This “First American Supermodel” defies age by embracing her natural beauty and wrinkles at 77. Discover how this iconic figure has transformed over the decades, from her early magazine cover days to her graceful presence today.
In her youth, she epitomized all-American beauty and gained international fame, setting new standards in the fashion industry for future models to follow.
At just 17, she made her debut on the cover of Glamour magazine. Unlike many models who see their careers taper off in their early 30s, she continued to thrive. By 31, she was recognized by Time magazine as the quintessential All-American model, further solidifying her status as a cultural icon. Yet her modeling career didn’t end there.
She continued to enchant audiences with her enduring beauty, even making her fourth appearance in Sports Illustrated’s famed swimsuit issue in 1996, following in the footsteps of other notable models like Gigi Hadid and Tyra Banks. A few years later, she graced the cover of More magazine in December 2000.
Recently, social media erupted with admiration for a throwback photo of this pioneering supermodel, with fans praising her stunning appearance. Comments ranged from “How did you even look like that! Insane!” to “Oh my gosh, just ICONIC ❤️.”
As her modeling career began to slow, she embraced a new chapter as a mother. On July 1, 2001, she welcomed fraternal twins via surrogate while married to yoga master Rod Stryker. She also had a 9-year-old son from a previous marriage. At 53, she found herself caring for two newborns, welcoming this phase of her life with enthusiasm.
“I love the way my life has unfolded,” she remarked. Now, as a grandmother, she shares sweet moments with her granddaughter Elektra, often highlighting their bond on social media.
Although her modeling career may have slowed, her personal life flourished as her family grew, bringing her joy beyond the runway. Over the years, she chose to embrace aging naturally, rejecting the pressures of Hollywood to undergo cosmetic procedures. She proudly accepted her wrinkles, maintaining her timeless beauty into her seventies.
When asked if her status as an icon made her feel older, she confidently replied, “Nothing makes me feel older. Only I know all of the years of insecurity and hard work that have gone into what I’ve done.”
Reflecting on her career, she noted that her goal was to push herself to the limit. Despite the days when she felt unmotivated to work, she remained grateful for the opportunities that came her way. “I was being paid a lot of money to do something that I enjoyed doing,” she explained. Her advice for aging gracefully emphasized the need for effort: “You can’t just hope that it happens; you really have to make the effort.”
Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and finding joy in life were crucial to her youthful spirit. Even as her fitness routines evolved with age, she prioritized staying active and engaging 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,” she revealed.
Though recognized as the “first American supermodel,” she viewed this title as a testament to her enduring presence 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,” she shared.
Her post-modeling ventures included working on “Good Morning America” and launching a clothing line for Sears. Unlike many of her peers who pursued acting, she focused on business endeavors aligned with her passions.
As of 2017, she has 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,” she commented.
This timeless beauty is none other than Cheryl Tiegs. Continue reading to witness her transformation over the years, from her early modeling days to her radiant presence at 77.
In recent years, social media users have again praised her, commenting on how incredible she still looks in her seventies. “You look exactly the same! Still got it,” one user remarked. Another added, “You have an amazing smile,” while a third exclaimed, “Wow, lookin Great.”