Rachel Hunter

Rachel Hunter is a New Zealand model, actress, and television host. She gained international recognition for her extensive modeling career, appearing on covers of publications such as Vogue, Elle, Rolling Stone, Cosmopolitan, Harper's Bazaar, Playboy, and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She also hosted the television series Rachel Hunter's Tour of Beauty.

Hunter was born in Glenfield, Auckland, New Zealand, and educated at Glenfield College. Her parents divorced during her childhood. She initially aimed to become a ballet dancer, but her dancing plans ended at age 13 after contracting toxoplasmosis.

Hunter began modeling at age 16 across France, Australia, and New Zealand, appearing in Australian Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Australian Cosmopolitan. She became the face of Tip Top Ice-Cream in New Zealand as the "Trumpet Girl." After signing with Ford Models, she secured a long-term contract as a Cover Girl cosmetics spokesperson. Hunter achieved global prominence after modeling for Sports Illustrated in 1989. She graced the magazine's 1994 "Dream Team" swimsuit cover alongside Kathy Ireland and Elle Macpherson, and appeared on the cover again in 2006. Her modeling work also includes Vogue Italia, international editions of Elle, Dutch Harper's Bazaar, and an April 2004 cover feature for Playboy.

Her screen career began with a 1985 Tip Top ice cream commercial. She went on to feature in independent films such as A Walk in the Park (1999), Two Shades of Blue (2000), La Cucina, and The Benchwarmers (2006). She appeared in the music video for Fountains of Wayne's 2003 song "Stacy's Mom" and acted in television films including Confessions of a Go-Go Girl (2008), The Perfect Assistant (2008), Piranhaconda (2011), and Swamp Volcano (2012). Her television guest roles include The Drew Carey Show and a Christmas special of The Vicar of Dibley.

Hunter appeared on the inaugural season of Dancing with the Stars in 2005 and served as a judge on New Zealand's Got Talent from 2012 to 2013. In 2015, she hosted Rachel Hunter's Tour of Beauty for TV One, traveling globally to explore regional beauty concepts. Beyond entertainment, she is an ambassador for The Born Free Foundation and established the Rachel Hunter Lowland Gorilla Fund.

Hunter was previously in a relationship with musician Kip Winger. She married musician Rod Stewart in 1990, with whom she has two children; they separated in 1999 and divorced in 2006. She was later linked to ice hockey players Sean Avery and Jarret Stoll.