From Poster Icon to Household Name
Cheryl Tiegs, now 77, skyrocketed to fame 46 years ago with her legendary pink bikini poster. That image turned her into one of America’s first supermodels—and a pop culture icon.
Her face graced the covers of Sports Illustrated, Vogue, and Time. But beyond modeling, Tiegs grew into a passionate advocate for health, wellness, and the environment.
A Career Sparked by a Friend
Tiegs began modeling after a friend encouraged her to give it a shot. She started with small fashion shows for little pay. But at 17, a photo in Glamour magazine changed her life. Fame followed quickly.
She became a recurring star in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issues and appeared on countless magazine covers. In 2012, Men’s Health named her one of the 100 Hottest Women of All Time.
Reflecting on a Different Modeling Era
Looking back, Tiegs noted how much the industry has changed. Today’s models thrive on visibility through social media and shows like Entertainment Tonight. Her era, she said, felt more spontaneous.
“It was more in the moment, and I liked that,” she told Artful Living.
Exploring Acting—and a Different Life
In the 1980s, Tiegs dipped into acting. She appeared in shows like Moonlighting and Just Shoot Me, and later in films such as The Brown Bunny and Sharknado 4.
However, she eventually shifted focus. Tiegs prioritized her personal life, getting married several times and raising three children—including twin boys born via surrogate in 2001.
A Voice for the Planet
Tiegs also found purpose in environmental activism. She raised awareness about global warming and joined conservation projects. Her travels took her from the Canadian Arctic to Mexico’s Copper Canyon to better understand the planet’s challenges.
A Controversial Moment
In 2016, Tiegs made headlines when she criticized Sports Illustrated for featuring plus-size model Ashley Graham on its cover. She argued it glamorized unhealthy standards.
“Your waist should be smaller than 35 inches,” she said on E! News, citing Dr. Oz.
“Her face is beautiful—beautiful. But I don’t think it’s healthy in the long run.”
Facing backlash, Tiegs clarified her stance in 2017. She said the media exaggerated her remarks.
“All I was trying to do was look out for health—whether someone is too thin or on the other side,” she said.
“It’s just about finding your own healthy path.”
Still Radiant at 77
Cheryl Tiegs today. Credit: Shutterstock
At 77, Tiegs still values health and balance. She practices yoga, eats well, and surrounds herself with uplifting people. Most importantly, she stays active and finds joy in reading and meaningful friendships.
A Lasting Legacy
Cheryl Tiegs remains admired for her timeless beauty, but even more for her commitment to healthy living and environmental advocacy. She continues to inspire as both a trailblazing supermodel and a woman who’s embraced a life of purpose beyond the camera.
