Kathy Ireland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kathy Ireland
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Ireland in July 2012
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| Born |
Kathleen Marie Ireland
March 20, 1963 Glendale, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Model, actress, entrepreneur, businesswoman, author |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Spouse(s) |
Greg Olsen
(m. 1988) |
| Children | 3 |
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Kathleen Marie Ireland (born March 20, 1963) is an American model, actress, and businesswoman. She was a very famous model in the 1980s and 1990s. She was especially known for appearing in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit magazine many times.
In 1993, Kathy started her own company called kathy ireland Worldwide (kiWW). This company helps other brands sell their products using her name. Because of her success in business, she became one of the richest former models in the world. Her company has sold billions of dollars worth of products.
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Early life
Kathy Ireland was born in Glendale, California. She is the middle child of three daughters. Her parents are John and Barbara Ireland. Her father worked with labor unions, and her mother was a nurse. Her family later moved to Santa Barbara, where they still live today.
Modeling and acting career
Modeling
Kathy Ireland started modeling when she was 16 years old in 1979. A modeling agency called Elite Model Management discovered her at her high school.
She appeared on the covers of many famous magazines. These included Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Shape Fitness, and Harper's Bazaar.
One of her Sports Illustrated swimsuit covers from 1989 was even named "The Greatest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Of All Time." Many models today, like Kate Upton and Hannah Jeter, say Kathy Ireland inspires them to build their own businesses after modeling.
Acting
Kathy Ireland has also acted in many movies and TV shows. Her first movie was Alien from L.A. in 1988.
She appeared in popular TV shows like Melrose Place, Boy Meets World, and The Larry Sanders Show. She was also in movies such as Mr. Destiny and Necessary Roughness.
In 2009, Kathy competed on the TV show Dancing with the Stars. She also has two TV series of her own, Worldwide Business and Modern Living. These shows are about business and lifestyle.
Becoming a businesswoman
Kathy Ireland Worldwide
Kathy Ireland started her company, Kathy Ireland Worldwide (kiWW), in 1993. At first, it worked only with Kmart to sell products with her name on them. After 2003, her company became a global company that licenses her brand to many different products. This means other companies pay to use her name and designs on their items. In 2019, her company was ranked among the top global licensors.
Early years (1993–2003)
In 1993, Kmart noticed Kathy Ireland when a line of socks with her name sold 100 million pairs. Because of this success, Kmart offered her a clothing line.
Kathy then started her own company, Kathy Ireland Worldwide. She owns the company completely. After 2003, when her deal with Kmart ended, the company focused on selling products for the home.
Growing the business (2003–2013)
With advice from her friend and mentor Warren Buffett, Kathy Ireland Worldwide started selling home furnishings.
Forbes magazine called Kathy Ireland a "prototype for model-turned-mogul." This means she was an example for other models who wanted to become successful business owners. By 2004, her company was selling products from many different manufacturers in over 34,000 stores in 14 countries.
Between 2005 and 2012, products with Kathy's brand made $2 billion in sales each year. In 2012, a British Vogue article said she was the world's richest model.
Kathy also launched her own line of wedding dresses in 2012. She designs dinnerware, glassware, and flatware for the company Gorham. She also created a collection of pet products called Loved Ones.
Recent years (2013–present)
In 2013, Kathy Ireland Worldwide partnered with Nourison to create a new collection of rugs.
In 2015, Forbes magazine listed Kathy Ireland as one of America's 50 most successful self-made women. Her company licenses her name to thousands of different products.
In 2016, Kathy launched a jewelry collection called "Diamonds by Kathy Ireland." In 2017, she teamed up with Michael Amini for a new home-furnishings line. She also became an ambassador for American Family Insurance.
In 2018, Kathy Ireland started a business in shipping containers, working with SG Blocks. In 2019, singer and actress Vanessa Williams signed a deal with Kathy Ireland Worldwide. In 2020, Kathy's company partnered with Camping World to sell her RV furniture.
In 2022, Kathy Ireland also teamed up with Bagatelle for outerwear, dresses, and denim.
Other projects
Music
In 2021, famous singers Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. released a new album. This album was released under Kathy Ireland's record label, EE1, in partnership with BMG. The album quickly became number one on the iTunes R&B Album chart.
Fitness
Since 1994, Kathy Ireland has released several fitness videos. These videos led her to design athletic clothes and fitness equipment.
Writing
Kathy Ireland has written many books, especially for children. In 2020, she released her first novel, Fashion Jungle. This book is based on her experiences in the modeling world.
Public speaking
Kathy Ireland often gives speeches. In 2007, she spoke at the United Nations Headquarters. She encouraged young people to help end poverty. She also spoke at a conference in Washington, DC, in 2012, showing her support for the Israeli people.
Helping others (Philanthropy)
Kathy Ireland does a lot of charity work. She has helped organizations like March of Dimes, PTA, Feed the Children, and City of Hope.
She also lets charities use her properties for events. For example, she has helped the US Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program. This program collects Christmas gifts for children in need. Her company and a book partner donated $10 million to Toys for Tots in 2013.
On World AIDS Day in 2017, Kathy donated $100,000 to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
Friendship with Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor and Kathy Ireland were close friends. Elizabeth Taylor was a famous actress. She defended Kathy when Kathy was criticized for hosting a TV show. Elizabeth said Kathy showed "glamour and grace and professionalism." Kathy says Elizabeth Taylor was her mentor and helped her succeed in business and charity. Elizabeth Taylor even left Kathy some of her diamond jewelry.
Ambassador roles
Kathy Ireland is an ambassador for 9-1-1 For Kids. This group teaches children how to use 9-1-1 properly in emergencies. She has also hosted golf tournaments to support equality in women's sports.
In 2009, she became an international ambassador for the Friends of Sheba Medical Center in Israel. She made a film called Holy Land Heroes to show the important work done at the center. In 2019, Kathy became the first woman to join the board of the NFL Players Association. She also joined the Women's National Basketball Players Association's (WNBPA) Board of Advocates. In 2020, she joined the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation as International Youth Chair.
Awards and honors
Kathy Ireland has received many awards for her work. In 2011, she received the American Heritage Award. In 2012, she received the Messenger of Peace Award and an honorary Doctorate degree from California State University. The university praised her for using her influence to help others, especially women and girls.
In 2017, she received the key to the city of High Point, North Carolina. In 2021, she received the Business IRF Champion Award.
Personal life
Kathy Ireland married physician Greg Olsen in 1988. They have three children named Erik, Lily, and Chloe.
Images for kids
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Warren Buffett, Ireland, and Bill Gates at a meeting in 2015
See also
In Spanish: Kathy Ireland para niños
