Bo Derek remains a cherished memory for anyone who grew up during the 1970s, embodying the quintessential Hollywood bombshell with her radiant blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and the unforgettable braided hairstyle that became her trademark. While her time at the top of the Hollywood ladder was relatively short-lived, she left a mark that has endured for decades. Fans have often wondered what happened to her after she stepped out of the limelight—why she left acting, where her life took her, and what she’s doing now.
Born Mary Cathleen Collins on November 20, 1956, in Long Beach, California, Bo Derek was raised in a modest, working-class household. Her father worked as a sales executive and her mother was a cosmetics artist. As a teenager, Mary—who would later become known as Bo—was passionate about two things: horses and acting. Her love for horseback riding led her to compete in various equestrian events, while her interest in the arts motivated her to enroll in acting classes, laying the foundation for her future career. Her first brush with Hollywood came in 1977 when she appeared in Orca, a thriller inspired by the Jaws craze.
In that film, she portrayed a character who loses her leg to a killer whale. However, her real breakout role came in 1979 with the film 10, directed by Blake Edwards. That movie catapulted her to stardom and introduced the world to her iconic look—long, golden braids that challenged the stereotypes often associated with that style. Despite her newfound fame, Bo didn’t pursue a typical Hollywood career. She starred in a handful of movies throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, including Tarzan, The Ape Man (1981), Bolero (1984), and Ghosts Can’t Do It (1990), films that often received mixed reviews but cemented her status as a pop culture figure. Her personal life also drew attention, particularly her relationship with director John Derek, whom she met when she was only 16 years old.
At the time, John was still married to actress Linda Evans, and although Bo and John didn’t begin dating right away, their relationship eventually blossomed. Due to Bo being a minor, the couple traveled to Mexico and Europe to avoid the legal complications of American laws. They married when Bo was 19 and John was 48. Years later, Bo admitted in an interview that she felt lasting guilt for the pain her relationship with John caused Linda Evans, calling Linda graceful and kind even after all that had happened. Though John Derek did not direct 10, he played a pivotal role in shaping Bo’s iconic image. As a skilled photographer, he suggested she show Blake Edwards a set of photographs featuring her new braided hairstyle, believing it would make her stand out.
Blake agreed, and the look became legendary. After John passed away from heart failure in 1998 at the age of 71, Bo was heartbroken. She believed she might never find love again, and she took a step back from acting during that period of grief and reflection. Over time, Bo redirected her energy toward her other lifelong passion—horses and animal welfare. She became a prominent advocate for animal rights and conservation, working hard to protect and care for animals. But Bo’s philanthropic work didn’t stop there. She also dedicated herself to supporting American veterans and was honored to serve as the National Rehabilitation Special Events honorary chair for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. She emphasized how vital these programs were in helping veterans heal and regain independence, expressing how deeply moved she was to be a part of such a meaningful cause. In her personal life, Bo eventually found love again with actor John Corbett, best known for his role in Sex and the City. The couple quietly married after more than 20 years together, choosing an intimate ceremony without public fanfare. Though Bo Derek no longer appears regularly on screen, her legacy as a blonde bombshell and her continued dedication to humanitarian efforts keep her name alive in the hearts of fans who remember her not only for her beauty but for her spirit and compassion.
