Bo Derek remains a cherished icon for those who grew up in the 1970s. Renowned for her striking blonde hair, vibrant blue eyes, and distinctive braided hairstyles, she captivated audiences during her brief period of fame.

Many have wondered about her life since her rise to stardom, including her career shift and current activities. Here’s an update on Bo Derek’s life.

Early Life of Bo Derek

Before becoming known as Bo Derek, Mary Cathleen Collins was born on November 20, 1956, in Long Beach, California. Raised in a working-class family, her father was a sales executive, and her mother worked as a cosmetics artist. As a teenager, Mary had two main passions: horseback riding and acting. She competed in numerous equestrian events and took acting classes to hone her craft.

Bo’s acting career began with a role in the film Orca (1977), where she portrayed a character attacked by a killer whale. However, it was her performance in Blake Edwards’ 1979 film 10 that truly launched her into the spotlight. Her signature braided hairstyle from this film became iconic. Bo went on to appear in various films, including Tarzan, The Ape Man (1981), Bolero (1984), and Ghosts Can’t Do It (1990).

Marriage to John Derek

At the age of 16, Bo met director John Derek, who was married to Linda Evans at the time. Bo and John began their relationship a few years later, after John’s marriage ended. Due to Bo’s age, they had to marry in Mexico to avoid legal complications. Bo was 19, and John was 48 at the time of their marriage. Bo later expressed feelings of guilt about the impact her relationship had on Linda Evans.

John Derek and Bo collaborated on various projects, with John often featuring Bo in his films to boost their appeal. Though he did not direct her most famous film 10, he was instrumental in creating her iconic braided look, which became a defining feature of her image.

Life After John Derek

John Derek passed away from cardiovascular disease in 1998 at the age of 71. Bo struggled with his loss and initially felt she would never reconnect romantically. Despite this, she has continued to honor his memory and contributions.

Beyond her film career, Bo has been actively involved in charitable work. She serves as the honorary chair of the National Rehabilitation Special Events for the VA, focusing on supporting veterans’ well-being.

Currently, Bo is married to actor John Corbett, known for his role in Sex and the City. They have been together for over two decades, having chosen to marry privately in front of close friends and family.