Trivia

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

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, fantôme de la nuit (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 a relationship with actor Ian McShane during filming of Le 5e mousquetaire (1979), which lasted for almost 5 years.

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.

Began modeling at age 17.

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.

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

Had a strict religious upbringing.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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)

Originally planned on being a teacher.

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

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

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

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

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

Mother, with Hugo Claus, of actor Arthur Kristel.

She was considered for Jenny Agutter's role in L'Âge de cristal (1976).

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

She applied for the role of Ella Watson in La Porte du paradis (1980), but lost to Isabelle Huppert.

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

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

Sergio Leone wanted her to play the role of Carol in Il était une fois en Amérique (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 turned down Lesley-Anne Down's role in La grande attaque du train d'or (1978).

She was suggested by Elizabeth McNeill for the role of Elizabeth in 9 semaines 1/2 (1986). The part eventually went to Kim Basinger.

Auditioned for the role of Naomi in L'Espion qui m'aimait (1977), but turned it down.

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

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

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

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 L'histoire d'Adèle H. (1975).

She turned down Ingrid Thulin's role in Les Nuits chaudes de Berlin (1976).

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

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

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

She turned down Stéphane Audran's role in Folies bourgeoises (1976).

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