Share and Follow
Kathy Ireland stands as one of the most renowned American models in history.
During the 1980s, she captivated the nation, appearing on the covers of major magazines like Vogue and Cosmopolitan, and she became especially famous for her features in Sports Illustrated.
Transitioning into the ’90s, she expanded her horizons by venturing into acting and establishing a branding empire that grew into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise.
At 62, Kathy has undertaken a remarkable career transformation.
She has swapped the runway for the seas, now working alongside her husband in commercial fishing.
She already obtained her open-ocean commercial fishing license from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife earlier this year and is working on a vessel captained by her husband, former emergency room physician Dr. Greg Olsen.
’80s supermodel Kathy Ireland has kicked off a new career in commercial fishing
A young Kathy is pictured modelling in 1983, shortly after her career skyrocketed
Speaking to Fox News, Kathy called her career pivot ‘wonderful’ and said that she was grateful for the opportunity.
‘I grew up camping and fishing. My husband, he’s been fishing since he was 3 years old,’ she explained.
‘I’ve always wanted to go out with him on the boat. This season, an opportunity opened up. And when the calendar allows, I go out there with him.’
Kathy has been sharing her fishing expeditions on Instagram, with the star recently sharing a photo of herself filling bait jars.
‘Though I love working with my husband on the most beautiful ocean, as I’m filling bait jars with warm squishy mackerel, this is the verse that fills my heart! “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”,’ she wrote.
In another post, she shared her experience going lobster fishing.
‘Lobster fishing is hard work! Sore from head to toe but a good kind of sore! Back at it tomorrow! Non-stop from pre-dawn to post dusk, the most beautiful scenery everywhere and the most handsome captain!’ she gushed.
The bombshell ruled newsstands across the country in the 1980s, gracing covers of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and most famously, Sports Illustrated
Kathy became a successful actress in the ’90s and also launched a branding empire that ballooned into a multi-billion-dollar business
Her 1989 Sports Illustrated cover became the magazine’s highest selling issue ever and was awarded the Greatest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover of all Time during the magazine’s 50th anniversary event.
At the age of 16, Kathy was scouted and shortly after, became a prominent face in the modeling world.
Aside from appearing on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit covers, she’s also posed on covers for Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Forbes.
She has since become a business mogul in the branding space thanks to her licensing company, Kathy Ireland Worldwide.
In 2021 alone, the company generated retail sales of $3.1 billion.
Outside of her branding empire, Kathy is known for her tireless philanthropy.
The 62-year-old obtained her open-ocean commercial fishing license from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife earlier this year
Kathy has flaunted her fishing expeditions on social media for her loyal fans
For years, she has been dedicated to helping those battling with addiction and other health needs.
During an interview with USA Today, Kathy opened up about her charity work with Let’s Talk Interactive, a telehealth solution to assist those who need access to healthcare.
‘It’s bringing telemedicine to a lot of people,’ she explained. ‘It’s throughout the world, which is exciting.’
She also talked about the war on the opioid crisis, saying, ‘This is a battle that can be won. There is hope. There is victory.’
Kathy has put a lot of her time and devotion to charity, such as the March of Dimes, City of Hope, and Feed the Children. Earlier this year, she also launched Music Funds The Cure for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.