Cheryl Tiegs, one of the original supermodels of America, rose to iconic status more than four decades ago, thanks to her now-famous pink bikini poster. Over the years, she became synonymous with beauty, grace, and a pioneering spirit in the world of fashion, gracing the covers of prestigious magazines like Sports Illustrated, Vogue, and Time. But beyond her modeling career, Cheryl also made a name for herself as an advocate for environmental causes and health, proving that her influence extended far beyond the runway.

At 77, Tiegs looks back on a career that began when she was just a teenager. Her journey into the world of modeling started when a friend noticed her unique look and encouraged her to pursue it. Initially, Cheryl worked at small fashion shows for modest pay, but her big break came at age 17 when she landed a feature in Glamour magazine. This exposure catapulted her into worldwide fame, and soon, she was regularly appearing in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, Time, and Men’s Health magazine’s 2012 list of the 100 Hottest Women of All Time.

Reflecting on her time in the industry, Tiegs has noted the stark differences between her experience and that of models today. “It was more in the moment, and I liked that,” she said in an interview with Artful Living. Unlike today’s models, who enjoy visibility through social media and entertainment platforms like Entertainment Tonight, Cheryl’s career blossomed in an era where fame came from print media and television appearances, which, in her view, made it more authentic and personal.

In the 1980s, Cheryl ventured into acting, landing roles in popular television shows like Moonlighting and Just Shoot Me, as well as films like The Brown Bunny and Sharknado 4. While she enjoyed her acting projects, she ultimately decided to focus on her family life and personal interests. Over the years, Cheryl experienced multiple marriages and had three children, including twin sons born via surrogate in 2001. Balancing her professional life with motherhood became a priority, and she embraced her role as a mother with a deep sense of joy and fulfillment.

Beyond her career, Cheryl has always been committed to environmental issues. She has used her platform to raise awareness about global warming and the importance of conservation. Her travels to the Canadian Arctic and the Copper Canyon in Mexico were part of her dedication to understanding the environmental challenges that the world faces. Through these experiences, she has become a staunch advocate for protecting our planet, supporting initiatives that aim to preserve nature and its fragile ecosystems.

Cheryl’s path hasn’t always been free of controversy, however. In 2016, she made headlines for criticizing Sports Illustrated for featuring plus-size model Ashley Graham on its cover, arguing that it could promote unhealthy body standards. “I don’t like that we’re talking about full-figured women because it’s glamorizing them,” Cheryl remarked on E! News, citing a statement from Dr. Oz about the ideal waist size. The comment sparked a wave of backlash, but Cheryl later clarified her stance, explaining that her intention had never been to attack Graham personally, but to advocate for a balanced and healthy body image. “It’s about finding your own healthy path,” Cheryl stated in a follow-up interview. “I don’t know her; I don’t know if she’s healthy or not. That’s up to her.”

Today, at 77, Cheryl continues to lead a healthy and balanced life. She maintains her well-being through yoga, proper nutrition, and a commitment to surrounding herself with positive influences. Her focus on staying active and finding joy in simple pleasures—like reading and spending time with supportive friends—remains central to her philosophy of life.

Cheryl Tiegs has left an indelible mark on both the fashion industry and the world at large. Her legacy as one of the first supermodels remains strong, but it’s her continued advocacy for environmental causes and health that truly defines her. Through her work and personal beliefs, Cheryl has proven that beauty is not just skin deep; it’s about living a meaningful, balanced life and making a difference in the world around us.