How frequently do we actually see a celebrity without all the accoutrements of celebritydom, the well-applied makeup, the designer clothes, the flattering light? Not often.
This is why such moments are so few, so special and so strong. A 55-year-old British star was the reminder to the world that no, real beauty does not require any add-ons, it only requires being noticed.
And as it was seen, everybody was talking about it.
She was not made up as she normally would be on television and she was photographed at a candiday moment, but one which was far from average. No contour, no nice hairstyle, no selected filter.
Only radiant skin, sparkly eyes and that type of happiness which cannot be created. At that instance, the country was not only viewing a star actress, but a woman who was completely at home with herself.
By the time this breathtakingly natural moment came viral, she had already established a career that people needed to respect. She did not become the competitive journalist and television personality overnight – it was a combination of talent, hard work and outlook to connect with people on a human level.
Viewers were introduced to her perfect work on the BBC Breakfast where she gained a reputation over her smart interviews and calm demeanor. She would later go on Good Morning Britain and become a household name not only because of what she said but the way she said it.
peace within the hurricane. Amicable yet not a push over. A professional, who knew how to dig at the truth, without losing her dignity, and allowing her guests to preserve theirs as well.
The picture which caused all the buzz was a deceitfully simple one. No broadcast studio. No on air tension. Simply an informal, natural shot of her, in soft light, with little or no makeup, and an air that no stylist can give her: that of genuineness.
It was neither a PR stunt, nor a promo photo shoot. There had been only her self. And it was entertaining.
The internet responded with their praise, calling her real, ageless, gorgeous, and above all relatable. In an era of highly filtered photos and excessively retouched self-portraits, this single instant was special, and that connected with people.
Not to confused her candor with naivety. That boyish face hides a very keen intellect. She has spent her years going head to head with some of the biggest voices in Britain and beyond. Politicians. Industry leaders. Cultural icons. And she has done it smilingly,–not to disarm, but to deliver.
Her delivery is what makes her special and not only her intellect. She poses the difficult questions, the ones that other people are probably afraid to ask. But she is doing so in a civilized and confident manner she is never confrontational, she is always collected.
Warmth and wit, strength and softness: that combination is rare and has served her well in an industry that all too frequently favors newness over content.
She is more than a broadcaster however, as she is now a representative of women who have to deal with the sometimes harsh glare of the public light. She has talked honestly about getting older, about self-esteem, about the demands of being at all times camera-ready in a society that is harsh on any imperfections -and more so in women.
And rather than battling those expectations through denial or camouflage, she has owned up to them straight away. At any age, she has demonstrated that you can be seen, strong, and stylishly you.
She did not attempt to conceal herself behind a new image. She did not beg pardon of a wrinkle or a laugh-line. She never glamorized a weak moment, and that is why it was so relatable.
Since in that single unfiltered photo, she made a statement: You do not need to vanish to be visible. All you need to do is to be yourself.
And this is why, at the age of 55, the natural beauty of this woman did not only shine, it sparkled.
Her name? Susanna Reid.
