Sharon Stone’s Career: From ‘Stardust Memories’ to ‘Nobody 2’

Sharon Stone began her career as a model before moving into acting. Her early film roles were often small, but her presence was always memorable. She worked steadily through the 1980s, appearing in a variety of genres from comedy to action. Her talent and striking looks made her stand out, slowly building a foundation for the massive stardom that was to come. It was a decade of paying her dues and learning the craft of acting in Hollywood.

The 1990s launched Sharon Stone into a new level of fame. Her fearless performances in daring roles cemented her status as a top star and a cultural icon. She became known for playing strong, intelligent, and complex women. While her most famous roles defined an era of thriller films, her career also includes acclaimed dramatic performances, westerns, and comedies. Stone has continued to work in interesting projects, proving her staying power in an ever-changing industry.

‘Stardust Memories’ (1980)

Sharon Stone made her very first film appearance in this Woody Allen movie. She played the ‘Pretty Girl on Train’ and did not have any spoken lines. In the scene, she blows a kiss to Allen’s character from another train. This brief, silent role was her entry into the world of feature films.

While the part was small, appearing in a film by a major director like Woody Allen was a significant start. The movie itself is a black-and-white comedy-drama about a filmmaker reflecting on his life and work. For Stone, it was the first step on a long path that would eventually lead her to become a major Hollywood star.

‘Deadly Blessing’ (1981)

In this horror film directed by Wes Craven, Stone landed a more substantial role as Lana Marcus. She is one of three friends who find themselves in danger after one of their husbands is mysteriously killed. The story is set in a community next to a strict religious sect.

The movie is an early entry in Craven’s successful horror career, coming before he made ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’. For Stone, it was an opportunity to play a leading character in a feature film. Her performance showed her potential as an actress in the thriller and horror genres, which she would later revisit with great success.

‘Irreconcilable Differences’ (1984)

This comedy-drama stars Ryan O’Neal and Shelley Long as a couple whose marriage falls apart. Sharon Stone plays Blake Chandler, an aspiring actress who becomes involved with O’Neal’s character, a film director. Her character is a key part of the central conflict.

Stone’s role as the “other woman” was a common character type in Hollywood films. The movie was a moderate success and received some positive attention, including Golden Globe nominations for its main stars. It was another step up for Stone, placing her in a notable supporting role in a major studio film.

‘King Solomon’s Mines’ (1985)

Sharon Stone got her first major leading role in this action-adventure film. She played Jesse Huston, a determined woman who hires adventurer Allan Quatermain to help find her missing father in Africa. The film was designed to be a fun, fast-paced adventure similar to the ‘Indiana Jones’ series.

The movie was part of a series of low-budget but popular adventure films produced by Cannon Films. It was a physically demanding role that required Stone to be part of many action sequences. The film helped establish her as a capable leading lady who could handle action and comedy.

‘Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold’ (1986)

Stone returned as Jesse Huston in this direct sequel. The film was shot back-to-back with ‘King Solomon’s Mines’. In this adventure, Allan Quatermain and Jesse Huston are engaged and plan to leave for America, but they are drawn into a new quest to find Quatermain’s missing brother and a legendary “lost city of gold.”

Like its predecessor, the film was a lighthearted adventure full of action and special effects. However, it was not as successful as the first movie, receiving mostly negative reviews from critics. Despite this, the two films gave Stone valuable experience as the female lead in a movie franchise.

‘Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol’ (1987)

Stone joined the popular ‘Police Academy’ comedy series for its fourth installment. She played Claire Mattson, a journalist who is covering the new “Citizens on Patrol” program. She also serves as the love interest for Officer Mahoney, played by Steve Guttenberg.

The ‘Police Academy’ movies were very successful at the box office throughout the 1980s. Her role in this film exposed her to a wide audience and showed she could fit into an established comedy franchise. It was a much lighter role compared to the action and drama films she was also making at the time.

‘Cold Steel’ (1987)

In this action thriller, Stone plays Kathy Connors, a mysterious woman who becomes involved with a police officer on a mission of revenge. The officer is hunting the man who killed his father, but Kathy’s true motives are not clear, adding a layer of suspense to the plot.

‘Cold Steel’ is a gritty urban thriller that allowed Stone to play a complex and deceptive character. The role had elements of the femme fatale archetype, a type of character she would later perfect. The film itself is a standard 1980s action movie, but her performance hinted at the intriguing roles that were in her future.

