About Heidi Klum
Heidi Klum was born on June 1, 1973, in Bergisch Gladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia, West Germany, to Erna, a hairdresser, and Günther Klum, a cosmetics company executive. Raised in a middle-class family, she developed an interest in modeling as a teenager. At 18, she entered a national modeling contest, Model 92, on German television, beating 25,000 competitors to win a contract with Metropolitan Models. She deferred college plans to pursue modeling, moving to New York in 1993. Klum is of German descent, with her family rooted in Germany, but she later moved to America, where she has lived most of her life. She has embraced both her German heritage and American background, and she is a dual citizen of both countries. She is primarily known as Heidi Klum, with no widely used aliases. Occasionally referred to as “The Body” in the 1990s for her Sports Illustrated fame, which is a nickname her and Elle MacPherson and Gisele Bündchen share.
Klum rose to fame in the 1990s as a supermodel, known for her approachable charm and curvaceous figure. Klum was not part of the "Big Five/Six" supermodels, alongside Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford (Supermodel), Claudia Schiffer, and she said she often felt more of an outsider in the modeling world until she reached her popularity in the 2000s. She appeared on over 100 magazine covers, including Vogue (German, French), Elle, Marie Claire, Glamour, and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, where her 1998 cover solidified her status. Her breakthrough came with Victoria’s Secret, joining their Angels in 1997 and walking in their fashion shows until 2010. She starred in campaigns for Liz Claiborne, Jordache, and Volkswagen, and walked runways for Zac Posen and Carolina Herrera. Notable moments include her 2006 Vogue Germany cover and her 2019 Harper’s Bazaar feature. Klum continues modeling, appearing in Vogue Poland (2024) and Intimissimi’s 2025 campaign.
Klum signed with Metropolitan Models in 1992, later working with Elite Model Management and IMG Models. She maintains ties with global agencies for her diverse projects. Her editorial work includes Vogue (multiple editions), Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Cosmopolitan, and InStyle. A favorite of photographers like Rankin and Nigel Barker, she balanced commercial and high-fashion work. Her Sports Illustrated covers were featured in the magazine’s 50th-anniversary exhibition (2014).
Klum has a massive social media presence, with over 12 million Instagram followers (@heidiklum). She shares behind-the-scenes content from her TV shows, family moments, and bold Halloween costumes, using her platform to promote her projects and engage fans with her playful energy.
At 5’9” with blonde hair and hazel eyes, Klum’s measurements were approximately 34"-24"-34" during her peak, with a 34C bra size. Known for her athletic build, radiant smile, and long legs, she has admitted to minor cosmetic procedures like Botox but denied major surgeries. She has a small cloverleaf tattoo on her hip and ear piercings.
Klum’s appeal lies in her infectious energy and versatility. Fans and designers, like Michael Kors, praise her as a “charismatic powerhouse” for her ability to light up any setting. Her toned physique, warm smile, and fearless style—often showcased in elaborate costumes—are frequently highlighted, with her fun-loving personality setting her apart.
Her net worth is estimated at $160 million, earned through modeling, endorsements (Victoria’s Secret, H&M), her Intimissimi lingerie line, and television production. She produces and hosts Project Runway and Germany’s Next Topmodel, and her Heidi Klum Intimates brand generates significant revenue. She was among the highest-paid models in the 2000s.
Klum faced minor controversies, including criticism for cultural insensitivity in Project Runway challenges (e.g., a 2013 Native American-themed episode) and Germany’s Next Topmodel’s intense contestant treatment. She addressed these with apologies and adjustments. Her revealing outfits and Halloween costumes occasionally spark debate but align with her bold persona.
Her acting roles include Blow Dry (2001), Ella Enchanted (2004), and The Devil Wears Prada (2006, cameo). She voiced characters in Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil (2011) and appeared in Ocean’s 8 (2018). Klum starred in music videos, including Sia’s Fire Meet Gasoline (2015) and her husband Tom Kaulitz’s Monsoon (2021). Klum is a television staple, hosting and producing Project Runway (2004–2017, 2019–present), Germany’s Next Topmodel (2006–present), Making the Cut (2020–2021), and Queen of Drags (2019). She judges on America’s Got Talent (2011–2019, 2020–present) and its spinoffs. Guest appearances include Sex and the City (1998), How I Met Your Mother (2007), Parks and Recreation (2013), and talk shows like Ellen DeGeneres and Jimmy Fallon. She featured in The Super Models (2023, docuseries, as a guest).
Klum was married to stylist Ric Pipino (1997–2002) and singer Seal (2005–2014), with whom she has three children: Leni Olumi Klum (born 2004), Henry (born 2005), and Johan (born 2006). She adopted Seal’s surname during their marriage, reverting to Klum post-divorce. She has a daughter, Lou (born 2009), with Seal, and married musician Tom Kaulitz in 2019. She lives in Los Angeles, raising her children and supporting Leni’s modeling career.
Klum’s legacy lies in her transition from supermodel to media mogul, redefining the role of models in entertainment. Her work on Project Runway elevated fashion on television, and her inclusive casting on Germany’s Next Topmodel influenced diversity. She supports charities like the American Red Cross, UNICEF, and amfAR, and her Halloween parties are cultural events. Her influence inspires talents like Gigi Hadid.
As of 2025, Klum remains active in television, hosting Project Runway and America’s Got Talent. She models selectively, appearing in campaigns for L’Oréal and her intimates line, and promotes her Cosmoss by Heidi Klum wellness brand. She shares family updates and Halloween preparations on Instagram, focusing on her children and maintaining her status as a multifaceted icon.
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