Cheryl Tiegs Parents: Meet Phyllis Tiegs, Theodore Tiegs

Cheryl Rae Tiegs, the renowned American model and fashion designer, has a background that laid the foundation for her remarkable career.

Born in Breckenridge, Minnesota, Cheryl is the daughter of Phyllis and Theodore Tiegs. Her father, Theodore, initially worked as an auto-assembly lineman before transitioning to become a funeral director.

This move marked a shift for the Tiegs family, and in 1952, they relocated to Alhambra, California, seeking new opportunities.

Cheryl Tiegs’ familial roots trace back to German descent, adding a cultural layer to her identity. Growing up in California, she developed a passion for modeling, encouraged by a friend who saw her potential.

This encouragement marked the beginning of a journey that would see Tiegs become a trailblazing figure in the fashion industry.

Recalling the early days of her career, Tiegs emphasized her humble beginnings, highlighting the diligence and versatility that paved her way to success. During high school and college, she worked part-time, taking on various modeling assignments.

Whether it was participating in fashion shows in department store parking lots or accepting modest pay for her efforts, Tiegs was dedicated to making a name for herself in the competitive world of modeling.

Cheryl Tiegs’ first significant breakthrough came during her senior year at Alhambra High School when she posed for a swimsuit ad for Cole of California, a bathing suit manufacturer.

The ad, published in Seventeen magazine, served as the catalyst that launched her into the modeling spotlight. Despite initially enrolling as an English major at California State University, Los Angeles, Tiegs made the pivotal decision to leave college before completing her junior year, prioritizing her burgeoning career in the modeling industry.