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Marisa Miller facts for kids

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Marisa Miller
Blonde woman smiling while standing in a public lounge
Miller at The Mirage in Paradise, Nevada, on April 24, 2009
Born
Marisa Lee Bertetta

(1978-08-06) August 6, 1978 (age 47)
Spouse(s)
Jim Miller
(m. 2000; div. 2002)
Griffin Guess
(m. 2006)
Children 2
Modeling information
Height 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Hair color Blonde
Eye color Hazel
Agency Excel Sports Management

Marisa Lee Miller (born August 6, 1978) is an American model and actress. She is famous for appearing in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and for her work with the clothing brand Victoria's Secret.

After being noticed by fashion photographer Mario Testino, Miller began modeling for major companies in 2002. She appeared in fashion magazines like Vogue. In 2007, she became a "Victoria's Secret Angel," which is a title for the brand's most famous models. She was on the cover of the 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, which was very popular. Because of her success, many people called her the "return of the great American supermodel."

Miller has also worked with famous brands like Harley-Davidson and the NFL. Besides modeling, she has supported charities like the American Cancer Society and the USO. She also started acting, appearing in the movie R.I.P.D. in 2013.

Early Life and Discovery

Marisa Lee Bertetta was born in Santa Cruz, California. She has two younger sisters. Growing up, she attended Aptos High School and Monte Vista Christian School. She saw herself as a tomboy and was often shy. She liked to wear big t-shirts to feel more comfortable.

When she was sixteen, two Italian modeling agents saw her in a San Francisco café. They thought she had potential as a model. After she and her mother agreed, she flew to Italy to begin her modeling career. At the time, the fashion world preferred a very thin, androgynous look. Miller felt she didn't fit this trend because she was more athletic and curvy.

Modeling Career

Rise to Fame

In 2001, Miller's career took a big step forward. She met the famous photographer Mario Testino. This led to her appearing in the American and Italian versions of Vogue magazine. By 2002, she was modeling for Victoria's Secret and appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She was featured in the Swimsuit Issue every year from 2002 to 2008.

She modeled for many other magazines, including GQ, Glamour, and Elle. She also appeared in ads for famous brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Guess?, and J.Crew.

Working with Major Brands

In 2007, Miller filmed her first TV commercial for Victoria's Secret. That same year, she walked in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show for the first time. She also participated in charity fashion shows, like Fashion for Relief, which raised money for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

A major moment in her career came in 2008. It was announced on a giant billboard in New York City that she would be on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. This issue became incredibly popular online.

In 2009, Victoria's Secret chose Miller to wear their special "Fantasy Bra" in their fashion show. This was a unique bra decorated with over 2,300 diamonds. It was valued at $3 million. By late 2010, Miller confirmed she was moving on from her work with Victoria's Secret to focus on new projects.

Business and Other Ventures

Miller wanted to build her own brand outside of modeling. She began working with companies that matched her personality and interests.

In 2008, she launched her own line of shoes with Vans, a company known for skateboarding and surfing gear. That same year, she became the first-ever spokesperson for the motorcycle company Harley-Davidson. She helped them launch a new motorcycle and later appeared in campaigns to support military members and encourage new riders.

In 2010, the NFL hired Miller as a spokesperson for the season. Her job included hosting an international game in London between the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos. She also designed her own line of paddle boards with a company called Surftech, aimed at female riders.

Acting and Television Appearances

Miller has appeared on television several times. In 2004, she was a judge on the reality show Manhunt: The Search for America's Most Gorgeous Male Model. She also made small appearances, called cameos, in TV shows like HBO's Entourage and the comedy How I Met Your Mother.

In 2009, she was a guest judge on an episode of America's Next Top Model and had a small role in the show Gary Unmarried. She has also been in commercials for the NFL Network and for a "Visit California" tourism campaign.

Her first movie role was in the 2013 film R.I.P.D., where she acted alongside Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges.

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Director Notes
2013 R.I.P.D. Opal Pavlenko Robert Schwentke

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2007 Entourage Model Episode: "The Prince's Bride"
2007 How I Met Your Mother Marisa Miller Episode: "The Yips"
2009 Gary Unmarried Brittney Episode: "Gary Keeps a Secret"

Personal Life and Interests

Miller married surfing contest promoter Jim Miller in 2000. They separated in 2002 and later divorced. She kept the last name Miller for her career. In 2006, she married music producer Griffin Guess. They have two sons, born in December 2012 and May 2015.

Miller has loved surfing since she was young. She says she feels her best when she is surfing. She is also a skilled volleyball player and enjoys boxing. After she started working with Harley-Davidson, she got her motorcycle license.

Charity Work

Miller is an ambassador for the American Cancer Society. She donates money from her online store to the charity. She also supports the Young Survival Coalition, which helps young women with breast cancer.

As a surfer, she supports the Surfrider Foundation, an organization that works to protect oceans and beaches. In 2014, she received an award for her work in ocean conservation. She is also an ambassador for the USO, visiting military bases to support American troops. In 2015, she took part in a PETA campaign to protect baby orcas.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Marisa Miller para niños

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