What Happened to Katherine Elizabeth Upton?
Kate Upton rose to international fame as a supermodel, gracing the covers of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue multiple times, and subsequently transitioned into acting with roles in films like "The Other Woman." She is married to MLB star Justin Verlander, with whom she has two children, and has expanded her career into entrepreneurship as a co-owner of Vosa Spirits, while continuing occasional modeling work and focusing on family life as of mid-2026.
Quick Answer
Kate Upton is an American model and actress who gained prominence through the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She has appeared in films such as "The Other Woman" and "The Layover." Currently, she is a mother of two, married to baseball pitcher Justin Verlander, and is involved in entrepreneurial ventures like Vosa Spirits. As of July 2026, she continues to balance her family life with modeling appearances, including recent features in Maxim Magazine and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit retrospectives, and her husband Justin Verlander announced his retirement from baseball.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Signed with Elite Model Management
Kate Upton began her modeling career at age 15 after attending a casting call in Miami and was signed by Elite Model Management the same day.
Face of Guess
Upton became the official face of the fashion brand Guess for their 2010-2011 campaign.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Debut & Rookie of the Year
She made her first appearance in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, featured in the body paint section, and was named Rookie of the Year.
Acting Debut in 'Tower Heist'
Upton made her acting debut in the film 'Tower Heist', playing Mr. Hightower's mistress.
First Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Cover
Upton landed her first cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, solidifying her supermodel status.
Stars in 'The Other Woman'
She starred alongside Cameron Diaz and Leslie Mann in the hit comedy film 'The Other Woman', playing Amber.
Marries Justin Verlander
Kate Upton married professional baseball pitcher Justin Verlander in Tuscany, Italy, days after his World Series win.
Welcomes Daughter Genevieve
Upton and Verlander welcomed their first child, a daughter named Genevieve.
Becomes Co-owner of Vosa Spirits
Upton became a co-owner of Vosa Spirits, a Michigan-based canned cocktail brand, actively engaging in its marketing and development.
Returns to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit for 60th Anniversary
Upton made a significant return to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, appearing on multiple covers for its 60th anniversary celebration.
Welcomes Son Bellamy Brooks
Kate Upton and Justin Verlander welcomed their second child, a son named Bellamy Brooks Verlander.
Featured in Maxim Magazine Cover Shoot
Upton appeared in a new Maxim Magazine cover shoot, garnering significant attention from fans.
SI Swimsuit Features Throwback Photos for Tigers Home Opener
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit celebrated the Detroit Tigers' home opener by featuring throwback photos of Kate Upton in team colors.
Justin Verlander Announces Retirement
Kate Upton's husband, Justin Verlander, announced his retirement from MLB at the end of the 2026 season, publicly thanking her for her support.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Katherine Elizabeth Upton, born on June 10, 1992, in St. Joseph, Michigan, began her modeling career at the age of 15 after being signed by Elite Model Management in 2008. She quickly gained recognition, becoming the face of Guess from 2010 to 2011. Her breakthrough came with her debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2011, where she was named Rookie of the Year. Upton went on to become a three-time cover model for the prestigious issue in 2012, 2013, and 2017, and was also featured on the 50th-anniversary flip-side cover in 2014, famously photographed in zero gravity.
Beyond modeling, Upton ventured into acting, making her debut in the 2011 film "Tower Heist." She subsequently appeared in comedies such as "The Three Stooges" (2012), "The Other Woman" (2014) alongside Cameron Diaz and Leslie Mann, and "The Layover" (2017). Her career faced challenges, including public scrutiny over her body image and the illegal leak of private photographs in 2014, which she addressed by reinforcing her commitment to her Christian faith.
In her personal life, Upton began dating MLB pitcher Justin Verlander in early 2014. They announced their engagement in 2016 and married in Tuscany, Italy, in November 2017, shortly after Verlander won the World Series. The couple welcomed their daughter, Genevieve, in November 2018, and a son, Bellamy Brooks Verlander, in June 2025. Motherhood significantly shifted her focus, leading her to prioritize family while continuing select professional engagements.
As of 2026, Upton has diversified her career further into entrepreneurship. She is a co-owner of Vosa Spirits, a Michigan-based canned cocktail brand, a role she took on in October 2023 and actively promoted in 2024. She also launched Strong4Me, an at-home workout program for women. In May 2024, Upton made a triumphant return to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, gracing multiple covers for its 60th anniversary, celebrating body positivity and her enduring legacy in the industry. More recently, in March 2026, she was featured in a new Maxim Magazine cover shoot. In April 2026, SI Swimsuit featured throwback photos of Upton in Detroit Tigers colors for the team's home opener. On June 10, 2026, she celebrated her 34th birthday, with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit reflecting on her career. Most notably, on July 8, 2026, her husband Justin Verlander announced his retirement from baseball, thanking Upton for her unwavering support throughout his career. Upton's estimated net worth in 2026 is $30 million, reflecting her successful transition from modeling to a multifaceted career in entertainment and business.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Katherine Elizabeth Upton made different choices?