Bo Derek, originally named Mary Collins and born in 1956, was raised in California, where her love for the beach and adventurous nature flourished. At the age of 17, her life changed significantly when filmmaker John Derek recognized her potential, prompting her to leave school and accompany him to Europe until she reached adulthood. Their contentious relationship, which resulted in John’s divorce from actress Linda Evans, played a pivotal role in shaping Bo’s career in Hollywood.

Under John’s mentorship, she evolved into a glamorous icon, achieving recognition for her performance in 10 (1979) and appearing in films such as Tarzan, the Ape Man (1981) and Bolero (1984), despite often facing criticism regarding her acting abilities. Even in the face of challenges, she remained loyal to John until his death in 1998, which left her feeling adrift and ill-equipped to navigate life without him. In time, she discovered love once more with actor John Corbett, whom she wed in 2020 after two decades of companionship. Outside of her Hollywood career, Bo committed herself to animal rights, particularly advocating against horse slaughter and wildlife trafficking. Now at the age of 67, she resides on a ranch in California with Corbett and their dogs, leading a more tranquil yet meaningful life. Although she still grapples with feelings of guilt related to her past with John Derek and Linda Evans, she has achieved a sense of peace, demonstrating that personal growth, forgiveness, and happiness can be attained at any point in life.