Heather Kuzmich facts for kids

Heather Kuzmich is an American fashion model. She became well-known after appearing on the TV show America's Next Top Model, Cycle 9. On the show, she was one of the top five contestants. It was shared during the show that Heather has Asperger syndrome, which is a type of autism that affects how people communicate and interact.

Heather's Early Life

Heather Kuzmich grew up in Valparaiso, Indiana. When she was younger, she sometimes felt left out. She was teased for some of her behaviors and was not invited to many social events. When Heather was fifteen years old, she learned that she had Asperger syndrome. This happened around the same time her father passed away. Heather finished high school at Valparaiso High School in 2005.

Dreams of Modeling

Heather always dreamed of becoming a model. While she was studying at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago, she decided to try out for America's Next Top Model. At first, she wasn't sure about joining the show. But a friend convinced her to watch an earlier season, Cycle 7. After watching, Heather decided to go for it!

On America's Next Top Model

When the show first started, some other contestants whispered about Heather. They sometimes criticized her or laughed. However, Heather later said that it wasn't as bad as it looked on TV. She mentioned that the show didn't always broadcast the more polite conversations.

As the show continued, the way people treated Heather improved. During one challenge, she had to film a commercial but forgot her lines. In another episode, she got lost in Shanghai while trying to meet with fashion designers. She was supposed to meet five designers but only managed to find one.

Connecting with the Camera

Despite some challenges, Heather became one of the top five contestants on America's Next Top Model, Cycle 9. She was also a favorite among viewers for eight weeks. The judges, including Tyra Banks, Twiggy, and Nigel Barker, were amazed by how well Heather connected with the camera. She was even chosen by singer Enrique Iglesias for a special role in one of his music videos. Heather also won a photoshoot directed by famous singer Mary J. Blige.

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

After the Show

While America's Next Top Model was airing, Heather was not allowed to give interviews. After the show's finale, she appeared on TV shows like Good Morning America and Access Hollywood. She also gave an interview to People magazine.

Heather's Modeling Career

After the show, Heather signed with Elite Model Management. She worked with their women's division in Chicago and Hong Kong. One of her wins on Top Model allowed her to do a special photoshoot for a beauty brand called Carol's Daughter. This photoshoot was art-directed by Mary J. Blige.

Heather also did a photoshoot for Wedding Essentials magazine in July 2008. She modeled for a clothing company called "Blue Eyed Girl." Heather also appeared on the cover and inside Spectrum Magazine. This magazine is for families and individuals who have autism. She was also featured on 'Top Models in Action' during ANTM cycle 12, which showed clips of her photoshoots, 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, and another time for the "Fiercee awards."

See also

In Spanish: Heather Kuzmich para niños