About Elle MacPherson
Eleanor Nancy Gow MacPherson was born on March 29, 1964, in Killara, Sydney, Australia, to Peter Gow, a sound engineer, and Frances Gow, a nurse. Raised in a middle-class family with two sisters, Mimi and Elizabeth, and a brother, Brendon, she grew up in North Sydney. After her parents’ divorce, her mother remarried Neil Macpherson, and she adopted his surname. She attended Killara High School, briefly studied law at the University of Sydney, and was scouted at 17 by Click Model Management while on a ski trip in Aspen, Colorado, in 1981. She moved to New York in 1982 to pursue modeling. Macpherson is of Scottish and English descent, with her family rooted in Australia. She has embraced her Australian heritage, often highlighting her beachy, athletic persona. She is primarily known as Elle Macpherson, with no widely used aliases. Nicknamed “The Body” by Time magazine in 1989 for her athletic physique, she has leaned into the moniker for her brand. She is one of three models with the "The Body" nickname along with Gisele Bündchen and Heidi Klum.
Macpherson rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s as a supermodel, known for her sun-kissed beauty and statuesque frame. She is part of "The Big 10," a group of supermodels that dominated the 1990s, where being a celebrity and appearing on MTV was as important as appearing on a runway or on a fashion magazine. They included Elle MacPherson, Cindy Crawford (Supermodel), Linda Evangelista, Stephanie Seymour, Tatjana Patitz, Christy Turlington, Helena Christensen, Claudia Schiffer, and Kate Moss. She appeared on over 300 magazine covers, including Vogue (Australian, U.S., British), Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Glamour, and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, where she holds the record for most covers (1986, 1987, 1988, 1994, 2006). Her campaigns included Revlon, Christian Dior, and Ralph Lauren, and she walked runways for Louis Vuitton, Valentino, and John Galliano. A key moment was her 1986 Sports Illustrated cover, shot in Tahiti, which solidified her global fame. She worked with Victoria’s Secret in the 1990s, appearing in catalogs and the 1997 fashion show, though not as a contracted Angel. Macpherson continued modeling, appearing in Vogue Australia (2023) and Zimmermann’s 2024 campaign.
Macpherson signed with Click Model Management in 1981, later working with Ford Models and Elite Model Management. She now works with Women Management and other global agencies. Her editorial work includes Vogue (multiple editions), Harper’s Bazaar, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Cosmopolitan, W, and Marie Claire. A favorite of photographers like Gilles Bensimon and Russell James, she defined the 1980s athletic aesthetic. Her Sports Illustrated covers were featured in the magazine’s 50th-anniversary exhibition (2014).
Macpherson has a strong social media presence, with over 700,000 Instagram followers (@ellemacpherson). She shares wellness tips, modeling throwbacks, and promotions for her WelleCo brand, engaging fans with her health-focused lifestyle.
At 6’0” with blonde hair and brown eyes, Macpherson’s measurements were approximately 34"-24"-34" during her peak, with a 34C bra size. Known for her toned physique, long legs, and radiant glow, she has denied cosmetic surgeries, crediting her appearance to nutrition and exercise. She has no known tattoos or piercings.
Macpherson’s appeal lies in her athletic elegance and vibrant energy. Fans and designers, like Michael Kors, praise her as “the ultimate beach goddess” for her natural beauty and confidence. Her sculpted arms, bronzed skin, and towering height are often highlighted, with her wellness advocacy setting her apart.
Her net worth is estimated at $95 million, earned through modeling, endorsements (Revlon, Bendon), her WelleCo wellness brand (launched 2014), and Elle Macpherson Intimates lingerie line (1989–2018). She co-hosted Britain’s Next Top Model, adding to her income. She was a top-earning model in the 1980s and 1990s, with Forbes noting her business savvy.
Macpherson faced minor controversies, including criticism for promoting wellness products like WelleCo’s Super Elixir, questioned by some nutritionists, which she defended as science-backed. Her 2014 comment about alkaline diets sparked debate but aligned with her health persona. She has largely avoided major scandals.
Her acting roles include Sirens (1994, as Sheela), The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996), Batman & Robin (1997), and The Edge (1997). She appeared in Friends (1999–2000, as Janine LaCroix) and starred in the music video for Bryan Adams’ Let’s Make a Night to Remember (1996).Macpherson appeared on TV in Saturday Night Live (1996, host), America’s Next Top Model (2008, guest judge), and Britain’s Next Top Model (2010–2013, host). She guest-starred on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Ellen DeGeneres, and The Talk, discussing her career and wellness. She featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit: 50 Years of Beautiful (2014) and The Super Models (2023, docuseries, as a guest).
Macpherson was married to photographer Gilles Bensimon (1986–1989) and financier Arpad Busson (2002–2005), with whom she has two sons, Flynn (born 1998) and Cy (born 2003). She dated Andrew Wakefield, a controversial figure, from 2017 to 2019, and has been with musician Doyle Bramhall II since 2020. She lives in Miami and Sydney, raising her sons and prioritizing privacy.
Macpherson’s legacy lies in her record-breaking Sports Illustrated covers and her pivot to wellness entrepreneurship. Her Victoria’s Secret work and high-fashion campaigns made her a global icon, influencing models like Miranda Kerr. WelleCo popularized superfood supplements, and she supports charities like UNICEF, RED, and Smile Foundation. Her book Elle (2015) shared her wellness philosophy.
As of 2025, Macpherson models selectively, appearing in campaigns for WelleCo and Camilla. She promotes her wellness brand via Instagram, focusing on superfoods and skincare, and engages in philanthropy. She raises her sons and maintains her status as a fitness and fashion icon.
As of May 2025, Elle has amassed 773,000 followers on Instagram.
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