Heather Kuzmich facts for kids

Heather Kuzmich is an American fashion model. She became well-known as a contestant on America's Next Top Model, Cycle 9. She was one of the top five people in the competition. During the show, it was shared that Heather has Asperger syndrome. This is a type of autism that affects how people interact with others.

Growing Up and School

Heather Kuzmich grew up in Valparaiso, Indiana. When she was a child, some kids teased her. She also wasn't invited to many social events. When she was 15 years old, she learned she had Asperger syndrome. This was around the time her father died. Heather finished Valparaiso High School in 2005.

Later, Heather studied at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago. While she was a student there, she joined Season 9 of America's Next Top Model. Heather said she always wanted to be a model. At first, she wasn't sure about trying out for the show. But a friend convinced her to watch an earlier season. After that, she decided to go for it.

Her Time on America's Next Top Model

When the show first started, some contestants whispered about Heather. They criticized her and laughed at her. However, Heather later said that they "didn't make fun of me that much." She also mentioned that the show didn't broadcast more "civilized" talks.

As the show went on, the way people treated Heather "softened." This was reported by People magazine. During one challenge, she had to film a commercial. She forgot her lines during this task. In another episode, she got lost in Shanghai. She was supposed to meet five designers but only met one.

Heather became one of the top five contestants on America's Next Top Model, Cycle 9. Viewers liked her a lot. She was the fan favorite for eight weeks. Judges like Tyra Banks, Twiggy, and Nigel Barker were amazed by her. They said she had a great "ability to connect with the camera." Singer Enrique Iglesias even chose her for a role in one of his music videos. She also won a photo shoot directed by Mary J. Blige.

Heather won nine "CoverGirl of the Week" awards. She even won one after she was eliminated from the show.

After America's Next Top Model

While she was on the show, Heather was not allowed to give interviews. This rule lasted until after the show's finale. After the show, she appeared on Good Morning America and Access Hollywood. She also gave an interview to People magazine.

Her Modeling Career

Heather Kuzmich signed with Elite Model Management. She worked with their women's division in Chicago and Hong Kong. Because she won a challenge on Top Model, Heather got to do a special photo shoot. This shoot was for Carol's Daughter and was art-directed by Mary J. Blige.

Heather also did a photo shoot for Wedding Essentials magazine in July 2008. She has modeled for a clothing company called "Blue Eyed Girl." She also appeared on the cover and inside Spectrum Magazine. This magazine is for families and people who have autism. She was also featured on 'Top Models in Action' during ANTM cycle 12. This short video showed her photo shoots, including the Spectrum magazine cover.

In 2008, Heather was one of nine women featured in America's Next Top Model: Exposed on the CW channel. She also appeared twice on The Tyra Banks Show. Once was for a "Where are they now?" episode. The other time was for the "Fiercee awards."

See also

In Spanish: Heather Kuzmich para niños