When we talk about Hollywood royalty, few families boast the kind of enduring glamour, talent, and sheer presence as the Rossellinis and Bergmans. At the heart of this illustrious lineage is Isabella Rossellini, a woman who carved out her own unforgettable path as a world-famous model and actor. Now, the spotlight shines brightly on her equally remarkable children, Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann and Roberto Rossellini, Jr., who have gracefully stepped into their own, captivating the world with their unique talents and vibrant lives.
It’s truly inspiring to see how Elettra and Roberto have channeled their mother and grandparents’ star power, not just inheriting a legacy, but actively shaping it with their own passions and profound accomplishments. They’ve embraced the worlds of art, fashion, and even sustainability, proving that talent and a generous spirit truly run in the family. From the glittering runways of high fashion to the serene setting of a beloved family farm, these two incredible individuals are living lives that are both impactful and deeply fulfilling.
Join us as we take a closer look at Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann, a woman who has navigated the demanding worlds of modeling and media, only to find her true calling in a place that nurtures both the earth and her spirit. Get ready to be inspired by her journey, her passions, and the beautiful life she has built for herself and her family. Her story is a testament to embracing change, following your heart, and making a real difference in the world.
1. **Elettra’s Early Life and Remarkable Modeling Beginnings**Born in July 1983, Elettra-Ingrid Rossellini Wiedemann is the cherished daughter of Isabella Rossellini and her then-husband, American model-turned-Microsoft executive Jon Wiedemann. After her parents called it quits in 1986, Isabella lovingly took on the role of a single mother, raising Elettra in the bustling heart of Manhattan. Elettra, like many native New Yorkers, carries a deep pride for the city she’s always called home, often speaking affectionately about her profound connection to Manhattan and the vibrant tapestry of New York City.
Elettra’s entry into the high-stakes world of fashion modeling was almost serendipitous, a truly exciting turn of events. Back in 2003, when she was just 20 years old, fate intervened when renowned fashion photographer Bruce Weber approached her. Weber, who was already a titan in the industry, best known for his iconic work with global brands like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Gianni Versace, and magazines such as Vogue, GQ, and Rolling Stone, saw something special in Elettra.
It’s a charming twist of destiny that Weber, the very person who helped Elettra’s parents get acquainted, was the one to launch her into the modeling world. In an interview with British Vogue, Elettra shared her initial surprise and delight, revealing, “Bruce knew my mum, and he saw a picture of me and asked if I would like to model for the Abercrombie & Fitch campaign. I had never done anything like that before, but there was a whole group of us, so it made things a lot easier.” Her career quickly took off, cementing her as a recognizable face in the industry, graced by campaigns for fashion houses like Alberta Ferretti, Diane von Furstenberg, and Bill Blass, and appearing in prestigious magazines such as American Vogue, Teen Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar.
2. **Carrying the Lancôme Legacy: Following in Her Mother’s Esteemed Footsteps**The year 2006 marked a truly significant moment for Elettra as her popularity soared to its peak, leading to an incredible opportunity. She was hired as the spokesmodel for Lancôme, a world-renowned perfume and cosmetic-producing company. This appointment was particularly poignant and exciting because it meant Elettra was literally following in the footsteps of her legendary mother, Isabella Rossellini, who herself had served as a spokesmodel for Lancôme from 1982 to 1996.
For Elettra, taking on this role was more than just a job; it was an extension of a family tradition, a beautiful continuation of her mother’s iconic presence in the beauty world. By 2010, she had lent her stunning face and elegance to several of Lancôme’s most beloved campaigns, including those for Blanc Expert, Hydra Zen Neurocalm, the enchanting perfume Trésor in Love, and two other sophisticated cosmetic collections. It was clear that her natural grace and captivating allure made her a perfect fit for the brand.
The connection to Lancôme even played a role in her personal life, highlighting how intertwined her professional and private worlds became. In 2010, Elettra acted in a Lancôme television advertisement alongside actor and musician Caleb Lane. Little did they know at the time, this professional encounter would blossom into a deep personal relationship years later, proving that sometimes, destiny has a beautiful way of weaving itself into every aspect of our lives.
3. **From Runways to Roots: Academic Pursuits and a Fulfilling Shift to Mama Farm**In a remarkable demonstration of her diverse talents and intellectual curiosity, Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann pursued and successfully obtained her Master’s Degree in Biomedicine from The London School of Economics and Political Science in 2010. This academic achievement signaled a profound shift in her life, as soon after finishing her education, she made the bold decision to step away from her thriving modeling career. She chose a path less traveled, opting for a simpler, yet deeply rewarding, life at Mama Farm.
