Sylvia Kristel Quotes

Powerful Sylvia Kristel for Daily Growth

About Sylvia Kristel

Sylvia Kristel (born Sylvia Abka-Janus, September 24, 1948 – July 26, 2013) was a Dutch actress, model, and author best known for her iconic role as the exotic courtesan 'Emmanuelle' in the European art-house film series. Born in Amsterdam, Kristel was raised in a liberal household, which fostered her early exploration of sexuality and self-expression. She began modeling at 16, and by her late teens, she had started acting in small parts on Dutch television. In 1974, Kristel was cast as Emmanuelle in the French erotic film 'Emmanuelle'. The success of this film catapulted Kristel to international fame. The franchise continued with several sequels and spin-offs, solidifying Kristel's status as a sex symbol of the 1970s. Kristel used her newfound fame to explore her artistic interests. She wrote several books, including 'Emmanuelle: My Fantasies', which delved into her personal experiences and the influence of erotica on modern society. She also directed a film, 'A Slightly Pregnant Man' in 1982. Despite her public image, Kristel was deeply private and intellectual. She was passionate about philosophy, art, and literature, and had a particular interest in the works of Friedrich Nietzsche. Kristel's life took a dramatic turn in 1987 when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Despite this, she continued her career, using her experiences to raise awareness about the condition. She passed away in 2013 at the age of 64. Today, Sylvia Kristel is remembered not only for her role as Emmanuelle but also for her courage, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to artistic expression. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and free thinkers worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Everything that is created in love, is a work of art."

This quote suggests that when something is made or produced out of deep affection, compassion, and care – emotions often associated with love – it transcends into an exquisite piece of art. The essence of love brings a unique touch to the creation, making it more meaningful and valuable, not just in aesthetic terms, but also as a reflection of the creator's soul and intentions. In other words, genuine love imbues creativity with a special spark that transforms ordinary into extraordinary.


"Love and sexuality should never be repressed because they are both part of human nature."

This quote by Sylvia Kristel highlights the importance of embracing our natural desires for love and sexuality. It suggests that these aspects of human existence are integral to who we are as individuals, and suppressing them can lead to emotional distress or unhealthy expressions of intimacy. Encouraging openness, understanding, and respect towards love and sexuality fosters personal growth, healthy relationships, and overall well-being.


"Sex is a natural act. It's not dirty or shameful."

This quote emphasizes that sexual activity, when conducted in a consensual, respectful, and loving context, is a natural part of human existence. The connotation of "dirty" or "shameful" associated with sex in certain cultures or societies is being challenged, promoting the idea that sexual expression can be a healthy and normal aspect of life when approached with appropriate boundaries and mutual understanding.


"The more I learn about myself, the more I like myself."

This quote emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and personal growth in fostering self-acceptance and self-love. As we delve deeper into understanding our thoughts, emotions, values, and motivations, we often find aspects that align with our ideal selves, which strengthens our appreciation for who we are. This process encourages us to embrace ourselves genuinely, fostering greater self-confidence and overall well-being.


"I think that love is a very strong and deep feeling, but sexuality is much stronger and deeper than that, it's part of us physically, emotionally, spiritually."

Sylvia Kristel suggests that while love is powerful in terms of emotions, love primarily focuses on relationships between people. On the other hand, sexuality extends beyond emotional bonds, encompassing physical, emotional, and even spiritual aspects. This implies that sexuality is a fundamental and inherent aspect of human beings that influences us holistically rather than just being confined to romantic or interpersonal connections.


I am a divorced child, of divided, uncertain background. Within this division I - supposed fruit of their love - no longer exist. It happened nearly forty years ago, yet to me, nothing is sadder than my parents' divorce.

- Sylvia Kristel

Love, Fruit, Divided, Forty Years

The film was made in 1973. It was a golden time for people to experiment without risking, for example, AIDS. Today one has to be so much more careful and I don't think a character like that could exist now.

- Sylvia Kristel

Example, Without, Careful, Risking

The only thing I was trying to portray was serenity. Also, innocence, vulnerability and elegance.

- Sylvia Kristel

Serenity, Elegance, Trying, Portray

No one has taken my heart in their hand. I haven't given it... I have lent myself, rented myself out, but never given myself.

- Sylvia Kristel

Heart, Myself, Given, Lent

Back then I didn't think a woman like that, or a relationship like that, could exist with complete freedom and no jealousy or possessiveness. I thought it sounded too good to be true and I was certainly convinced it wasn't the life for me!

- Sylvia Kristel

Woman, Thought, Back, Complete Freedom

I still have agents in France, Los Angeles and Amsterdam who call and suggest parts. I'd love to keep on doing both painting and acting until the end of my days.

- Sylvia Kristel

Love, Doing, Still, Agents

People don't assume John Wayne shoots people and rides a horse on weekends.

- Sylvia Kristel

Horse, Weekends, John Wayne, Shoots

I learned so much from other actors and they definitely didn't treat me like some sex bomb or bimbo. I felt fully accepted in the regular movie world. I didn't feel categorised.

- Sylvia Kristel

Treat, Some, Other, Fully

I like this other world, this forgetting of myself. The actor works in order to escape, not to find himself. You become an actor by leaving yourself, and then you have to keep acting. How tragic!

- Sylvia Kristel

Other, Like, Works, Escape

Of course it's difficult to top a box office success like Emmanuelle, so it will always be my most important work. But that's nothing to be ashamed of.

- Sylvia Kristel

Always, Like, Ashamed, Box Office

I was a silent actress: a body. I belonged to dreams - to those who can't be broken.

- Sylvia Kristel

Broken, Silent, Actress, Belonged

My mother was Protestant, and in her mind life was more about work and obligations and responsibilities.

- Sylvia Kristel

Mother, Mind, Her, Responsibilities

When a new generation watches the films, people might mention that it has improved their lovemaking. I guess it's because it isn't threatening. It was very sweet and delicate.

- Sylvia Kristel

Generation, Watches, New, Mention

I'm very glad to have something to be passionate about. I can't imagine a life without passion.

- Sylvia Kristel

Passionate, Very, Imagine, Glad

Self confidence for me is a fragile fleece.

- Sylvia Kristel

Self, Me, Self Confidence, Fragile

I make a big pot of pasta with vegetables, and I stretch it out for the week.

- Sylvia Kristel

Week, Big, Stretch, Pot

You're much better off as a love goddess to die around the age of 40.

- Sylvia Kristel

Love, Die, Better, Better Off

As a painter you're responsible yourself, 100 percent. In film, you have the editor, the director, the other actors. It has the advantage of not being solitary.

- Sylvia Kristel

Director, Other, Editor, Responsible

I don't expect too much from the afterlife, I think that I know very well what pain is. When I think of the end of my life, I think mainly: I didn't do nothing, but I could have done more.

- Sylvia Kristel

My Life, I Think, Very, Afterlife

I love to invent - avoiding the truth. I need to dramatize.

- Sylvia Kristel

Love, Truth, I Love, Avoiding

The creams I use are not expensive. Nivea is just as good. Why waste a fortune?

- Sylvia Kristel

Fortune, Waste, Use, Expensive

I have a talent for happiness. I look with the eyes of a painter, and I see beauty.

- Sylvia Kristel

Beauty, See, Painter, I See

I have to be careful not to be too proud in life, because there is always room for improvement.

- Sylvia Kristel

Proud, Be Careful, Always, Improvement

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