Cheryl Tiegs: How ‘America’s First Supermodel’ looks today

It has been 46 years since a single pink bikini poster transformed Cheryl Tiegs from a successful working model into a permanent fixture of American pop culture. As one of the nation’s foundational supermodels, Tiegs didn’t just sell magazines; she defined an era of “California Cool” that bridged the gap between the high-fashion runways of Vogue and the mass-market appeal of Sports Illustrated. Today, at 77, Tiegs remains a singular figure in the industry—a woman who successfully transitioned from the “face of the moment” to a seasoned advocate for environmental conservation and holistic well-being. While her career began with a simple suggestion from a friend, the resulting trajectory saw her become a multi-generational icon, eventually earning a place on Men’s Health magazine’s “100 Hottest Women of All Time” as recently as 2012.

The Rise of a Pre-Digital Icon

Tiegs’ ascent was a product of a vastly different media landscape. Her professional journey began at 17 with a feature in Glamour, a “big break” that arrived without the engine of social media or the 24-hour cycle of entertainment news.

Reflecting on those early days, Tiegs notes a certain intimacy to the era. “It was more in the moment, and I liked that,” she told Artful Living. In her view, the lack of modern visibility—the kind fueled today by Instagram and Entertainment Tonight—allowed for a more grounded experience of fame, even as she became a repeat cover star for Time and Sports Illustrated.

Transitions: From the Screen to the Arctic

Like many of her contemporaries, Tiegs explored the world of acting during the 1980s and beyond. Her filmography includes guest spots on hit series like Moonlighting and Just Shoot Me, along with more eclectic appearances in independent cinema like The Brown Bunny and even the camp-classic Sharknado 4.

Ultimately, however, Tiegs prioritized a more multifaceted life. Her narrative is defined by her role as a mother to three children—including twin sons born via surrogate in 2001—and a deep-seated commitment to environmentalism. Unlike many celebrity advocates who operate from a distance, Tiegs sought firsthand knowledge, traveling to the Canadian Arctic and Mexico’s Copper Canyon to study the tangible effects of global warming and conservation challenges.

The 35-Inch Debate: A Lightning Rod for Controversy

Despite her reputation as a wellness advocate, Tiegs found herself at the center of a cultural firestorm in 2016. Her public criticism of Sports Illustrated for featuring plus-size model Ashley Graham on its cover sparked an intense debate over body standards and medical benchmarks.

“I don’t like that we’re talking about full-figured women because it’s glamorizing them because your waist should be smaller than 35 [inches],” Tiegs told E! News, citing advice from Dr. Oz. “I don’t think it’s healthy in the long run.”

By 2017, Tiegs moved to clarify her stance, accusing the media of sensationalizing what she described as a concern for health rather than an attack on an individual. “It’s just about finding your own healthy path,” she explained, shifting the focus to the dangers of both extremes on the scale and emphasizing that her comments were intended as a general observation on longevity rather than a personal slight against Graham.

Longevity and the Path Forward

At 77, Tiegs appears to be the living embodiment of the lifestyle she promotes. Eschewing the frantic “anti-aging” trends of Hollywood, she leans into a regimen of yoga, meticulous nutrition, and a curated social circle.

For Tiegs, the secret to maintaining her timeless vitality isn’t found in a bottle, but in a philosophy of engagement. She champions a life filled with “uplifting friends,” the quiet joy of reading, and a persistent, active connection to the world around her.

Cheryl Tiegs’ story remains a fascinating study in evolution. She has navigated the transition from the silent image of a poster to a vocal, sometimes controversial, and always engaged advocate, blending the legacy of a supermodel with the grit of an environmentalist.