Mama Farm, a beautiful Brookhaven, New York property founded by Isabella Rossellini in 2013, became Elettra’s new endeavor. Since 2019, she has taken on the vital role of Executive Director at the farm, pouring her energy and intellect into its growth and mission. As the farm’s official webpage eloquently notes, Mama Farm is envisioned as “a vibrant place for us and our members to share knowledge and inspire one another toward the common goal of preservation and rejuvenation of mother earth,” a testament to their commitment to sustainability and community.
Elettra openly discussed her decision to leave the high-pressure world of modeling, revealing a candid insight into her motivations. Speaking to Goop, she noted, “There was a lot of pressure around self-promotion in the fashion world, and I really wrestled with that.” However, her transition to farm life has brought her immense happiness and a renewed sense of purpose. She enthusiastically shared, “My responsibilities in helping develop the farm and its role within the community have given me a new challenge to contend with. It’s been a real gift.”
4. **A Culinary Trailblazer: The “Goodness” Pop-up and Vogue YouTube Show**Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann’s multifaceted talents extend far beyond modeling and farm management, delightfully spilling into the culinary world. While many of us have a passion for food, Elettra’s dedication to gastronomy truly came into the limelight for the first time during the buzz of September 2011’s New York Fashion Week. This high-profile event provided the perfect stage for her to launch a groundbreaking four-day pop-up restaurant, aptly named “Goodness,” created for everyone present at the fashionable affair.
Each day of the pop-up was a unique culinary experience, with a different esteemed chef from a renowned eatery taking charge of the menu. Elettra thoughtfully designed the menu to feature two distinct sections, catering to various tastes and desires. There was “Goodness,” offering a selection of healthy and wholesome food items, alongside “Goodness with a hint of Badness,” for those who craved something a little more indulgent but still crafted with care. This innovative approach perfectly captured the modern foodie’s dilemma and desire for balance.
Her enthusiasm for food didn’t stop there. In 2013, Elettra took her culinary talents to the screen, hosting a captivating YouTube cooking show for Vogue titled “Elettra’s Goodness.” This delightful series of short videos saw Wiedemann effortlessly cooking up delicious recipes while engaging in lively conversations with a roster of fabulously famous guests. Imagine watching her whip up a meal with the likes of Blake Lively, Karli Kloss, and Seth Meyers – it was an absolute treat for viewers!
5. **An Acclaimed Author: The “Impatient Foodie” Cookbook and Refinery29 Leadership**As Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann entered her 30s, the landscape of her professional life began to evolve. With modeling opportunities becoming somewhat more sparse, she wisely recognized this as a perfect moment to fully explore another deep-seated passion: food. As she candidly confessed to Into the Gloss, her love for food had always been present but often suppressed during the height of her modeling career because, as she put it, “you need to fit into ridiculously tiny clothes.” This new chapter allowed her to truly embrace her culinary niche.
Capitalizing on this newfound freedom, Elettra launched her own blog, “Impatient Foodie.” Her mentality towards this new venture was both ambitious and pragmatic. She told Into the Gloss, “I launched Impatient Foodie thinking it was going to be my side gig, but it ended up becoming my full-time job.” With a vision to make food as appealing and beautiful as fashion, treating her new subject with the same reverence and artistry, Impatient Foodie quickly found remarkable success.
Her blog’s rapid ascent was nothing short of impressive. Within just a few weeks of its launch, Elettra received a call from a book agent, a clear sign of the impact she was making. Even more exciting, within three months, she was headhunted by Refinery29 to lead their food and drink division. She eagerly accepted the position of executive food editor with Refinery29 in February 2015, a role she held for over two years, according to her LinkedIn profile, further cementing her influence in the digital food media space.
In 2017, Elettra culminated her culinary insights and passion into a beautifully crafted cookbook titled “Impatient Foodie,” which proudly declares on its cover, “100 Delicious Recipes for a Hectic, Time-Starved World.” The cookbook is a treasure trove of diverse recipes, catering to all tastes, from vegan and vegetarian dishes to hearty meals for meat lovers. What makes it truly special is Elettra’s philosophy: all the recipes are designed to be easy to replicate and take very little time to whip up, perfectly addressing the challenges of modern life. As she told Haute Living, “I think cooking has become one of two extremes: Either overly complicated or too rudimentary.” Her cookbook, therefore, aims “to re-engage […] those who want to figure out how to reconcile the Slow Food movement with fast-paced urban life (and limitations thereof — kitchen space, accessibility, etc.).”
