This glamorous TV star has had a life filled with ups and downs, including a successful career, a famous divorce, and finding love again in her 60s. Let’s take a closer look at her journey and stunning change over the years.
This well-known television star first caught the public’s eye in the late 1970s with her breakout role as the stylish and clever secretary Jennifer Marlowe on “WKRP in Cincinnati.” Her mix of beauty and great comedic timing made her an instant hit, but her rise to fame didn’t happen overnight. Before she became the blonde bombshell known by millions, she had a simple upbringing in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Born in 1945 to a chemist father, she had jet-black hair as a child. She studied art at the University of Minnesota, but her stunning looks helped her win spots in beauty pageants, even finishing as a runner-up in the Miss Minnesota contest in 1964.
Her early life was marked by challenges, including a marriage and divorce before she turned 21. She took on a teaching job to support herself and her daughter while finishing her college degree.
She grew interested in acting through local theater productions, performing in plays like “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Born Yesterday,” and “The Threepenny Opera.” Determined to pursue acting more seriously, she and her second husband, actor Ross Bickell, moved to Los Angeles in the mid-1970s.
After landing small roles in popular shows like “S.W.A.T.” and “The Bob Newhart Show,” her career began to grow. However, her choice to dye her hair blonde truly pushed her into the spotlight.
In 1978, she got her role on “WKRP in Cincinnati,” earning two Emmy nominations. While she was doing well professionally, her second marriage ended in 1981, partly due to the pressures of her rising fame.
Her success on “WKRP in Cincinnati” opened doors for more roles, leading her to portray real-life Hollywood figures like Jayne Mansfield in “The Jayne Mansfield Story” and Thelma Todd in “White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd.”
Although she showed her dramatic skills, she was often seen as a glamorous Hollywood star. Still, her roles kept her popular and confirmed her status in the television industry.
In the early 1980s, she started a high-profile relationship with Burt Reynolds, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. They were often seen on red carpets and magazine covers, becoming a glamorous couple. After dating for six years, they married in a small but public ceremony in 1988.
Their wedding took place at Reynolds’ Florida ranch and attracted much media attention, with helicopters overhead and paparazzi waiting outside.
Although their relationship looked perfect to the public, problems arose behind the scenes. Just five years after their wedding, Reynolds served her divorce papers.
Their separation became famous, with tabloids reporting accusations of infidelity, bad parenting, and financial issues. Reynolds claimed she maxed out his credit cards and said she had been unfaithful.
In 1995, she accused Reynolds of being violent. Their divorce was messy and took years to finalize, with their financial ties lingering for over two decades.
Despite the difficult end to their marriage, the actress later looked back on their relationship positively. In an interview after Reynolds died in 2018, she said they reconciled before he passed away.
“We were friends first and friends last. It’s time to move on,” she stated. Their adopted son, Quinton, played a key role in their eventual reconciliation.
“We have this wonderful child together. Having a son was a big event in our lives, and everything revolved around him,” she explained. Their son even brought them together one last time before Reynolds died.
In a final kind gesture, Reynolds took her out to dinner and brought her flowers. She cherished these memories, speaking fondly of her ex-husband’s gentle side.
While her tumultuous relationship with Reynolds was the focus of many headlines in the 1990s, the actress remained committed to her career. She continued to work in television, often appearing in sitcoms and TV movies, although her roles often reflected the glamorous image she built in the 1980s.
In 2008, at 62, she found love again, this time in a quieter setting. She married Bob Flick, a musician and founding member of The Brothers Four, a folk group.
Their relationship had deep roots, as they first met decades earlier at a movie premiere when her career was just beginning. After reconnecting later in life, they wed in a private ceremony attended by close family and friends, including her son.
This beloved figure in Hollywood is none other than Loni Anderson, now 79. Take a look at the actress’s transformation over the years as she embraced life in the spotlight.
Once Hailed as the ‘Most Iconic Supermodel,’ Here’s How Twiggy Looks in Her 70s
This English fashion icon, who set trends in the 1960s with her distinctive look and became a symbol of the era, remains as elegant as ever in her 70s. Today, fans are still in awe of her as she shows that true fashion never fades with age.
On September 19, 1949, this model, actress, and producer was born. By the time the ’60s rolled by, she was ready to revolutionize the fashion industry with her distinctive look and instantly recognizable style.
Her slim figure, pixie haircut, and striking eyes made her a global sensation and a symbol of a new era in modeling. Decades later, her influence still resonates in the fashion world, and fans are excited about how she has carried her iconic image into her 70s, maintaining the charm and elegance that first captivated the world.
Far from slowing down, she remains active in her personal and professional life, embracing her age gracefully. The star often engages in various pursuits, including appearances on television, fashion collaborations, and public speaking.
In September 2023, she collaborated with Vogue to recreate her Bert Stern original Vogue shoot from 1967. Despite her age, she flawlessly nailed the look as she noted, ” Everything came full circle for me in that moment.”
Fans immediately took to the comments section to share their thoughts. One wrote, “The most iconic of all the supermodels.” Another fan went down memory lane, writing, “I remember I was in 12th grade and did lower lash draw in and my sister got the short twiggy hair cut. You look amazing still. ❤️”
As she maintains a vibrant lifestyle, her passion for fashion and zest for life remains as strong as ever. Fans are also excited about her journey through the decades, which showcases a fascinating evolution of style that began in the vibrant 1960s.