‘Above the Law’ (1988)

This film marked the debut of action star Steven Seagal. Sharon Stone starred opposite him as Sara Toscani, the wife of his character, a Chicago police detective. Her character becomes a target when her husband uncovers a conspiracy involving rogue CIA agents.

‘Above the Law’ was a box office hit and launched Seagal’s successful career in action films. Stone provided strong support, playing a character who is central to the hero’s personal stakes. The film further solidified her presence in the action genre during the late 1980s.

‘Action Jackson’ (1988)

Continuing her work in the action genre, Stone starred alongside Carl Weathers in ‘Action Jackson’. She played Patrice Dellaplane, the wife of the film’s corrupt and powerful villain. Her character is a singer who becomes an ally to the hero, detective Jericho “Action” Jackson.

The film was an attempt to create a new action franchise centered on Weathers’ character. Stone’s role was that of a troubled woman trapped in a dangerous situation. While the movie received mixed reviews, it performed well at the box office and remains a notable 80s action film.

‘Total Recall’ (1990)

Stone’s breakthrough role came in this major science fiction action film directed by Paul Verhoeven. She played Lori, the woman who believes she is the wife of Douglas Quaid, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. It is revealed that she is actually an agent assigned to monitor him, leading to one of the film’s most memorable fight scenes.

‘Total Recall’ was a massive critical and commercial success, known for its stunning visuals and complex story. Stone’s performance as the tough, duplicitous Lori was widely praised and completely changed her career. It showed she could play a physically imposing and compelling antagonist, setting the stage for her to become a major star.

‘Basic Instinct’ (1992)

This film made Sharon Stone a global superstar. She played Catherine Tramell, a brilliant and seductive crime novelist who becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation. Her character engages in a dangerous psychological game with the detective investigating the case, played by Michael Douglas.

Directed by Paul Verhoeven, ‘Basic Instinct’ was a huge box office hit but was also highly controversial for its explicit content. Stone’s performance was iconic, earning her a Golden Globe nomination and worldwide fame. The role of Catherine Tramell remains her most famous and defined her image as a powerful and daring actress.

‘Sliver’ (1993)

Looking to build on the success of ‘Basic Instinct’, Stone starred in another erotic thriller, ‘Sliver’. She played Carly Norris, a book editor who moves into an exclusive apartment building and discovers dark secrets about its residents, including its mysterious owner.

The film was highly anticipated but failed to achieve the same critical or commercial success as ‘Basic Instinct’. Critics found the plot confusing and less compelling. Despite the poor reviews, the movie was a financial success, proving Stone’s powerful box office draw at the height of her fame.

‘Intersection’ (1994)

Stone took on a purely dramatic role in this film, starring opposite Richard Gere and Lolita Davidovich. She played Sally Eastman, the cold and elegant wife of an architect who is having an affair. The story is told through flashbacks as the husband’s life hangs in the balance after a car crash.

‘Intersection’ was a remake of a French film and gave Stone a chance to move away from the thriller genre. She played a more restrained and less sensational character. However, the film was not well-received by critics and did not perform well at the box office.

‘The Specialist’ (1994)

Stone returned to the action genre with ‘The Specialist’, co-starring Sylvester Stallone. She played May Munro, a woman who hires a former CIA bomb expert to get revenge on the mobsters who killed her parents. The film is known for the strong chemistry between its two leads.

While critics gave the film negative reviews, audiences responded positively. ‘The Specialist’ was a major box office success, grossing over $170 million worldwide. It confirmed Stone’s status as a top female star who could lead a major action film alongside one of the genre’s biggest names.

‘The Quick and the Dead’ (1995)

Stone not only starred in this western but also served as a co-producer. She played a mysterious gunslinger known only as “The Lady” who rides into a ruthless town run by a man named Herod, played by Gene Hackman. She enters a deadly quick-draw tournament for reasons that are slowly revealed.

Directed by Sam Raimi, the film is known for its stylish visuals and impressive cast, which included a young Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe in one of his first American roles. ‘The Quick and the Dead’ received mixed reviews upon release but has since gained a cult following for its unique take on the western genre.

‘Casino’ (1995)

In Martin Scorsese’s epic crime film ‘Casino’, Stone delivered what many consider her finest performance. She played Ginger McKenna, a captivating and self-destructive hustler in Las Vegas who marries a top mob associate, played by Robert De Niro. Her character’s descent into addiction and betrayal is a central part of the film.

Stone’s performance was universally praised by critics for its depth and emotional power. She won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress and received her only Academy Award nomination for the role. ‘Casino’ proved that beyond her famous persona, she was an actress of incredible talent and range.

