Elle Macpherson is an Australian Supermodel, actress, entrepreneur, and television personality who rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s, when she was considered one of the top fashion icons at the time. She is most famously known as “The Body” due to her historic cover appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Since then, she has built a thriving career outside of modeling by starting her own businesses, doing film and television appearances, as well as advocating for health and wellness. And from her days as a university student in Australia to an internationally renowned businesswoman, she remains an inspiration for budding models and entrepreneurs.
Who Is Elle Macpherson?
Elle Macpherson is an Australian model, actress, television host, and businesswoman. She was born Eleanor Nancy Gow but took on her stepfather’s surname, Macpherson. Having quickly become an international supermodel during the 1980s, she appeared alongside other Fashion Greats of her time as one of the original ‘Supermodels’.
In addition to modeling, Elle has started a lingerie, skincare, and wellness business empire. She is also known for her work in television and philanthropy. Having a career spanning over 40 years, she is considered one of the most successful international celebrities in Australia.
Elle Macpherson Biography at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eleanor Nancy Macpherson (née Gow) |
| Popular Name | Elle Macpherson |
| Nickname | The Body |
| Profession | Model, Actress, Entrepreneur, TV Personality |
| Date of Birth | March 29, 1964 |
| Age | 62 Years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Killara, New South Wales, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Children | Two Sons |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $95 Million |
Elle Macpherson Age and Date of Birth
Elle Macpherson was born on March 29, 1964, in Killara, New South Wales, Australia. Her age is 62 as of 2026.
Elle has spent over four decades in the public eye, remaining active in business, fashion, and wellness. The fact that she was able to adapt her looks according to trends has made her remain a relevant character many years past even the end of her most active modelling days.
Early Life and Childhood
Growing up in Sydney Australia, Elle Macpherson. She hails from a supportive family background and engaged in physical activity at an early age. She regularly attended sports, swimming and outdoor activities and it was a training period that served her well in developing the athletic physique that would become one of her main tools of trade in modelling.
While she eventually made it in the fashion industry, modeling was never her endgame. She was like so many other young Australians, studying hard and having aspirations of a career in anything but fashion.
Family Background (Parents and Siblings)
Elle was born the daughter of an entrepreneur, Peter Gow, and nurse Frances Gow. Her parents divorced while Elle was young, and her mother remarried Neil Macpherson. Post-divorce, Elle took on the Macpherson name a surname that would go on to be known around the world.
She has siblings, including her younger sister Mimi Macpherson, famed in Australia as a businesswoman and environmentalist. Although all of their careers continued to keep them busy, the family grew close over the years.
Education and Early Interests
Elle was educated in Sydney before going on to the University of Sydney to study Law. Yet, she did take on some modelling jobs during a university holiday just to bring in extra cash.
Those short-lived modelling gigs suddenly gave her a way into international fashion. She received offers from international agencies and decided to pursue modeling full time, leaving her legal studies behind. That, of course, is what changed the entire trajectory of her life.
Elle Macpherson Young: Her Early Modeling Years
Elle started modelling in the early 1980s and was signed to a modelling agency after travelling over to America. Soon her plain face, tall, lean body and self-assured personality would draw the eye of photographers and fashion editors.
In the span of a few years, she was on the covers of magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan and Sports Illustrated. That certainly helped her become one of the most famous people in the modeling world, as she has made appearances in, and even been a cover star for many years running, of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue going on at this time.
Elle managed to achieve a unique balance of both commercial campaigns and high-fashion work that would propel her into an extended international career, unlike many models of the time.
How Tall Is Elle Macpherson?
Elle Macpherson has long been celebrated for her sporty, elegant physique. The majority of her success as a runway and swimsuit model is due to both her height and natural proportions.
| Physical Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft (183 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 61 kg (134 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Light Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Shoe Size | US 12 (Approx.) |
| Distinctive Features | Long legs, toned physique, radiant smile |
Even in her sixties, Elle continues to maintain a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, nutritious eating habits, and wellness practices.
Why Is Elle Macpherson Called “The Body”?
In 1989, Time magazine referred to Elle Macpherson as “The Body” because of her extraordinary physique. It has now rapidly become her global identity and a nickname synonymous with her career.
This accomplishment, in conjunction with her physique and self-assurance, rose her to being the hottest model of her time. Instead of being simply known for fashion campaigns, Elle became a global brand in fitness, beauty, and healthy living.
Now, the moniker refers not just to her modeling career but also to the massive personal brand she has created over the decades.
How Elle Macpherson Started Her Modeling Career
Elle had no intention of becoming a professional model. Her first modeling contracts were done as a way to help pay for her university education. But after she started working with an agent and went to New York, it quickly took off.
