DINH DOONG

This “First American Supermodel” is redefining aging at 77 by celebrating her natural beauty and wrinkles. Witness her remarkable evolution from her early modeling days to her elegant presence today.

In her youth, she epitomized the classic American beauty, achieving international fame in the fashion world. With a groundbreaking career, she set new benchmarks for future models.

At just 17, she made headlines by gracing the cover of Glamour magazine. While many models fade from the scene by their early 30s, she broke the mold.

At 31, Time magazine recognized her as the ideal All-American model, cementing her status as a cultural icon. Her journey didn’t stop there, as she continued to enchant audiences with her enduring charm, making a memorable appearance in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue for the fourth time in 1996.

Her presence in this legendary issue was soon followed by other renowned models, such as Gigi Hadid and Tyra Banks. In December 2000, she was featured on the cover of More magazine.

Recently, social media lit up with admiration for a throwback photo of this pioneering supermodel, with fans expressing their awe at her beauty.

“How did you even look like that? Insane!” one comment read. Another admirer said, “Oh my gosh, just ICONIC.” A third wrote, “So pretty and natural….”

As her modeling career began to wind down, she entered a new phase of life — motherhood. On July 1, 2001, she welcomed fraternal twins via surrogate while married to yoga instructor Rod Stryker, also raising a 9-year-old son from a previous marriage.

At 53, she found herself embracing the challenges of parenting young twins, while many women her age were enjoying their newfound freedom as empty nesters. Yet, she welcomed this new chapter wholeheartedly.

“I love the way my life has unfolded,” she expressed. Now a grandmother, she cherishes moments with her granddaughter, Elektra, whom she described as adorably cheeky in a 2020 post.

While her modeling career may have slowed, her personal life thrived with family, bringing her joy beyond the runway.

Over the years, she opted for a natural approach to aging, resisting Hollywood’s pressure for cosmetic enhancements and proudly embracing her wrinkles, showcasing her enduring beauty well into her seventies.

When asked if her iconic status made her feel older, she confidently replied, “Nothing makes me feel older. Only I know all of the years of insecurity and hard work that have gone into what I’ve done.”

Reflecting on her journey, she noted that her ambition was always to push her limits. Despite days of reluctance to work, she remained thankful for every opportunity.

“I was being paid a lot of money to do something I enjoyed,” she shared. On aging gracefully, she emphasized, “You can’t just hope it happens; you have to put in the effort.”

Maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, and finding joy in life were key to her youthful spirit. Even as her workouts adapted over the years, she focused on activities that brought her happiness.

“Do something that makes you happy. I love reading, and I gave that up for a while. Now I’m back at it. Surround yourself with positive friends — that’s where I am now. It’s a nice, healthy, happy state,” she revealed.

While labeled as the “first American supermodel,” she viewed the title as a testament to her continued presence after her modeling peak.

“Someone gave me that title as a way of saying I didn’t just vanish after a successful modeling career; I went on to pursue other ventures,” she explained.

She contributed to “Good Morning America” and launched a clothing line for Sears. Unlike many of her peers who turned to acting, she pursued business ventures aligned with her passions.

As of 2017, she relished a well-earned hiatus from the spotlight. “It’s the first time I haven’t had to set an alarm and go to work. I’m kind of on sabbatical. I think about writing a book, but sometimes I tire of discussing myself,” she noted.

This ageless beauty is none other than Cheryl Tiegs. Continue reading to discover her transformation over the years, from her early modeling career to her radiant presence at 77.

Cheryl Tiegs’ evolution from a youthful cover model to a pioneering icon showcases her lasting impact on the fashion industry. By gracefully accepting the aging process and exuding confidence, Tiegs remains an inspiration to generations, celebrated for her authentic beauty and optimistic perspective on life.