For decades, leading glamour publications served as launching pads for some of the biggest names in entertainment, television, and fashion. From the beaches of Baywatch to primetime television, daytime soap operas, and multi-million-dollar business empires, these iconic cover models captured global attention and turned their early notoriety into lasting careers. Here is a look back at 10 of the most famous cover beauties of all time—and where life has taken them today.
10. Angela Little
Then
Alabama native Angela Little rose to prominent fame after being named Playmate of the Month for August 1998. Her classic southern charm and natural screen presence quickly opened doors in Hollywood, leading to feature roles in major comedies such as Rush Hour 2, American Pie: Band Camp, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, and My Boss's Daughter.
Now
Continuing her acting career across television, Little has appeared on hit series including CSI, Cold Case, Malcolm in the Middle, Charmed, Nip/Tuck, and The Bold and the Beautiful. She also showcased her vibrant personality as a television host for E! Entertainment's travel and lifestyle specials.
9. Karen McDougal
Then
Before entering the glamour industry, Karen McDougal worked as a pre-kindergarten teacher. After winning a state swimsuit competition, she became the December 1997 Playmate of the Month and was subsequently named 1998 Playmate of the Year. McDougal broke barriers in the fitness realm as well, becoming the very first woman to appear on the cover of Men's Fitness magazine.
Now
An enthusiastic collector of classic cars and motorcycles, McDougal transitioned into commercial acting and fitness advocacy. Over the years, she has made cameo appearances in films such as Charlie's Angels, The Girl Next Door, and Joe Dirt, while making guest appearances across various primetime comedy and drama shows.
8. Kelly Monaco
Then
Kelly Monaco's breakout moment came in April 1997, rapidly transitioning her modeling career into television stardom. She landed early appearances on Baywatch before securing the leading role of Livvie Locke on ABC’s daytime soap Port Charles, which later led directly to her iconic run as Sam McCall on General Hospital.
Now
Monaco made television history by winning the very first season of ABC's smash hit Dancing with the Stars. In addition to earning Daytime Emmy nominations for her sustained dramatic performances, she headlined the Las Vegas production Peepshow and starred in the E! docuseries Dirty Soap.
7. Erika Eleniak
Then
Erika Eleniak began her entertainment career early with a memorable appearance in Steven Spielberg’s classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. By 1989, she became one of the decade's standout centerfolds before being cast as Shauni McClain in the original lineup of Baywatch, becoming a household name and subsequently starring in films like Under Siege and The Beverly Hillbillies.
Now
Eleniak has remained engaged in television and film projects, participating in reality programs such as Celebrity Fit Club and The Real Gilligan's Island. She continues to connect with generations of fans through retro conventions, podcasts, and independent film projects while raising her family.
6. Pamela Anderson
Then
Discovered on a stadium jumbotron at a BC Lions football game in Vancouver, Pamela Anderson became the defining international sex symbol of the 1990s. Starting with a record-setting string of cover appearances, she transitioned to television as Lisa on Home Improvement before achieving global superstardom as C.J. Parker on Baywatch.
Now
Beyond her pop culture legacy, Anderson has established herself as a passionate global philanthropist, author, and animal rights advocate through PETA and the Pamela Anderson Foundation. Over recent years, she has received critical acclaim on Broadway as Roxie Hart in Chicago and released her best-selling memoir, taking full control of her narrative.
5. Jenny McCarthy
Then
Selected out of thousands of candidates in 1993, Jenny McCarthy was named 1994 Playmate of the Year. Her sharp comedic timing and expressive energy distinguished her instantly, leading to a breakthrough hosting gig on MTV's hit dating show Singled Out and starring roles in films like BASEketball and Scream 3.
Now
McCarthy evolved into a prolific television host, author, and media personality. Having co-hosted ABC's The View and Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, she currently serves as a beloved celebrity panelist on FOX’s top-rated competition show The Masked Singer and hosts her own daily SiriusXM radio broadcast.
4. Donna D’Errico
Then
Prior to entering mainstream entertainment, Donna D’Errico was an entrepreneur operating a successful transportation business in Las Vegas. After being named the September 1995 Playmate of the Month, she joined the cast of Baywatch as Donna Marco, quickly becoming a fan favorite on the international hit series.
Now
D'Errico continues to stun audiences with her age-defying looks, active fitness lifestyle, and philanthropic efforts. Known for her adventurous spirit, she gained widespread media attention for leading a mountain-climbing expedition on Turkey's Mount Ararat and continues to act in independent film productions.
3. Shannon Tweed
Then
Canadian actress Shannon Tweed was named 1982 Playmate of the Year after getting her break through a Canadian television showcase. Tweed established herself as one of the most prolific leading ladies of the 1980s and 1990s erotic thriller genre, appearing in more than 60 feature films and starring in major TV series such as Falcon Crest and Days of Our Lives.
Now
Tweed found massive modern television success starring alongside her longtime partner, KISS bassist Gene Simmons, on the hit A&E reality series Gene Simmons Family Jewels. After nearly three decades together, the couple officially married in 2011, and Tweed continues to enjoy life as a celebrated pop culture figure.
2. Elle Macpherson
Then
Famously dubbed "The Body" by Time magazine, Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson holds an unmatched record of five cover appearances on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. When she chose to pose for a landmark pictorial in 1994, it was strictly on her own terms, cementing her status as one of fashion's most empowering and iconic figures.
Now
Macpherson turned her runway fame into a global business powerhouse. As the founder of Elle Macpherson Intimates and the wellness brand WelleCo, she has earned international accolades as an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and television executive producer for programs like Britain & Ireland's Next Top Model.
1. Cindy Crawford
Then
Arguably the most famous supermodel in fashion history, Cindy Crawford appeared on over 600 magazine covers worldwide during her peak. Known for her signature beauty mark, historic Pepsi Super Bowl commercials, and classic 1988 cover feature, Crawford redefined American beauty and was named the highest-paid model in the world by Forbes.
Now
Today, Crawford is a revered businesswoman with ventures including Meaningful Beauty and the Cindy Crawford Home Collection. Happily married to entrepreneur Rande Gerber, she has successfully mentored the next generation of runway icons, including her supermodel daughter Kaia Gerber, while remaining an enduring symbol of timeless elegance.