For
those who grew up in the 1970s, Bo Derek holds a special place in their
memories. Known for her striking looks, including iconic blonde hair, piercing
blue eyes, and distinctive braided hairstyles, she captivated audiences during
her peak. Since her short-lived fame, many have wondered about her life, career
choices, and current situation. Let's explore what Bo Derek is doing now.
The
Early Years of Bo Derek
Born
on November 20, 1956, in Long Beach, California, Mary Cathleen Collins, later
known as Bo Derek, grew up in a modest American family. Her father was a sales
executive, and her mother worked as a cosmetics artist. During her teenage
years, she had a passion for horses and became an enthusiastic equestrian,
participating in numerous competitions. Additionally, she nurtured a love for
acting and pursued classes to hone her skills.
Bo
Derek appeared in the 1977 film Orca, where she had a memorable scene involving
a killer whale. However, her major breakthrough came with Blake Edwards’ 1979
movie "10," where her distinctive blonde braids became iconic.
Instead of pursuing a path filled with action-packed roles, she took on
projects like "Tarzan, The Ape Man" in 1981, "Bolero" in
1984, and "Ghosts Can't Do It" in 1990.
Union
with John Derek
At
the age of 16, Bo Derek met director John Derek, who later became her husband.
At that time, he was married to Linda Evans. They began their relationship a
few years later, but due to Bo being underage, they had to leave the United
States and spend time in Mexico and Europe to avoid strict American laws.
John
Derek was 48 and Bo Derek was 19 when they got married. In an interview with
Interview Magazine, Bo expressed feelings of guilt, especially when around
John’s ex-wife, Linda Evans. Bo admitted, "I felt partly responsible for
the pain she went through. She was always so kind and gracious. Coincidentally,
I saw her just yesterday at a charity jewelry event. She was as wonderful as
ever. Being near her always makes me feel terrible. That guilt has never left
me, even after all these years."
Following
their marriage, John and Bo Derek collaborated on various projects. John often
showcased Bo's physical appeal to add allure to his low-budget films. This
approach garnered significant attention, boosting the visibility of his movies
while primarily increasing Bo's fame in Hollywood.
Her
Braided Hair Look Was Inspired by John Derek
Although
John Derek didn't direct or produce Bo Derek's most famous film,
"10," he did create her iconic braided hairstyle. He suggested Bo
show Blake Edwards some photos he had taken to see if he liked the look. Bo
agreed, noting, "It was the late 1970s, and being blonde with everything
fluffy, I needed a change. John, being a fantastic photographer, thought the
braids would suit me well." They tried it out, and John encouraged her to
present the photos to Blake, suggesting the unique style would be perfect for
the role.
Tragically,
John Derek passed away from cardiovascular disease in 1998 at the age of 71. Bo
Derek was heartbroken by his death and didn't expect to form another
significant relationship afterward. She was deeply affected by his loss.
Bo
Derek, the Humanitarian and Horseman
Bo
Derek's passion for horses, which began in her youth, seemed to influence her
later years in the spotlight. Despite her successful acting career, she chose
to step away from Hollywood. Instead, she became a dedicated advocate for
animal welfare, working tirelessly to protect and preserve animals.
Bo
Derek's interests extend beyond animal welfare. She was also honored as the
National Rehabilitation Special Events chair by the VA. Derek remarked, “VA’s
National Rehabilitation Special Events foster the healing of body and spirit,
enhancing veterans’ quality of life and independence.” She expressed her deep
honor and gratitude in serving as the honorary chair for this commendable cause
supporting America’s veterans.
Bo Derek is currently married to John Corbett, known for his role in "Sex and the City." They have been together for more than twenty years. Opting for privacy, they chose to marry in a secret ceremony attended only by their closest friends and family, without any public announcement.
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