She was the first supermodel ever. She was a true beauty; this is how she looks now at 76
When discussing the iconic faces of American modeling, Cheryl Tiegs stands out as a trailblazer. Born on September 25, 1947, in Breckenridge, Minnesota, Tiegs transformed the world of fashion, setting new standards for beauty and professionalism while leaving an enduring mark on popular culture.
Her journey began in Alhambra, California, after her family relocated during her childhood. Although Cheryl excelled academically, it was her striking looks that eventually opened doors to modeling. In her senior year of high school, she took a bold step, sending photographs to modeling agencies—a decision that would launch her career.
Tiegs’ first major breakthrough came in 1964 when she appeared on the cover of Glamour magazine as a teenager. The cover drew immediate attention, and soon she was recognized nationwide, her star rising quickly within the fashion industry.
Her prominence skyrocketed in the 1970s through appearances in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues. The 1978 cover, where she posed in a fishnet swimsuit, became legendary, symbolizing a new era in the portrayal of women in media. Beyond her modeling work, Tiegs was among the first supermodels to turn her name into a brand, launching clothing and accessory lines for Sears and establishing a blueprint for models leveraging their personal brand.