Cheryl Tiegs, once hailed by Time Magazine as “America’s Model,” is a name synonymous with the golden era of supermodels. Now at 76, Tiegs leads a quiet and simple life, a stark contrast to the glamorous whirlwind of fame that surrounded her in the ‘70s and ‘80s. However, her personal life, particularly her four marriages, reflects a journey filled with as many ups and downs as her career in the spotlight. In this article, we’ll delve into the life of Cheryl Tiegs, from her meteoric rise to her relationship struggles, and explore why all four of her marriages ended.
Cheryl Tiegs: The Rise of America’s First Supermodel
Born in 1947 in Minnesota, Cheryl Tiegs’ path to modeling fame began with an unexpected opportunity. At 17, while still a high school cheerleader, Tiegs was discovered by a swimwear company that featured her in an advertisement for Seventeen magazine. Her fresh, all-American look captured the attention of the fashion world, and soon enough, Glamour magazine took notice, setting her on a trajectory toward stardom.
By the 1970s, Tiegs had become a household name, thanks in large part to her numerous appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She graced the cover multiple times, and her iconic 1978 photograph in a sheer fishnet swimsuit became a defining image of the decade. At the height of her fame, she was dubbed “America’s Model” by Time Magazine, solidifying her status as the country’s first supermodel.
From the Runway to Romance: Tiegs’ First Marriage to Stan Dragoti
With her professional life soaring, Tiegs’s personal life was also filled with notable figures. Her first marriage was to filmmaker Stan Dragoti in 1970. Dragoti, known for directing films like Love at First Bite, shared Tiegs’s passion for the entertainment world, and the two quickly became a high-profile couple.
However, their marriage proved to be a tumultuous one. Both driven and ambitious, Tiegs and Dragoti found themselves frequently apart due to their demanding careers. The pressures of fame and the constant travel took their toll, and by 1979, the couple decided to part ways. Although the marriage ended, Tiegs’s modeling career continued to flourish.
A Brief Union with Peter Beard: The Wild Adventure
Not long after her divorce from Dragoti, Tiegs entered her second marriage in 1981, this time with renowned photographer and artist Peter Beard. Known for his adventurous spirit and iconic photographs of Africa’s wildlife, Beard was a complex and captivating figure. His lifestyle and outlook on life seemed to appeal to Tiegs’s desire for excitement outside the fashion world.
Despite the passion and creativity they shared, Tiegs and Beard’s relationship was fraught with issues. Beard’s unpredictable lifestyle and their clashing personalities eventually led to the end of their marriage just two years later, in 1983. Their brief but intense union left a lasting impact on Tiegs, who moved on yet again in search of a stable partnership.
A High-Profile Marriage to Anthony Peck: Hollywood Legacy and Heartbreak
In 1990, Cheryl Tiegs married Anthony Peck, son of legendary Hollywood actor Gregory Peck, best known for his role in To Kill a Mockingbird. This marriage appeared to offer Tiegs a new sense of stability, and the couple welcomed a son, Zachary Peck, now 31, during their time together.
Despite their Hollywood heritage and shared dreams, their marriage ultimately ended in 1995. Tiegs has been candid about the challenges they faced, noting that balancing a family with her demanding career was often difficult. Although their union didn’t last, Tiegs and Peck remained committed co-parents to their son, Zachary, even after the marriage ended.
The Final Marriage: A Controversial Union with Rod Stryker
In 1998, Cheryl Tiegs married yoga instructor and wellness guru Rod Stryker. This marriage was perhaps the most controversial, as it included the birth of their twin sons, Theo and Jaden, through a surrogate. Tiegs and Stryker’s union initially seemed peaceful, centered around family and wellness. However, their marriage began to unravel, and by 2001, the couple divorced.
The end of this marriage was marked by a contentious custody battle. Ultimately, Stryker was awarded full custody of their twin sons, leaving Tiegs heartbroken. In later interviews, Tiegs reflected on the toll that her fourth marriage took on her, both emotionally and financially. It was a bitter chapter in her personal life, and one that underscored the challenges she faced in finding lasting love.
The Legacy of Cheryl Tiegs: Beauty, Fame, and Resilience
Despite the heartbreak of four failed marriages, Cheryl Tiegs remains an icon in the modeling industry. She is widely recognized not only for her beauty but also for her pioneering role as America’s first supermodel. Her career inspired countless models, and her image defined an era of glamour and allure. However, Tiegs’s personal life offers a glimpse into the complexities of maintaining relationships while living under the pressures of fame.
In recent years, Tiegs has focused on philanthropy, sustainable fashion, and health advocacy. She has largely stayed out of the limelight, preferring a quieter life in Montecito, California. She continues to share occasional insights with her fans on social media, often reflecting on her modeling days and offering advice to young women in the industry. Despite the highs and lows, Tiegs’s resilience shines through as she navigates life beyond the world of modeling.
Conclusion: A Life Defined by Fame and Lessons Learned
Cheryl Tiegs’s story is a fascinating blend of beauty, fame, and the pursuit of happiness. Her four marriages may not have led to lasting romance, but they are chapters in a life that reflect her willingness to take risks, both professionally and personally. As America’s first supermodel, Tiegs paved the way for future generations, leaving an indelible mark on the fashion world. Her journey reminds us that even in the face of public scrutiny and personal challenges, it’s possible to find strength, reinvention, and purpose.
As she continues her quiet life away from the flashing lights, Cheryl Tiegs remains a symbol of an era gone by, a reminder of a time when supermodels ruled the world. Her story encourages us to reflect on the balance between career and love, fame and privacy, and the ongoing search for fulfillment in the face of life’s ups and downs.
