Bo Derek Biography And Filmography:

A spectacular blonde actress who was once called “the most beautiful woman in the world,” Bo Derek was made famous on film by that simple scene seen around the world – running in slow motion on the beach in a flesh-colored swimsuit, hair blowing tenderly behind her in Blake Edwards’ masterpiece, “10” (1979). More a sexy celebrity than a celebrated actress, she captured the hearts of the public – particularly young men – for years, while at the same time, was ridiculed for her and her husband, John famous, X-rated feature films throughout the early 1980s.

Born Nov. 20, 1956, in Long Beach, California to Paul and Norma Collins, she was the oldest of four children, followed by a brother and two sisters. Named Mary Cathleen Collins, she was simply known as Cathy. While growing up, people often tried to convince her to be a model – being blonde, blue-eyed with an unbelievable figure, she certainly fit the mold. Modeling didn’t interest the young starlet at first, until she realized how much money could be made. She began modeling professionally at age sixteen, before making the transition into television commercials. While she was visiting backstage at a Las Vegas show, she met a talent agent who insisted she should audition for film roles.

Unfortunately, she turned down the role that made Jessica Lange an overnight star in the 1976 remake of “King Kong.” Instead, her first role was in “Orca: The Killer Whale” (1977), and although the movie was less than successful, she made a good first impression on director John Derek, who noticed her in the project. Even though he was 30 years older then her, John left his wife, Linda Evans, and married the young beauty. Through much ridicule the couple ignored their critics and were happily married until John’s death in 1998.

After “Orca,” she co-starred in “10,” dealing with a foul-mouthed Julie Andrews for Dudley Moore’s interest. Her appearance in the popular sex mockery shot her to instant stardom and pushed her past Suzanne Somers and Farrah Fawcett to be named the hot sex symbol of the day. Besides from her posters hanging in many a boys bedroom, women were equally impressed with her talents in the film. 

At her husband’s request, she made the first of many appearances in Playboy Magazine, beginning with the March, 1980 issue – her husband acting as photographer for the photo shoot. The 12-page spread and cover featured all nude shots of Bo sailing, swimming and playing with her pets. Needless to say, it was a popular issue. Fans rushed to the stands to catch a glimpse of the nude centerfold in what became one of the largest selling issues for Playboy.

Her next film, directed by her husband, “Tarzan, the Ape Man” (1981) was a flop. Not only did critics hate the film and its director, the producers of the film were sued by the Edgar Rice Burroughs Estate over the name of the film – mainly because the director focused more on how many ways to undress his Jane, than on Tarzan himself.

Her husband’s continued to dream big with his next controversial film, a love story which showed his wife’s attractive body. After its release, “Bolero” (1984) received such a bad reaction from the tabloid media that it halted any chance of a genuine movie career for Bo Derek. Critics and viewers watched skeptically at the scenes of the actual nude intercourse and sex scenes to spot a body double for Derek and found none. It was widely rumored that the final scene was real. Instead of letting the film to be released as X-rated, John chose to release the film as un-rated instead – an unheard move at the time.

After such a public thrashing, the couple withdrew to their ranch where the washed up actress spent her time riding her horses. She did not appear in a film again until her husband’s production of “Ghost Can’t Dot It” (1990) six years later. Even though many did not believe that she could act, the actress easily transitioned to television, guest-appearing on numerous television shows including “Family Law” (1999-2002), “Queen of Swords” (2000-01) and “Two Guys, A Girl and a Pizza Place” (1998- 2001). 

She also made a victorious return to the big screen appearing in two comedy films. First, playing the evil stepmother to funnyman Chris Farley in the hit comedy, “Tommy Boy” (1995), about an incompetent, immature, and mindless heir to an auto parts factory who must save the business to keep it out of the hands of his new, con-artist relatives and big business. She then played opposite Jamie Kennedy and Taye Diggs as Bess Gluckman in “Malibu’s Most Wanted” (2003), which some thought was her comeback role.

Following her husband’s death from cardiovascular disease at age 72, she spent her time riding her horses, contributing to the Republican party, and publishing her autobiography – "Riding Lessons, Everything I Learned in Life I Learned from Horses" in 2002. Finally able to put her first love to rest, she met actor John Corbett, best known for his role as Aidan Shaw on “Sex in the City" (1998-2004). The two began dating and moved in together at the ranch. She continued to appear on television, as Mrs. Kinkirk on the family show, “7th Heaven” (1996- ) with Jessica Biel and David Gallagher.

She also has appeared in over forty episodes of the television dramatic series "Fashion House" (2006-), set in the world of the cutthroat fashion industry where a ruthless mogul defends her company against a hostile takeover.

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