How many of you remember Bo Derek? For me, she has always been a favorite, and discovering what she has been up to in recent years only deepened my admiration for this goddess.
I recall the first time I saw Bo Derek in her breakout film in 1979 – it was hard to miss the stunning young blonde with striking blue eyes in the movie ’10’.
But what transpired after her legendary era in Hollywood?
Bo Derek
Posted by Golden Years of Television on Monday, November 21, 2016
Bo Derek, born Mary Cathleen Collins, grew up in California. She made her mark in Hollywood early, thanks to her mother, who worked for the Swedish-American actress Ann-Margret.
With her mother’s connections, Bo secured an agent at the age of 16 – a move that led to her first film role in Once Upon a Love.
The film was shot on the enchanting island of Mykonos in the Greek archipelago. During the filming, Bo met her future husband, John Derek. The two quickly fell in love and began their relationship. At that time, Bo was just 17, while John Derek was 47.
The age gap alone could have sparked controversy – but there was another factor that made their relationship questionable: John Derek was still married to actress Linda Evans.
However, shortly after meeting Bo, John ended his marriage with his actress wife.
“I was at least partly to blame for some significant pain she (Linda Evans) experienced. She had always been so gracious and kind… Interestingly, I saw her just yesterday at a charity jewelry trunk show. She was as fabulous and wonderful as ever. I still feel terrible whenever I’m around her. It’s just something that sticks with me, even after all these years,” Bo shared with Interview Magazine in 2016.
Since Bo was a minor at that time, John faced the risk of arrest in the United States, prompting the couple to spend some time in Europe and Mexico to evade California’s age of consent laws. They eventually got married in Las Vegas in 1976, with Bo being 19 and John 49.
Once they were married, Bo’s career skyrocketed. John cast her in his films, often placing her in challenging roles and situations to generate buzz for his low-budget projects. In the film ’10’, Bo made a name for herself as one of Hollywood’s most stunning actresses. It was in this film that her iconic look debuted, featuring her cornrow-style blonde braids.
BO DEREK
Posted by YO SOY OCHENTOSO/A on Friday, November 9, 2012
Interestingly, it was her husband’s idea for Bo to wear braids in the film, even though he wasn’t the director.
“It was the late 1970s, and everything was fluffy, and I’m blonde, so… what could I do to stand out? John always thought that would be a great look for me, especially for photography—he’s an excellent photographer. We gave it a try, and he suggested, ‘Why don’t you take these pictures to Blake and see if he’ll approve? It would really enhance the role, so you don’t look ordinary,’” she recounted in Interview Magazine.
Following the success of ’10’, Bo Derek starred in several of her husband’s films, including Tarzan, The Ape Man (1981), Bolero (1984), and Ghosts Can’t Do It (1990), all of which received poor reviews. Afterward, Bo appeared in various television series such as 7th Heaven and Lucky,
Since the beginning of the 21st century, Bo has been involved in politics, showing her support for George W. Bush and the Republican Party during the 2000 and 2004 election campaigns. However, she currently states that she does not align with any party and cast her vote for Barack Obama.
Among her greatest passions is horses, particularly the Lusitano breed from Portugal. Additionally, she has authored an autobiography titled Riding Lessons: Everything That Matters in Life I Learned from Horses.
For a period, she was involved in horse breeding at her ranch. Bo has been a long-time supporter of animal welfare and advocates for the cessation of horse slaughter.
Additionally, she plays a significant role in supporting and rehabilitating war veterans as the honorary chair of the VA’s National Rehabilitation Special Events.
“The National Rehabilitation Special Events by the VA foster both physical and emotional healing, enabling veterans to enhance their independence and experience a better quality of life,” Derek shared with the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs.
“It is a profound honor for me to once again take on the role of honorary chair for such a commendable initiative supporting America’s veterans.”
Bo’s father, Paul Collins, was a radio operator during the Korean War, and both her stepfather and late husband, John, were veterans as well. Now 63 and a widow since 1998, Bo is currently in a relationship with John Corbett, 59, a former star of “Sex and the City”.
“We really enjoy each other’s company; we make each other laugh. Even after 15 years, we still hold hands and have barbecues with friends a few times a week,” Bo shares.
The couple first crossed paths in 2002, thanks to Hollywood agent Norby Walters, who set them up on a date at his traditional Oscars party.
Corbett shared with TODAY in 2015, “I said, ‘I’m not dating anyone,’ and he replied, ‘I’ll get you a date, Corbett!’ That’s how he introduced me to Bo.”
In August 2021, the couple joyfully revealed some exciting news. After nearly two decades together, Bo and Corbett exchanged vows in a private ceremony.
“We’re quite private individuals. We didn’t make a public announcement. All our friends and family were aware, but this is the first time either of us has spoken about it publicly because we simply haven’t had the chance. So, you’re my buddy, and now I suppose I’m sharing it with all of America, or the world,” Corbett mentioned during a virtual interview with CBS.
Corbett shared with TODAY in 2015, “I said, ‘I’m not dating anyone,’ and he replied, ‘I’ll get you a date, Corbett!’ That’s how he introduced me to Bo.”
In August 2021, the couple joyfully revealed some exciting news. After nearly two decades together, Bo and Corbett exchanged vows in a private ceremony.
“We’re quite private individuals. We didn’t make a public announcement. All our friends and family were aware, but this is the first time either of us has spoken about it publicly because we simply haven’t had the chance. So, you’re my friend, and now I suppose I’m sharing this with all of America, or the world,” Corbett mentioned during a virtual interview with CBS.
Currently, Bo Derek enjoys a joyful life in California alongside her husband, sister, brother-in-law, and their two kids.
Although she may not be featured in major films or frequently seen in the spotlight, she remains an enduring icon.
Take a look at the beach scene below. It’s familiar, isn’t it?
