Kathy Ireland

Kathleen Marie Ireland, born March 20, 1963, is an American entrepreneur, fashion designer, author, actress, philanthropist, and former supermodel. She first rose to prominence as a model in the 1980s and 1990s, notably appearing in 13 consecutive Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues, including three cover appearances. She later successfully transitioned into business as the founder of Kathy Ireland Worldwide, becoming one of the world's wealthiest former models and entering the Licensing Hall of Fame.

Ireland was born in Glendale, California, to John Ireland, a labor relations executive, and Barbara Ireland, a nurse. Raised as the middle child of three daughters, her family later moved to Santa Barbara, California, where her parents continued to live.

In 1979, at the age of sixteen, Ireland was scouted at her high school by Elite Model Management. During her modeling career, she appeared on the covers of publications such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Harper's Bazaar, Shape Fitness, Teen, Seventeen, Mademoiselle, and Forbes. Her 1989 Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover was named "The Greatest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Of All Time" during the magazine's 50th Anniversary event.

Ireland launched her acting career in 1988 with the feature film Alien from L.A. She subsequently appeared in films and television programs including Side Out, Mr. Destiny, Necessary Roughness, Mom and Dad Save the World, National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1, Melrose Place, Boy Meets World, The Larry Sanders Show, and Muppets Tonight. She competed on the ninth season of Dancing with the Stars and has hosted television series such as Worldwide Business and Modern Living.

In 1993, Ireland founded her brand marketing firm, Kathy Ireland Worldwide, initially partnering with Kmart following the success of her signature sock line. Under the mentorship of Warren Buffett, her company expanded into home furnishings, dinnerware, area rugs, wedding gowns, fine jewelry, pet products, shipping containers, and RV furniture. By 2021, the company generated $3.1 billion in retail sales, ranking among the top global licensors.

In addition to her core business ventures, Ireland has produced fitness videos since 1994, which led to athletic apparel and equipment licensing. She has written several children's books and co-authored the 2020 novel Fashion Jungle. In 2021, her record label EE1 partnered with BMG to release a chart-topping album by Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr.

Ireland has participated in public speaking and activism, addressing the United Nations Headquarters in 2007 and the 2012 AIPAC policy conference. Her philanthropic efforts involve organizations such as March of Dimes, Feed the Children, City of Hope, and the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. In 2013, her company partnered to donate $10 million in toys to Toys for Tots. She was named an ambassador for 9-1-1 for Kids, joined the boards of the NFL Players Association and WNBPA, and served as International Youth Chair for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

In 1988, Ireland married physician Greg Olsen, with whom she has three children: Erik, Lily, and Chloe. She maintained a close friendship with actress Elizabeth Taylor, who served as her mentor. Ireland has received numerous honors, including the American Heritage Award, an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from California State University, and the key to High Point, North Carolina.