Do you remember Bo Derek? She has always been one of my favorites, and when I discovered what she has been up to in recent years, I became even more impressed by this remarkable woman.
My first encounter with Bo Derek was in her breakthrough movie in 1979, ’10.’ It was impossible not to notice the stunning young blonde with clear blue eyes. Bo Derek, originally born as Mary Cathleen Collins and raised in California, had early connections to Hollywood through her mother’s work with actress Ann-Margret, a Swedish-American.
Thanks to her mother’s contacts, Bo secured an agent at the age of 16, which led to her first film role in ‘Once Upon a Love.’ The movie was filmed on the enchanting island of Mykonos in the Greek archipelago. During the shoot, Bo crossed paths with her future husband, John Derek. Despite the significant age difference—Bo being 17 and John being 47 at the time—the couple fell in love and embarked on a relationship. However, their connection was controversial due to John Derek’s existing marriage to actress Linda Evans. Eventually, John divorced Linda, causing significant pain for her.
Bo spoke about the situation candidly, expressing remorse for the hurt she caused Linda Evans, describing her as gracious and kind. Bo’s career soared after marrying John. He frequently cast her in his low-budget films, often placing her in provocative and attention-grabbing scenes. ’10’ solidified Bo as one of the most beautiful actresses in Hollywood and showcased her iconic look with cornrow-style, blonde braids—a suggestion made by John, despite not being the film’s director.
Following the success of ’10,’ Bo continued to appear in her husband’s films, such as ‘Tarzan, The Ape Man’ (1981), ‘Bolero’ (1984), and ‘Ghosts Can’t Do It’ (1990), which received negative reviews. She later ventured into television series like ‘7th Heaven,’ ‘Lucky,’ and ‘Queen of Swords.’ Bo’s political involvement began in the early 2000s, where she initially expressed support for George W. Bush and the Republican Party during the 2000 and 2004 election campaigns. However, she clarified that she currently doesn’t align herself with any party and voted for Barack Obama.
Bo’s deep passion for horses, particularly the Lusitano breed from Portugal, is well-known. She even authored an autobiography titled ‘Riding Lessons: Everything That Matters in Life I Learned from Horses.’ Bo was involved in horse breeding on her ranch and has been a vocal advocate for animal safety, actively opposing horse slaughter. Additionally, she has played an instrumental role in supporting and rehabilitating war veterans as the honorary chair of VA’s National Rehabilitation Special Events. Bo’s commitment to veterans stems from her family history, with her father serving as a radio operator during the Korean War, and both her stepfather and late husband, John Derek, being veterans.
Since becoming a widow in 1998, Bo has found companionship with actor John Corbett, known for his role in “Sex and the City.” They have been together for over two decades, making each other laugh and still sharing intimate moments. They met in 2002 when Hollywood agent Norby Walters arranged a date for them at his traditional Oscars party. In August 2021, after almost 20 years together, Bo and John tied the knot in a private ceremony, keeping their relationship mostly private.
Today, Bo Derek leads a contented life in California with her husband, her sister, brother-in-law, and their two children. Although she may not be appearing in major films or constantly in the public eye anymore, she remains a timeless icon. Just take a moment to watch the beach scene below. You’ll instantly recognize the beauty and charm that has captivated audiences for decades.