Monica Bellucci, 62, says ageing is 'a wonderful gift' as she poses for Harper's Bazaar España

Monica Bellucci has shared how she views ageing as a 'wonderful gift' while posing for a stunning new shoot with Harper's Bazaar España.

The Italian actress, 62, is no stranger to showcasing her ageless complexion and in an interview for the publication's October issue, she said she opposes the idea of ageing being a negative for women.

Describing the industry as 'artificial,' Monica said she understands it can be difficult for some women to accept the concept of ageing, but said 'there is no other real alternative.'

She added: 'Either you grow old and accept the process with dignity, or you die. Looking at it like this, I prefer to age a thousand times – laughs. 

'Getting older means that you are fortunate to be alive and have a horizon. In addition, maturity brings with it a wonderful gift: detachment. 

'Sometimes, when you get older, you stop being just an actress and become a spectator of the world, which makes you see everything from another point of view.'

Monica also echoed views that there are now more roles available for older women, adding: 'In the past, it was almost impossible for actresses to have a career after the age of 40. 

'Now I live in France and I see references such as Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Huppert or Fanny Ardant, extraordinary women who have not stopped filming, starring on covers and leading campaigns with indisputable authority. 

'It is understood that a mature woman has fascinating stories to tell and the public demands to see those realities on the big screen.'

Monica also shared what it means to her to 'feel beautiful', and said: 'That goes beyond what people perceive; the important thing is what you feel inside. 

'I think it's about having an enriching inner life, a passion that encourages you, watching your children grow up, contemplating the sea, having friends, a family you love... a full woman's life. 

'You want to stay alive and that makes you perceive things with an intensity that you don't have when you were young, because you take everything for granted: you don't think about physical pain, vulnerability or death. 

'As the years go by, the perspective changes. You wake up in the morning and being healthy or enjoying the aroma of a coffee becomes a reason for gratitude. But that is only understood with time.'

Last year, Monica and Hollywood director Tim Burton announced they had separated in a joint statement.

They simply said: 'It is with much respect and deep care for each other that Monica Bellucci and Tim Burton have decided to part ways.'

Monica and Tim, 68 began dating since October 2023, and he directed her in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice – their first project together.

The couple were last pictured together in June 2025, with Tim lovingly kissing Monica on the cheek on stage at the 71st Taormina Film Festival.

Tim and Monica first met in 2006 but are said to have started dating after seeing one another at the Lumière Film Festival in Lyon in October 2022.

Monica confirmed their relationship in June of the following year as she told Elle France: 'What I can say... I'm glad I met the man, first of all.'

She continued: 'It's one of those encounters that rarely happens in life... I know the man, I love him, and now I'm going to meet the director, another adventure begins.

'I love Tim. And I have great respect for Tim Burton.'

The actress wasn't in the original film, Beetlejuice, made 38 years ago, but Tim has a habit of casting his lovers in his films and she played Delores, the ex-wife of Michael Keaton's Beetlejuice in this film.

Monica's last relationship was with Nicolas Lefebvre, whom she split from in 2019. She was previously married to Vincent Cassel from 1997-2013.

The former model met Vincent in 1996 on the set of Gilles Mimouni's film l'Appartement. 

They have two daughters, Deva, who was born in 2004, and Leonie, who entered the world in 2010.

They married in a quiet ceremony in Monaco, on the French Riviera in 1997.

Tim was famously in a relationship with The Crown and Harry Potter actress Helena Bonham Carter, 60, but they split in 2014.

The pair were never married, but were together for 13 years and share two children; son Billy, 22, and daughter Nell, 18.

Helena and Tim got together in 2001 after he cast her as an ape in Planet Of The Apes.

They famously lived in inter-connecting houses during their relationship, with each property decorated to their own his 'n' hers tastes and personal styles.

Helena kept both houses after their split, though she admitted it makes her feel like an 'alien person' as she sleeps in one and their kids stay in another.