Trivia

Has a reported IQ of 164 and skipped four grades in school.

Began a relationship with actor Ian McShane during filming of The Fifth Musketeer (1979), which lasted for almost 5 years.

Speaks four languages: Dutch, English, Italian and French.

At age 16, her father brought home a woman he introduced to the family as his next wife and told his wife and kids to leave. They moved into a small flat.

She was the first choice for the role of Lucy in Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979), however, the actress rejected the offer because she did not want to work with Klaus Kinski who was famous for disrespect for women.

Began modeling at age 17.

Wannabe writer/director Philippe Blot approached Sylvia Kristel in Amsterdam, saying that only she could play the female lead in his script. He convinced her to marry him and to star in a total of three motion pictures for him, by which time he had spend so much money that they both ended up in debt.

She was born in Utrecht where her parents owned and ran the Commerce Hotel. Sylvia and her sister, Marianne, were brought up in Room 21, unless the hotel was full, in which case they were shifted, often in the middle of the night, to Room 22 which, according to the actress, is like a cupboard.

Entered the Miss TV Europe contest and won, which led to her movie career.

She was considered for the title role in Octopussy (1983) that went to Maud Adams.

Diagnosed with throat cancer in 2001 which spread to her lung, necessitating surgery.

Worked in a bar, as a secretary and even pumped gas while struggling to succeed as a dancer prior to becoming a model and an actress.

Had an affair with director Roger Vadim during filming of Game of Seduction (1976) and for a short while afterwards.

Had a strict religious upbringing.

Suffered a stroke in 2012 following treatment for throat cancer. She was also suffering from liver cancer.

Was planning to tour the Netherlands in a stage version of Calendar Girls (2003), but had to pull out because of her illness. (2012)

Gérard Depardieu, wanted to secure her comeback and tried to persuade the producers of 1492: Conquest of Paradise (1992) to cast her as Queen Isabel. Unfortunately to no avail.

She turned down Jessica Lange's role in King Kong (1976).

She was turned down by Tony Scott for the role of Miriam in The Hunger (1983). Catherine Deneuve ended up playing the part.

Had an affair with actor Warren Beatty in the early 1980s.

Had an relationship with producer André Djaoui during filming of Lady Chatterley's Lover (1981). When Kristel cut her hair short after her last scene was shot, Djaoui didn't like her new look and ended the affair.

Originally planned on being a teacher.

She was originally cast as Ethel in The Public Woman (1984), but scheduling conflicts with Mata Hari (1985) forced her to leave the movie.

She was originally cast to play the part of Stella in Roman Polanski's film The Tenant (1976). After a one day of shooting she was replaced by Isabelle Adjani.

Mother, with Hugo Claus, of actor Arthur Kristel.

She was considered for Jenny Agutter's role in Logan's Run (1976).

Auditioned for the role of Holly Goodhead in Moonraker (1979), but turned it down.

Turned down starring roles in Caligula (1979), Body Heat (1981), Blade Runner (1982), Scarface (1983) and Body Double (1984).

She turned down Lesley-Anne Down's role in The Great Train Robbery (1978).

Sergio Leone wanted her to play the role of Carol in Once Upon a Time in America (1984), but the producers did not agree on the actress's participation and told the director to employ the "famous Hollywood star." Tuesday Weld got the role.

She applied for the role of Ella Watson in Heaven's Gate (1980), but lost to Isabelle Huppert.

She was considered for the role of Dorothy in Blue Velvet (1986).

Auditioned for the role of Naomi in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), but turned it down.

She was suggested by Elizabeth McNeill for the role of Elizabeth in 9½ Weeks (1986). The part eventually went to Kim Basinger.

Auditioned for the role of Adrian in Rocky (1976), but turned it down.

She turned down Isabelle Huppert's role in Violette (1978).

She was considered for the role of Lady Jessica in Dune (1984).

She turned down Isabelle Huppert's role in Loulou (1980).

She was considered for the role of Ursa in Superman (1978).

She turned down Isabelle Adjani's role in The Story of Adele H (1975).

She turned down Ingrid Thulin's role in Salon Kitty (1976).

Grandmother's name was Marie. Her mother was called Pete.

Auditioned for the role of Hattie in Pretty Baby (1978), but turned it down.

She turned down Stéphane Audran's role in The Twist (1976).

She started modeling in her late teens and was the 1973 winner of the Miss TV Europe competition.

Her 2006 autobiography Nue (English title: Undressing Emmanuelle) details her history of childhood abuse, unhealthy relationships, and drug and alcohol addictions.

She was the first choice for the role of Lucille in Danton (1983).

She was considered for the role of Aggie Maybank in Gator (1976).