Historical Figure
Heidi Klum
b. 1973
German-American model and TV host (born 1973)
Talk to Heidi Klum
Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI
Biography
Heidi Klum is a German and American model, television host, actress, producer, and businesswoman. She appeared on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 1998 and was the first German model to become a Victoria's Secret Angel.
In Their Own Words (5)
Because of my job, I learned to be confident a little earlier than most. People pick you apart when you're in the public eye - you're wearing the wrong shoes or you have ugly nail polish on or they're wondering if you got your boobs done - so you have to be a strong person right away.
Interview by Kate Sullivan for Allure, April 2010 , 2010
I'm a very driven person. I'm always going after my goals. You just get up in the morning and kick yourself in the butt. I'd like to show people that they can have that same drive to go where they want to go. It's up to you and not to anybody else.
Quoted in Parade Magazine 10 July 2008. , 2008
Models have a sell-by date. There are certain jobs I don't do anymore, like the young, sexy, cute things for teenagers, or even 25-year-old girls. I go in a different bracket now.
Quoted by Jennifer Weiner in InStyle, February 2010. , 2010
Sexy for me is a curvy woman — doesn't have to be skinny, which I hate anyway. I'm glad [the fashion industry] is changing slowly a little bit now to get more into the boobs and hips again.
In an interview for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Special 1998. , 1998
For me, life is about enjoying yourself because you only live once. We should try to make the most of things and follow our dreams.
Quoted by New Weekly, ninemsn Australia, 19 April 2009 , 2009
Timeline
The story of Heidi Klum, told in moments.
Appears on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. It's her breakthrough in the American market. Victoria's Secret signs her shortly after.
Walks the first Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. She becomes one of the brand's most prominent Angels. In 2003, she wears a $11 million jewel-encrusted Fantasy Bra.
Project Runway premieres on Bravo with Klum as host and executive producer. The show runs for 20 seasons and earns her an Emmy nomination. "In fashion, one day you're in. And the next day, you're out."
Named one of the world's highest-paid models by Forbes. She's built businesses in fragrance, clothing lines, and television. Her annual Halloween costume, always elaborate and always a surprise, becomes an event of its own.
More from the Late 20th Century
Explore what happened on the days that shaped Heidi Klum's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.