She was formerly hailed as the “First American Supermodel” and recently turned 77
Cheryl Tiegs, one of America’s earliest supermodels, became a cultural icon 46 years ago with her famous pink bikini ad.
Over the years, she has appeared on the covers of major publications such as Sports Illustrated, Vogue, and Time, but she has also become an environmental activist and promoter of health and well-being.
Tiegs, 77, began her modeling career when a friend indicated she had the proper appearance. She began by working tiny fashion events for low compensation, but her big break came at the age of 17, when she was published in Glamour magazine, which catapulted her to international prominence.
From then, her career took off, with features in Sports Illustrated swimsuit editions, Time, and even a position on Men’s Health magazine’s list of the 100 Hottest Women of All Time in 2012.
Tiegs has remarked on how different the modeling world was back then compared to now, stating that models in her age did not have the same visibility as they do now, thanks to the growth of social media and entertainment shows such as Entertainment Tonight. “It was more in the moment, and I liked that,” she told Artful Living.
Tiegs began his acting career in the 1980s, featuring in sitcoms such as Moonlighting and Just Shoot Me, as well as films such as The Brown Bunny and Sharknado 4 in the 2000s and 2010s.
Despite her excursion into acting, she finally decided to concentrate on other elements of her life, such as her personal relationships and parenting. She was married many times and has three children, including twin twins delivered through surrogacy in 2001.
Tiegs has also been an environmental advocate. Her activities have included raising awareness about global warming and funding conservation projects. She has been to the Canadian Arctic and Mexico’s Copper Canyon to have a better understanding of environmental concerns.
Tiegs sparked outrage in 2016 when she attacked Sports Illustrated for having plus-size model Ashley Graham on the cover, claiming that it glamorized unhealthy body ideals.
“I don’t like that we’re talking about full-figured women because it glorifies them; your waist should be less than 35 [inches].” “That’s what Dr. Oz said, and I’m sticking to it,” Tiegs stated on E! News. “No, I do not think that is healthy. Her face is stunning. Beautiful. But I don’t believe it is beneficial in the long term.”
Then, in 2017, Tiegs accused the media of sensationalizing her remarks, “because really all I was doing was trying to look out for the health of someone who’s too thin or going on the other side of the scale,” she claimed. “It’s simply about choosing your own healthy route. That is all. I don’t know her, and I don’t know if she’s healthy. It’s up to her.
Tiegs, 77, stays healthy by doing yoga, eating well, and surrounding herself with encouraging people. Most importantly, she believes that maintaining an active lifestyle, finding joy in hobbies like reading, and spending time with supportive people is the best approach.
Cheryl Tiegs is still appreciated for her ageless beauty and activism, which combines her supermodel heritage with a strong dedication to the environment and good living.