Rachel Hunter captivated the world as a supermodel and became a familiar face in iconic media like the “Stacy’s Mom” music video. Her journey from New Zealand to global stardom showcases a life of transformation, resilience, and purpose.
Early Beginnings in New Zealand
Born on September 8, 1969, in Glenfield, New Zealand, Rachel Hunter was raised with values of hard work and dedication by her parents, Wayne Hunter and Janeen Phillips. Though her upbringing was modest, her early interest in the arts hinted at her future success. At just 16 years old, a chance encounter with a modeling scout changed the trajectory of her life forever.
Rise to Supermodel Status
Conquering the Fashion World
By the late 1980s, Rachel had established herself among the elite models in the fashion industry. Her statuesque figure and captivating beauty made her highly sought after by prestigious designers. Her work with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue became particularly iconic, cementing her status as a supermodel of her era.
Transition to New Creative Pursuits
In 1994, Rachel made the bold decision to step back from modeling to explore acting. This marked the beginning of her evolution beyond the runway into other creative and professional endeavors.
Beyond Modeling: Acting and Entrepreneurship
After studying acting, Rachel appeared in various television and film projects, including the 2005 Sci-Fi Channel film “Larva” alongside David Selby and Robert Miano. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to found Bee Knees, her own production company—symbolized by a bee tattoo on her lower back. These ventures demonstrated her versatility and creative ambition.
Commitment to Making a Difference
Wildlife Conservation Work
Rachel’s philanthropic efforts have become a defining aspect of her life. As an ambassador for The Born Free Foundation, she works tirelessly for wildlife conservation and endangered species protection. She also created The Rachel Hunter Lowland Gorilla Fund, dedicated to preserving gorilla habitats.
Broader Humanitarian Efforts
Her charitable work extends beyond environmental causes. In 2005, she joined celebrities like Beyoncé and Nicole Richie in the “Fashion for Relief” event to raise funds for Hurricane Katrina victims, using her platform for positive change.
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Personal Life and Relationships
Family at the Center
Despite her professional success, family has always remained central to Rachel’s life. Her 1990 marriage to rock legend Rod Stewart brought two children: Renee (born 1992) and Liam McAlister (born 1994). Though they separated in 1999 and divorced in 2006, they maintained a respectful co-parenting relationship.
Rachel was later engaged to Canadian hockey player Jarret Stoll in 2008, though they parted ways in 2009. Throughout these relationships, her role as a mother has remained her priority.
Personal Growth and Wisdom
As Rachel has evolved, so has her perspective on life and relationships. She once reflected on her marriage to Rod Stewart: “You can’t really expect a 22-year-old girl to react the same way as a man 24 years older than her.” This insight reveals her maturity and ability to understand life’s complexities.
Rachel Hunter’s Enduring Legacy
Today, Rachel Hunter continues to inspire millions worldwide through her multifaceted career and generous spirit. Her journey from supermodel to activist, entrepreneur, and devoted mother demonstrates that reinvention and giving back are essential to a meaningful life.
Her story reminds us that true beauty extends far beyond appearance—it’s found in resilience, growth, and using one’s influence to create positive change in the world.
