Cheryl Tiegs is a renowned American supermodel, actress, and entrepreneur, often considered one of the most iconic figures in the modeling industry, especially during the 1970s and 1980s. She rose to fame with her groundbreaking appearances in Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues, which helped redefine the role of women in modeling and solidified her as a household name.
Early Life and Career
Cheryl Tiegs was born on September 25, 1947, in Breckenridge, Minnesota, and grew up in a small town in Minnesota. She was discovered while still a teenager, beginning her modeling career in the early 1960s. Initially, she appeared in a range of magazine advertisements and catalog work, but her big break came in 1970 when she was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue. This cover became a milestone in the modeling world and marked the beginning of her rapid ascent to fame.
Rise to Fame
Tiegs is best known for her appearances in Sports Illustrated and her iconic cover shoots in the early 1970s. In 1978, she appeared on the cover of the magazine’s swimsuit issue once again, solidifying her status as a model at the peak of her career. Her long blonde hair, athletic yet curvy figure, and radiant smile helped her become a symbol of American beauty at the time.
In addition to Sports Illustrated, Cheryl Tiegs graced the covers of countless other magazines, including Time, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Cosmopolitan. She was one of the first models to make the transition from high-fashion to commercial success, appearing in national television commercials for products like Clairol hair care and CoverGirl cosmetics.
Iconic Moments
One of the most iconic moments in Tiegs’ career was her appearance in the 1970s Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, where she wore a white bikini. The cover became a defining image of the 1970s and was instrumental in creating the modern swimsuit issue as a cultural phenomenon.
Tiegs’ influence on fashion also extended beyond modeling. She was one of the first to blend the roles of model and businesswoman, venturing into acting and launching her own product lines, including fashion collections and fragrances.
Acting Career and Ventures
In addition to her modeling career, Tiegs also dabbled in acting. She made appearances in television shows like The Happy Days spin-off Joanie Loves Chachi and guest-starred in various series throughout the 1980s. However, her acting career was always secondary to her modeling work.
As her career evolved, Cheryl Tiegs focused more on entrepreneurial ventures, including launching a successful line of swimwear. She also established her own line of fashion clothing and cosmetics, which capitalized on her popularity and beauty expertise.
Personal Life
Cheryl Tiegs has been married and divorced several times and has three children. Her personal life has often been in the public eye, with much media attention surrounding her romantic relationships, which included high-profile figures like actor and director Peter Beard and sports figures.
Tiegs has also been a vocal advocate for various causes, including environmental conservation and health. She has been involved in multiple charitable endeavors and used her platform to raise awareness on important social issues.
Legacy
Cheryl Tiegs is widely regarded as a pioneer in the modeling industry. Her beauty and charisma transcended the traditional standards of her time, and she helped elevate the status of the model from a mere “mannequin” to a legitimate public figure, paving the way for later generations of supermodels.
Even decades after her peak in the modeling world, Cheryl Tiegs remains a significant figure in the history of American fashion. Her timeless look, combined with her business acumen, cemented her legacy as one of the most influential figures in the fashion and beauty industries.
