Brooke Shields

Keynote Presentation  |  In-Person Only

ACCLAIMED ACTRESS, MODEL, AUTHOR AND ENTREPRENEUR

Why Brooke Shields is Captivating Audiences

Brooke Shields has spent her life in the spotlight. At the young age of 14, she was America’s Sweetheart, but that did not spare her the difficulties and insecurities faced by so many. In a conversation that deftly navigates between heartfelt and humorous, Shields talks candidly about her career trajectory and life in the public eye, living with an alcoholic parent and her own experiences as a mother. Audiences will find her story resonates with their own lives as Shields talks openly about finding the mental and emotional strength to live life to the fullest.

More About Brooke Shields

Actress, model, author and entrepreneur, Shields began her accomplished professional career at only 11 months of age when she was selected as the Ivory Snow Baby, and by age 3, was a runway model. At age 9, Shields began her extensive film career when she won her first acting role in "Alice Sweet Alice" and rapidly gained fame after starring in Louis Malle's "Pretty Baby," the Palme D'or Award winner at the Cannes Film Festival, and the coming-of-age tales "Blue Lagoon" and "Endless Love." She was recently honored as one of Glamour’s Women of the Year for 2023. As a model, she has graced the covers of hundreds of magazines, most notably TIME Magazine as the "Face of the Eighties." Today, Shields continues her prolific appearances in a broad range of worldwide publications, decades after it all began.

The two-part documentary "Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields" (which screened to critical acclaim at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and garnered recent Emmy nominations) premiered on Hulu in April 2023. This galvanizing look at Shields as actor, model and icon, as she transforms from sexualized young girl to a woman discovering her power, is directed by Lana Wilson ("Miss Americana"). Holding a mirror up to a society that objectifies women and girls, Shield’s story shows the perils and triumphs of gaining agency in a hostile world. The documentary is now ABC News' most-watched Hulu debut program ever.

Shields appeared in the new romantic comedy, "Mother of the Bride" for Netflix. The film, directed by Mark Waters ("Mean Girls") also stars Benjamin Bratt and Miranda Cosgrove. This generational comedy of errors follows Lana (Shields) as her daughter Emma returns from London and announces that she’s getting married the next month. Things become more complicated when Lana learns that the man who stole Emma’s heart is the son of the man who stole hers years ago.

Shields recently unveiled her latest entrepreneurial project Commence, a digital platform that inspires women over 40 to live their best lives with beauty and wellness products developed for the challenges that arise during this period. Rooted in the idea that every second, minute and day is a chance to start something new, Commence celebrates the complexity and diversity of women in this age group from a foundation of true well-being to overcome challenges and adversity and gain the courage to begin again. In addition to community, the site features a mix of content, commerce and products to promote movement, self- care, rest and nutrition, as well as foster resilience and happiness.

Shields recently hosted her podcast, "Now What With Brooke Shields," which focused on asking people about pivotal moments in their lives. It is available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. Shields has also announced an upcoming book, currently untitled, that promises to explore the humility and power of aging. Blending personal narrative and guidebook, Shields hopes to flip our popular beliefs about aging by lifting the voices of experts and everyday women who find this era of life a period for self-discovery, energy and opportunity.

In addition to her film achievements, Shields has maintained a successful and critically acclaimed television career. Her work on The NBC hit "Suddenly Susan" garnered her two Golden Globe nominations, and she received an American Comedy Award nod for her guest role on "Friends." She is the recipient of five People's Choice Awards, and has previously starred in NBC's "Lipstick Jungle," in addition to guest appearances on a wide range of hit shows, including "That 70's Show," "Hannah Montana," "Two and A Half Men," "The Middle," "Army Wives" and "Murphy Brown." Shields lent her voice to the Adult Swim animated series "Mr. Pickles." She also starred in and executive produced Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ mystery movie franchise, "Flower Shop Mystery." Shields starred in "Law & Order: SVU" as a major recurring character in the hit show’s 19th season, and had a reoccurring guest turn as River Fields in the critically acclaimed comedy "Jane The Virgin." Shields other films include "Hot Flashes," "Daisy Winters," "Furry Vengeance," "Out of Order," "A Castle for Christmas" and "Holiday Harmony."

Shields is the best-selling author of several books, including "The Brooke Book," "On Your Own" and the highly publicized and critically acclaimed "Down Came the Rain: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression." She tapped into her experiences as a mother, successfully branching out into the world of children's books, penning "Welcome To Your World, Baby" and "It's the Best Day Ever Dad" for Harper Collins. Her latest book "There Was a Little Girl: The Real Story of My Mother and Me," quickly became a New York Times bestseller.

While attending Princeton University, Shields pursued her love of theatre as a member of the Princeton Triangle Club. Shortly after graduating with an honors degree in French literature, she made her Broadway debut as Rizzo in the hit musical "Grease," for which she earned the Theatre World Award in 1994 for "Outstanding Debut on Broadway." Shields went on to star in "Chicago," "Wonderful Town" and "Cabaret," all of which earned her rave reviews.

In 2011, she assumed the iconic role of Morticia Addams alongside Roger Rees in the hit Broadway show "The Addams Family." Shields appeared in the acclaimed ensemble "Girls Talk," written and directed by Roger Kumble. She also made her directorial debut with the Hollywood Bowl production of "Chicago." She had her critically acclaimed nightclub debut at Feinstein's at The Loews Regency, performing "In My Life," a freewheeling music and standup romp through her life's ups and downs. The show sold out its entire run. She also performed her one-woman show "Previously Owned by Brooke Shields," a unique theatrical event where Shields tells her story in a way only she can, at the Café Carlyle in New York City.

In addition to her professional career, Shields continues to be a strong advocate for women’s issues and keeping the arts alive in schools. She is a happily married mother of two strong and intelligent daughters.