Kathy Ireland

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Kathy Ireland
Kathy with Gopi & Matt Google+ team leaders.JPG
Ireland at GooglePlex, 2012
Born Kathleen Marie Ireland
(1963-03-20) March 20, 1963 (age 50)
Glendale, California,
United States
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Hair color Auburn
Eye color Blue
Spouse Dr. Greg Olsen
(m.1988–present; 3 children)
Children Chloe, Erik and Lily
Website www.kathyireland.com

Kathleen Marie "Kathy" Ireland (born March 20, 1963) is an American model, actress, entrepreneur[1][2] and designer.[3][4] She rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s as a swimsuit model who appeared in 13 consecutive Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues. Since 1993, Ireland has served as CEO and Chief Designer[5] of her eponymous brand product marketing company, "kathy ireland Worldwide" (kiWW), which she has grown into a "$2.0 billion empire".[2][6]

Contents

Early life[edit]

Kathy Ireland was born in 1963 in Glendale, California, the daughter of John Ireland, a labor union organizer, and Barbara Ireland, who worked in charity.[7] Her first job was a paper route in 1974. At age 17, Ireland was discovered by an agent for the Elite Model Management company, and by the time she graduated from San Marcos High School in Santa Barbara in 1981, she was working steadily as a model.[8] She appeared on covers for Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Women's Fitness; and in campaigns for consumer products, including Bulova, Fruit of the Loom, Caress Soap, Budweiser, Cheerios, and Baked Lays Potato Chips.

Sports Illustrated[edit]

External images
Ireland's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover from February 07, 1989
Ireland's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover from March 9, 1992
Ireland's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover from February 14, 1994

Starting in 1984, Ireland was featured in the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for 13 consecutive years, with her final appearance in 1996.[9] In addition to her long tenure within the pages, Ireland appeared on the cover of the annual issue three times, a feat tied by Christie Brinkley and Cheryl Tiegs, and surpassed only by Elle Macpherson (with five 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.[10][11] She returned to the cover in 1992 and in 1994. In her third appearance, she was accompanied by Rachel Hunter and Elle Macpherson; notably, both Hunter and Ireland were pregnant at the time.[11]

kathy ireland Worldwide[edit]

In 1993, Ireland put her name on a line of socks for Kmart which became a bestseller. The retailer subsequently gave Ireland her own clothing line.[12] She then founded kathy ireland Worldwide, initially a brand product marketing firm in which she and her related trusts own in its entirety.[13] Since 1994, Kathy Ireland has published several fitness videos that led to her design of athletic apparel and launched her brand licensing of fitness equipment as well.

In 2004, Ireland's annual take was thought to be around $10 million. Forbes described Ireland, among others, as a "prototype for model-turned-mogul," in a 2006 article about the trend of modelpreneurs.[14] By 2004, kathy ireland Worldwide was marketing products from 16 manufacturers, including those of Shaw Industries and Pacific Coast Lighting.[1][12] Between 2005-2012, Ireland's company grew to about $2 billion in annual sales and became a leader in its industry.[1][2] [15][15] In a May 2012 British Vogue article, Ireland was called the world's richest model.[16][17]

Affiliations with Other Brands[edit]

On October 9, 2012, Ireland appeared at the New York Tabletop Show to announce her relationship with manufacturer Gorham.[18]

Friendship with Elizabeth Taylor[edit]

Elizabeth Taylor and Ireland had a close friendship and attended public events together. Taylor publicly commended Ireland's grace and professionalism. She was quoted as saying "I have never seen anyone epitomize glamour and grace and professionalism like she did." [19][20] Ireland credits her father, mother and Taylor as role model heroes who inspire her each day.[21]

Ireland attributes Taylor as her mentor in life and in business and credits Taylor for part of her success in life, business, design and philanthropy. [22]

Real Estate[edit]

Ireland purchased a three-bedroom oceanfront estate on Oahu, Hawaii from John Travolta and Kelly Preston in 2004, which she rents out as one of several Kathy Ireland Worldwide company vacation villas.[23] The former Travolta/Preston estate is part of the portfolio of real estate known as Kathy Ireland Weddings which stages lavish nuptials at five different private estates in Hawaii and California.[24]

