To what extent do you consider Bo Derek in your calculations? As a long-time admirer, I was even more astounded by the remarkable achievements of this extraordinary figure.
In the year 1979, Bo Derek made her cinematic debut in the film “10.” It was impossible to overlook the mesmerizing allure of this young, golden-haired lady with captivating blue eyes.
However, what became of her once her illustrious Hollywood career reached its conclusion? Born as Mary Cathleen Collins, she adopted the name Bo Derek and hailed from California.
Her mother’s connection to the Swedish-American actress Ann-Margret provided Bo with an early opportunity to venture into the realm of Hollywood.
At the tender age of 16, Bo seized the chance to secure representation through her mother’s associations, paving the way for her inaugural role in the film “Once Upon a Love.”
The enchanting backdrop of the picturesque Greek island of Mykonos served as the primary filming location for this project, where Bo serendipitously crossed paths with her future spouse, John Derek.
Their love blossomed rapidly, leading to the swift commencement of their romantic relationship. Bo, a youthful 17-year-old, found herself captivated by John Derek, who was in his forties.
While the substantial age difference might have raised eyebrows, it was not the sole obstacle they faced. Complicating matters further was the fact that John Derek was already married to the renowned actress Linda Evans, making any form of romantic entanglement between them deeply frowned upon.
Georges De Keerle’s photo for Getty Images: In London on September 30, 1984, Bo Derek
Soon after John met Bo, he divorced his actress wife.
I had a small part to play in Linda Evans’ misery. She had been wonderfully generous and nice. Ironically, I just now encountered her.
We went to a jewelry trunk show for charity. She was beautiful and amazing as always. I feel like a complete loser when she’s around.
In a 2016 interview with Interview Magazine, Bo candidly revealed that their approach had become second nature. To navigate the legal boundaries set by California’s age of consent regulations, they sought refuge in Europe and Mexico while Bo was still a minor.
In the year 1976, the couple sealed their bond in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. At the time, John Derek was 49 years old, while Bo was a mere 19. It was after their marriage that Bo’s career soared to new heights.
John often cast her in his films, subjecting her to challenging situations to pique interest in his modestly budgeted productions. Following her appearance in the film “10,” Bo’s reputation as a quintessential Hollywood beauty skyrocketed. Her iconic cornrow hairstyle made its debut in the film as well.
Although John wasn’t the director of the picture, it was his suggestion for Bo to don the braids. Embracing the carefree and breezy atmosphere of the late 1970s, Bo, being a natural blonde, was open to altering her appearance. When asked about the transformation, Bo shared:
“John, being a talented photographer, had always believed that I would look stunning in that style. So, we decided to give it a try.”
He then advised that I show Blake the pictures to see if he was interested. She remarked to Interview Magazine, “It would be really good for the part, so you don’t look ordinary.”
Bo Derek played parts in her husband’s critically lambasted films Tarzan, The Ape Man (1981), Bolero (1984), and Ghosts Can’t Do It (1990) after the success of ’10’. Bo has since appeared as a guest on dramas including Lucky, 7th Heaven, and Queen of Swords.
Facebook/Derek Bo
Bo has been politically active since the year 2000, and she supported George W. Bush during the 2000 and 2004 presidential campaigns.
Republican Party and Bush. She maintains she does not now support any political party, despite having voted for Barack Obama.
Her book, Riding Lessons: Everything That Matters in Life I Learned from Horses, was inspired by her love of horses, especially the Lusitano, a breed of horse from Portugal.
Facebook/Derek Bo
Bo has been politically active since the year 2000, and she supported George W. Bush during the 2000 and 2004 presidential campaigns.
Republican Party and Bush. She maintains she does not now support any political party, despite having voted for Barack Obama.
Her book, Riding Lessons: Everything That Matters in Life I Learned from Horses, was inspired by her love of horses, especially the Lusitano, a breed of horse from Portugal.
Source: Wikimedia Commons, Gauge Skidmore
On her farm, she also ranched horses for a period. Bo has consistently advocated for animal rights and wished to put an end to the slaughter of horses.
She is involved in helping war veterans get the care and rehabilitation they need as the honorary chair of the VA’s National Rehabilitation Special Events.
Flickr / Gauge Skidmore
Derek remarked, “VA’s National Rehabilitation Special Events promote the healing of body and spirit,” in a speech to the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs.
This supports veterans’ increased independence and quality of life. It is a privilege and an honor to take on the role of honorary chair once more on behalf of the warriors in our country.
Bo Derek on Facebook
Bo’s late husband John and her stepfather Paul Collins were both Korean War combatants. Radio operator Paul Collins worked.
Bo, who has been divorced since 1998 and is now 63 years old, is dating actor and former “Sex and the City” star John Corbett, 59.
Together, we have fun and keep each other entertained. We still hold hands and have barbecues once or twice a week with our friends even after 15 years of marriage,” Bo continues.
Finally, the two ran into one other in 2002. Bo and Corbett were given a date by Hollywood agent Norby Walters at his yearly Oscars party.
I informed him that I was single, and he said, “I’ll find you a date, Corbett!” In 2015, Corbett told TODAY, “And he set me up with Bo.
In August 2021, the happy couple announced their pregnancy. Following a little ceremony, Bo and Corbett were wed after dating for more than 20 years.
We keep our relationship very private. There was nothing said in public. We had previously told our immediate family and friends, but this is the first time we’ve told the wider public.
Corbett said to CBS’s virtual audience, “I guess I’m telling all of America, or the world, that you’re my buddy.
Photograph by Gauge Skidmore
Bo Derek continues to reside in California with her husband, sister, brother-in-law, and their two children.