Heidi Klum
Heidi Klum | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 1, 1973 Bergisch Gladbach, West Germany |
| Occupation(s) | Model, television host, producer, entrepreneur |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Known for | Victoria's Secret Angel, Project Runway host and judge, Germany's Next Topmodel host and judge |
Heidi Klum (; born June 1, 1973) is a German-American model, television host, producer, and entrepreneur. She made history as the first German model to become a Victoria's Secret Angel and appeared on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 1998.
Following her thriving modeling career, Klum transitioned to television as both host and judge on Germany's Next Topmodel and Project Runway. Her work earned her six Emmy nominations, including a win in 2013 for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program, an award she shared with Tim Gunn. Klum has also been a brand ambassador for Dannon and H&M, and featured in advertisements for McDonald's, Volkswagen, among others. In 2009, she was appointed official ambassador for Barbie's 50th anniversary. Her acting credits include supporting roles in Blow Dry (2001) and Ella Enchanted (2004), as well as cameo appearances in films such as The Devil Wears Prada (2006) and Ocean's 8 (2018). On television, she guest-starred on series like Sex and the City, How I Met Your Mother, and served as a judge on America's Got Talent from 2013 to 2019 and again from 2020 through 2024.
In May 2011, Forbes estimated Klum’s annual earnings at $20 million, placing her second on the list of the "World's Top-Earning Models." Since concluding her 13-year role as a Victoria's Secret Angel, Klum has concentrated more on entrepreneurial ventures than modeling. She acquired U.S. citizenship in 2008 while retaining her German nationality.
Early life and discovery
Born and raised in Bergisch Gladbach, near Cologne, West Germany, Klum is the daughter of Erna Klum, a hairdresser, and Günther Klum, who worked as an executive in the cosmetics industry. Encouraged by a friend to participate in the national modeling competition "Model 92," she emerged victorious out of approximately 25,000 entrants on April 29, 1992, securing a $300,000 modeling contract offered by Thomas Zeumer, CEO of Metropolitan Models New York.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag
Modeling and acting
Klum has appeared on the covers of numerous international editions of Vogue (including French, German, Portuguese, Spanish), as well as prominent fashion magazines such as Elle, InStyle, Marie Claire, Glamour, and Russian Harper's Bazaar. Her rise to fame was propelled by her feature in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and her role as a Victoria's Secret "Angel," where she hosted their runway shows in 2002 and from 2006 through 2009.
Her portfolio includes collaborations with renowned photographers for Sports Illustrated shoots and Joanne Gair’s body painting projects spanning from 1997 to 2010; Klum contributed the foreword to Gair’s book titled Body Painting, Masterpieces. Additional magazine covers include titles like GQ, Cosmopolitan, Photo, Stuff, Joy, Esquire, Max, Men's Journal, Time, and Shape.
She has fronted advertising campaigns for brands such as Pringle of Scotland, Liz Claiborne, and Kathleen Madden alongside other German supermodels. Her beauty endorsements have featured Bobbi Brown, Astor (Coty), and Givenchy’s Amarige fragrance. Designer collaborations include Marc Jacobs’ skin cancer awareness campaign and Jean-Paul Gaultier’s amfAR initiative. On the runway, Klum has walked for Victoria’s Secret shows and participated in New York Fashion Week events showcasing designers like Zac Posen, Escada, Vera Wang, Structure, Victor Alfaro, Imitation Of Christ, and Philip Treacy.
Her commercial modeling work extends to retailers including H&M, Ann Taylor, Peek & Cloppenburg; since 2007 she has served as a celebrity spokesperson for Jordache. Campaigns also include Braun epilators, McDonald's salads, Dannon yogurt products, Carl's Jr./Hardee's Jim Beam Bourbon Burger promotion, Wix.com website builder advertisements, and Volkswagen Tiguan commercials featuring her then-husband Seal. Television appearances encompass roles on shows such as Spin City, Sex and the City, Yes, Dear, and How I Met Your Mother. Film credits include supporting roles in Blow Dry, Ella Enchanted, ‘‘The Life and Death of Peter Sellers’’, along with cameo parts in ‘‘The Devil Wears Prada’’ and ‘‘Perfect Stranger’’.
