Introduction to Ole Henriksen
The 74-year-old skin care guru to the stars, Ole Henriksen, is set to have his life story told on the big screen. A new biopic project about his life is in the works, with a script written by James Wyllie and produced by Niels Juul, a frequent collaborator of Martin Scorsese. The news was announced at a press event during the Cannes Film Festival, where Henriksen was in attendance.
The Biopic Project
The project is still in its early stages, with no director or talent attached yet. However, Juul is excited about the prospect of bringing Henriksen’s incredible story to life on film. "Ole’s story is incredible, but to create it, we had to get the perfect writer, who is James Wyllie," Juul said. "When I heard Ole’s life story, I was blown away." Wyllie’s credits include projects for BBC and Film4, as well as several books.
Ole Henriksen’s Life Story
Henriksen was born in a small village in Denmark and developed a passion for dance at a young age. He moved to Indonesia at 19, where he developed cystic acne. A friend, Lagita, who was an aesthetician, helped him transform his skin using botanical treatments. This experience sparked a new mission for Henriksen to help others with their skin care problems. He graduated from the Christine Shaw College of Beauty in London in 1975 and later moved to Los Angeles, where he opened a namesake spa in West Hollywood.
The "Ole Glow"
In the early 1980s, Henriksen’s "Ole Glow" helped him become one of the most sought-after skin care experts in the industry, with a client list that included Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, and David Bowie. He launched his own skincare line, Olehenriksen Skincare, which became a huge success. In 2011, the brand was acquired by Luxury Powerhouse LVMH.
A Personal Journey
But Henriksen’s life is not just about his business success. Juul was particularly moved by Henriksen’s personal journey, which includes his experiences as a gay man growing up in Denmark. "He was only a 17-year-old kid who grew up in Redneck Country, Denmark," Juul said. "He didn’t identify himself as gay yet, he didn’t know what it was, but he liked to dance on top of his head with his hands. He was beaten up by a rough gang that happened a lot in the 1960s and 70s."
Overcoming Obstacles
Henriksen’s life has not been without its challenges. He faced many obstacles, including a difficult relationship with a gangster producer who had a profound impact on his life. Despite these challenges, Henriksen has always maintained a positive attitude. "My life was a Scorsese film with all the drama, but that’s not what this film is about," Henriksen said.
The Biopic’s Vision
The biopic’s script, written by Wyllie, takes place over a week and features two fictional characters who meet Henriksen and are "transformed" by him over time. Music will play a major role in the film, reflecting Henriksen’s lifelong love of dance and music. "Ole’s had a hard life, and he’s dealt with many obstacles that most of us would be defeated by," Wyllie said. "But he’s always overcome it, and his attitude is always positive. Music gives him this positivity and energy, and we were interested in doing something carefree that would feel good, so that they could go out of the cinema feeling like they’ve spent an hour with Ole."
A Colorful Life
Henriksen, who still leads a colorful life, offers the biopic another chance to do something unexpected. "I always had an open attitude to new adventures," he said. "Is this not important to all of us, because life is this fascinating roller coaster ride for all of us?" With his incredible story and positive attitude, Ole Henriksen’s biopic is sure to be an inspiring and uplifting film.
