recall*

Sharon Stone’s career gained momentum with the science fiction film Total Recall, in which she starred opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger. The film marked her first major commercial success and brought her to the attention of international audiences.

To prepare for the role, Stone underwent intense physical training and studied Tae Kwon Do. Following the film’s release, she posed nude for Playboy magazine, further increasing her public visibility and controversial image.

*Basic Instinct* and Global Stardom

In 1992, Sharon Stone achieved worldwide fame with Basic Instinct. The film provoked strong reactions from conservative groups due to its explicit sexual content and themes. Stone portrayed the bisexual writer and serial killer Catherine Tramell, a role that became one of the most iconic characters in modern cinema.

The role had previously been offered to Meg Ryan, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Julia Roberts, all of whom declined due to the required nudity. Despite the controversy, the film was both a commercial success and critically noted, earning Stone widespread acclaim.

Following the release of *Basic Instinct*, Stone was selected by People magazine as one of the 50 most beautiful women in the world.

Critical Acclaim with *Casino*

In 1995, Sharon Stone starred alongside Robert De Niro in the crime drama Casino, directed by Martin Scorsese. Her performance earned her the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress and is widely regarded as the finest acting achievement of her career.

Later Career

After a period away from leading roles, Stone returned to cinema with Catwoman in 2004 and reprised her iconic role in Basic Instinct 2 in 2006. Both films underperformed at the box office and received largely negative critical responses.

She later appeared in Five Dollars a Day (2008) and Streets of Blood (2009), continuing to work in film despite a decline in mainstream commercial success.

Television Work and International Appearances

In addition to her film career, Sharon Stone appeared as a guest star in popular television series such as The Practice and Law & Order.

Through her provocative roles, media presence, and enduring cultural impact, Sharon Stone remains one of the most recognizable and debated figures in contemporary American cinema.

Source: Biyografiler.com