Sports Illustrated icon Kathy Ireland, 62, ditches fame for FISHING career – see her now

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Kathy Ireland is arguably one of the most iconic American models of all time.

She became incredibly famous in the 1980s, appearing on the covers of major magazines like Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and especially Sports Illustrated.

She rose to fame as an actress in the 1990s and then built a hugely successful brand, growing it into a business worth billions of dollars.

Now, at age 62, Kathy has made an unbelievable career pivot.

The former supermodel now works with her husband as a commercial fisher.

She received her commercial fishing license for open ocean waters from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife earlier this year. She’s currently working as a crew member on a fishing vessel captained by her husband, Dr. Greg Olsen, who used to be an emergency room doctor.

Kathy described her career change as ‘wonderful’ in an interview with Fox News, and expressed her gratitude for the new opportunity.

I spent my childhood camping and fishing, and my husband has been fishing practically his whole life, since he was just three years old, really.

I’ve always hoped to join him for a boat trip. This season, I finally had the chance, and whenever our schedules align, I go out with him.

Kathy has been posting about her fishing trips on Instagram, and recently shared a picture of herself preparing bait.

Even while I’m enjoying my work with my husband out on the ocean – like preparing bait with mackerel – this Bible verse always brings me joy: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,’ she shared.

In another post, she shared her experience going lobster fishing.

Lobster fishing is incredibly demanding, leaving you aching all over – but it’s a satisfying kind of ache! I’m already looking forward to doing it all again tomorrow. It’s non-stop work from before sunrise until after sunset, surrounded by stunning views, and I have a wonderful captain!

Okay, seriously, her 1989 Sports Illustrated cover? It wasn’t just a hit, it was the biggest-selling issue they EVER had! And then, at their 50th anniversary, they officially crowned it the greatest swimsuit cover of all time! I mean, come on, it’s just… perfection. I have, like, five copies of that magazine, and I’m not even ashamed!

Kathy was discovered at 16 and quickly became a well-known model.

In addition to being featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, she’s graced the covers of magazines like Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and even Forbes.

She’s now a successful business leader in branding, primarily through her company, Kathy Ireland Worldwide.

In 2021 alone, the company generated retail sales of $3.1 billion.

Outside of her branding empire, Kathy is known for her tireless philanthropy.  

For years, she has been dedicated to helping those battling with addiction and other health needs.

In a recent interview with USA Today, Kathy discussed her volunteer work with Let’s Talk Interactive, a telehealth organization that helps people get the healthcare they need.

She explained that this is expanding access to healthcare through telemedicine, and it’s happening globally, which is really promising.

She also discussed the fight against the opioid crisis, expressing optimism that it’s a challenge we can overcome. She stated, ‘We can win this battle. There is hope, and there is victory ahead.’

Kathy is deeply committed to charitable work, having dedicated significant time and effort to organizations like the March of Dimes, City of Hope, and Feed the Children. Recently, she also started Music Funds The Cure to benefit the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

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2025-11-20 01:51