For children of the 70s, Bo Derek is a treasured memory.
With her signature blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and braided hairstyles that defied any negative connotations, she was one of the most stunning bombshells of her era.
After a short period of fame, many people have been wondering about her life, such as where she ended up, why she quit acting, and what her current situation is. Let’s take a look at Bo’s recent activities.
Bo Derek’s formative years
Before she was known as Bo Derek, Mary Cathleen Collins was born on November 20, 1956, in Long Beach, California. Mary grew up in an ordinary American home with working-class parents. Her mother was a beautician while her father was a business manager. When Mary was a teenager, she had two main interests. She loved horses, so she was above all an enthusiastic rider. She competed in various events and proudly displayed her skills. She also liked to play. She took acting workshops to hone these skills.
Bo starred in the 1977 film Orca. In this film, a large orca was shown being bitten on the leg by Jaws. But the main reason for her real rise to fame was the Blake Edwards movie “10” in 1979. It was then that her distinctive blonde braided hair began to show. She did not pursue a career as an action star after this film. These included “Ghosts Can’t Do It” (1990), “Bolero” (1984), and “Tarzan, the Ape Man” (1981).
Joining forces with John Derek
Bo met her future husband, filmmaker John Derek, when she was barely sixteen years old. She was married to Linda Evans at the time. Just a few years later, they started dating. However, to escape the strict American regulations, they had to go to Mexico and Europe while Bo was still a minor.
Soon after, John and Bo Derek married, John was 48 and Derek was 19.
In an interview with Interview Magazine, Bo revealed that she often felt bad when she was with Linda. Bo stated, “I was at least partly to blame for some serious suffering she (Linda Evans) experienced.” She was really considerate and polite.
Strangely, I only saw her yesterday. We were at a jewelry show for charity.
She was still as amazing and adorable as ever. I always feel terrible when I’m with her. Even after years, it remains deeply rooted.
John Derek served as the inspiration for her braided hairstyle.
John Derek designed her braided look in her most famous film “10”, although he did not produce or direct it. He asked Bo to show Blake some of his pictures to see if he liked the way they looked.
Certainly yes. How did you want to change your look considering I’m blonde and everything was fluffy in the late 70s?
John Derek sadly died of cardiovascular disease in 1998. He was 71 years old when he died. According to Bo, she never imagined that she would reconnect with someone after his death. The loss broke her heart.
Bo Derek is more than just an animal lover. She also received an honorary appointment from the VA as Chair of National Rehabilitation Special Events. Derek states, “Your National Rehabilitation Special Events promote healing of body and spirit, helping veterans enjoy a higher quality of life and improve their independence.” “I am deeply honored and moved to once again serve as Honorary Chairman of a truly noble cause on behalf of America’s veterans.”
“S*x in the City” star John Corbett is Bo’s current husband. They have been together for over 20 years. Without announcing it publicly, they decided to tie the knot in secret, in front of only their closest friends and family.
Once the epitome of beauty and allure in the 1970s, Bo Derek moved on to a life of meaningful pursuits that transcended her early Hollywood fame. Her early years were marked by a passion for horses and acting, which laid the foundation for her breakout role in Blake Edwards’ ’10’. This film not only showcased her iconic braided hairstyle but also cemented her status as a cultural icon of her time. However, her personal life, particularly her relationship with John Derek, entwined her professional journey with the complexities of love, loyalty, and loss.
After John’s death in 1998, Bo faced a deep period of grief, yet she proved resilient and found new ways to channel her energy and compassion. Her role as the National Rehabilitation Special Events Chair for the VA underscores her commitment to supporting veterans, indicating a shift in her focus from the glitz of Hollywood to the more substantial aspects of life that contribute to health and healing. This commitment shows her desire to use her platform for good and links her celebrity status to a noble cause.
Bo has found companionship and stability in her current relationship with John Corbett and has enjoyed a partnership that has spanned over two decades. Their decision to marry privately reflects a desire for intimacy outside the public eye, suggesting that Bo has prioritized her personal happiness and privacy over public perception.
Bo Derek is an example of how a person can evolve and find meaning beyond their original identity while still moving through life as a star, using her past experiences to inspire and uplift others while appreciating the love that surrounds her.