Cheryl Tiegs, regarded as one of America’s pioneering supermodels, rose to cultural prominence 46 years ago with her iconic pink bikini poster.
Throughout her career, she has appeared on the covers of renowned magazines, including Sports Illustrated, Vogue, and Time. Beyond modeling, Tiegs has also become a strong advocate for environmental issues and a promoter of health and wellness.
Now 77, Tiegs embarked on her modeling journey after a friend recognized her unique look. She began by participating in small fashion shows for modest pay, but her career took off at the age of 17 when she was featured in Glamour magazine, catapulting her to international fame.
This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her successful career, leading to numerous appearances in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit editions, as well as features in Time. In 2012, she was even recognized in Men’s Health magazine’s list of the 100 Hottest Women of All Time.
Reflecting on her career, Tiegs has noted the stark contrasts between the modeling industry of her time and today’s landscape, emphasizing that models in her era lacked the visibility that comes with modern social media and entertainment programs like Entertainment Tonight. She expressed her preference for the immediacy of her time, stating, “It was more in the moment, and I liked that,”in an interview with Artful Living.
In the 1980s, Tiegs ventured into acting, taking on roles in shows such as “Moonlighting” and “Just Shoot Me”, as well as films like “The Brown Bunny” and “Sharknado 4” in the 2000s and 2010s.
Despite her exploration of acting, she ultimately decided to prioritize other areas of her life, including her relationships and her role as a mother. Tiegs has been married several times and is a mother of three, including twin sons born via surrogate in 2001.
In addition to her personal endeavors, Tiegs has been passionate about environmental advocacy. She has worked to raise awareness about global warming and has supported various conservation initiatives, traveling to locations such as the Canadian Arctic and Copper Canyon in Mexico to gain insight into environmental issues.
However, her advocacy faced scrutiny in 2016 when she publicly criticized Sports Illustrated for featuring plus-size model Ashley Graham on its cover, claiming it glamorized unhealthy body standards.
Tiegs expressed her concerns about the portrayal of full-figured women in the media, stating that such representations glamorize unhealthy body standards. She emphasized her belief that a waist should be smaller than 35 inches, citing Dr. Oz to support her view. Tiegs acknowledged the beauty of Ashley Graham’s face but maintained that, in her opinion, the larger body type isn’t healthy for the long term.
In 2017, Tiegs claimed that her comments had been sensationalized by the media. She clarified that her intention was to advocate for health, whether someone was too thin or on the opposite end of the weight spectrum. She remarked that her focus was on encouraging individuals to find their own healthy path, stating that she did not personally know Graham and could not speak to her health status, which ultimately was a matter for her to determine.
At 77, Tiegs prioritizes her health by practicing yoga, following a nutritious diet, and surrounding herself with positive influences. She emphasizes the importance of an active lifestyle and finding joy in simple pleasures, such as reading and spending time with uplifting friends.
Cheryl Tiegs remains a source of admiration for her enduring beauty and her dedication to advocacy. She skillfully blends her legacy as a supermodel with a strong commitment to environmental issues and healthy living.