Hollywood star Sharon Stone is the cover star of a special issue of ELLE España celebrating the magazine’s 40th anniversary. The 68-year-old actress graces the cover of the celebratory «Red Issue» wearing a striking red Gucci dress with a thigh-high slit and a decorative bow, recreating the iconic crossed-leg pose from the legendary film «Basic Instinct».

For the photoshoot, the star also wore designs by Saint Laurent, Dior, Schiaparelli, Silvia Tcherassi and other fashion houses.

In the accompanying interview, the actress spoke candidly about raising her three adopted sons and recovering from a stroke that fundamentally changed her life. She also shared her thoughts on ageing and learning to accept yourself.

Twenty-five years ago, Sharon Stone suffered a brain haemorrhage and a stroke. The consequences were so severe that she had to relearn how to walk, speak and read. Her recovery was an immense challenge, not only for her health but also for her career.

After her illness, professional opportunities became scarce, and she had to rebuild her life almost from scratch. Stone admitted that for a long time, she tried to prove her worth, as though she needed to make up for the fact that she had become ill.

«I did everything I was allowed to do, as though I had to atone for getting sick», she recalled.

The actress also highlighted how often people underestimate the effects of illnesses that are not always visible from the outside. Even decades after her stroke, she continues to experience seizures and migraines, which can be exacerbated by stress. Despite these ongoing health challenges, Stone has returned to work, taken on new film projects and continued to find the energy to pursue her creative interests.

Sharon Stone believes that society still struggles to accept women who combine beauty, intelligence, professional success and independence. In her view, an attractive appearance often leads people to underestimate a woman’s intellectual abilities and emotional depth.

«Society still struggles to accept that a woman can be beautiful, intelligent, kind, funny, a mother and, at the same time, the person supporting her family», the actress said.

Stone believes that women should not have to choose between professional achievement, motherhood and their individuality to fit someone else’s definition of success. These different aspects of life can coexist without having to come at the expense of one another.

Sharon Stone is raising three adopted sons and revealed that she decided to have no biological children when she was still a teenager. For her, motherhood is not just about passing on her own experiences to her children but also about having the opportunity to learn from them.

«At 14, I decided I wouldn’t have biological children. I consciously chose adoption so that I could learn from my three sons», the actress shared.

Despite the challenges she has faced, Sharon Stone has no intention of slowing down. She continues to work on film projects, pursues her passion for painting and is preparing for an art exhibition in Prague.

Art has become another means of self-expression for her — a space where she can create without having to meet other people’s expectations. Unlike the film industry, painting does not require producers’ approval, finished scripts or substantial budgets.

The actress also had a message for women aged 60 and over. She encouraged them not to see age as a reason to give up on their desires and ambitions.

«I want to remind them that everything is still possible, and of how important it is to feel alive and be present in the moment», Stone said.

For her, maturity is not about reaching the end of a particular chapter in life. Instead, it offers an opportunity to keep discovering who you are, trying new things and finding meaning in what genuinely brings you joy.

The past few years have also been difficult for the actress because of personal losses. Following the deaths of her mother, Dorothy, and her older brother, Mike, she became even more aware of how important it is to cherish the people who remain by your side.

Despite the difficult periods she has endured, Stone strives to maintain her optimism and recognise possibilities even when, at first glance, there seem to be very few left. She compares life to a glass that can always be filled again, even after it has been emptied.

«I’ve always been someone who sees the glass as half full. But even an empty glass can hold something good. You can always fill it again, can’t you? Sometimes, that’s exactly what you need to start all over again», the star concluded.

Photo: elle.com