About Rachel Hunter
Rachel Hunter was born on September 8, 1969, in Glenfield, Auckland, New Zealand, to Wayne Hunter, a builder, and Janeen Hunter. Raised in a middle-class family with her sister Jacqui, she grew up in a suburb of Auckland. At 15, she was diagnosed with a rare blood disease, which delayed her early ambitions, but by 16, she was scouted by a local modeling agent while at a beach. She began modeling in New Zealand, signing with Ford Models at 17 and moving to New York in 1986 to pursue her career. Hunter is of English and Scottish descent, with her family rooted in New Zealand. She has embraced her Kiwi heritage, often referencing her relaxed, outdoorsy upbringing. She is primarily known as Rachel Hunter, with no widely used aliases. In the 1990s, she was occasionally called “The Kiwi Bombshell” by media for her vibrant beauty and New Zealand origins.
Hunter rose to fame in the late 1980s and 1990s as a supermodel, known for her sun-kissed look and approachable charm. She appeared on over 100 magazine covers, including Vogue (Australian, Italian), Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Cosmopolitan, and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, where she debuted in 1989 and landed the cover in 1994, shot in Costa Rica. Her campaigns included CoverGirl, Revlon, and Guess, and she walked runways for designers like Cynthia Rowley. A key moment was her 1989 Sports Illustrated feature, which boosted her global profile. Unlike some peers, she did not work with Victoria’s Secret, focusing on swimwear and commercial brands. Hunter continued modeling, appearing in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (2006, at age 36) and Vogue New Zealand (2022).
Hunter signed with Ford Models in 1986, remaining with them through her peak. She later worked with Elite Model Management and Select Model Management for select projects. Her editorial work includes Vogue (Australian, U.S.), Harper’s Bazaar, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Marie Claire, Glamour, and People. A favorite of photographers like Steven Meisel and Bruce Weber, she embodied a wholesome, beachy aesthetic. Her Sports Illustrated work was featured in the magazine’s 50th-anniversary exhibition (2014).
Hunter has a modest social media presence, with over 150,000 Instagram followers (@rachelhunterx). She shares modeling throwbacks, wellness content, and family moments, promoting her yoga practice and engaging fans with her down-to-earth vibe.
At 5’11” with blonde hair and blue eyes, Hunter’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 not confirmed cosmetic surgeries, crediting her appearance to yoga and healthy living. She has a small heart tattoo on her lower back and ear piercings.
Hunter’s appeal lies in her natural beauty and warm personality. Fans and brands, like CoverGirl, praise her as “the ultimate beach beauty” for her effortless charm and versatility. Her glowing skin, expressive eyes, and statuesque frame are often highlighted, with her Kiwi authenticity setting her apart.
Her net worth is estimated at $60 million, earned through modeling, endorsements (CoverGirl, Pantene), television hosting, and real estate investments in New Zealand and Los Angeles. She was a top-earning model in the 1990s, with Sports Illustrated and CoverGirl contracts boosting her income.
Hunter faced minor controversies, primarily tied to her high-profile divorce from Rod Stewart, which drew tabloid attention in the early 2000s. Her 2006 reality show Rachel Hunter’s Tour of Beauty faced criticism for cultural oversimplification, but she defended its intent to celebrate diversity. She has largely avoided major scandals.
Her acting roles include The Benchwarmers (2006), Dead Write (2007), and Piranhaconda (2012). She appeared in music videos, including Rod Stewart’s Broken Arrow (1991) and Fountains of Wayne’s Stacy’s Mom (2003), which became a cultural hit. Hunter appeared on TV as host of Rachel Hunter’s Tour of Beauty (2005–2006), Make Me a Supermodel (2008), and New Zealand’s Got Talent (2012). She competed on Dancing with the Stars (2005, U.S.) and Dancing on Ice (2007, UK), and guest-starred on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Tyra Banks Show, and The Talk, discussing her career and wellness. She featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit: 50 Years of Beautiful (2014).
Hunter was married to musician Rod Stewart (1990–2006), with whom she has two children, Renee (born 1992) and Liam (born 1994). She was engaged to hockey player Jarret Stoll (2008–2009) and has been linked to others but keeps her romantic life private. She lives in Los Angeles and New Zealand, raising her children and supporting their careers, with Liam pursuing hockey.
Hunter’s legacy lies in her role as a 1990s supermodel and her transition to television and wellness. Observers say she might have been out of step in the 1990s supermodel era and would have fitted more in with the sun-kissed and bigger bust era of the early 2000s. Her Sports Illustrated covers made her a household name, influencing models like Kate Upton. Her yoga advocacy and TV hosting broadened her impact, and she supports charities like the Born Free Foundation and Starship Children’s Hospital in New Zealand.
As of 2025, Hunter models occasionally, appearing in campaigns for local New Zealand brands and editorials like Stellar Magazine. She promotes her yoga practice and wellness retreats via Instagram, engages in philanthropy, and focuses on her children. She maintains her status as a beloved figure in fashion and media.