She burst into the limelight when she was featured five times on the cover pages of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue – a record that is considered one of the greatest achievements in modeling. She became the face of global luxury brands, appearing in ads throughout Europe, America and Australia.
By the late 1980s, Elle Macpherson was one of the highest-paid and most supermodels in the world. That success ultimately translated into acting, television, fashion design and entrepreneurship.
Elle Macpherson Career Timeline
Elle Macpherson had an impressive career of over four decades. She went from one of the highest-paid supermodels on the planet to incredibly profitable businesses, time and time again worth reinventing herself. Here is a timeline of some of the most significant career highlights.
| Year | Career Milestone |
|---|---|
| Early 1980s | Began professional modeling after signing with a modeling agency |
| 1986 | First Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover |
| 1987 | Appeared on another Sports Illustrated cover and gained worldwide fame |
| 1988 | Became one of the highest-paid supermodels |
| 1989 | Received the nickname “The Body” from Time magazine |
| 1990 | Made her film debut in Alice |
| 1994 | Starred in the hit film Sirens |
| 1995 | Launched Elle Macpherson Intimates lingerie brand |
| 1999 | Appeared in the popular sitcom Friends |
| 2010 | Hosted Britain & Ireland’s Next Top Model |
| 2014 | Co-founded the wellness company WelleCo |
| 2024 | Released her memoir Elle: Life, Lessons & Learning to Trust Yourself |
Elle Macpherson Movies and TV Shows
While Elle Macpherson is arguably best known as a supermodel, she also has a long running acting and television career to go by. She has acted in film, television dramas, sitcoms and reality shows.
Popular Movies
| Movie | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Alice | 1990 | Model |
| Sirens | 1994 | Shelley |
| If Lucy Fell | 1996 | Eve |
| Jane Eyre | 1996 | Blanche Ingram |
| The Mirror Has Two Faces | 1996 | Herself |
| Batman & Robin | 1997 | Julie Madison |
| The Edge | 1997 | Mickey Morse |
| South Kensington | 2001 | Herself |
Television Shows
| TV Show | Years |
|---|---|
| Friends | 1999–2000 |
| Saturday Night Live | Host |
| Britain & Ireland’s Next Top Model | 2010–2013 |
| Fashion Star | Mentor |
| A Girl Thing | TV Movie |
She is best known for her character Janine LaCroix from Friends, which audiences remember as Joey Tribbiani’s roommate and then his girlfriend.
Elle Macpherson’s Biggest Career Achievements
Elle Macpherson is more than just a fashion model; she’s also had success in other careers. From there, she became a staple of the supermodel age and transitioned to become a legitimate businesswoman.
Her greatest achievement will always be her five cover appearances on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, a heralded record that helped Certified icon imprint her name in fashion folklore. Elle successfully launched Elle Macpherson Intimates, one of the world’s most talked-about lingerie brands, and then catapulted into wellness with WelleCo.
Apart from business, she has been a part of international films, hosted TV shows, and even been cited as a mentor for future models, thus showing her versatility across different fields.
Awards and Honors
Throughout her career, Elle Macpherson has received recognition for both her achievements in fashion and her entrepreneurial success.
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Glamour Entrepreneur of the Year | 2005 |
| Everywoman Ambassador Award | 2007 |
| Femmy Award – Lingerie Designer of the Year | 2008 |
| Women’s World Award – World Career Award | 2009 |
| Elle Style Award – Style Icon | Various Recognition |
While she may not have won many acting awards, her influence on the fashion and beauty industries has earned her worldwide respect.
Elle Macpherson Net Worth
Elle Macpherson’s projected net worth in 2026 is approximately $95 million.
In contrast to many other models who depended primarily on fashion advertising, Elle Macpherson generated more than one stream of income via business deals, television, endorsements, and investments. This entrepreneurial model enabled her to become financially successful not only as a model but also in the future.
Main Income Sources
| Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Modeling | Fashion campaigns and magazine covers |
| Acting | Movies and television appearances |
| Brand Endorsements | Luxury fashion and beauty partnerships |
| Elle Macpherson Intimates | Lingerie business |
| WelleCo | Wellness and nutrition company |
| Television | Hosting and judging reality shows |
| Investments | Business ventures and licensing deals |
Elle Macpherson Husband
Elle Macpherson was married twice. She was married to French fashion photographer Gilles Bensimon from 1986. She divorced him in 1989, three years later.
Married American businessman and real estate developer Jeffrey Soffer in 2013. Their marriage ended in 2017 when they realized their differences.
Elle has also endured two divorce settlements yet has stayed focused on her family and business ventures for the time being.
| Husband | Marriage | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Gilles Bensimon | 1986–1989 | Divorced |
| Jeffrey Soffer | 2013–2017 | Divorced |
Elle Macpherson’s Relationships and Dating History
Elle Macpherson, throughout the history of her life, has been associated with some of the well-known personalities. Some of the relationships got a lot of press coverage while some passed relatively unnoticed.
