Overview

Cheryl Tiegs, born on September 25, 1947, is an American model, actress, and author, widely regarded as one of the first supermodels. Her career took off in the 1970s, marked by numerous appearances on the covers of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues and Time magazine. One of her defining moments was the iconic ‘Pink Bikini’ poster in 1978, which became a symbol of 1970s pop culture. Tiegs began her modeling journey at 17 after her bathing suit ad appeared in ‘Seventeen’ magazine. She graced the covers of ‘Glamour’, ‘Seventeen’, ‘Elle’, ‘Vogue’, and ‘Harper’s Bazaar’. She was the first model to appear twice on the cover of the ‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue’ and appeared on ‘People’ magazine’s cover four times. In 1978, she was profiled as the ‘All-American Model’ on the cover of ‘TIME’. Beyond her modeling success, Tiegs was a pioneer in leveraging her fame to launch a retail empire, including a clothing line sold primarily through Sears, which generated nearly $1 billion in sales. Today, she is a speaker at health and fitness forums and campaigns for environmental and social causes. She also has several TV and film credits.

Sears

Designer (clothing line)

What is Cheryl Tiegs’ Net Worth?

Cheryl Tiegs, a prominent American model, actress, and author, has accumulated a net worth of $30 million. This financial standing is a testament to her successful career, which began in the 1970s and saw her rise to become one of the first recognized supermodels in the United States. Tiegs’ financial success has been primarily attributed to her modeling career, endorsements, and business ventures. Her iconic status in the fashion industry allowed her to command high fees for appearances, endorsements, and licensing deals.

Early Career and Modeling Success

Cheryl Tiegs’ career took off at the age of 17 after a bathing suit advertisement she appeared in for “Seventeen” magazine gained attention. She subsequently left California State University Los Angeles after her sophomore year to fully pursue her modeling career. This early exposure led to numerous opportunities with top fashion magazines, including “Glamour,” “Seventeen,” “Elle,” “Vogue,” and “Harper’s Bazaar.” Tiegs notably became the first model to grace the cover of the “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue” twice, further solidifying her status in the industry. She also appeared on the cover of “People” magazine four times, enhancing her mainstream recognition. In 1978, Tiegs was featured as the “All-American Model” on the cover of “TIME” magazine, a significant milestone in her career that cemented her image as an iconic American figure. In 1979, Cheryl landed what was then the biggest modeling contracting of all time with Cover Girl. The two-year deal paid her $1.5 million. That’s the same as around $6 million today.

Retail Empire and Business Ventures

Beyond her modeling career, Cheryl Tiegs was a pioneer in leveraging her fame to launch a successful retail empire. Her clothing line, primarily sold through Sears, generated nearly $1 billion in sales. This venture not only showcased her entrepreneurial skills but also contributed significantly to Sears’ financial turnaround during that period. The success of her clothing line demonstrated Tiegs’ ability to connect with consumers beyond the fashion world, expanding her influence and financial reach. Her collection with Sears marked the first time a supermodel had ventured into retail, setting a precedent for others in the industry. In 1995, she launched Cheryl Tiegs Sportswear, a QVC exclusive. Additionally, she designed a line of wigs and hair accessories for Revlon.

Television and Film Appearances

Tiegs has also made numerous appearances on television and in film, contributing to her overall net worth and public profile. She hosted the travel adventures series “Pathfinders: Exotic Journeys” on the Travel Channel and served as a judge on the reality series “True Beauty.” In 2012, she participated in six episodes of “Hollywood Squares” and competed on “The Celebrity Apprentice 5,” with proceeds benefiting the Farrah Fawcett Foundation. Her television and film credits include appearances on “Girls Behaving Badly,” “Family Guy,” “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story,” and “Just Shoot Me.” While these appearances may not have been her primary source of income, they helped maintain her visibility and relevance in the entertainment industry. She also appeared as herself on the television documentary “Superstars” and the special “Playboy’s Roller Disco & Pajama Party.” Along with her second husband, photographer Peter Beard, she was also the subject of an Emmy Award-winning episode of ABC’s “The American Sportsman.” The episode chronicled the couple’s expedition investigating the state of wildlife in Kenya.

Real Estate Investments

Cheryl Tiegs has also been involved in real estate, which has played a role in her financial portfolio. In May 1996, she purchased a 1.5-acre property in Bel Air, California, for $2 million. Her former house, situated on 1.43 acres in the East Bel Air neighborhood, was designed to evoke a Balinese oasis. The 4,770-square-foot house featured five bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms. The interior, designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, included dark hardwood floors, wood columns, and wood-framed sliding glass doors. The property also boasted multiple fireplaces, a guest house, staff quarters, an eat-in kitchen with a large island, a garage, a large swimming pool, fountains, and extensive landscaping. Tiegs attempted to sell the house several times, initially listing it for $12 million in 2013, then for $15 million in 2015, and again for $18 million in September 2019. She eventually sold the property in August 2020 for $14 million to her next-door neighbor, billionaire Lachlan Murdoch. Murdoch is known for purchasing the “Chartwell” mansion in Bel-Air for $150 million in 2019.

Endorsements and Spokesperson Roles

Tiegs has leveraged her image and brand recognition through various endorsement deals and spokesperson roles, further contributing to her net worth. She serves as the spokeswoman for Deepak Chopra’s program “Renewal: A Time for You,” which offers tips for women undergoing lifestyle changes. She is also a spokesperson for Cambria, a company specializing in quartz surfaces. These partnerships have not only provided financial benefits but have also allowed Tiegs to align herself with brands that resonate with her values and public persona.

Philanthropic Activities

Cheryl Tiegs is actively involved in philanthropy, contributing to various causes and organizations. She serves on the board of directors of C.O.A.C.H. for Kids and the Earth Conservation Corps. Additionally, she is a spokesperson for City of Hope, a clinical research center, hospital, and medical school in Duarte, California. Tiegs is also an ambassador for the International Planned Parenthood Foundation and supports the Macula Vision Research Foundation and I Am Waters. While her philanthropic activities may not directly impact her net worth, they reflect her commitment to social causes and her desire to make a positive impact on the world.

Personal Life and Relationships

Cheryl Tiegs’ personal life has been marked by multiple marriages and divorces. She was first married to Albanian film director Stan Dragoti in 1970, and they separated in 1979. From 1981 to 1983, she was married to photographer Peter Beard. In 1990, she married actor Anthony Peck, son of Gregory Peck, with whom she had a son named Zachary; they divorced in 1995. In 1998, she married yoga and meditation instructor Rod Stryker, and they had twin boys via surrogacy named Jaden and Theo; they divorced in 2001. While these personal events have not directly impacted her net worth, they have shaped her life experiences and contributed to her public persona. These personal experiences are mentioned to provide a comprehensive overview of her life, but they are not directly related to the financial aspects of her net worth.

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