Kathy Ireland

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Full Name and Common Aliases

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Kathy Ireland is a renowned American businesswoman, model, actress, and author, best known for her successful career as a swimsuit model in the late 1980s. Her full name is Kathleen Marie Ireland.

Birth and Death Dates

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Kathy Ireland was born on March 20, 1963, in San Diego, California. As of my knowledge cutoff, she is still alive.

Nationality and Profession(s)

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Nationality: American

Profession(s): Businesswoman, Model, Actress, Author

Early Life and Background

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Kathy Ireland grew up in a family of modest means. Her father was an engineer at the US Navy's Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, while her mother worked as a bank teller. Ireland developed a passion for sports from an early age, particularly basketball and volleyball. She attended Patrick Henry High School in San Diego, where she excelled academically and athletically.

Major Accomplishments

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Kathy Ireland's rise to fame began when she was discovered by the Elite Model Management agency in 1984. She quickly became one of the most sought-after swimsuit models of her time, gracing the covers of numerous publications, including Sports Illustrated (SI), where she appeared on the cover five times between 1987 and 1990.

In addition to her modeling career, Ireland has also ventured into entrepreneurship and literature. In 1992, she founded Kathy Ireland Worldwide, a company that designs and manufactures furniture, bedding, and other home goods. The company has become a successful brand with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion.

Ireland has also written several books on business, parenting, and relationships, including "Smart Women Know When to Ask" (2007) and "How Excellence Happens: Building a VIRTUOUS Organization" (2014).

Notable Works or Actions

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Some of Kathy Ireland's notable works include:

Modeling for top brands such as Reebok, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein
Appearing in numerous television shows, including "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "Larry King Live," and "20/20"
Publishing her first book, "Smart Women Know When to Ask" (2007)
Founding the Kathy Ireland Worldwide company

Impact and Legacy

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Kathy Ireland's impact on the fashion industry and beyond is multifaceted. As a model, she helped shape the aesthetic of the late 1980s and early 1990s, popularizing the "supermodel" phenomenon.

As an entrepreneur, Ireland has demonstrated her ability to build a successful brand from scratch, creating jobs and opportunities for thousands of people worldwide.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

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Kathy Ireland's quotes and insights on business, relationships, and personal growth have resonated with audiences across the globe. Her success as a model, entrepreneur, and author has cemented her status as a thought leader and inspiration to many.

As one of the most successful women in business today, Kathy Ireland continues to be widely quoted and remembered for her intelligence, wit, and entrepreneurial spirit.