What Happened to Bo Derek?

Bo Derek, born Mary Cathleen Collins on November 20, 1956, became a global sensation and a prominent sex symbol after her breakthrough role as Jenny Hanley in Blake Edwards' 1979 romantic comedy "10." Her appearance in a flesh-colored swimsuit with cornrows became an iconic image of the era, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year. Prior to this, she had married director John Derek in 1976, who was 30 years her senior, and he directed her in several subsequent films, including "Tarzan, the Ape Man" (1981), "Bolero" (1984), and "Ghosts Can't Do It" (1989). These films, however, were largely panned by critics and often received Golden Raspberry Awards.

Following her initial burst of fame, Derek's acting career continued with roles in films like "Tommy Boy" (1995) and television appearances in shows such as "Fashion House" (2006), "CSI: Miami" (2012), and "Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!" (2015). However, she gradually shifted her focus away from the intense spotlight of Hollywood. In a July 2026 podcast interview with Bill Maher, Derek revealed she felt like an "impostor" and "uncomfortable" with her public image, stating she had no aspirations to be in films and that her role in "10" was a fluke.

A significant turning point in Derek's public life was her increasing dedication to philanthropic causes. Since the early 2000s, she has been a vocal advocate for animal welfare, particularly working to end horse slaughter and protect wildlife. She published her autobiography, "Riding Lessons: Everything That Matters in Life I Learned from Horses," in 2002, reflecting her lifelong passion. In 2006, she was appointed as the Special Envoy of the Secretary of State for Wildlife Trafficking Issues and served as a commissioner of the California Horse Racing Board from 2008 to 2015. She has also been a strong supporter of wounded veterans, serving as honorary chairperson for Veterans Affairs' National Rehabilitation Special Events.

After being widowed in 1998, Derek began a relationship with actor John Corbett in 2002. The couple, who share a love for animals, lived together on a ranch in Santa Barbara for nearly two decades before secretly marrying in December 2020. Their decision to marry during the pandemic was, in part, to have "one nice thing" come out of 2020. Derek has expressed her deep love and admiration for Corbett, citing his humor and joy as central to their enduring relationship.

As of July 2026, Bo Derek, at 69, continues to embrace a semi-retired lifestyle, prioritizing her quiet life with Corbett and their animals. She made a notable appearance at the 41st annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February 2026 and attended an event in Palma de Mallorca in June 2026, showcasing her enduring elegance. In recent interviews, she has openly discussed her contentment with retirement, stating she doesn't miss acting, and has also voiced her opinions on contemporary issues, such as COVID vaccine mandates. Her life reflects a deliberate choice for peace and personal fulfillment over the demands of constant fame.