‘Diabolique’ (1996)

This film is a remake of a classic 1955 French thriller. Stone stars as Nicole Horner, the tough and fearless mistress of a cruel headmaster. She teams up with the headmaster’s timid wife to murder him, but their plan goes wrong when his body disappears.

The film put Stone alongside acclaimed French actress Isabelle Adjani. Despite the talent involved, the remake was a critical and commercial failure. Many critics felt it could not match the suspense and quality of the original French masterpiece.

‘Last Dance’ (1996)

Stone took on a challenging dramatic role in ‘Last Dance’, playing Cindy Liggett, a woman on death row for a double murder she committed years earlier. The film follows her relationship with a young lawyer who takes on her case and tries to save her from execution.

The film’s plot drew comparisons to the acclaimed 1995 movie ‘Dead Man Walking’, and it suffered as a result. Critics found the film to be overly sentimental and predictable. However, Stone’s performance was often singled out for praise, as she convincingly portrayed the hardened and vulnerable character.

‘Sphere’ (1998)

Stone returned to science fiction in ‘Sphere’, based on the novel by Michael Crichton. She played Dr. Elizabeth “Beth” Halperin, a biochemist who is part of a team of scientists sent to the bottom of the ocean to investigate a mysterious, giant spacecraft.

The film, which also starred Dustin Hoffman and Samuel L. Jackson, had a complex psychological story. Unfortunately, it received mostly negative reviews and was a disappointment at the box office. Critics felt the movie failed to capture the intrigue of the original book.

‘The Mighty’ (1998)

In this touching drama, Stone played Gwen Dillon, the mother of a boy with a rare growth condition that confines him to crutches. The story focuses on the powerful friendship between her son and a large, troubled boy who team up to become a neighborhood force for good.

‘The Mighty’ was a smaller, character-driven film that received very positive reviews. Stone earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her warm and compassionate performance. The role showed a softer, more maternal side of her acting abilities.

‘Gloria’ (1999)

Stone took the lead role in this remake of a 1980 crime thriller originally directed by John Cassavetes. She played Gloria, a tough woman with mob connections who goes on the run to protect a young boy whose family was killed by her former associates.

The original film is considered a classic, and Gena Rowlands’ performance in the title role is legendary. This remake, directed by Sidney Lumet, was not well-received. Critics and audiences felt it did not live up to the original, and Stone’s performance was unfavorably compared to Rowlands’.

‘The Muse’ (1999)

In this comedy written and directed by Albert Brooks, Sharon Stone played Sarah Little, a modern-day Greek muse who inspires creative people in Hollywood. Brooks plays a screenwriter with writer’s block who seeks her help, only to find that her services come with a lot of demanding personal requests.

The film is a lighthearted satire of Hollywood culture. Stone’s performance as the eccentric and high-maintenance muse was praised by critics. She co-starred with Andie MacDowell and Jeff Bridges in a film that featured many celebrity cameos.

‘Cold Creek Manor’ (2003)

Stone starred in this thriller alongside Dennis Quaid. They play a couple who move their family from New York City to a large, rundown house in the countryside. They soon discover the house has a dark history, and its previous owner begins to terrorize them.

‘Cold Creek Manor’ was a return to the suspense genre for Stone. The film used many familiar horror and thriller elements. It received mostly negative reviews from critics, who found the story predictable and lacking in genuine scares.

‘Catwoman’ (2004)

In this infamous superhero film, Stone played the main villain, Laurel Hedare. Her character is the powerful and vain owner of a cosmetics company who is behind a dangerous beauty product. Halle Berry starred as the hero Catwoman who tries to expose her.

‘Catwoman’ was a massive critical and commercial failure. It is often cited as one of the worst superhero films ever made. Stone’s performance as the over-the-top villain was one of the few elements that some viewers found entertaining, though the film was widely panned.

‘Broken Flowers’ (2005)

Stone had a memorable supporting role in this independent film directed by Jim Jarmusch. The movie stars Bill Murray as an aging man who goes on a road trip to visit his former lovers after learning he may have a son. Stone plays Laura, one of the ex-girlfriends he visits.

Her character is a widow who now works as a closet organizer. The scene between Stone and Murray was praised for its humor and warmth. The film itself was critically acclaimed, winning the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.

‘Alpha Dog’ (2006)

In this crime drama based on a true story, Stone played Olivia Mazursky, the mother of a character who is kidnapped and murdered. Her role, though small, is powerful and emotionally intense. She appears in a key interview scene where she describes her son.

