How many of you remember Bo Derek? She’s always been a favorite of mine, and when I found out what she’s been up to in recent years, I was even more impressed by this goddess.
From Hollywood Stardom to Advocacy
I remember the first time I saw Bo Derek in her movie breakthrough in 1979 – it was impossible not to notice the gorgeous young blonde woman with clear blue eyes in the movie ’10’. But what happened after her iconic time in Hollywood?
Bo Derek, born as Mary Cathleen Collins, had a fascinating journey. She grew up in California, with her mother working for the Swedish-American actress Ann-Margret. Thanks to her mother’s connections, she got an agent at the young age of 16, which led to her first film role in ‘Once Upon a Love’. The film was shot on the romantic island of Mykonos, in the Greek archipelago.
During the filming, she met her future husband, John Derek. The couple fell in love, despite their significant age difference – Bo was only 17 years old while John Derek was 47. Adding to the complexity, John Derek was already married to actress Linda Evans. After meeting Bo, he made the difficult decision to divorce Linda. Bo later admitted feeling responsible for the pain Linda went through.
A Love Story That Defied Conventions
Because Bo was a minor at the time, John was at risk of being arrested in the United States. To avoid legal issues, the couple spent time in Europe and Mexico. They eventually married in Las Vegas in 1976 when Bo was 19 and John was 49.
After their marriage, Bo’s career took off. John featured her in his movies, often in daring roles and scenes, creating buzz around his low-budget films. It was in the movie ’10’ that Bo established herself as one of the most beautiful actresses in Hollywood. Her iconic cornrow-style, blonde braids became an instant sensation. Interestingly, it was John’s suggestion for Bo to have braids in the film, showcasing his talent as a photographer.
Bo continued to appear in her husband’s films, but they unfortunately received negative reviews. She later transitioned to television series, including notable appearances in 7th Heaven, Lucky, and Queen of Swords.
A Champion for Animal Welfare and Veterans
While Bo’s Hollywood career may have faded over time, her passions and activism only grew stronger, making her a timeless icon in her own right. One of her biggest interests is horses, especially the Lusitano breed from Portugal. Bo has even written an autobiography called Riding Lessons: Everything That Matters in Life I Learned from Horses. She has long been an advocate for animal safety and passionately calls for an end to horse slaughter.
In addition to her work with animals, Bo is also involved in supporting and rehabilitating war veterans. She serves as the honorary chair of VA’s National Rehabilitation Special Events, which aims to promote the healing of body and spirit for veterans. Bo’s late husband, John, and her father, Paul Collins, were both veterans, making this cause deeply personal for her.
“I am deeply honored and moved to once again serve as the honorary chair of a truly noble cause on behalf of America’s veterans,” said Bo, expressing her commitment to supporting those who have served.
A Happy Life with John Corbett
After the passing of her late husband in 1998, Bo found love again with John Corbett, known for his role in “Sex and the City”. They met back in 2002 when Hollywood agent Norby Walters arranged a date between them at his traditional Oscars party.
“I said, ‘I’m not dating anyone,’ and he said, ‘I’ll get you a date, Corbett!’ And he set me up with Bo,” Corbett recalled during an interview.
In August 2021, after almost two decades together, Bo and John Corbett finally tied the knot in a private ceremony. They kept it a secret for months, as they value their privacy. In a virtual interview with CBS, John Corbett revealed the delightful news to the world.
“We’re pretty private people. We didn’t make an announcement. All our friends and family knew, but this is the first time either one of us has said anything publicly about it because really we haven’t had an opportunity. So, you’re my buddy and now I guess I’m telling all of America, or the world,” he shared.
Nowadays, Bo Derek continues to live a happy life in California with her husband, her sister, brother-in-law, and their two children. Although she may not be in the spotlight as much as before, she remains a timeless icon. And if you ever want to relive her iconic beach scene in “10”, just click the link below.
