Bo Derek

Bo Derek is an American model, actress, and producer who gained worldwide fame in the late 1970s. Born Mary Cathleen Collins on November 20, 1956, in Long Beach, California, she began modeling as a teenager before pursuing screen acting. Her breakout role in the 1979 hit comedy film 10 catapulted her to international celebrity, making her one of the most iconic figures in pop culture and fashion during that era. Throughout her career, she has balanced film and television work with successful business and advocacy pursuits.

Modeling and Breakout Stardom

Derek began modeling in print advertising before landing early screen roles, including her movie debut in Orca in 1977. Her major breakthrough came when director Blake Edwards cast her in the romantic comedy 10 alongside Dudley Moore and Julie Andrews. The film's iconic beach sequence, featuring Derek with cornrowed hair, became a defining moment in modern pop culture and established her as a major global star. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe Award nomination for New Star of the Year and placed her on magazine covers worldwide.

Film and Television Career

Following her rise to stardom, Derek starred in several feature films, including Tarzan, the Ape Man, Bolero, and Ghosts Can't Do It, as well as the comedy A Change of Seasons. In 1995, she gained renewed attention starring in the popular comedy film Tommy Boy alongside Chris Farley and David Spade. Her career expanded into television with guest appearances on shows such as The Drew Carey Show, 7th Heaven, CSI: Miami, and Chuck, along with a starring role in the 2006 drama series Fashion House.

Business, Advocacy, and Personal Life

Beyond entertainment, Derek is an active advocate for animal welfare, horse conservation, and military veterans. She founded Bo Derek Pet Care, a company producing animal grooming products, and served as a special envoy for wildlife trafficking concerns. Derek was married to director John Derek from 1976 until his death in 1998. In 2002, she began a long-term relationship with actor John Corbett, and the couple married in 2020. They live on a ranch in Santa Ynez, California, where she remains involved in equestrian activities and conservation causes.