Cristina Ferrare

Early Life and Background

Cynthia Cristina Ferrare was born on February 18, 1950, in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. She is of Italian descent, with her parents, Tavio and Renata Ferrare, originating from Northern Italy. Her father worked as a butcher. At the age of 14, Cristina and her family relocated to Los Angeles, California, where her modeling career began.

In Los Angeles, Ferrare was soon recognized for her striking beauty and talent, securing a modeling contract with major agencies. Her early exposure led to an association with 20th Century Fox, setting the stage for her future in entertainment.

Breakthrough in Modeling and Acting

Ferrare began her career with a humble role featuring a brief line in an episode of the television series Batman. Her breakthrough came in 1968 with a prominent role in the film The Impossible Years alongside David Niven. She later starred in J.W. Coop (1971), opposite Cliff Robertson.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Cristina Ferrare became one of the leading fashion models of her time. She appeared in numerous high-profile magazines and worked internationally with prestigious cosmetic and beauty brands. During this period, she served as the face of Max Factor for a decade, from age 16 to 26, significantly influencing trends in beauty and style.

Television Career and Media Presence

In the 1970s and 1980s, Ferrare transitioned into television hosting. She co-hosted popular shows such as AM Los Angeles, Incredible Sunday, and Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus. She gained significant attention for her dynamic presence and rapport with co-hosts, including Steve Edwards on AM Los Angeles, which she co-hosted for four years.

Ferrare also became well known for her role in The Home and Family Show, originally on ABC, where she co-hosted with Chuck Woolery, later replaced by Michael Burger. In 2012, she joined the revived version of Home and Family on the Hallmark Channel, co-hosting alongside Mark Steines. Her presence made her a household name in lifestyle and homemaking television programming.