Bo Derek remains a figure of distinct fascination, and her recent endeavors have only deepened my respect for her. It’s impossible to forget the impact she made when I first saw her in “10” (1979); her striking blonde hair and vivid blue eyes created an indelible image. But beyond that initial impression, her life’s trajectory is genuinely compelling.

Her path to Hollywood began early, rooted in her California upbringing and her mother’s association with Ann-Margret. At just sixteen, she landed her first cinematic role. While on location for “Once Upon a Love” in Mykonos, she met John Derek, a man thirty years her senior and already married. Their subsequent relationship, which began when she was seventeen, was met with considerable controversy, particularly given his marital status to Linda Evans. However, John later divorced Linda, and he and Bo married in Las Vegas in 1976, when she was nineteen.

John Derek played a significant role in shaping Bo’s career, casting her in roles that often pushed boundaries. Her signature look, the blonde cornrow braids, was his creation, designed to ensure she stood out. Following “10,” she starred in several of his films, though these were not met with critical acclaim. She later transitioned to television, with appearances in series like “7th Heaven,” “Lucky,” and “Queen of Swords.”

In the 2000s, Bo became increasingly involved in political advocacy, initially aligning with George W. Bush before later casting her vote for Barack Obama. Her deep love for horses led her to champion equine safety, and she penned an autobiography, “Riding Lessons: Everything That Matters in Life I Learned from Horses.” Additionally, she has dedicated herself to supporting war veterans, serving as honorary chair of the VA’s National Rehabilitation Special Events.

After John Derek’s passing in 1998, Bo found a renewed sense of connection with actor John Corbett in 2002. Their relationship, spanning nearly two decades, culminated in a private marriage ceremony in 2021. Today, Bo enjoys a serene life in California with John, and while she has stepped away from the intense spotlight of her earlier years, her iconic status remains firmly intact. Even a fleeting glimpse of her renowned beach scene from “10” is enough to evoke the enduring power of her presence.