In video games and music media, Klum portrayed antagonist Dr. Katya Nadanova in the 2003 James Bond game ‘‘James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing’’. She appeared in music videos for Jamiroquai’s "Love Foolosophy," Kelis’ "Young, Fresh n' New," and Seal’s "Secret," the latter reflecting her creative collaboration.
By mid-2007, Klum had earned $8 million over sixteen months, ranking third among Forbes’ highest-paid supermodels. In 2008 Forbes estimated her earnings at $16 million—placing her first on their list—with $14 million generated during 2007. She is represented by IMG Models based in New York City. That year she also featured in Volkswagen commercials aired in both U.S. and German markets; additionally appearing in Guitar Hero World Tour advertisements mimicking Tom Cruise’s iconic "Risky Business" scene.
October 2009 saw Klum featured in photographer Rankin’s photo book titled ‘‘Heidilicious’’. She starred alongside Coco Rocha in the web series "SPIKED HEEL: Supermodels Battle the Forces of Evil," playing 'The Kluminator'. In 2010 Klum became the face and creative consultant for European cosmetics brand Astor (Coty), overseeing artistic direction and product development. That same year marked the end of her thirteen-year association with Victoria’s Secret.
By May 2011 Forbes ranked Klum second among top-earning models with estimated annual income of $20 million. The publication highlighted her shift from runway modeling toward business initiatives including partnerships with New Balance and Amazon to launch apparel lines along with hosting Lifetime’s series ‘‘Seriously Funny Kids’’.
Despite commercial achievements, some fashion industry figures have critiqued her impact on high fashion runways. Karl Lagerfeld concurred with Wolfgang Joop’s opinion that Klum is "not a runway model," citing that her body type does not align with traditional high-fashion criteria. Lagerfeld described her style as "more glamorous and flashy than what current fashion demands," noting her limited involvement within Paris fashion circles.
Producing
In December 2004, Klum took on the roles of host, judge, and executive producer for the reality competition series Project Runway on Bravo, which later moved to Lifetime. The show features designers vying to present their collections at New York Fashion Week and obtain financial support to establish their brands. Klum received Emmy nominations for her work during the program’s initial four seasons. In 2008, both Klum and Project Runway were honored with a Peabody Award, marking a first for a reality television series. That same year, she earned an Emmy nomination in the newly created category of "Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program."
Since 2006, Klum has served as host, judge, and co-producer of Germany's Next Topmodel, broadcast on Germany’s ProSieben network. In 2013, she and co-host Tim Gunn were awarded an Emmy for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program. On 7 September 2018, Klum and Gunn announced their departure from Project Runway after signing with Amazon Prime Video to spearhead a fresh fashion competition series.
The Amazon Prime series, titled Making the Cut, debuted in March 2020 featuring prominent judges such as Naomi Campbell and Nicole Richie; its concluding season premiered in August 2022. On 3 January 2025, it was revealed that Klum would resume her role as host for the twenty-first season of Project Runway.
Design and other business ventures
Klum has developed several apparel collections, including a menswear line sold through the German catalog Otto. She has designed footwear for Birkenstock, jewelry for Mouawad, apparel for Jordache, and swimwear featured in the 2002 edition of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Additionally, she co-created Victoria's Secret's lingerie collection "The Body," inspired by her nickname from her debut Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Her Mouawad jewelry line launched on QVC in September 2006, with 14 out of 16 designs selling out within just 36 minutes. The Jordache clothing range was introduced on 30 April 2008.
