Born in Welwyn Garden City in 1972, Lisa Snowdon’s journey began at the Italia Conti Stage School, where she honed her performing arts skills from the tender age of 14. Her modeling career took off before she transitioned into a successful broadcasting role. In the late 90s, she made the bold move to Los Angeles, where she enjoyed a high-profile five-year relationship with actor George Clooney, which lasted until 2005. In 2008, she captured the public’s attention as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, and that same year, she embarked on an eight-year adventure co-hosting the Capital Radio Breakfast Show. Now at 53, she resides with her fiancé George Smart in the picturesque setting of Epping Forest.
Reflecting on her life, Lisa shares pivotal moments that reshaped her views on work, love, family, finances, and health.
Discovery and Early Career
I was discovered while dancing at a rave when I was just 19. As I danced atop a podium in my Reebok high tops, a scout from Premier Models approached me with a question: “Excuse me, are you a model?” I replied, “No,” but was intrigued when she handed me her card. Just two weeks later, I signed with the agency, marking the beginning of my modeling career. My tenacity was key; I trudged through London in my biker boots, persistently showcasing my portfolio to the same photographers week after week. This determination led me to Italy, where I strutted down the catwalk for sportswear brand Ellesse. Following my agency’s advice, I ditched my curly perm and landed a Triumph lingerie calendar shoot with Patrick Lichfield, and from there, my career took off.
The Harsh Realities of Modeling
Modeling was an unrelenting battleground. Back in the day, we relied on Polaroid cameras, and I often found myself anxiously watching as others critiqued my images, yearning for a sliver of positive feedback. The anxiety heightened when they would announce, “We’re going to change you now,” leaving me to wonder, “Have I done something wrong?” There were also instances when I was booked based on my portfolio, only to be rejected upon arrival because they didn’t find me appealing in person.
Financial Milestones
My work in the Special K commercials funded my first home. After completing four major campaigns, I accumulated enough earnings to purchase my first property. Do I still enjoy Special K for breakfast? Honestly, I never did much. It’s a decent cereal, but after learning about its ingredients, I no longer consume cereals.
Relationships and Self-Discovery
I found myself trapped in a cycle of attracting narcissistic partners. I often ended up feeling disappointed and used. The high-profile relationship I had for five years wasn’t among the worst, but it certainly wasn’t healthy. I did have a few decent partners, yet for reasons unknown, they didn’t last, leading me back to my unhealthy defaults. I eventually came to realize, “This feels familiar. It’s comfortable. He’s being difficult, but I expect this treatment. I deserve it.” It wasn’t until my early 40s that I recognized the need to reevaluate my poor relationship choices.
Seeking Help
My friends eventually stepped in and urged me to seek therapy. When I attended my first session, my therapist asked, “What took you so long? You should have been here 20 or 30 years ago.” He advised me to abstain from dating, texting, online apps, and flirting altogether. I had been jumping from one relationship to another, never allowing myself the time to heal and reflect. The experience became a necessary moment of introspection where I focused on my past mistakes and contemplated what I genuinely desired. Deep down, I always believed I would find true love.
A Partnership Built on Trust
My love for George is rooted in partnership. Our relationship thrives on teamwork, open communication, security, humor, and a sense of adventure. We support one another, creating a bond that feels both exhilarating and comforting—a true friendship wrapped in mutual respect.
Pursuing Longevity and Health
I have developed a keen interest in longevity. I strive to learn how to live not just longer, but better. I’ve faced challenges related to hormones, menopause, metabolism, and bone health, and I want to look and feel my best. In recent years, I’ve taken significant steps to manage my health.
Navigating Menopause
I was engulfed in a fog of confusion for several years. I had no understanding of what perimenopause was when I first began experiencing symptoms over a decade ago. I consulted the wrong doctors and spent a fortune on incorrect diagnoses and ineffective hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This experience fueled my desire to write a book, aimed at helping women expedite their diagnosis process.
Dark Times During Menopause
I faced extremely challenging moments during my menopause. Sleep eluded me, and I struggled with overwhelming fatigue and despair. I often thought, “How can I tell my agent I’m unable to fulfill this job?” Having George as my support system proved invaluable. He would insist we take walks in the forest, helping me ground myself, breathe deeply, and step outside the chaos of my thoughts. He reminded me to disconnect from my phone and social media and focus on what I truly needed. Exercise transformed my brain chemistry and proved beneficial. Finally finding the right HRT was a turning point, although it didn’t solve everything. I still had weight to shed, sleep to reclaim, and hot flashes to manage, but it marked the beginning of my journey to rebuild myself holistically.
Advocacy and Charity Work
After contracting meningitis at the end of 2010, I became an ambassador for Meningitis Now and now proudly serve as its president. Engaging in charity work holds immense significance for me, which is why I’m thrilled to be hosting the Smiley Charity Film Awards. These awards celebrate and honor the efforts of charities, inspiring individuals to contribute more meaningfully.
The Weight of Responsibility
Assuming a parental role for my two younger sisters has impacted my health. My parents finalized their separation when I was 17, and I felt compelled to create a sense of stability for everyone. I took on many responsibilities with my sisters, a pattern that persisted throughout my life. I’ve only recently come to understand how much this has affected my well-being.
Realizations about Parenthood
I learned that parents are not infallible; they are simply human. They strive to do their best, and I cherish both of my parents deeply. I speak with them regularly, and I’ve come to appreciate their differences. My mother became pregnant with me at a young age, leading to many mistakes, but I’m grateful for those experiences, as they shaped who we are today.
Family as My Foundation
My family means the world to me. My sisters’ children are wonderful, and George’s brother has two delightful little girls as well. I took my niece Willow to see Taylor Swift last summer, and although the tickets were exorbitantly priced, it was worth every penny. I dressed her in a little gold-fringed dress paired with Jordans, and we had an unforgettable day together. She fell asleep in the cab on the way home, earning me major auntie points.
My Perspective on Wealth
I’m not interested in becoming another influencer focused solely on selling products on Instagram. While I appreciate the financial freedom that comes with earning money, I want to ensure it serves a purpose—like assisting my dad with his knee surgery or enjoying family vacations. I find excitement in landing a fantastic campaign, yet I refuse to let money drive my decisions. I prioritize taking on jobs that resonate with me rather than chasing a paycheck.
Dreaming Big
If I were to acquire unlimited wealth, I would establish a wellness center. My vision involves traveling to stunning destinations like Vietnam, Sri Lanka, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and Peru to find the perfect location. I would invite the best practitioners and equip the center with top-notch facilities, creating a sanctuary for people seeking a comprehensive health reset. My ultimate goal is to help others feel fantastic for as long as possible.
Lisa Snowdon is set to host the Smiley Charity Film Awards on March 20th, celebrated as the world’s largest recognition of purpose-driven film campaigns. Tune in for the live stream on the night at www.smileycharityfilmawards.com.