A Look Back: From the ’60s to Now
The model burst onto the fashion scene in the 1960s, becoming the face of a new era with her slim figure, short blonde hair, big eyes, and androgynous style.
Discovered as a teenager, she quickly became an international sensation, embodying the youthful spirit of the decade. Her unique look broke the mold of traditional beauty standards, making her a trailblazer and a cultural icon.
1960s: The Rise of a Supermodel
In the 1960s, her boyish figure, dramatic eyelashes, and pixie haircut set her apart from the curvier models of the time. She became the embodiment of the “mod” look.
Her influence extended beyond modeling; She became a symbol of the changing attitudes toward women’s fashion, representing freedom and youth.
1970s: Expanding Horizons
As the 1970s rolled in, she transitioned from modeling to acting and singing, showcasing her versatility. She embraced the era’s trends and showcased a softer, more natural look.
Her style evolved to reflect the laid-back vibe of the decade while still maintaining her unique edge. By 1977, her career flourished as an actress.
She became known as a Broadway star, and her family and personal life also thrived. It was that year that she married American actor Michael Whitney.
1980s: Family Life and More
The star and her husband welcomed a daughter. Sadly, by April 1983, when their daughter was four, the couple had become estranged. In September of that year, she lost her husband as he collapsed in a Manhattan restaurant due to a heart attack.
At the time of his death, she was going on stage to perform her hit musical “My One and Only,” and was not told the sad news until she finished her set.
Despite her loss, the model and actress’s fashion sense also matured. She adopted more classic and sophisticated styles while reflecting the decade’s trends.
1990s: Effortless Style in a Grunge Era
The 1990s saw her still ruling the fashion world. She embraced the minimalist and grunge trends of the era, often seen in simple, chic outfits. From plaids to scarves, the model showed versatility with her looks.
She also loved her high-waisted and skinny jeans. Over the years, she proved her timeless appeal and adaptability.
2000s: Reinventing the Icon
In the 2000s, she continued to reinvent herself, embracing the fashion trends of the new millennium. She balanced modern styles with a nod to her iconic past, often wearing sleek silhouettes, statement accessories, and bold patterns.
The model remained a fixture in fashion, taking on roles as a judge alongside Tyra Banks on shows like “America’s Next Top Model,” where she influenced a new generation of aspiring models.
2010s: Embracing Timeless Elegance
As she entered her 60s, her style evolved into a timeless and elegant one. She often opted for tailored outfits and refined accessories, showcasing a sophisticated look that was true to her playful spirit.
She continued to make public appearances, captivating audiences with her graceful aging and ongoing contribution to the fashion world. In this decade, she noted her style hadn’t changed much.
When planning her looks, she tended to start from her feet up. This is because her footwear depends on how much walking she’d be doing, which automatically helps her decide what to wear.
Before the decade ended, she received the Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire award for her services to fashion, the arts, and charity in 2019.
2020s: Aging with Grace and Style
Now in her 70s, her style reflects a confident embrace of her age. She favors comfortable yet stylish clothing, often seen in chic blazers and classic colors.
While she maintains the iconic short hair, her makeup is softer, highlighting her natural beauty. Her look today blends the classic and the contemporary, demonstrating that style is ageless.
From the bold, youthful looks of the 1960s to her sophisticated style today, this icon’s fashion journey is a testament to her ability to adapt and evolve. She has transitioned seamlessly through the decades, each phase of her life marked by a distinct yet recognizable style.
While her look has matured, her essence remains unchanged — she continues to inspire with her timeless beauty, proving that true style is not about following trends but staying true to oneself.
Over the years, the model and actress born Lesley Hornby, famously known as Twiggy, has embraced a natural approach to aging, choosing to forgo cosmetic procedures like Botox in favor of aging gracefully.
She has spoken candidly about her decision, expressing that she values authenticity and feels no pressure to alter her appearance. Her choice to embrace her natural beauty sets her apart in an industry often obsessed with youth.
In 2016, she revealed, “I haven’t had plastic surgery but, if I ever felt the need, I would find a very, very good surgeon. I would never use Botox because, in my mind, it’s poison.”
Her natural approach to aging doesn’t just define her personal life — it’s also a key part of her enduring influence in fashion. Regarding her wardrobe, she prefers cobalt blue, purple, and orange while staying away from yellows because of her skin tone.
Twiggy’s natural approach to aging is a refreshing reminder that confidence and self-love are timeless. She also knows how to care for herself despite remarking that she’s low maintenance.
She swears by pilates, an exercise recommended by her osteopath after she suffered a bad back. Now that she’s a grandmother, Twiggy also knows how to relax. She does this with a glass of wine, preferably a Rose, especially during summer.
Irrespective of what she does, Twiggy once mentioned that she never goes on a diet. However, she’s mindful of what she eats and drinks lots of water.
Twiggy exemplifies what it means to age gracefully — staying true to her iconic image while evolving with poise and elegance. Her journey is a reminder that style is about celebrating who you are at every stage of life.
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