A modeling icon of the 1970s and 1980s known for her fresh, all-American image and focus on healthy living, Hansen also dabbled in acting and was a regular on Hollywood red carpets. Recently, in a rare Instagram post, she reminded fans she’s still got that signature glow.
In the beachside snap, Hansen showed off a sun-kissed tan and her trademark light locks while modeling a playful outfit. Thanking a brand for sending her protective sunwear, she looked effortlessly chic against the coastal backdrop.
The blue-eyed, strawberry-blonde beauty — who has Norwegian roots — was discovered at just 14 years old by photographer Peter Gert. He introduced her to Wilhelmina Cooper, founder of Wilhelmina Models, who quickly signed the teen. Hansen soon left Staten Island for Manhattan, balancing modeling gigs with studies at the Professional Children’s School.
One of her earliest breakthroughs was landing the cover of Seventeen, where she embodied the girl-next-door charm. She later graced the covers of Cosmopolitan and became the face of major campaigns for brands like Calvin Klein, Revlon, Courrèges, Guerlain, and Versace.
Hansen also ventured into film, appearing in They All Laughed alongside Audrey Hepburn and later in Hard to Hold with Rick Springfield.
She married Richards in Mexico in 1983, and the couple now resides in Connecticut. Together they share two daughters, Theodora and Alexandra, both of whom have pursued modeling — Alexandra has even appeared in French Playboy and modeled for Vogue.
As for Richards, he remains one of rock’s most legendary figures — guitarist, songwriter, and founding member of The Rolling Stones, with a storied partnership alongside frontman Mick Jagger. Beyond music, he’s also appeared on screen, notably playing Captain Teague in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. In 1989, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Decades after dominating magazine covers and runways, Patti Hansen still carries the same effortless glamour — just now with a lifetime of rock ’n’ roll stories behind it.
