How the ‘First American Supermodel’ Looks at 77 Without Hiding Her Wrinkles — Photos

At 77, the “First American Supermodel” defies time, proudly embracing her wrinkles and natural beauty. See how this iconic figure has evolved over the decades—from her early days gracing magazine covers to her elegant presence today.

In her prime, she embodied all-American beauty, skyrocketing to international fame. With a trailblazing career, she set new standards in the fashion world, paving the way for countless others who followed in her footsteps.

At the age of 17, the model made her mark by gracing the cover of Glamour magazine. While most models face the end of their careers in their early 30s, she defied the odds.

At 31, *Time* magazine celebrated her as the quintessential All-American model, a rare honor that cemented her status as a cultural icon. But her modeling journey didn’t end there.

She continued to captivate audiences with her enduring beauty and charisma, gracing *Sports Illustrated*’s famous swimsuit issue for the fourth time in 1996.

Her appearances in this iconic issue paved the way for other renowned models like Gigi Hadid and Tyra Banks. Just a few years later, this All-American supermodel appeared on the cover of *More* magazine in December 2000, showcasing her lasting appeal.

Recently, social media was abuzz with admiration for a throwback photo of this trailblazing supermodel, as fans marveled at her stunning looks.

“How did you even look like that? Insane! 🥳” one person wrote. Another commented, “Oh my gosh, just ICONIC. ❤️” A third user added, “So pretty and natural…😉.”

As her career began to slow down, the model transitioned into a new chapter in her life — motherhood. In the early hours of July 1, 2001, she welcomed fraternal twins, who were born via surrogate. At the time, the model was married to yoga master Rod Stryker and already had a 9-year-old son from a previous marriage.

At 53, while many women her age were embracing—or even celebrating—an empty nest, this supermodel found herself changing diapers and feeding two newborns. But she welcomed this new chapter with open arms.

“I love the way my life has unfolded,” she shared. Now, this iconic model has also embraced being a grandmother. In 2020, she posted a sweet photo with her granddaughter, captioning it, “My grand, Elektra, always sticks out her pretty little pink tongue when she smiles.”

Though her time in front of the camera has slowed down, the supermodel’s personal life has flourished, with a growing family that brings her joy and fulfillment far beyond the runway.

As the years passed, she chose to age naturally, resisting Hollywood’s pressure for cosmetic surgery. Embracing her wrinkles, she has carried her timeless beauty gracefully into her seventies.

When asked if being known as an icon made her feel older, she responded confidently, “Nothing makes me feel older. Only I know the years of insecurity and hard work that went into everything I’ve accomplished.”

Reflecting on her career, she shared that her goal was always to push herself as far as she could. Though there were days when she didn’t feel like getting out of bed for work, she remained grateful for every opportunity that came her way.

“I was being paid a lot of money to do something I loved,” she explained. When it comes to aging gracefully, the model advised, “You can’t just hope it happens; you really have to make the effort.”

She credited a balanced diet, regular exercise, and finding joy in life as the essentials that kept her feeling youthful. Though her exercise routines have evolved over the years, she remains committed to staying active and pursuing activities that bring her happiness.

“Do something that makes you happy. I love reading, and I had set it aside for a while. Now I’m back to it. Find friends who make you laugh. I just want friends who are positive influences—that’s where I’m at now. It’s a nice, healthy, happy state,” the cultural icon shared.

Though she’s often described as the “first American supermodel,” she views the title more as recognition that she didn’t fade away after her modeling career peaked.

“Someone gave me that title, of course,” the supermodel shared. “I think it’s a way of acknowledging that I didn’t just disappear after a successful modeling career—I went on to start other businesses.”

She appeared on *Good Morning America* and launched a clothing line for Sears. Unlike many of her contemporaries who moved into acting, she chose to focus on business ventures that aligned with her passions.

In recent years, social media users have once again showered her with praise, amazed at how stunning she still looks in her seventies. “You look exactly the same! Still got it,” one person commented. Another wrote, “You have an amazing smile.” A third admirer added, “Wow, looking great!”

Cheryl Tiegs’ journey from a young cover model to a trailblazing icon stands as a testament to her lasting impact on the fashion world. Embracing aging with grace and confidence, Tiegs continues to inspire generations with her natural beauty and uplifting perspective on life.