Cheryl Tiegs

Cheryl Tiegs was born in 1947 in Minnesota and is considered to be one of the first American super models. Cheryl appeared in a number of TV commercials as a teenager and this exposure led her to appearing on the cover of Glamour by the time she was 17. She then went on to be one of the best know sports illustrated models, appearing on the cover in 1970, 1975 and 1983.

A picture of Cheryl in a pink bikini in Sports illustrated in 1978 became an iconic image and emblem of pop culture; it is still one of her most memorable shots to this day. This famous image also led to Cheryl landing a contract with cosmetics brand Cover Girl.

Later in life Cheryl has become a successful entrepreneur. In 1980 she published ‘The way to natural beauty’ and went on to use her fame and fashion experience to design for Sears and Roebuck and Co. The casual sportswear line she created was sold at 700 stores across America. Cheryl is one of the pioneers of celebrity-endorsed apparel. Because of her entrepreneurial success she appeared on the cover of Times magazine in 1978 and again in 1984. She has also featured on the cover of Vogue, Elle and Harpers Bazaar.

When she was 47-year-old Cheryl made a modeling come back, posing for her fourth Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, she also continued her work in fashion, releasing a new women’s wear line sold on QVC and also a line of wigs and hair accessories for Revlon Cosmetics. Cheryl was also honoured with becoming the first MAC fashion icon.

Cheryl has also tried her hand at acting appearing in film The Brown Bunny and TV series Just Shoot Me. She also served as a judge on the reality show True Beauty.

Tiegs had four husbands, including film director Stan Dragoti. She is now single and has four sons.

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Written by Roanna Price

Roanna Price, fascinated by the escapism, imagination and conversation that can be conjured in the glossy page of fashion writing. Journalism graduate in Liverpool Roanna is responsible for our Top Model Biographies section.


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