Cheryl Tiegs, often referred to as “America’s First Supermodel,” became a household name 46 years ago when her famous pink bikini poster captivated the world and cemented her place in pop culture history. She has since evolved from the face of fashion into a dedicated advocate for environmental causes and health. Now, at the age of 77, Tiegs is still admired for her timeless beauty and lasting influence.
A Career That Defined a Generation
Tiegs’ modeling career began in the early 1970s, following a suggestion from a friend who recognized her potential. At first, she worked small fashion shows for little pay, but her big break came at the age of 17 when she was featured in Glamour magazine. This led to her rapid rise in the modeling world, eventually gracing the covers of major publications like Sports Illustrated, Vogue, and Time. Her notable appearances in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit editions, particularly in 1978, helped solidify her status as a pop culture icon.
In 2012, Men’s Health magazine even listed her among the “100 Hottest Women of All Time,” a testament to her lasting appeal and beauty. Reflecting on her career, Tiegs has spoken about how the modeling industry has changed over the years. She recalls how, in her era, models didn’t have the same visibility or constant media presence that today’s models experience through social media and entertainment outlets like Entertainment Tonight. “It was more in the moment, and I liked that,” she shared in an interview with Artful Living.
Exploring New Ventures: Acting and Advocacy
In the 1980s, Tiegs expanded her horizons beyond modeling and delved into acting. She appeared in hit TV shows like Moonlighting and Just Shoot Me, and also starred in films such as The Brown Bunny and Sharknado 4 during the 2000s and 2010s. Although she explored the entertainment industry, Tiegs ultimately decided to focus more on her personal life, relationships, and her role as a mother.
She has been married multiple times and is the mother of three children, including twin sons born via surrogate in 2001. Tiegs’ passion for advocacy and health, however, became just as central to her life as her career. She has consistently promoted environmental awareness, raising concerns about global warming and championing conservation efforts. Her travels to places like the Canadian Arctic and Mexico’s Copper Canyon have deepened her understanding of environmental issues and fueled her commitment to the cause.
Controversy and Health Advocacy
Despite her widespread admiration, Tiegs faced controversy in 2016 when she criticized Sports Illustrated for featuring plus-size model Ashley Graham on its cover. Tiegs argued that it was unhealthy to promote women with larger waistlines, referencing Dr. Oz’s advice that a healthy waist should be smaller than 35 inches. Her comments sparked significant backlash, and she later clarified that she was merely advocating for what she believed to be a healthy body image and expressed concern for both those who were underweight and those who were overweight. In 2017, Tiegs accused the media of sensationalizing her remarks, emphasizing that her only intention was to promote health and encourage people to find a balance that worked for them.
A Healthy and Active Lifestyle
Now in her late 70s, Cheryl Tiegs has focused on maintaining her health through yoga, proper nutrition, and surrounding herself with positive influences. She emphasizes the importance of staying active and finding joy in simple pleasures, like reading and spending time with uplifting friends. Her commitment to a healthy lifestyle has helped her maintain her vitality, and she continues to be an inspiration to women of all ages.
Cheryl Tiegs Today
While she is no longer the face of major fashion magazines, Cheryl Tiegs’ legacy as a groundbreaking supermodel remains intact. Her timeless beauty and passion for health and environmental issues have made her a respected figure, both in and out of the fashion industry. Today, Tiegs continues to inspire many, blending her iconic modeling career with a deep commitment to advocating for a healthier and more sustainable world.
As she looks back on a life well-lived and forward to future endeavors, Cheryl Tiegs remains a beloved figure whose influence transcends generations. Whether through her work as a model, her advocacy, or her commitment to living a balanced life, she stands as a testament to the power of positive influence and enduring legacy.
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