Supermodels have an ethereal quality that’s hard to put into words.
But earlier ones did much more than just pose for photos too.
They were bonafide celebs who appeared in movies, music videos, and at special events.
Many have also become successful entrepreneurs and some are still working to this day.
Here are the most popular supermodels from years past.
She grew up in New York City, where she was discovered at the tender age of 13.
At age 91, she unapologetically posed semi-nude for a sophisticated photo shoot.
That editor was proven wrong because not long after that comment, Hartnett landed her very first on-location assignment.
After she was finished modeling, Hartnett worked as a casting director.
Her real name was Cecilia Ann Renee Parker, and she got her start working for Ford Models.
Parker’s look was described as sophisticated, girl-next-door, and even icy.
She was a green-eyed, auburn-haired, versatile muse for her photographers and clients like Chanel and Dior.
This made Parker the first well-known model who became a real movie star.
However, her life wasn’t always glamorous.
Juba had rheumatic fever as a child and spent seven years at home being cared for by her mother.
Fans compared her smile to the Mona Lisa but by the 1970s, her career was over.
She later died in 1990.
After her father was arrested, she never saw him again.
Steinort later ended up in Florence, Italy, and was discovered by a photographer.
She moved to New York City and was soon on the cover of Vogue and later, Life Magazine.
Her mysterious vibe and hipster persona made her an icon of the decade.
The next supermodel on this list claims that Shrimpton was her biggest influence.
Lawson also had her own TV show and was a judge on “America’s Next Top Model.”
This elegant trailblazer was also the first black model on the front of Ladies' Home Journal.
Sims modeled until 1973 and later founded highly successful wig and fragrance brands.
She is now almost 70 years old and will probably remain in the spotlight for many more years.
She launched a successful clothing line for Sears in 1980 and a wig and hair accessories brand for Revlon.
Tiegs also supports charitable organizations like Planned Parenthood and City of Hope.
From that, Hutton ended up working for Christian Dior.
She was also seen often in Women’s Wear Daily, Vogue, and People Magazine in the mid-70s.
Hemingway later died of suicide in 1996.
She later appeared in movies like “Batman,” and TV shows like “Hotel Babylon.”
She appeared on several Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers and Joel’s Uptown Girl music video.
Back in her day, Brinkley’s look was considered to be healthy, athletic, and girl-next-door.
She was the face of CoverGirl, a contract that lasted 25 years.
She starred in a stage production of “Chicago” and is mom to Alexa Ray Joel.
1983: Iman
Iman’s given name was Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid and she was born in Mogadishu.
This supermodel was a breath of fresh air in the fashion world of the early 1980s.
She was discovered by photographer Peter Beard who stopped her on a Nairobi street.
She agreed to let him photograph her and the rest is history.
Once her career took off, she was one of the only black models of that time.
Abdulmajid retired from modeling in 1989 and wed David Bowie three years later.
This sophisticated supermodel also parlayed modeling into an impressive business career, launching her namesake cosmetics brand in 1994.
This New York native was discovered while waiting tables and soon landed a Harper’s Bazaar cover.
Alt was also featured in Playboy, but also graced the catwalk for A-list designers.
Alt has worked for global brands like CoverGirl, Lancome, and Pepsi and also appeared in movies.
As an entrepreneur, the model founded a beauty and skincare line called Raw Essential by Carol Alt.
She was also chosen to be featured on its 1989 Silver Jubilee issue cover.
After moving to NYC and getting signed, she relocated to Paris and made the cover of French Vogue.
That earned her the nickname “Black Panther.”
She was in a Duran Duran music video and on the cover of German Vogue early in her career.
Then, she landed a lucrative, exclusive contract with Calvin Klein lasting from 1989 to 2007.
The New York Met called Turlington the “Face of the 20th Century.”
She is now a published author and well-known activist who supports maternal health.
She was married to actor Richard Gere but the couple later divorced.
Crawford married Rande Gerber in ‘98 and their two children, Presley and Kaia, are both models.
This ageless supermodel also owns the successful skincare brand Meaningful Beauty.
Instead of the typical clean-cut persona, she personified the Seattle grunge look.
Moss was on more than 300 magazine covers and had a well-publicized relationship with actor Johnny Depp.
But she was also a savvy businesswoman who entered into profitable ventures with Topshop, Longchamp, and Rimmel.
