Cheryl Tiegs, a name synonymous with the golden era of fashion, holds the title of one of America’s first supermodels. With her breathtaking beauty, business acumen, and trailblazing career, she became an icon in modeling, fashion, and beyond. Boasting an impressive estimated Cheryl Tiegs net worth of $30 million, her financial success is a testament to her enduring legacy. From humble beginnings to gracing covers of top magazines, Cheryl Tiegs redefined what it meant to be a model.
This article explores the life and career of Cheryl Tiegs, shedding light on her net worth, milestones, and impact on the fashion industry.
Understanding the Purpose of Cheryl Tiegs Net Worth
Analyzing Cheryl Tiegs net worth provides insight into how she successfully leveraged her modeling career into significant wealth. Beyond her work in front of the camera, Tiegs also thrived as a businesswoman, creating a retail empire with her clothing and accessories line and collaborating with major brands. For readers and aspirants in the fashion world, her story stands as a beacon of inspiration and resilience.
Early Life and Family
Birth and Upbringing
Cheryl Rae Tiegs was born on September 25, 1947, in Breckenridge, Minnesota, to Theodore and Phyllis Tiegs. Her father worked as an assembly line worker who later transitioned to being a funeral director. Raised in a traditional German-American household, Cheryl’s early years were steeped in small-town values.
When she was five years old, the family relocated to Alhambra, California. It was here that Cheryl’s future ambitions began to take shape. During her school years at Alhambra High School, she displayed a natural elegance that many noticed even then.
Education
After high school, Cheryl pursued English studies at California State University, Los Angeles. However, her aspirations were quickly redirected when she was featured in a swimsuit advertisement for Cole of California, which marked the beginning of her modeling career. Enthralled by the opportunities, she left college during her sophomore year to fully commit to modeling.
Career Highlights
Early Breakthrough
At just 17, Cheryl Tiegs caught the attention of Glamour magazine’s editorial team when they noticed her swimsuit advertisement. What followed was a whirlwind of modeling assignments that saw her gracing the covers of Seventeen, Elle, Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar.
Her career took a sensational turn when she became the first model to appear twice on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, cementing her status as a global sensation. By the end of the 1970s, Cheryl was setting standards that would later define the concept of a “supermodel.”
The Pink Bikini Poster
One of Cheryl Tiegs’ most iconic moments came in 1978 with her “Pink Bikini” poster. Her fishnet swimsuit photograph became a cultural phenomenon and helped expand her fame well beyond fashion enthusiasts.
Retail Ventures
Cheryl was not content to simply pose for brands—she wanted to own them. Launching her signature clothing line with Sears in 1980, The Cheryl Tiegs Collection generated close to $1 billion in sales over the decade. This venture positioned her as one of the first models to leverage their celebrity status for financial gain.
Her business ventures expanded further in 1995 with Cheryl Tiegs Sportswear on QVC and her collaborations with Revlon for wigs and hair accessories.
Additional Media Appearances
Editorials were just the beginning for Cheryl, who later branched out into television and film. Her appearances spanned from reality TV shows like The Celebrity Apprentice 5 to movies such as Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007). Notably, she hosted the Travel Channel series Pathfinders while using her platform to advocate for causes like environmental conservation and philanthropy.
Enduring Excellence
Cheryl Tiegs’ relevance transcended decades. She became a spokeswoman for Deepak Chopra’s wellness initiative and maintained her presence through ads, public engagements, and philanthropic efforts.
Cheryl Tiegs Net Worth Breakdown
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $30 million |
| Primary Income Sources | Modeling, endorsements, retail ventures, public speaking |
| Major Contracts | Two-year CoverGirl contract for $1.5 million in 1979 ($6 million adjusted) |
| Awards | Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Hall of Fame |
| Clothing Line Revenue | Nearly $1 billion through Sears |
| Height and Weight | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m), Approx. 61 kg |
| Real Estate Holdings | Former Bel Air mansion sold for $14 million |
Personal Struggles and Resolutions
Like any public figure, Cheryl faced her share of challenges. Over the years, she dealt with highly publicized relationships, having been married and divorced four times. Despite these personal struggles, she focused on being a dedicated mother to her three sons—Zachary from her third marriage, and twins Jaden and Theo, born via surrogacy during her fourth.
Cheryl also experienced professional competition at a time when the concept of “supermodel” was still evolving. Yet, she managed to remain at the forefront, establishing invaluable connections and besting stereotypes about aging in the modeling industry.
Business and Philanthropy
One of the most inspiring aspects of Cheryl Tiegs’ life is her commitment to philanthropy. She serves as a board member for organizations like C.O.A.C.H. for Kids and the Earth Conservation Corps. A supporter of Planned Parenthood and the City of Hope medical center, Cheryl actively uses her platform to benefit others.
Her business ventures outside the fashion world, including designing wigs for Revlon and promoting Cambria quartz surfaces, further reinforce her entrepreneurial spirit.
Legacy
Cheryl Tiegs is remembered as more than a supermodel—she’s a symbol of resilience, reinvention, and multi-faceted success. Cheryl Tiegs net worth not only represents her financial accomplishments but also serves as a reminder of her contributions to modeling, business, and philanthropy.
Final Thoughts on Cheryl Tiegs Net Worth
With an estimated Cheryl Tiegs net worth of $30 million, it’s clear that hard work, bold risk-taking, and innovative thinking have solidified her place in history. From gracing cover pages to transforming the retail space, Cheryl’s story is one of continuous growth and inspiration.