Klum offers two fragrances named "Heidi Klum" and "Me," and designed makeup products for Victoria's Secret under "The Heidi Klum Collection," starting with a Fall 2007 release followed by another in Fall 2008. She also developed the Heidi Klum rose variety available in Germany. For the 2008 US Open, she created a butterfly-themed T-shirt sold at the event with proceeds benefiting park upkeep.
In 2009, Klum was appointed Barbie’s official ambassador for its 50th anniversary celebration, which included a Barbie doll modeled after her likeness. That year she also appeared in advertisements for Dannon’s Light & Fit yogurt brand. In June 2010, Klum and her then-husband Seal announced a Lifetime reality show titled Love's Divine. Earlier that year, she launched two maternity collections: Lavish by Heidi Klum for A Pea in the Pod and Loved by Heidi Klum for Motherhood Maternity, focusing on fashionable yet comfortable pregnancy wear. In October 2010, she collaborated with New Balance to introduce an activewear collection available on Amazon.com.
In January 2015, Klum unveiled her lingerie brand "Heidi Klum Intimates" in Melbourne, Australia, partnering with Bendon Group for its UK debut in March that year. She is also featured as a "Real Celebrity" on Stardoll with virtual jewelry and apparel lines.
Klum appeared in Australian singer Sia’s music video "Fire Meet Gasoline" in 2015 to promote her lingerie collection. In 2017, she launched the fashion label Heidi & the City exclusively through Lidl grocery stores, showcasing it with a runway event at New York Fashion Week.
America's Got Talent
Klum joined the judging panel of America's Got Talent in March 2013 as Sharon Osbourne’s replacement. She participated as a judge from seasons eight through thirteen and during the inaugural season of America's Got Talent: The Champions before stepping down in February 2019. She returned to the show for its fifteenth season in 2020. In February 2025, it was announced that she would once again exit the judging lineup.
Other work
Besides her television career, Klum is an artist whose paintings have been featured in various American art publications. In 2002, she dedicated a sculpture entitled "Dog with Butterflies" to honor rescue dogs following the events of September 11. In 2004, she co-wrote Heidi Klum's Body of Knowledge alongside Elle editor Alexandra Postman; this book combines biography elements with guidance on achieving success. She has contributed essays to German outlets such as Die Zeit and occasionally served as a guest columnist for RTL.
In November 2006, Klum released her first single "Wonderland" as part of an advertising campaign for German retailer Douglas; proceeds were donated to children’s charities based in her hometown of Bergisch Gladbach. She also performed a duet titled "Wedding Day" on her husband Seal’s 2007 album System, which he wrote specifically for their wedding.
Personal life
In 1997, Klum married stylist Ric Pipino; their marriage ended in divorce by 2002. In 2003 she briefly dated Flavio Briatore, Italian managing director of Renault’s Formula One team, before starting a relationship with musician Seal. Their daughter Leni was born in May 2004 in New York City; Seal is recognized as her father.
Klum became engaged to Seal in December 2004 and they wed on 10 May 2005 in Mexico. Together they have three children: two sons born in September 2005 and November 2006 respectively, and a daughter born in October 2009. In November 2009, Klum legally adopted Seal’s surname becoming Heidi Samuel; Seal later adopted Leni as well. The couple renewed their vows annually but announced separation in January 2012. Klum filed for divorce in April that year requesting restoration of her birth name; their divorce was finalized in October 2014.
From 2012 until 2014, Klum dated her bodyguard Martin Kirsten followed by a relationship with art curator Vito Schnabel from 2014 to 2017. In May 2018 she publicly confirmed dating Tokio Hotel guitarist Tom Kaulitz; after approximately one year together they became engaged in December 2018. The couple legally married in February 2019 and held their wedding ceremony aboard the yacht Christina O off Italy’s coast in August that year.
Klum has identified herself as a nudist, emphasizing an open and uninhibited approach toward her body shaped by her upbringing in Germany.
