Cheryl Tiegs, the world’s first supermodel, created waves 45 years ago with her iconic pink bikini billboard image that captured the attention of millions of men all over the world.
She has appeared on the covers of countless magazines since then, including Sports Illustrated, Vogue, Glamour, and Time. In addition to her successful modeling career, Tiegs has utilized her celebrity to fight for environmental problems while putting her personal health and happiness first.
Despite her charitable activities, Tiegs has received criticism for several statements, including her claim that Sports Illustrated was “glamorizing” a “full-figured model.” Tiegs, 75, reflects on her path from growing up in Alhambra, near Pasadena, to becoming a model.
She initially saw models as aliens from another world, but she progressively pursued modeling while still in school. She began by doing free parking lot fashion presentations for department stores, eventually making $5 an hour, which was a considerable amount for her at the time.
Tiegs’ big break came when the magazine saw her in a swimsuit issue and quickly recruited her for a shoot in St. Thomas, despite having never seen her before. This resulted in frequent work with Glamour and international recognition.
She went on to appear on three Time magazine covers, including the All-American Model issue in 1978 and three Sports Illustrated swimsuit editions in 1970, 1975, and 1983. Men’s health named her one of the 100 Sexiest Women Ever in 2012.
Tiegs acknowledges the tremendous changes in the profession as she reflects on her early modeling days. She observes that today’s modeling industry is considerably more focused on the models, with more attention and recognition.
Tiegs had her debut television appearance in an episode of Moonlighting in the 1980s, opposite Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis. She was also in the films Just Shoot Me and Family Guy.
She appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2011, then on Celebrity Apprentice the following year, representing the Farrah Fawcett Foundation. Tiegs has also dabbled in film, co-starring with Chlöe Sevigny in The Brown Bunny in 2003 and Sharknado 4: The Fourth Awakens in 2016.
While many models at the time followed acting careers, Tiegs chose not to. Instead, she concentrated on her responsibilities as a mother and wife.
She married photographer and artist Peter Beard in 1981 and spent several years at his estate in Kenya, where she had extraordinary experiences and gained a greater appreciation of nature.
Tiegs emphasized her affection for Beard and his impact on her life after he died in 2020. She then married Anthony Peck, son of the legendary Gregory Peck, and they shared parenting duties for their son Zachary, who is now an actress.
Following her divorce from Peck in 1995, she married yoga instructor Rod Stryker from 1998 to 2001, during which time their twin kids, Jaden and Theo, were born via surrogacy.
Tiegs’ concern for the future of children drives her environmental activism. Her humanitarian activity has included :
- Spreading global warming awareness.
- Lobbying for women’s reproductive rights.
She was serving on the board of the Earth Conservation Corps in Washington, D.C.
She believes in the value of global collaboration, highlighting the significance of reaching out to and forming alliances with friends worldwide.
Tiegs has been to several areas in her pursuit of environmental awareness, including the Copper Canyon in Mexico, to visit the Tarahumara indigenous people living in natural shelters such as caves and rock overhangs.
She has also visited the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and seen the Barnes Ice Cap melt. Tiegs drew national attention in 2013 when she offered her 4,770-square-foot Balinese-style Bel-Air home for $12 million; it eventually sold for $14,075,000 in 2020.
Tiegs sparked outrage in 2016 when she accused Sports Illustrated of promoting an unhealthy lifestyle by featuring plus-sized model Ashley Graham on its cover. She highlighted her concerns about the model’s waist size and said she did not believe it was a long-term healthy choice.
The media sensationalized her comments, but Tiegs explained that she advocated for health, regardless of whether someone was overweight or obese. She underlined the significance of adopting a healthy route while admitting that she was unfamiliar with Graham or her unique health status.
Tiegs follows a strict lifestyle that includes yoga and a balanced diet, which allows her to stay fit and attractive effortlessly. She emphasizes the importance of hard work, regular exercise, and finding happiness in activities. Tiegs has rekindled her passion for reading and values meaningful friendships that improve her life.
Cheryl Tiegs, 75, exudes beauty and grace despite a four-decade career.
Opinions on Tiegs’ assertions about thinness and healthfulness may differ. It is critical to understand that health is a complicated and nuanced notion influenced by various factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and overall well-being.
While it is true that keeping a healthy weight is related to a lower risk of some health disorders, it is critical not to generalize or impose arbitrary standards on people.
Health should be handled holistically, considering physical, mental, and emotional factors. It is best to seek tailored advice from healthcare professionals for obtaining and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
