“Age is just a number!” It’s that classic phrase we’ve all heard—meant to lift spirits and celebrate milestones. But what if someone flips that idea on its head and says, “Actually, age is a lens through which people judge you, form assumptions, and put you in a box?” This isn’t just a theoretical idea; it’s the very real story of Brooke Shields, who experienced these perceptions firsthand. As Andre Agassi’s ex-wife and a well-known figure in her own right, Brooke’s journey has been one of challenging these labels and expectations. 

The 59-year-old engaged in an interview with MSNBC and detailed a wide range of aspects related to her life and professional career. She also shed light on her upcoming memoir  “Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old,” which is all set to be released in January of the next year. But besides the details of her book, what is even more fascinating is the incident that motivated the American actress to write the book. 

When quizzed about the intriguing title of the book and her inspiration behind it, Shields let her true emotions out. Speaking in the interview, she said, “I chose the title but based on an incident that I had with a stranger and their whole, his whole demeanor changed when he heard my age.” Continuing further, Shields, who was married to the tennis great Agassi from 1997 to 1999, shared, “He evidently knew me from the past and his whole demeanor changed and I thought that’s really interesting. If I’ve been imprinted on in Lulu or with Pretty baby or babies, whatever, and I’m not comparing myself to Marilyn Monroe, but when you imprint upon something, a symbol, a s** symbol or some ideal so to speak, and they don’t look the way they did when they were in their 20s or teens, it’s arresting to people.” But this did not just inspire the actress to write the book but also express problems regarding such mindsets. 

“And I thought, wow, that’s fascinating. And I thought this is a problem. You know, that’s why we chase youth,” she added. For those unaware, Shields started her journey as a child model at the age of 11 months. But her primary growth began after she gained widespread popularity at age 12 for her leading role in Louis Malle’s movie, Pretty Baby, in which she appeared in nude scenes shot. But as she grows older, she is of the view that the perception of people changes of looking at an individual and reveals being “scrutinized” and “judged” while in the spotlight. And with the book, Shields desires to spark a discussion for positive changes. 

In a statement that was shared earlier with People, Shields shared, “I hope this book can help start a conversation that benefits us collectively.” She also expressed her desire to spread her ideas with readers and said, “Midlife can be the prime of life — it’s filled with so many more possibilities than we’ve been led to believe. I have loved the process of writing this book, and I can’t wait to share it with readers.” But her ideas about the book are not the only reason for which Shields has gained headlines. The actress has often captured the attention of the masses for her statements related to her former husband, Andre Agassi.

“It wasn’t my world,” When Brooke Shields opened up on her relationship with Andre Agassi

Andre Agassi and Brooke Shields tied the knot in 1997. While their relationship was short-lived, they enjoyed immense limelight and have continued to remain relevant for their fans. Shields also does not shy away from discussing her bond with the former tennis great and opened up about it yet again during an interview with AARP magazine in March this year.

Speaking about how their world was different yet happy, she said, “With Andre, it also felt good to feel smaller than another, because he was so famous and number 1 in the world. Everywhere we went, he had tons of bodyguards,” she said. “I could sit back because it wasn’t my world. He was the first one out of the car when we arrived at events.” Interestingly, Shields’ therapist still acknowledged her bond with Agassi as the force that helped the actress split with her mother as manager, and considers to be a positive incident. 

“It was a transition that I needed. I wasn’t strong enough to separate from my mother Teri on my own,” the told AARP. “I kept falling back in.” Discussing the same with People, she revealed that, “to this day,” her therapist thanks “Andre because he helped you separate from your mother lovingly.” For now, the major focus for the actress is her upcoming book. It would be interesting to see if she shares more highlights related to the same ahead of the release, thereby mesmerizing the fans.