She was the first supermodel ever. She was a true beauty; this is how she looks now at 76
When people think of the classic American supermodel, one name continues to stand out—Cheryl Tiegs. Born on September 25, 1947, in Breckenridge, Minnesota, Tiegs became a pioneer who helped shape modern beauty standards and brought sophistication, confidence, and authenticity to the world of fashion. Her rise from a modest Midwestern upbringing to international fame is a story that continues to inspire generations.
Cheryl’s early life was far removed from the glamour she would later embody. Her family eventually moved to Alhambra, California, where she focused primarily on academics rather than modeling. However, fate had other plans. During her senior year of high school, she decided to send her photos to several modeling agencies—a decision that would change her life forever.
Her first major opportunity came in 1964 when she graced the cover of Glamour magazine as a teenager. That single cover sparked nationwide attention and catapulted her into the public eye. Suddenly, the small-town girl who once dreamed of a simple life had become one of the most recognizable faces in fashion.
By the late 1960s and 1970s, Cheryl Tiegs was everywhere—from magazines and advertisements to television appearances. Her combination of natural charm, elegance, and approachability made her stand out in an era dominated by more conventional notions of beauty. She wasn’t just a model; she was a symbol of a new kind of woman—confident, independent, and effortlessly stylish.
But her true breakthrough came with Sports Illustrated. Cheryl’s multiple appearances in the magazine’s famed Swimsuit Issues made her a household name, and her 1978 cover featuring the now-iconic fishnet swimsuit became one of the most celebrated images in modeling history. The photo wasn’t just memorable—it changed how women were represented in the media and became a defining moment for both fashion and photography.