Bomb threat during GNTM live finale
On 14 May 2015 during the live finale of Germany's Next Topmodel season ten at Mannheim’s SAP Arena, authorities received a bomb threat call at approximately 9:07 pm leading to immediate evacuation of the venue and police intervention. The live broadcast was canceled abruptly and replaced by an announcement citing technical difficulties. A man was apprehended near Klum after issuing another bomb threat; this led to her evacuation along with daughter Leni and fellow judges. A suspicious suitcase was discovered but later determined to be a false alarm.
Philanthropy
On April 30th, 2011, Klum spearheaded Walk for Kids—a five-kilometer event supporting Children's Hospital Los Angeles. In May 2014 she received the Crystal Cross Award from the American Red Cross recognizing her charitable contributions following Hurricane Sandy.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 54 | VIP Patron |
| 1999 | Spin City | Herself |
| 2000 | Cursed | Annika |
| 2001 | Blow Dry | Jasmine |
| Sex and the City | Herself | |
| Zoolander | Herself | |
| 2002 | Malcolm in the Middle | Toothless Hockey Player |
| Yes, Dear | Herself | |
| 2003 | Blue Collar Comedy Tour | Victoria's Secret Sales Girl |
| James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing (video game) | Katya Nadanova (voice) | |
| CSI: Miami | Herself | |
| 2004 | Ella Enchanted | Brumhilda |
| The Life and Death of Peter Sellers | Ursula Andress | |
| 2004–2017,2025–present | Project Runway | Host and judge |
| 2006 | The Devil Wears Prada | Herself |
| 2006–present | Germany's Next Topmodel | Host and judge |
| 2007 | Perfect Stranger | Victoria's Secret Party Host |
| How I Met Your Mother | Herself | |
| 2009–2010 | I Get That a Lot | Herself |
| 2010 | Desperate Housewives | Herself |
| 2011 | Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil | Heidi |
| Seriously Funny Kids | Host | |
| 2012–2016 | Littlest Pet Shop | Heidi, Lady Yodely of the High D (voice) |
| 2013 | Parks and Recreation | Ulee Danssen |
| 2013–2018,2020–2024 | America's Got Talent | Herself/Judge |
| 2016 | Zoolander: Super Model | Herself (voice) |
| 2018 | Ocean's 8 | Herself |
| 2019 | Queen of Drags | Herself/Judge |
| Arctic Dogs | Jade / Bertha (voice) | |
| 2019–2020 | America's Got Talent: The Champions | Herself/Judge |
| 2020–present | Making the Cut | Herself and executive producer |
| 2023 | America's Got Talent: All-Stars | Herself/Judge |
| 2024 | America's Got Talent: Fantasy League | Herself/Judge |
Awards and nominations
rowspan="2"|2010 rowspan="2"|2013 rowspan="2"|2014 rowspan="2"|2015 rowspan="2"|2016 rowspan="2"|2017| Year | Organization | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Reality-Competition Program | 'Project Runway' | |
| 2006 | ||||
| 2007 | ||||
| Deutscher Fernsehpreis | (Best Entertainment Program / Best Host) | 'Germany's Next Topmodel' | ||
| 2008 | ||||
| Teen Choice Awards | (Choice TV Personality) | 'Project Runway' | ||
| (Outstanding Reality-Competition Program) | ||||
| (Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program) | ||||
| 2009 | (Outstanding Reality-Competition Program) | |||
| (Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program) | ||||
| (Outstanding Reality-Competition Program) | ||||
| (Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program) | ||||
| 2011 | (Outstanding Reality-Competition Program) | |||
| 2012 | (Outstanding Reality-Competition Program) | |||
| (Outstanding Reality-Competition Program) | ||||
| (Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program) | ||||
| (Outstanding Reality-Competition Program) | ||||
| (Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program) | ||||
| (Outstanding Reality-Competition Program) | ||||
| (Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program) | ||||
| (Outstanding Reality-Competition Program) | ||||
| (Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program) | ||||
| (Outstanding Reality-Competition Program) | ||||
| (Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program) |