Bo Derek: From Hollywood Icon to a Life of Happiness

Do you remember Bo Derek? She’s an iconic actress who captivated audiences with her beauty and talent. Today, I want to share with you what Bo Derek has been up to in recent years and why she continues to be an inspiration to many.

A Hollywood Sensation

I first saw Bo Derek in the 1979 movie “10,” and I was immediately mesmerized by her beauty. With her blonde hair and clear blue eyes, she was a stunning presence on the screen. But what happened after her Hollywood breakthrough?

Born as Mary Cathleen Collins in California, Bo Derek had an early connection to the entertainment industry. Her mother worked for the Swedish-American actress Ann-Margret, which allowed Bo to get an agent at the young age of 16. She soon got her first film role in “Once Upon a Love,” which was shot on the romantic island of Mykonos in Greece.

Love and Controversy

During the filming of “Once Upon a Love,” Bo Derek met her future husband, John Derek. However, their relationship was met with controversy due to their significant age difference – she was 17 and he was 47. John was also married to actress Linda Evans at the time, making their relationship even more scandalous.

Despite the obstacles, John and Bo fell deeply in love and eventually got married in 1976. With John’s support, Bo’s career took off, and she appeared in several of his movies, often in challenging roles that created buzz around their low-budget films.

A Timeless Icon

In the movie “10,” Bo Derek made history with her iconic look – the cornrow-style, blonde braids. It was her husband’s suggestion, and it instantly became a defining feature of her appearance.

After the success of “10,” Bo appeared in various films and television series, but she also found time to pursue her other passions. Bo has been politically active, supporting George W. Bush and the Republican Party in past election campaigns. However, she now remains politically neutral and voted for Barack Obama.

One of Bo Derek’s biggest passions is horses, particularly the Lusitano breed from Portugal. She even wrote an autobiography called “Riding Lessons: Everything That Matters in Life I Learned from Horses.” Bo is known for her advocacy for animal safety and her efforts to end horse slaughter.

Not only is Bo dedicated to animal welfare, but she is also involved in the support and rehabilitation of war veterans. Her role as honorary chair of VA’s National Rehabilitation Special Events allows her to make a difference in the lives of veterans.

A Life of Happiness

Bo Derek’s personal life has been full of joy as well. Since 2002, she has been in a loving relationship with actor John Corbett, known for his role in “Sex and the City.” After almost 20 years together, Bo and John tied the knot in a private ceremony in August 2021. They value their privacy but couldn’t be happier to share their news with their friends, family, and now the world.

Today, Bo Derek lives a content life in California with her husband John, her sister, brother-in-law, and their two children. Although she may not appear in big movies or be a constant presence in the public eye, Bo Derek remains a timeless icon. Her beauty, talent, and dedication to causes she believes in continue to inspire us all.

So, take a moment to reminisce and enjoy a classic scene from one of Bo Derek’s movies. It’s a perfect reminder of her enduring legacy.