Bo Derek: From Hollywood Bombshell to Passionate Animal Advocate
Bo Derek, a true icon of the 1970s, left an unforgettable mark on the entertainment industry with her stunning blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and signature braided hairstyle. Many still remember her as the epitome of beauty from that era, but her journey has taken many interesting turns since her time in the spotlight. Let’s take a closer look at what Bo Derek is up to these days and how her life has evolved.
Bo Derek’s Early Years
Before she became Bo Derek, she was Mary Cathleen Collins, born on November 20, 1956, in Long Beach, California. Raised in a working-class family, her father was a sales executive, and her mother worked as a makeup artist. From a young age, Mary had two passions: horses and acting. She spent much of her teenage years perfecting her equestrian skills, participating in various events, while also pursuing her dream of becoming an actress by taking acting lessons.
Bo’s career began to take off with a role in the movie Orca (1977), but it was her appearance in Blake Edwards’ film 10 (1979) that truly catapulted her to fame. With her iconic blonde braided hair, Bo quickly became a household name. However, instead of diving into mainstream action films, she took part in a variety of more daring roles, including Tarzan, The Ape Man (1981), Bolero (1984), and Ghosts Can’t Do It (1990).
Marriage to John Derek
At just 16, Bo met director John Derek, who would later become her husband. John was 48 at the time, married to actress Linda Evans. The couple began dating a few years later, and due to Bo’s age, they had to escape the strict laws of the U.S. by moving to Mexico and Europe. They eventually married when Bo was 19 and John was 48.
In an interview with Interview Magazine, Bo confessed to feeling guilty about the pain she caused Linda Evans, acknowledging that she played a role in their breakup. “I was at least partially responsible for the pain Linda felt. She was so kind and generous,” Bo admitted. Despite this, Bo and John went on to collaborate on several low-budget films, with John often showcasing Bo’s beauty in these productions, ensuring her lasting presence in Hollywood.
The Origin of Bo Derek’s Iconic Braided Look
Although John Derek did not direct her most famous movie, 10, he played a pivotal role in creating Bo’s memorable braided hairstyle. John, an avid photographer, suggested Bo show some of his photos to director Blake Edwards to see if they would suit the character. The look became iconic and remains one of Bo Derek’s most recognized features from her career.
Sadly, John Derek passed away from heart disease in 1998 at the age of 71. Bo was devastated by his death, admitting that she never thought she would find love again.
Bo Derek’s Passion for Horses and Advocacy
Bo’s love for horses remained a constant throughout her life. As her acting career began to wind down, she devoted herself to advocating for animal welfare. Her passion for animals extended beyond her own horses, as she became actively involved in various animal rights causes, working tirelessly to protect and preserve them.
In addition to her animal advocacy, Bo was also named honorary chair for the National Rehabilitation Special Events by the VA, supporting the healing and rehabilitation of veterans. “Helping veterans regain their independence and improve their quality of life is something I’m deeply honored to be part of,” she said.
Bo has since found love again with Sex and the City star John Corbett, and the couple has been together for over two decades. They eventually wed in a private ceremony, keeping their special day intimate and away from public attention.