Other ventures[edit]

Ireland designs wedding dresses and gowns. Her company provides rental sites for weddings. She also designed a collection of jewelry inspired by her mentor Elizabeth Taylor.[25]

Ireland became the Group Brand Ambassador in February 2011 for BrandSource.[26] BrandSource brought Ireland to their organization as a role model for women. BrandSource has 4,500 member stores and 3,000 storefronts and Ireland is featured in a series of advertising spots that are tailor-made to promote members of BrandSource.[27]

Other Activities[edit]

Public Speaking[edit]

Ireland has delivered keynote speeches at corporate events, industry conventions as well as pro-life councils.[28][29] 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.[30]

Ireland gave a keynote at the Googleplex, the corporate headquarters for Google on July 12, 2012.[31]

Ireland delivered the keynote at Licensing Expo 2012 in Las Vegas.[32]

Books[edit]

Ireland has written six books, including three for children. Her debut effort (with Laura Morton), Powerful Inspirations: Eight Lessons that Will Change Your Life, was first published by Doubleday in June 2002.[33] Real Solutions for Busy Moms: Your Guide to Success and Sanity was published by Howard Books in April 2009. Real Solutions: 52 God Inspired Messages from My Heart was also published by Howard Books and released on November 24, 2009. Her children's books, Mona's Favorite Words, What Do Mommies Do? and An Angel Called Hope, were released by Publications International Ltd. in November 2005 as part of their Story Reader series.[34]

Support for Israel[edit]

Ireland has been outspoken in her support for Israel, visiting the country for the first time in 2007. In an interview with the Jewish Journal, she was quoted as saying "It's such a beautiful place, just breathtaking. I was really surprised by the beauty and just how magnificently it's preserved. And the people are incredible, and the landscape so diverse. There's no place like it."[35]

On October 15, 2009, she became an international ambassador ambassador for the Friends of Sheba Medical Center,[36] traveling back to the country in 2010 to film a documentary entitled Holy Land Heroes highlighting its work for wounded soldiers and terror victims.

On June 23, 2011, Ireland was honored by the Anti-Defamation League with the American Heritage Award presented by the National Home Furnishings Industry.[37]

Ireland accepted an invitation to speak at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) National Convention on March 5, 2012, where she addressed over 13,000 attendees. She spoke of the state's lush beauty, its stand-alone characteristics of unwavering commitment to democracy and freedom in the Middle East. She also enumerated its quick first-response to crises such as Hurricane Katrina and the earthquake in Haiti. She received the longest round of applause for her response to attacks against Israel, saying:

"There are still those around the world who are unrelenting in their war of words against the Jewish state and personally this is something I find extremely disturbing. How often have we heard, 'Why can't Israel just give back the land? Why can't Israel just stop the fighting?' Israel seeks no battles. Israel wishes to live in peace. Israel is one sixth of one percent of the entire Middle East. Israel is surrounded by oil-rich neighbors who could invest more in their people, their development, their humanity, instead of devoting resources to the slaughter of innocent lives." [38]

She was most recently recognized at the Jewish National Fund Tree of Life Gala honoring Holocaust Survivors, in which she was the recipient of the Messenger of Peace Award.[39]

Philanthropy[edit]

Ireland has a sister, Cynthia, who has a child with Down syndrome. Ireland has become vocal in her support for the Down syndrome community, writing an article about her niece and the need for an increase in research.[40][41] Other Ireland-supported causes include Big Brothers Big Sisters, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Alliance for Global Education, the Alliance for Christian Education and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Ireland is on the board of trustees for the Providence Educational Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit, which strives to improve educational opportunities for children worldwide. Providence Hall, the foundations pilot location, is an independent college preparatory high school that "exists to challenge young men and women to grow in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, to develop a passion for the pursuit of excellence and truth, and to love others as themselves through character, service, and leadership" according to the school's mission statement.[42]