One of her longest and most famous relationships was with French financier Arpad Busson. They were together for many years and had two sons but never married.
Relationship History
| Partner | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Billy Joel | Reportedly dated |
| Gilles Bensimon | Former Husband |
| Tim Jeffries | Former Partner |
| Arpad Busson | Long-term Partner |
| Jeffrey Soffer | Former Husband |
| Andrew Wakefield | Former Partner |
| Doyle Bramhall II | Reported Partner |
Does Elle Macpherson Have Children?
Yes, Elle Macpherson has two sons.
She gave birth to both children during her long-term relationship with financier Arpad Busson. During interviews, Elle has previously referred to motherhood as the best thing that ever happened to her. She has managed to juggle her successful career with raising her kids and has stayed extremely close to them both.
Elle Macpherson’s Sons
Elle Macpherson has two sons:
| Son | Birth Year |
|---|---|
| Arpad Flynn Busson | 1998 |
| Aurelius Cy Andrea Busson | 2003 |
Elle Macpherson Face Evolution: Young vs Now
For more than four decades now, Elle Macpherson has been one of the fashion industry’s most recognized faces. During her younger days, she used to be famous for her golden skin, fit physique, and long hair that characterized the age of supermodels in the 1980s and 1990s.
Nowadays, she is able to retain her youthful looks due to her healthy way of life, good diet, exercise, meditation, and skincare. She talks about accepting aging naturally and prioritizing wellness over unattainable beauty standards.
Elle Macpherson’s Lifestyle
Elle Macpherson leads a wellness lifestyle revolving around health, fitness, and mindfulness. She is of the idea that one needs to be healthy on the inside before being beautiful on the outside; this informed the creation of her wellness line called WelleCo.
Some of her daily activities include exercising, yoga, walking, strength training, and meditation. She also consumes a well-balanced diet including fresh fruits and vegetables. During her leisure time, she loves surfing, traveling, and being with her family.
Philanthropy and Charity Work
Elle Macpherson has been involved in many philanthropic endeavors in her lifetime and is also an advocate for various humanitarian causes. For example, she has served as a European Ambassador for (RED), the campaign founded by Bono aimed at fighting against AIDS in Africa, and as a Global Ambassador for UNICEF working towards the well-being and education of children all over the world. Additionally, in Australia, she works for the Australian Smile Foundation that assists children with rare diseases.
She has also been involved in the activities of some other well-known charity organizations such as the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Comic Relief, and Oxfam that focus on raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, alleviating poverty, assisting with disasters, and promoting social justice.
Interesting Facts About Elle Macpherson
- She graced the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue five times, the highest among all models.
- Her full name is Eleanor Nancy Gow.
- At first, she intended to pursue a degree in Law from the University of Sydney.
- Time magazine gave her the popular nickname “The Body.”
- She created the world-renowned lingerie range, Elle Macpherson Intimates.
- She subsequently founded WelleCo with some partners.
- She played the role of Janine LaCroix in the well-known TV series, Friends.
- She has been on the covers of many magazines throughout her career.
- She is regarded as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the fashion industry from Australia.
- Her career has lasted for more than four decades.
Elle Macpherson’s Social Media Presence
Elle Macpherson regularly shares updates about wellness, travel, fashion, and her personal life through social media.
| Platform | Official Handle | Followers |
|---|---|---|
| @ellemacpherson | 815K followers | |
| ElleMacpherson | 131K followers | |
| X (Twitter) | @ellemacpherson | 96.8K followers |
Conclusion
The story of Elle Macpherson, from Australian university student to one of finest supermodels in history, is a fantastically impressive and industrious tale. Though the experience she gained from breaking records on the modeling runways made her famous, it is her success as a businesswoman that allowed her to live beyond the life of most in fashion. Today she inspire millions with her work in wellness, healthy living, and philanthropy showing that reinvention and resilience are the cornerstones of success in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Elle Macpherson?
Elle Macpherson is an Australian supermodel, actress, entrepreneur and TV personality famous for her successful modeling and entrepreneurial career.
How old is Elle Macpherson?
As of 2026, she is 62 years old. Elle Macpherson was born on March 29, 1964.
Why is Elle Macpherson referred to as “The Body”?
The nickname “The Body” was given to her by Time magazine in 1989 due to her physical attributes and outstanding success in the swimsuit modeling field.
How tall is Elle Macpherson?
Elle Macpherson is approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall.
Is Elle Macpherson married?
No. She has been married twice: firstly to Gilles Bensimon and then to Jeffrey Soffer. All her marriages have ended in divorce.
What is Elle Macpherson’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth as of 2026 is about $95 million, gained from modeling, acting, TV shows, businesses, and brand endorsements.
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