As I stroll along the boardwalk toward Ole Henriksen’s Cannes launch, I couldn’t help but flashback to my own surreal, red-carpet moment- not at Cannes, but at the Golden Globes – many moons ago.
I first met Ole when he launched his skin care line in Australia. From the moment we connected, I knew he was more than just a glowing face. He was a radiant soul with a zest for life that was nothing short of contagious. We collaborated on countless stories over the years, but one moment I’ll never forget was when Ole himself got me red-carpet ready for the Golden Globes.
Now let’s pause for perspective: this is the same man who prepped Halle Berry and Charlize Theron for their Oscar wins. And here he was working his magic on me, not that I was up for any awards (unless there was one for best enthusiasm while mildly jet lagged!).
After one of Ole’s signature, Vichy shower treatments – a deliciously invigorating blend of fresh orange juice and natural botanicals – my skin was beaming, my body was buzzing and my tan? Golden perfection. I felt like a Bonafide Hollywood star…. Or at least a very glowy impostor!
So, when Ole, personally invited me to his exclusive Cannes launch for Glowing Man, how could I possibly say no? I had to be there to witness the next luminous chapter in this incredible man’s life – a man who continues to shine far beyond the surface.
Ole is the subject of a new biopic project mounted by frequent Martin Scorsese collaborator Neils Juul through his production banner No Fat Ego, alongside author turned screenwriter James Wyllie. The news was announced at a press event aboard the Lady Jersey yacht, docked on the Albert Édouard jetty in the city’s old port.
Henriksen, beaming and joyful, joined his creative collaborators on the yacht’s upper deck for a panel discussion unveiling the project’s vision.
“It’s been two years in the making,” Juul shared, noting that while the film does not yet have a director or talent attached, Wyllie has completed a finished screenplay reportedly titled The Glowing Man. “Ole’s story is unbelievable, “Juul added. “But in order to craft it, we had to get the perfect writer, and that was James.”
Willey an award-winning screenwriter whose credits span, BBC and film4 TV projects including The Bill, The Tribe and Atlantis High as well as historical non-fiction books including The Microdot Gang, Goering and Goering, and Nazi Wives, found Henriksen‘s journey nothing short of extraordinary. “It’s a story about transformation and resilience, and what it means to radiate joy after pain.”
Born in the small rural town of Nibe, Denmark, Ole’s early life was marked by hardship and cruelty. Bullied for being ‘too feminine” and growing up in poverty, he eventually fled the isolation of his hometown for the vibrant nightlife of 1970s Copenhagen. There, amid the freedom of the LGBTQ + scene, he found a sense of belonging and the courage to come out, but his journey was far from over.
In search of a new life, Ole fell under the sway of an American film producer and mobster, a relationship that would take a dark and dangerous turn involving betrayal, violence, and tragedy. Left with nothing, Ole reinvented himself in Los Angeles, where he opened the now iconic Ole Henriksen skin Care Spa in West Hollywood. His infectious energy, healing hands and holistic philosophy attracted a client list that reads like a Hollywood dream: David Bowie, Madonna, Sylvester Stallone, Barbra Streisand, and more.
“Ole is so much more than a skin care guru,” Juul, emphasized. “He’s a survivor, a creator and a symbol of joy. And this film will reflect that – the highs and the lows”.
Has Cannes glittered in the background, Henriksen beamed. “This is the next chapter.” He said. “To share my story in this way – it’s the ultimate glow up.”
Exclusive Q&A The Carousel catches up with the power trio behind Glowing man.
The carousel was lucky to have the opportunity to spend time with the three creative forces bringing Ole Henriksen’s story to life. Here Neils Juul, James Wyllie, and Henriksen himself share personal reflections, pivotal moments and what audiences can expect from the film?
Q&A with Neils Juul, the producer of Glowing Man.
Q. You’ve worked on major films like Ferrari. What drew you to tell Ole Henriksen’s story?
A. “People often mistake Ole for just a happy, dancing man, but the truth is, his incredibly profound. He’s been through more than most and that’s what drew me to his story.
With Ferrari we worked closely with Pierre Ferrari to ensure the story felt authentic. It’s the same approach here – you’ve got to collaborate with your subject and handle their story with care.”
Q. What will surprise viewers most?
A. “The resilience. Everyone knows the smile and the skin care empire – but what they don’t know is the adversity he’s overcome. That’s the real story.”
Q. Why Cannes and why a yacht?
A. “Cannes is the ultimate international stage. It’s where the film world gathers to make deals and build buzz. Launching Glowing Man here on a yacht just felt perfectly Ole -bold joyous, and full of sparkle. “
Q. What message do you want the film to leave with audiences?
“That no matter where you come from, you can rise. And Ole’s done that without ever losing his joy or authenticity. It’s inspiring as hell.”
Q & A with screenwriter James Wyllie
Q. How did you shape such a colourful life into a script?
” It began with long zoom and phone calls. We hadn’t even met in person until the Cannes launch. But Ole’s energy came through every word- that became the heartbeat of the script.”
“Yes, when Ole was 12, he entered a writing competition about boats – a topic he knew nothing about. He researched learned and won! The prize? His family‘s first trip to Copenhagen. That story says everything about him.”
Q. How did you handle truth versus storytelling?
“After months of interviews, the story came together naturally, I’ve finished the first draft, but it will evolve, especially once the director and actors come on board.”
Q. Is there an emotional anchor in this film?”
There’s a chapter involving someone named Harvey. It’s a deeply emotional point in the story that gives it real weight.”
Q&A with Ole Henriksen
Q. Ole your energy and optimism a legendary how does it feel to have your story on screen?
A.” I feel deeply honored. I never imagined my life would become the subject of a film. Glowing Man is more than a documentary. I hope it inspires people to celebrate life, nurture the playful child within, and embrace music and dance as a way to express themselves freely and joyfully.”
Q. What was your reaction when Neils brought up the idea?
A.” I’ve known Neils for many years. We ran into each other on Rodeo Drive while he was working on the Ferrari movie. He told me he’d followed my journey – the ups, the downs, the reinventions and he said there was a story worth telling. His words stayed with me. I trusted him completely, and I’m so glad I did.”
Q. What do you hope people take away from it?
A. “That dreams are worth chasing. That in tough times we can grow in ways we never imagined and most of all that we must celebrate ourselves and each other.”
Q. Was there a hard chapter to revisit?
A. “When I was denied a US green card because of my sexuality. It was devastating but I fought, and I succeeded!”
Q. So what was the biggest highlight of your life?
A. “Meeting my husband, Laurence Roberts. We’ve been together over 40 years. He’s my cheerleader and my rock.”
Q. From Copenhagen to Cannes. What are you feeling?
A. “Elated! Journalists, calling me ‘The Prince of Denmark’ is surreal. I helped A-listers shine for years and now I find myself in the spotlight. It’s humbling.”
Q. Your story in three words?
A. “Inspirational celebratory, motivational.”
Q. And finally…. Does glowing skin really start from within?
A.” Absolutely. Joy, movement, nourishment – that’s where true glow begins. And yes… I still have a few secrets left!