5 Things You Never Knew About ‘Weird Science’ Star Kelly LeBrock, Plus: Where Is She Now?

Lauren Novak March 24, 6:26 pm

Kelly LeBrock then and now — Amy Sussman/Getty Images; Universal/Everett Collection

Kelly LeBrock was one of the most glamorous faces of the ’80s, best known for her roles in The Woman in Red and Weird Science. Her beauty and talent combined made her into a pop culture icon almost overnight — but after a few more roles in the ’90s, she stepped away from Hollywood, choosing a quieter life away from the spotlight. Born on March 24, 1960, LeBrock is now 65 and enjoying life on her ranch in Santa Ynez, California, with her children and grandchildren. In honor of her special day, let’s learn some fun facts about her and more about where she is now:

1 She was the inspiration for the song “Maneater”

Universal Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

Hall & Oates’ 1982 hit “Maneater” was a massive success, causing many people to speculate on the lyrics — which, John Oates revealed in a 2008 interview with Adam Carolla, were inspired by an encounter with a pre-stardom Kelly LeBrock. “We’re down in the Village, we used to hang out at this place called Mary Lou’s … it was a hangout for actors, models and musicians and all that, in the big ’80s. And we’re there at a table, with a bunch of friends, and this gal comes into the room. And it was one of those deals where she literally sucks the breath, the air out of the room with her presence … and the weird thing was, when she sat down at the table, she had a mouth kinda like a sailor … I just looked at her and went, ‘Man, that’s like a maneater.'”

When Carolla asked for more details, Oates revealed that the woman in question was Kelly LeBrock — and added, “If she’s listening, she’s just devastating, and she still is gorgeous.” (In other interviews, Oates has said the song was inspired not by a woman, but by New York City in the ’80s, so the real answer is perhaps a mix between the two.)

2 She became a Dior model at 19

Before she graced the big screen, LeBrock was a rising star in the fashion world, as she started modeling at the age of 16. At just 19, she landed a prestigious contract with Christian Dior, modeling for the luxury brand for 30 days a year. This gig launched her into high fashion, leading to magazine covers and runway shows that solidified her status as one of the most sought-after models of her time, which eventually led to her being noticed as an actress.

3 Her famous line in a Pantene commercial became a cultural catchphrase

In the late ’80s, LeBrock starred in a Pantene commercial that introduced the now-iconic line, “Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful.” While the ad was meant to promote hair care, the phrase took on a life of its own in pop culture. It was parodied, referenced in TV shows and films, and even became a part of everyday conversations … don’t deny it, you’ve definitely said it a time or two as a joke.

4 Gene Wilder was a father figure to her

THE WOMAN IN RED, Kelly LeBrock, Gene Wilder, 1984.

Everett Collection

LeBrock’s big-screen debut in The Woman in Red (1984) had her starring opposite the legendary Gene Wilder. Their chemistry was undeniable, but their bond went far beyond the film — and while the film made their connection romantic, in real life, it was more familial. After her father passed away, Wilder stepped in as a father figure, offering guidance and support throughout her life. Wilder passed away in 2016 and LeBrock still mentions how much he meant to her.

5 She left Hollywood for a simpler life

Steven Seagal and his wife, actress/ supermodel Kelly LeBrock at home when they where married and had their first child. They divorced in 1994. April 13, 1989 Beverly Hills, California

Paul Harris/Getty Images

Despite her fame, Hollywood never really felt like home to LeBrock. The pressures of the industry, combined with personal challenges, eventually led her to step away. After her highly publicized divorce from Steven Seagal, she focused on raising her children and carving out a life far from the flashing cameras. She retired after her final role in a 2021 indie film, Tomorrow’s Today, and settled into a peaceful life in Santa Ynez, California.

Where is Kelly LeBrock now?

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 10: Kelly LaBrock attends Summer Spectacular Benefiting the Brent Shapiro Foundation on September 10, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California.

Rich Polk/Getty Images for Brent Shapiro Foundation

These days, she’s more at home riding horses, tending to her land and enjoying the simple pleasures of country living. She’s a proud mother to three children — Annaliza, Dominic and Arissa — and has also embraced the joys of being a grandmother. Though she occasionally takes on small acting projects, a full-time Hollywood comeback isn’t in the cards. As she told FOX in 2021, “Hollywood wasn’t a place where I wanted to raise my children. My divorce was very much in the press. And I’m just not a Hollywood girl. Never have been. I never really liked the attention. I wanted to have dirt in my nails and be in the outdoors.”