How Sydne Rome’s Hollywood Dream Turned Into Tragedy: The Life and Resilience of a Forgotten Star
How Sydne Rome’s Hollywood Dream Turned Into Tragedy: The Life and Resilience of a Forgotten Star
Hollywood has been home to many famous faces, but some stars shine brightly for only a short time before fading into obscurity. While some actors maintain their place in the spotlight for decades, others see their careers end abruptly after a single tragic event.
One such actress, Sydne Rome, once hailed as the "Golden Girl of the American Midwest," had the world at her feet—until a fateful accident left her life forever changed.
From the Midwest to Hollywood: Sydne Rome's Unlikely Rise to Fame
Born on March 17, 1951, in Akron, Ohio, Sydne Rome’s path to fame was anything but conventional. Raised in Upper Sandusky, a small town with just 5,000 residents, she came from a family far removed from the glitz and glam of Hollywood. Her father worked in the plastic manufacturing industry, and her mother was a free-spirited "born hippie."
Despite having no family background in entertainment, Sydne was captivated by acting from a young age. She told Daily News in 1974, "Nothing in my family should have given me this craze for acting. My mother is just Mom, and my father owned a plastics company."
Her passion for acting took her to the Pasadena Playhouse in California, where she honed her craft. But it was Europe—specifically Italy—that would become her new home and stage.
A European Breakthrough and Unexpected Stardom
Sydne Rome's beauty and talent caught the attention of European filmmakers, especially in Italy. The 1970s saw Rome starring in several low-budget Italian films, but her big break came in 1972 when she was cast in Roman Polanski’s controversial film, "What?" Though the film was met with negative reviews, it marked a significant step in Rome’s career.
Her rise to fame in Europe was similar to that of other international actresses, such as Brigitte Bardot. In fact, Rome was often compared to Bardot, dubbed the next Jean Harlow or Raquel Welch—the quintessential "sex bomb" of the 1980s.
Despite the pressures of comparison, Sydne embraced her role and unique identity. She later said, “I’m a better actress than Bardot,” emphasizing her talents beyond physical allure.
Personal Struggles and Relationships with Celebrities
Sydne Rome’s personal life often intertwined with her public career. One of her most notable relationships was with David Bowie, whom she reportedly dated in the 1970s. The two worked together on the film "Just a Gigolo" (1978), and Sydne fondly recalled their time together. In an interview with NME in 2021, she reminisced, “We spent a year together. He was delicious and quite amusing.”
Despite her romantic entanglements with high-profile figures, Rome's career began to stagnate, and she became disillusioned with the Hollywood machine. Her focus shifted away from fame and fortune and toward creative expression in the European film scene, where she would go on to star in several productions—many of which have since been forgotten.
A Life-Changing Accident and Resilience
In 2009, tragedy struck. While driving her child, Sydne was involved in a serious car accident. The airbags exploded in her face, causing severe facial injuries and paralysis to the right side of her face. Doctors initially overlooked the damage to her facial muscles, but over time, the full extent of the injury became clear.
She bravely faced the painful reality of her disfigurement. In an interview, she stated, “I know it’s me, but it’s like seeing someone else again.” Despite the emotional toll, Rome underwent physical therapy and continued to rebuild her life.
An Undying Passion for Acting and Family
Sydne Rome’s resilience is remarkable. Though she never reached the level of fame she once dreamed of, she remains involved in the entertainment industry. Her most recent role was in the 2023 Italian film, "La Quattordicesima Domenica Del Tempo Ordinario". Additionally, she appeared in 53 episodes of the popular Italian television series "Don Matteo" between 2021 and 2022.
Even in the face of personal loss and professional struggles, Rome has always prioritized family. She remarried Dr. Roberto Bernabei, a prominent physician and Pope Francis' personal doctor, and the couple adopted two sisters from Brazil.
Sydne Rome: A Forgotten Star Who Never Gave Up
Though Sydne Rome didn’t become the next Brigitte Bardot, she carved out her own legacy in Hollywood and Europe. Despite the personal and professional challenges she faced, Sydne’s story is one of strength, determination, and passion.
As we reflect on her career, we’re reminded that Hollywood is full of untold stories and forgotten stars. Sydne Rome may not have made it to the top of Hollywood's A-list, but she remains a testament to the resilience of those who keep pursuing their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
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