The Blonde Bikini Bombshell: Whatever Happened to Bo Derek?
Bo Derek, a cherished icon from the 1970s, is celebrated as one of the era’s most stunning bombshells. With her signature blonde hair, striking blue eyes, and iconic braided hairstyles, she left a lasting impression.
Many have wondered about her life since her brief period of stardom: where she ended up, why she quit acting, and what she is doing now. Let’s delve into Bo Derek’s journey and current activities.
The Early Years of Bo Derek
Before becoming Bo Derek, she was Mary Cathleen Collins, born in Long Beach, California, on November 20, 1956. Raised by working-class parents, her father was a sales executive, and her mother was a cosmetics artist. As a teenager, Mary had two great passions: horses and acting. An avid horsewoman, she competed in various events, showcasing her talents. To hone her acting skills, she took acting classes.
Bo’s early film appearance was in “Orca” (1977), where she played a character whose leg was bitten off by a killer whale. However, her rise to prominence came with Blake Edwards’ 1979 film “10,” where her signature blonde braids became iconic. This film did not lead to a career filled with action-packed roles but included notable films like “Tarzan, The Ape Man” (1981), “Bolero” (1984), and “Ghosts Can’t Do It” (1990).
At 16, Bo met director John Derek, who later became her husband. Although he was married to Linda Evans at the time, Bo and John began dating a few years later. Due to Bo being a minor, they traveled to Mexico and Europe to avoid American laws. John was 48, and Bo was 19 when they married. In an Interview Magazine interview, Bo expressed guilt over the pain their relationship caused Linda Evans, despite Linda’s kindness.
John and Bo Derek collaborated on several projects, with John showcasing her physique to add allure to his low-budget films. This publicity benefited Bo significantly.
Her Iconic Braided Hair Look
John Derek, though not the creator or director of her most famous film “10,” designed Bo’s iconic braided look. He suggested showing Blake Edwards some photographs he had taken of Bo with the braids, which led to her distinctive appearance in the film.
Life After John’s Passing
John Derek passed away in 1998 from cardiovascular illness at 71. Bo was devastated and did not expect to connect with anyone else. Her passion for horses remained, and she stepped back from acting to focus on animal welfare advocacy. Bo became a crusader for animal rights, dedicating her efforts to preserving and protecting animals.
In addition to her work with animals, Bo was appointed honorary chair of the National Rehabilitation Special Events by the VA, promoting the healing of body and spirit for veterans.
Currently, Bo is married to “Sex and the City” star John Corbett. They have been together for over two decades and chose to marry in a private ceremony attended only by close friends and family.
Bo Derek’s journey from a 1970s bombshell to a dedicated animal rights advocate and supporter of veterans showcases her enduring spirit and commitment to causes close to her heart.