Karolina Kurkova Biography, Life, Interesting Facts

Karolina Kurkova is best known as a lingerie model. More recently she has been working on her career as an actress.

Childhood and Early Life

Karolina Kurkova was born on February 28, 1984, in D??ín, Czechoslovakia. Her father was a Czech basketball player. She was also a tall child and was often made fun of.

Rise To Stardom

A friend of Kurkova's sent her photo to a Prague modeling agency. Her discovery led to modeling jobs and runway appearances by the age of 15.

Career

Karolina Kurkova got her first modeling contract in Milan. By 1999, she was in American magazines. In 2001, she made her first cover at the age of 17. This made her the youngest cover model in the magazine's history.

Victoria's Secret made her even more famous. She walked the runway during their fashion show nine times and stayed with them until she was 27.

Karolina Kurkova started looking to acting as well as modeling. She has appeared on television shows as herself and in various roles. Some shows include Chuck, 30 Rock, and Person of Interest. 

Karolina Kurkova has been a judge on Next Top Model for both the United States and Germany. Kurkova has also been a supermodel coach for The Face on the Oxygen network. Her first film was My Sexiest Year in 2007.  She was also in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra in 2009.

Later Life

Karolina Kurkova still graces the covers of fashion magazines all over the world.  

Personal Life and Legacy

Karolina Kurkova married Archie Drury in 2009. The couple has two sons.

Philanthropic Works / Humanitarian Work

Karolina Kurkova supports organizations such as “The Beautiful Life Fund,” “Global Youth Action Network,” and “Free Arts.” She focuses on the welfare of children.  

Awards and Achievements

Appeared in nine Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows

Model of the Year, VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards, 2002

Atmosphere Magazine Award, 2003

One of the “50 Most Beautiful People” by People Magazine, 2004

Named Victoria's Secret Angel, 2005

Received award from “Women Together,” 2006

Receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, 2007

“World's Sexiest Woman, E! Entertainment Television, 2008

“Style Icon” at the Vienna Awards for Fashion and Lifestyle, 2012

Appeared in over 25 Vogue magazine covers worldwide

Walked the runway for Balenciaga, Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and Stella McCartney.

Diseases/Disabilities

Karolina Kurkova suffers from hypothyroidism. This has been attributed to her weight gain and symptoms of premature menopause.

Hobbies

Karolina Kurkova is a fan of basketball. Her father is a basketball player, and she enjoys courtside games at Madison Square Garden.

Summary of Major Works

Film
My Sexiest Year (2007), G.I. Joe:  The Rise of Cobra (2009)

Television
Germany's Next Top Model judge (2009), Chuck (2010), America's Next Top Model judge (2010), 30 Rock (2012), Person of Interest (2013)