‘Twiggy: The Woman Behind the Icon’ turns lens on legend

The “Face” of the Swinging Sixties. The emblem of her generation.

…

Lesley Hornby, all of 16 from a working class English family, defined an era as a model known simply as Twiggy.

Now, having spent a half-century plus as a successful actor, singer, dancer, entrepreneur, Twiggy, who turned 77 last Saturday, is pausing to look back with Sadie Frost’s comprehensive documentary, “Twiggy: The Woman Behind the Icon,” streaming Tuesday. Guests include Paul McCartney, another ’60s legend.

“I’d been asked over the previous 20-odd years about a new documentary and was always a bit scared,” Twiggy explained in virtual joint interview. “It’s quite a big thing to commit your whole life to the big screen.

“But I thought, somebody’s going to do it at some point. So I want to be involved and do it with somebody I trust. Which is very important.”

She went to lunch with Frost, 61. “We got on very well, didn’t we? I love that Sadie was a woman, that she had done most of the things I’ve done, a model, actress, designer. She’s been in the public eye for probably as long, although she’s younger than me.

“So I thought, ‘She understands me.’ And we got on very well and we’ve become really close friends, which is lovely.”

“What was exciting,” Frost said, “was all the different eras. Seeing Twiggy change from a schoolgirl in the ’60s and being discovered. Then in the ’70s being an actress, then her TV shows, her singing career.

“You see this person, this whole. It was so important to see her evolving as a person, making opportunities. And accepting them.

“A lot of people in the entertainment industry for that long have ups and downs and can fall into all kinds of cliché situations. She never did that. Twiggy just gets on with it.”

Asked about the surprises in reflecting on a life that’s been continually publicized decade after decade, she smiled.

“Well, most of it wasn’t a surprise to me because I’ve lived it. But what’s nice for me, a lot of people — in England and all around the world — you say my name, they immediately obviously think of the old ‘60s image. Because that launched me.

“What was nice for me, Sadie was very generous about showing me on Broadway, which I’m prouder about that than anything. Because I didn’t know I could do that.”

She was Tony nominated for the hit 1983 musical “My One and Only.”

“Obviously, that was all a long time ago and I’m very proud of it. But I don’t even think of that time anymore. Really, it’s only when I’m reminded about it.”

…

“Twiggy: The Woman Behind the Icon” is available on digital platforms.

…

By Stephen Schaefer