Ireland is presented with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, presented in the spring of 2012, awarded by the The California State University, an honor first awarded to President John F. Kennedy in 1963. The California State University system says of Ireland that she "generously uses her power and influence to benefit others, supporting social causes including empowering women, supporting young girls through mentoring, and providing opportunities for girls and women at risk." [43]

Ireland has lent her estates to charitable organizations such as Toys For Tots to generate funds for charity.[44]

Ireland received the WithIt 2013 Legacy Award on January 27, 2013 at World Market Center - Las Vegas.[45]

Personal life[edit]

Kathy Ireland became a Christian at the age of 18, when she read the Bible out of curiosity.[46] She has said that she switched her previously pro-choice stance on abortion to pro-life after studying that at the moment of conception, a new life has the complete genetic blueprint, blood type and sex, believing that abortion is terminating a life that has already come into existence.[46]

In May 2009, Ireland and her family were evacuated from two homes endangered by the Jesusita Fire near Santa Barbara, California—one belonging to Ireland's parents, and the other being the home where Ireland, her husband and their three children reside.[47]

Ireland appeared on Larry King Live in 2009 to discuss her weight gain and women's health. She had gained a pound a year for 25 years and the cumulative effect had become obvious to her in a candid photograph her son had taken.[48]

Ireland owns a Tuscan-style home in Montecito, California that is located on 2.5 acres of land. Ireland calls the home Santa Barbara Oasis and she offers the home as a location for weddings and events in support of her family's philanthropy.[49]

Ireland's son Erik Ireland Olsen and Madeleine Meyer form the acoustic folk-pop duo With Strings Attached.[50]

Ireland holds an honorary master's of fine arts degree from American Intercontinental University's School of Design.[51]

Acting[edit]

Ireland has 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.[52] Ireland's other appearances include Melrose Place, Boy Meets World, The Larry Sanders Show, Muppets Tonight, Side Out, Mr. Destiny, Necessary Roughness, Mom and Dad Save the World, National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1 (alongside William Shatner), Once Upon A Christmas, and its sequel Twice Upon A Christmas (her final film to date). She also appeared in the ninth season of Dancing with the Stars, however, hers was the third couple eliminated in the second week of competition.

Filmography[edit]

Film and Television
Year Title Role Notes
1985 Charles in Charge Woman in Line Episode:"Snowed In"
1988 Alien from L.A. Wanda Saknussemm Motion Picture
1989 Journey to the Center of the Earth Wanda Saknussemm Motion Picture
1989 Worth Winning Uncredited Motion Picture
1990 Grand Sheila Episode: "Carnegie Hall"
1990 Side Out Marie Motion Picture
1990 Mr. Destiny Gina Motion Picture
1991 Necessary Roughness Lucy Draper Motion Picture
1992 Tales from the Crypt Joyce Episode:"Beauty Rest"
1992 Mom and Dad Save the World Semage, Raff's Daughter Motion Picture
1992 Danger Island Laura TV Movie
1993 Loaded Weapon 1 Destiny Demeanor Motion Picture
1993 Down the Shore Rachel Episode:"Computer Date"
1993 The Larry Sanders Show Herself Episode:"The Breakdown: Part 1"
1993 Amore! Taylor Christopher Motion Picture
1993 A Perry Mason Mystery: The Case of the Wicked Wives Dee Morrison TV Movie
1994 Boy Meets World Alexis Episode: "Model Family"
1994 Bandit: Beauty and the Bandit Crystal TV Movie
1994 Melrose Place Brittany Maddocks Episodes: "Grand Delusions", "In-Laws and Outlaws", "It's a Bad World After All" and "I am Curious, Melrose"
1995 The Watcher Pilot TV Series
1995 Deadly Games Amber Episodes: "The Camp Counselor: Parts 1 & 2"
1996 Gridlock Michele Conner TV Movie
1995–1996 The Fantastic Four Crystal (Voice) Episodes: "Doomsday", "The Sentry Sinister", "Inhumans Saga: Part 3: Beware the Hidden Land" and "Inhumans Saga: Part 2: The Inhumans Among Us"
1996 Miami Hustle Marsha Thomas TV Movie
1997 Sabrina, the Teenage Witch Shelley Episode: "Trial by Fury"
1997 Suddenly Susan Terri Episodes: "Love and Divorce American Style: Part 2" and "Love and Divorce American Style: Part 3"
1997 Duckman: Private Dick/Family Man Susan/Susie Episodes: "Vuuck, as in Duck" and "Aged Heat 2: Women in Heat"
1996–1997 The Incredible Hulk Ogress (Voice) Episodes: "Fashion Warriors", "Down Memory Lane" and "Fantastic Fortitude"
1998 The Lionhearts Survive (Voice) TV Series
1998 King of the Hill Sylvia Episode: "Peggy's Pageant Fever"
1999 Cosby Kara Episode: "He Who Hesitates is Lucas"
1999 Pensacola: Wings of Gold Sarah Episode: "Tip of the Spear"
1999 Touched by an Angel Karla Episode: "The Last Day of the Rest of Your Life"
2000 Once Upon a Christmas Kristen Claus TV Movie
2001 Twice Upon a Christmas Kristen Claus TV Movie
2002 Strong Medicine Amber Hutton Episode: "Trauma"
2002 For Your Love Rhonda Episode: "The Helpless Hand"
2002 Totally Spies! Julia Hastings Episode: "A Spy is Born: Part 1"