For the role, Stone wore a fat suit and prosthetics to change her appearance. Her performance was praised by critics as being raw and heartbreaking. The film features a large ensemble cast of young actors and explores the dark side of suburban youth culture.

‘Basic Instinct 2’ (2006)

Fourteen years after the original, Stone reprised her iconic role as Catherine Tramell. In the sequel, the character is now in London and once again becomes entangled in a murder investigation. She begins a psychological battle with a criminal psychologist appointed to evaluate her.

The film was in development for many years before it was finally made. Unfortunately, ‘Basic Instinct 2’ was a major critical and commercial flop. Critics felt the story was uninspired and that the film failed to recapture the suspense and style of the original.

‘Bobby’ (2006)

This drama, written and directed by Emilio Estevez, tells a fictionalized story of various people who were at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles on the night of Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1968. Stone was part of a large ensemble cast that included many famous actors.

She played Miriam Ebbers, a hotel beautician who is married to the hotel’s manager, played by William H. Macy. The film received mixed reviews but was praised for the strong performances from its cast, which was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award.

‘Lovelace’ (2013)

Stone played a key supporting role in this biopic about the life of 1970s adult film star Linda Lovelace. She portrayed Dorothy Boreman, Linda’s strict and religious mother. The character has a difficult relationship with her daughter and disapproves of her life choices.

The film explored the darker, abusive side of Lovelace’s life behind the scenes. Stone’s performance as the cold and unfeeling mother was noted by critics as being effective and chilling. She completely transformed her appearance for the role.

‘Fading Gigolo’ (2013)

In this comedy written and directed by John Turturro, Stone plays Dr. Parker, a wealthy dermatologist. She and her friend, played by Sofía Vergara, decide they want to experience a ménage à trois and hire a man who has decided to become a professional gigolo.

The film has a gentle and quirky tone. Stone’s role was a supporting one, but her scenes provided some of the movie’s main comedic moments. It was a lighter part that showed her talent for comedy.

‘The Disaster Artist’ (2017)

Stone appeared in this acclaimed biographical film about the making of the infamous movie ‘The Room’. The film was directed by and starred James Franco as Tommy Wiseau, the eccentric director and star of the original film. Stone played Iris Burton, a real-life Hollywood agent.

In a brief but important scene, Iris Burton signs Greg Sestero, the co-star of ‘The Room’, to her agency. The role was a small part of a large ensemble cast, but her presence added another layer of Hollywood authenticity to the film’s story.

‘The Laundromat’ (2019)

Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this film explains the complex details of the Panama Papers scandal in a comedic and accessible way. The movie features an ensemble cast led by Meryl Streep. Stone appears in one of the film’s segments.

She plays Hannah, a real estate agent who is trying to sell a luxurious condo to a man who is part of the financial scheme. Her short segment is used to illustrate one of the ways shell companies and offshore accounts were used to hide wealth.

‘Beauty’ (2022)

In this Netflix drama, Stone plays a character credited as “Colonizer.” She is a powerful, white record label executive in the 1980s who wants to sign a young Black singer named Beauty. Her character represents the controlling and exploitative nature of the music industry.

Although her screen time is brief, the role is impactful. Stone’s character is a clear antagonist who wants to mold the young artist’s image and sound for a mainstream white audience, ignoring her personal identity and artistic vision.

‘What About Love’ (2024)

This romantic drama had a very long production history, filmed years before it was finally released. The story follows two young filmmakers who inspire their parents to re-examine their own relationships. Stone plays one of the parents, Linda Tarlton, alongside Andy Garcia.

The film’s release was delayed for many years due to various issues, including the tragic death of one of its young stars. When it was finally released, it received very little attention and was panned by the few critics who saw it.

‘Nobody 2’ (2025)

Sharon Stone joined the action-packed world of ‘Nobody’ for its anticipated sequel. She plays the film’s main villain, Lendina, the ruthless leader of a bootlegging operation. The film sees the return of Bob Odenkirk as the reformed assassin Hutch Mansell, who is pulled back into a violent life.

In the movie, Hutch’s attempts to live a normal life with his family are shattered when they run afoul of Lendina’s criminal enterprise. Stone’s character poses a formidable threat, forcing Hutch to use his lethal skills once again. Her role as the powerful antagonist adds a new layer of danger to the hit action franchise.

Which Sharon Stone performance is forever etched in your memory? Share your favorites in the comments below.