This “First American Supermodel” defies time, embracing her wrinkles and natural beauty at 77. See how this iconic figure has evolved through the decades, from her early days on magazine covers to her graceful presence today.
In her earlier years, this model was the epitome of all-American beauty, with a career that skyrocketed her to international fame. Known for her groundbreaking work in the fashion industry, she set new standards, paving the way for many who followed in her footsteps.
The famous model posing for Glamour Magazine, circa 1971. | Source: Getty Images
At the age of 17, the model made her mark by gracing the cover of Glamour magazine. While most models face the end of their careers in their early 30s, she defied the odds.
At 31, Time magazine celebrated her as the quintessential All-American model, a rare acknowledgment that solidified her status as a cultural icon. However, her journey in the modeling world didn’t stop there.
She continued to captivate audiences with her timeless beauty and charm, even appearing in Sports Illustrated’s famous swimsuit issue for the fourth time in 1996.
Her appearances in this iconic issue were followed by appearances by other well-known models, including Gigi Hadid and Tyra Banks. Just a few years later, this All-American supermodel appeared on the cover of More magazine in December 2000.
Recently, social media users erupted in admiration of a throwback photo of this trailblazing supermodel, with fans gushing over how stunning she looked.
“How did you even look like that! Insane! 🥳,” one person wrote. “Oh my gosh, just ICONIC.❤️ ” another social media user commented. A third person typed, “So pretty and natural…😉.”
As her career began to slow down, the model transitioned into a new chapter in her life — motherhood. In the early hours of July 1, 2001, she welcomed fraternal twins, who were born via surrogate. At the time, the model was married to yoga master Rod Stryker and already had a 9-year-old son from a previous marriage.
At 53, the supermodel found herself changing diapers and feeding two newborns while other women her age were embracing — and perhaps celebrating — being empty nesters. But for her, this new chapter was one she welcomed with open arms.
“I love the way my life has unfolded,” she said. Now, this legendary model has also embraced the role of a grandmother. “My grand, Elektra, always sticks out her pretty little pink tongue when she smiles,” she captioned an adorable snap of her and her granddaughter in 2020.
While the supermodel’s career in front of the camera may have slowed over the years, her personal life continued to flourish as her family grew, bringing her happiness and fulfillment beyond the runway.
As time passed, she chose to age naturally, rejecting the pressures of Hollywood to undergo cosmetic surgery. Instead, she embraced her wrinkles, maintaining her timeless beauty well into her seventies.
When asked if being known as an icon made her feel older, she confidently responded, “Nothing makes me feel older. Only I know all of the years of insecurity and the hard work that have gone into what I’ve done.”
Reflecting on her career, the model mentioned that her goal had always been to push herself as far as she could go. Though there were days she didn’t want to get out of bed for work, she was always grateful for the opportunities she had.
“I was being paid a lot of money to do something that I enjoyed doing,” she explained. As for advice on aging gracefully, the model emphasized, “You can’t just hope that it happens; you really have to make the effort.”
A balanced diet, regular exercise, and finding joy in life were the key elements that kept her feeling youthful. Even as her exercise routines shifted with age, she ensured that she stayed active and engaged in activities that brought her happiness.
“Do something that makes you happy. I love reading, and I gave that up for a while. Now I’m back to that. Find friends who make you laugh. I just want friends in my life who are positive influences — that’s where I’m at now. It’s a nice, healthy, happy state,” the cultural icon revealed.
Though she was described as the “first American supermodel,” the icon saw the title more as a recognition of the fact that she didn’t disappear after her modeling career peaked.
“Someone of course gave me that title. I think it’s a way of saying that I didn’t just drop out of sight after a very successful career in modeling; I went on to start other businesses,” the supermodel shared.
She worked on “Good Morning America” and started a clothing line for Sears. Unlike many of her contemporaries who transitioned into acting, she chose to focus on business ventures that reflected her passion.
However, as of 2017, she enjoyed a well-deserved break from the spotlight. “It’s the first time in my life when I haven’t had to set the alarm in the morning and get up and go to work. I’m kind of on sabbatical. I think about writing a book every once in a while, but sometimes I get sick of talking about myself,” the supermodel shared.
This timeless beauty is none other than Cheryl Tiegs. Continue reading to see the supermodel’s transformation over the years, from her early modeling days to her radiant presence at 77.
Cheryl Tiegs at the premiere of “Norman Lear: Just Another Version Of You” on July 14, 2016, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
In recent years, social media users once again sang her praises, remarking on how incredible she still looks, even in her seventies. “You look exactly the same! Still got it,” one person wrote. Another shared, “You have an amazing smile.” A third added, “Wow, lookin Great [sic].”