PETA[edit]

In 2012, Kathy Ireland Worldwide drew criticism from animal rights activists after producing a line of fur clothing for Macy's Fur Vault.[53] She stipulated she would "stop designing fur if (PETA) joined the pro life campaign".[54] A petition urging her to discontinue her use of fur was launched.[55]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Blakeley, Kiri (December 6, 2006). "Most Entrepreneurial Supermodels". Forbes. Archived from the original on September 23, 2008. Retrieved September 2, 2012. 
  2. ^ a b c Pomerantz, Dorothy (February 8, 2012). "How Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Kathy Ireland Became a $350 Million Mogul". Forbes. Retrieved September 2, 2012. 
  3. ^ "Bon Cheri Bridals". 
  4. ^ "All American Speakers". Retrieved August 1, 2012. 
  5. ^ "Window World". Retrieved August 7, 2012. 
  6. ^ Rizzo, Monica. "Kathy Ireland's Shocking Weight Gain (and Loss)". People. Retrieved July 6, 2012. 
  7. ^ Kathy Ireland Biography (1963–)
  8. ^ "Kathy Ireland – Profile". E!. Archived from the original on April 23, 2008. Retrieved September 2, 2012. 
  9. ^ "Collosus Collectibles Sports Illustrated Swimsuit". Retrieved July 30, 2008. 
  10. ^ "SI Swimsuit Collection – Kathy Ireland". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved July 30, 2008. 
  11. ^ a b "Sports Illustrated 50: The Anniversary Book, Rob Fleder, 2005, p.286, ISBN 1-932273-49-2". CNN. Retrieved May 7, 2010. 
  12. ^ a b Blakeley, Kiri (May 7, 2004). "The Model Mogul". Forbes. Retrieved August 1, 2008. 
  13. ^ Boone & Kurtz (2007). "Contemporary Business 12th Edition". Thomson South-Western. 
  14. ^ Blakeley, Kiri (December 6, 2006). "Models Turned Moguls". Forbes. Retrieved August 1, 2008. 
  15. ^ a b "About kiWW". Retrieved April 2, 2012. 
  16. ^ "Meet Anne V". British Vogue. May 24, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2012. 
  17. ^ "Supermodel meets supermogul as Warren Buffet teams up with former swimsuit model Kathy Ireland, now a CEO and worth $2 billion", "Daily Mail", May 4, 2013
  18. ^ "Gorham Catches a Wave with New Kathy Ireland Collection", "HFN Magazine", October 10, 2012
  19. ^ "Elizabeth Taylor ‘Boiling’ Over Criticism Of Kathy Ireland At Oscars", "Access Hollywood", 03/11/2010
  20. ^ "Elizabeth Taylor and Kathy Ireland", "Zimbio", September 26, 2008
  21. ^ Kathy Ireland "Kathy Ireland's Role Models", "The Story Exchange"
  22. ^ "Kathy Ireland on Her Mentor Elizabeth Taylor", "ET Online", March 26, 2013
  23. ^ "Biography of John Travolta" "Internet Movie Database"
  24. ^ "Kathy Ireland Rents Out Luxury Hawaii Home For Weddings And Vacations – Take A Look Inside", "Radar Online", 08/05/2012
  25. ^ "Pretty Successful- British Vogue 31 July 2012". Retrieved August 1, 2012. 
  26. ^ "www.twice.com". November 7, 2011. Retrieved September 1, 2012. 
