Cheryl Tiegs: From '70s Supermodel to Iconic Businesswoman

The Scandalous Life of America's First Supermodel: Cheryl Tiegs

In a shocking turn of events, 70-year-old beauty icon Cheryl Tiegs made a rare public appearance over the weekend at the Project Angel Food 2025 Angel Awards in Los Angeles. The once-blonde bombshell, who was dubbed "The All-American Model" by Time magazine in 1978, stunned onlookers with her striking appearance, rocking a black suit and over-the-knee boots.

But behind the glamour and glitz, Tiegs' life has been marred by scandal, drama, and controversy. From her meteoric rise to fame as America's first supermodel to her tumultuous personal life, we take a closer look at the fascinating – and often disturbing – story of Cheryl Tiegs.

The Birth of a Supermodel

Born in Minnesota, Tiegs' career took off in the early 1970s after she was discovered by Cole of California, a renowned bathing suit manufacturer. Her fresh-faced cheerleader looks and homecoming princess charm captured the attention of the fashion world, leading to her first major modeling gig with Seventeen magazine.

But it's her iconic 1978 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue that cemented her status as a supermodel. Who can forget her infamous see-through fishnet swimsuit photos? The controversy surrounding her revealing one-piece sparked debate and attention from around the world, making her pink bikini poster an instantly recognizable pop culture icon of the 1970s.

A Career Full of Accolades

Tiegs' impressive resume boasts a plethora of accomplishments. She was a Cover Girl ambassador, launched her own signature clothing line for Sears, and even penned her first book, The Way to Natural Beauty. But it's her multiple appearances on the cover of Sports Illustrated that remain some of her most notable achievements.

In a 2017 interview with Artful Living, Tiegs reflected on her title as America's first supermodel: "Someone gave me that title, and I think it's just a way of saying I didn't drop out of sight after a successful modeling career. I went on to start other businesses."

However, in a 2020 Instagram post, she attributed her success to hard work: "I'd come early and stay late if they wanted me to because I was so grateful for the money I was making and the great job." She also credited being easy to work with as a contributing factor to her long-lasting career.

The Dark Side of Fame

But behind Tiegs' glamorous façade lies a more complicated story. In 2016, she sparked outrage when she criticized plus-size model Ashley Graham's historic cover on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Tiegs suggested that glamorizing larger figures was unhealthy and implied that Graham's waist size should be smaller than 35 inches.

Graham hit back at Tiegs' comments, saying: "I don't think you're being kind or fair to women who are plus-size. You're perpetuating the idea that there's only one way to be beautiful." The controversy led to a heated debate about body positivity and sizeism in the fashion industry.

Tiegs later clarified her stance on Twitter, apologizing for any hurt caused: "To clarify re bodyweight. Being anorexic/bulimic/overweight all connected to health problems. I want all to be as healthy as they can."

A Turbulent Personal Life

But Tiegs' personal life has been far from drama-free. She's been married and divorced four times, with her most contentious union being with yoga instructor Rod Stryker (1998-2001). The couple welcomed twin boys via a surrogate in 2000 but ultimately ended up in a bitter custody battle.

Tiegs revealed that she lost custody of the twins due to her ex-husband's Jewish heritage: "My ex has custody of the twins because he's Jewish and he wanted to raise them Jewish. We also have an agreement to keep them out of the press."

The couple's IVF struggles led to a surrogate pregnancy, but their relationship ultimately ended in heartbreak.

A Grandmother in Her Golden Years

Tiegs' son Zachary, 31, has given her the gift of grandparenthood with his two children, Atticus and Elektra. The mother-of-many has spoken fondly of becoming a grandmother: "It's been incredible to see my grandchildren grow up and become amazing young people."

As Tiegs navigates her golden years, it's clear that her life has been a complex mix of glamour, drama, and heartbreak. But one thing remains certain – she will forever be remembered as America's first supermodel.

This article was brought to you by The Scholarly Note (thescholarlynote.com).