Last Updated on February 26, 2024
Heidi Klum is a German-American model, television presenter, television producer, reality television personality, actress, fashion designer, and businesswoman.
Klum began her professional career as a model before venturing into television.
Quick Facts
Full Name: | Heidi Klum |
Popular Name: | Heidi Klum |
Gender: | Female |
Birth Date: | June 1, 1973 |
Age: | 49 years |
Parents: | Günther Klum and Erna Berger-Klum |
Siblings: | Michael Klum |
Birth Place: | Bergisch Gladbach, West Germany |
Nationality: | German and American |
Ethnicity: | German |
Education: | The Integrierte Gesamtschule Paffrath in Bergisch Gladbach |
Marital Status: | Married to Tokio Hotel guitarist Tom Kaulitz (since February 2019); was previously married to stylist Ric Pipino (from 1997 until their divorce in 2002) and musician Seal (from May 10, 2005 until their divorce on October 14, 2014); was also romantically linked to the Italian managing director (MD) of Renault’s Formula One team Flavio Briatore (from March 2003 until their breakup in December that year), her bodyguard Martin Kirsten (from 2012 until their breakup in 2014), and curator Vito Schnabel (in 2014) |
Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
Wife/Spouse: | Tom Kaulitz |
Children: | 1 from her relationship with Flavio Briatore (Leni Olumi Klum) and 3 from her marriage to Seal (Henry Günther Ademola Dashtu Samuel, Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo Samuel, and Lou Sulola Samuel) |
Dating: | N/A |
Net Worth: | USD 165 million |
Source of Wealth: | Modeling, Television Presenting, Television Producing, Reality Television Appearances, Acting, Fashion Design, Endorsement Deals, and Other Entrepreneurial Ventures |
Height: | 5′ 9″ (1.76 m) |
Weight: | 62 kg; In pounds: 137 lbs. |
Early Life and Career Information
Early Life
Heidi Klum was born on June 1, 1973, in Bergisch Gladbach, West Germany, to Günther Klum and Erna Berger-Klum. Her father worked as an executive for a cosmetics company whereas her mother was a hairdresser.
Klum attended a comprehensive school based in her hometown of Bergisch Gladbach, called The Integrierte Gesamtschule Paffrath. She did not proceed to college and opted to launch her modeling career instead.
Modeling Career
In 1992, following a friend’s advice, Heidi Klum enrolled in a national modeling competition known as ‘Model 92.’ She went on to win the contest on April 29 that year, flooring all other 25,000 contestants.
After becoming ‘Model 92’ winner, Heidi Klum received a $300,000 modeling contract offer from Metropolitan Models New York. She accepted the offer a few months later and decided not to pursue her education further so she could throw her full weight behind modeling.
Klum has since modeled for numerous renowned brands and companies. She has been featured on the covers of Vogue magazines in Germany, France, Spain, and Portugal. She has also made the covers of ‘Elle,’ ‘Glamour,’ ‘Marie Claire,’ ‘InStyle,’ ‘Men’s Journal,’ ‘Cosmopolitan,’ ‘Photo,’ GQ,’ ‘Time,’ and ‘Harper’s Bazaar’ magazines.
But perhaps Heidi’s biggest achievements as a model were appearing on the cover of the ‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue’ in 1998 and as an “Angel” in Victoria’s Secret. Her stint at Victoria’s Secret also included hosting the company’s fashion shows in 2002 and 2006 – 2009.
Television and Acting Career
Heidi Klum has appeared in several films and television shows over the years.
Klum made her film debut as a VIP patron in the 1998 movie ’54.’ The following year, she appeared as herself in an episode of ‘Spin City.’ She later portrayed Annika in the series ‘Cursed’ in 2000.
In 2001, Klum appeared in episodes of ‘Blow Dry’ and ‘Sex and the City.’ She was subsequently cast in episodes of ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ and ‘Yes, Dear’ in 2002.
Below are other noteworthy films and television shows that Heidi Klum has featured in to date:
Films
• Ella Enchanted (2004)
• The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
• Perfect Stranger (2007)
• Ocean’s 8 (2018)
Television
• CSI: Miami (2003)
• Project Runway (2004 – 2017; as a host and judge)
• Germany’s Next Topmodel (2006 – present; as a host and judge)
• How I Met Your Mother (2007)
• I Get That a Lot (2009 – 2010)
• Desperate Housewives (2010)
• Seriously Funny Kids (2011; as a host)
• Parks and Recreation (2013)
• America’s Got Talent (2013 – 2018 and 2020 – present; as a judge)
• America’s Got Talent: The Champions (2019 – present; as a judge)
• Arctic Dogs (2019; as a voice actress)
• Making the Cut (2020 – present; also as an executive producer)
Other Ventures
Outside modeling and television, Heidi Klum is a renowned fashion designer. She has designed numerous fashion accessories over the years, including shoe and lingerie lines.
Klum has also appeared in several video games and music videos by other artists. She was featured as the villainous character Dr. Katya Nadanova in the 2003 video game ‘James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing.’ She also appeared in music videos to the songs “Love Foolosophy” by Jamiroquai, “Young, Fresh n’ New” by Kelis, and “Secret” by her ex-husband Seal.
Klum has also released her own songs besides appearing in music videos by other artists. She released her debut single in November 2006, titled “Wonderland.”
Heidi Klum’s Net Worth
As at 2023, Heidi Klum had a net worth of $165 million. Heidi has consistently been ranked among the top-earning supermodels on the planet. In her June 2007 financial disclosure, it emerged that Klum had earned $8 million during the previous 16 months. She appeared as #3 on Forbes’ World’s 15 Top-Earning Supermodels list that year.
Besides modeling, television hosting, producing, and appearances are Klum’s other major income-earners. The accomplished model also earns from personal entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in the fashion industry. She’s noted for designing shoes for Birkenstock, a clothing line for Jordache, jewelry for Mouawad, and Victoria’s Secret’s famous lingerie line ‘The Body.’
Klum has also made millions from endorsement deals. She has featured in commercials for various renowned brands, including Volkswagen.
Lessons by Heidi Klum
1. Never ignore the counsel of well-meaning friends
Heidi Klum attributes her success partly to a friend who challenged her to enroll in a modeling contest in 1992. Klum probably wouldn’t have discovered her modeling skills if she ignored her friend’s advice.
2. Get your priorities right
Klum abandoned school to pursue a career in modeling. This decision might have proved difficult to make at the time. But shortly after launching her modeling career, it became apparent that Klum might have gotten her priorities right after all.
3. The sky is the limit
Heidi Klum has achieved phenomenal success as a model, television personality, and fashion designer. However, that hasn’t stopped her from pursuing even greater ambitions in the entertainment industry.
Famous Quotes by Heidi Klum
Family comes first. You’re the only thing they have.
For me, life is about enjoying yourself because you only live once. We should try to make the most of things and follow our dreams.
I think you always need to try your best, but at the same time you can only do what you can do. Don’t beat yourself up about it.
You have to just do your thing, as long as you don’t hurt anybody along the way.
You shouldn’t wait for other people to make special things happen. You have to create your own memories.
Conclusion
Heidi Klum is a model, television personality, actress, and fashion designer…all rolled into one. Klum’s multiple endeavors in show business have earned her an impressive $165 million net worth as at 2023.