Kathy Ireland

Kathy Ireland (born March 20, 1963) is an American model, actress, CEO and designer of her eponymous brand product marketing company, Kathy Ireland Worldwide. Kathy was born in Glendale, California, the daughter of John Ireland, a labor union organizer, and Barbara Ireland. At age 17, Ireland was discovered by an agent for the Elite Model Management company, and by the time she graduated from high school, she was working steadily as a swimsuit and fashion model.

Kathy Ireland was featured in the annual SI Swimsuit Issue 13 consecutive years, before her final appearance in 1996. In addition to her long tenure within the pages, Ireland appeared on the cover of the annual issue three times, a feat tied only by Christie Brinkley and Cheryl Tiegs and surpassed only by Elle Macpherson (with six or more appearances). Ireland was the cover model for the first time on the 25th Anniversary Swimsuit Edition, which became SI's best selling swimsuit issue to date. She returned to the cover in 1992 and in 1994. In her third appearance, she was accompanied by Rachel Hunter and Elle Macpherson.

Kathy Ireland has also appeared in a number of television and movie roles. Her first movie, 1988's Alien from L.A., was later skewered during the fifth season of Mystery Science Theater 3000. Ireland also appeared in Melrose Place, Side Out, Mr. Destiny, National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1, alongside William Shatner, Once Upon A Christmas, Twice Upon A Christmas, Mom and Dad Save the World and Necessary Roughness.

Kathy Ireland has been a Christian since the age of 18, after reading the Bible on a plane during jet lag and out of curiosity. She's said that her pro-choice stance on abortion was switched to pro-life after researching her husband's medical books. Ireland gave a speech at the fourth Youth Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters on August 13, 2007. The purpose was to encourage activities among young people towards ending poverty. Ireland spoke on a subject of social entrepreneurship and partnerships.

Ireland appeared on Larry King's talk show in 2009 to discuss her weight gain and woman's health. She had gained a pound a year for 25 years and the culmination effect had become obvious to her in a candid photograph her son had taken. Ireland said in the interview; "Weight is a symptom of something that needs to change in your life." It was announced on August 17, 2009 that Kathy will compete on Season 9 of Dancing with the Stars.