  27. ^ "BrandSource Releases Kathy Ireland Ad Spots". hfbusiness. November 8, 2011. Retrieved September 2, 2012. 
  28. ^ "kiWW Release". Retrieved August 1, 2012. 
  29. ^ "Council for Life". Retrieved August 1, 2012. 
  30. ^ "End Poverty 2015/Millenium Development Goals". September 11, 2007. Retrieved May 27, 2009. 
  31. ^ "Shire Hakel's Blog". Retrieved August 7, 2012. 
  32. ^ "kathy ireland Worldwide Delivers Keynote at Licensing Expo 2012" "ybltv.com", June 13, 2012
  33. ^ http://www.amazon.com/dp/0385503075 Amazon page for Powerful Inspirations
  34. ^ http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BUTA5U Amazon page for Story Reader 3-Pack
  35. ^ Berrin, Danielle. "Super mogul Kathy Ireland the new super model for Israel". JewishJournal.com. Retrieved October 7, 2012. 
  36. ^ Arfa, Orit. "Kathy Ireland Named Sheba Ambassador". JewishJournal.com. Retrieved October 7, 2012. 
  37. ^ Merritte, Tanya. "ADL to honor Pasquale Natuzzi, Gary Fazio, Kathy Ireland". Furniture Today. Retrieved October 7, 2012. 
  38. ^ C-SPAN (March 5, 2012). "Kathy Ireland Remarks to AIPAC". Retrieved October 7, 2012. 
  39. ^ "JNF Tree of Life Gala". JNF.org. Retrieved September 7, 2012. 
  40. ^ "Ability Magazine: Kathy Ireland Interview with Chet Cooper and Molly Mackin" (2011)". Retrieved April 3, 2012. 
  41. ^ "AOL News: Kathy Ireland: The Tragic Shortfall in Down Syndrome Research" (2010)". Retrieved April 3, 2012. 
  42. ^ "PROVIDENCE HALL – New Christian College Preparatory School Announced for South Coast", "Alliance for Christian Education", July 14, 2006
  43. ^ http://www.calstate.edu/pa/News/2012/Story/honorary2012.shtml
  44. ^ "Kathy Ireland From Model to Mogul". Retrieved December 15, 2010. 
  45. ^ "Kathy Ireland to Receive WithIt 2013 Legacy Award" residentiallighting.com
  46. ^ a b Blim, Julie (August 20, 2002). "Kathy Ireland: Designing Woman". CBN. Retrieved April 21, 2009. 
  47. ^ Livingston, David (May 8, 2009). "Wildfire Causes Kathy Ireland and Family to Evacuate Homes". ET: Entertainment Online. Retrieved May 27, 2009. [dead link]
  48. ^ "Former model: Fret over being fit, not how you look". CNN. May 5, 2009. Retrieved May 7, 2010. 
  49. ^ "Matt Graumann". Retrieved August 7, 2012. 
  50. ^ "Macy's GLAMORAMA". Retrieved September 10, 2012. 
  51. ^ "Kathy Ireland interview with Chet Cooper and Molly Mackin". Retrieved November 9, 2012. 
  52. ^ "Mystery Science Theater 3000". TV.com. November 20, 1993. Retrieved July 31, 2008. 
  53. ^ "Fur Vault". March 12, 2012. Retrieved March 18, 2012. 
  54. ^ "Kathy Ireland". March 12, 2012. Retrieved March 18, 2012. 
  55. ^ "Animals Petition: Kathy Ireland: Please Stop Selling Fur". March 12, 2012. Retrieved March 18, 2012. 

External links[edit]

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