6. **A Mother’s Joy: Building a Family with Caleb Lane**Beyond her many professional accomplishments, Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann has embraced motherhood with profound joy and appreciation. After a brief marriage to restaurateur James Marshall from 2012 to 2015, Elettra’s heart found a new connection. In September 2015, the same month reports of her divorce emerged, Elettra was spotted living under the same roof with the talented actor and musician Caleb Lane. “Pretty Little Liars” fans might recognize Lane for his role as Rhys Matthews in two 2015 episodes of the popular show, adding a touch of Hollywood charm to their story.
Interestingly, Elettra and Caleb’s paths had crossed long before their relationship blossomed. They originally met and acted together in a Lancôme television advertisement back in 2010, a charming full-circle moment given Elettra’s own history with the brand. Their bond deepened, and Elettra and Lane soon became a beloved power couple, radiating happiness and creating a beautiful family together. Their first son, Ronin Hendrick, arrived in 2018, bringing immense joy to the entire family.
The family continued to grow with the arrival of their second son, Viggo River, in 2021. Isabella Rossellini, a proud grandmother, joyfully celebrated these milestones, sharing her delight with loving Instagram posts. For Ronin’s third birthday, she posted a heartwarming picture of herself holding a newborn Ronin. And for Viggo’s birth, Isabella enthusiastically announced, “It’s a boy! My [grandson] Viggo is 8 pounds 10 oz. The mother and father are doing well. We are all very HAPPY.”
Finally, in June 2023, after years of shared life, love, and building a family, Elettra and Caleb officially tied the knot in Brooklyn’s City Hall. Elettra shared the wonderful news with her followers on Instagram, writing a heartfelt caption that truly encapsulated their journey: “After eight years, two babies, building a home together, running a business together, lots of adventures, some [angry emoji], & always lots of [heart emojis], we decided to make it official.” Elettra has frequently expressed her deep appreciation for motherhood, commending her own mother for the unwavering love and support throughout her life, and it’s clear she has wholeheartedly embraced this cherished role herself, creating a loving and vibrant home.
7. **Roberto’s Early Life, Adoption, and the Call of the Countryside**Stepping into the spotlight, Isabella Rossellini’s equally captivating son, Roberto Rossellini Jr., embarks on a journey as inspiring and multifaceted as his older sister’s. Roberto, named with a touching tribute to his esteemed grandfather, the legendary Italian film director, joined the Rossellini family through adoption in 1993. This decision beautifully illustrates Isabella’s profound desire for motherhood and her unwavering commitment to nurturing a loving family. As a single mother, she consistently prioritized her children’s well-being, providing Roberto with a truly solid and affectionate foundation.
One pivotal choice, made with remarkable foresight, led the family from the bustling energy of New York City to the serene landscape of Brookhaven, New York. This significant shift was prompted by Roberto himself, who, as a child, found the vibrant yet sometimes overwhelming pace of city life challenging. Isabella vividly recounted this heartfelt decision: “We left New York City for Roberto’s sake. He was having a difficult time in New York, and one day after school, he came home and told me, to my surprise, that he wanted to move to the countryside.” This highlights the deep bond and understanding in their mother-son relationship.
The transition to farm life, made when Roberto was quite young, proved to be a profoundly positive and formative influence. While Isabella initially admitted she “liked life on the farm much more than I thought I would,” the rural setting quickly became a cornerstone of Roberto’s identity. He spent his formative years immersed in nature, surrounded by greenery and the rhythms of farm life, a connection that would deeply resonate throughout his entire life, shaping his perspective and passions.
Even after Roberto eventually moved back to New York City after high school, those early roots in the countryside remained intrinsic. The years spent on the farm instilled in him a unique blend of self-sufficiency and a profound respect for the natural world, influencing his subsequent endeavors in remarkable ways. It’s a beautiful testament to how early experiences can profoundly shape a person’s path.
These two stunning individuals have, with grace, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering determination, charted courses that are uniquely their own, brilliantly intertwining their inherited star power with profound personal passions. From Elettra’s culinary innovations and sustainable farming advocacy to Roberto’s captivating presence in fashion, his artistic eye behind the camera, entrepreneurial spirit, and heartfelt philanthropic endeavors, they stand as shining examples of how to live a life rich in purpose, creativity, and heartfelt contribution. They remind us that true beauty lies not just in outward appearance, but in depth of character, pursuit of knowledge, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world. What an inspiring testament to a truly extraordinary family!
