Early Life and Background

Rachel Hunter was born in September 1969 in Auckland, New Zealand. From a young age, she displayed a passion for dance and acting. However, her aspirations of becoming a professional ballet dancer were cut short when she was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder that prevented her from engaging in rigorous physical activity. This setback, however, redirected her focus toward modeling—a path that soon brought international recognition.

Modeling Career and Rise to Fame

Hunter began modeling at the age of 17, appearing on the covers of Australian editions of Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue. These early successes quickly garnered attention from international scouts, including those from Ford Models, who signed her to their talent roster. Her modeling career expanded rapidly, and she became a spokesperson for CoverGirl cosmetics—an association that amplified her global visibility.

One of the pivotal moments in her modeling journey came in 1989 when she appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, an achievement that significantly elevated her profile. She graced the cover again in 1994 and returned for a third time in 2006, underlining her enduring appeal. Hunter also appeared on the covers of prestigious magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Elle, and international editions of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, including those in Italy, Australia, the Netherlands, and the United States.

In 2004, Hunter made headlines with a daring appearance on the cover of Playboy, showcasing a more adventurous side of her modeling persona.

Transition to Film and Television

Following a decade of modeling success, Hunter shifted her focus toward acting. Her television debut came in 1997 with an appearance on an episode of The Drew Carey Show. She went on to secure roles in a range of film and television projects, including A Walk in the Park (1999), Two Shades of Blue (2000), La Cucina (2000), The Vicar of Dibley (2004), Lingo (2005), and The Benchwarmers (2006). Her later works included Confessions of a Go-Go Girl (2008), The Perfect Assistant (2008), Piranhaconda (2011), and Swamp Volcano (2012).

Beyond acting, Hunter has proven her versatility as a television presenter. In 2015, she launched her own TV series, Rachel Hunter's Tour of Beauty, which explores diverse beauty practices and cultural perspectives in countries across the globe. The series received praise for its thoughtful and respectful approach to differing beauty ideals.

Personal Life

In the late 1980s, Hunter was in a relationship with musician Kip Winger. At age 21, she met British rock star Rod Stewart. Despite a significant age difference—Stewart was 24 years her senior—the two married in December 1990. The couple had two children, Renee and Liam. They separated in 1999 and finalized their divorce in 2006.

Shortly after her divorce, Hunter entered a relationship with professional hockey player Jarret Stoll, who was 13 years her junior. The pair became engaged and were set to marry in the summer of 2009. However, the wedding was called off just weeks before the scheduled date. Following the end of the engagement, Hunter focused on her career and raising her children. Now that both are adults, she has openly expressed her readiness for a new chapter in her personal life.