Twiggy

Photo of Twiggy

Biography

The original supermodel waif who acquired her name for her stick-like figure (a radical departure from the curvaceous ideals of previous generations), 'Twiggy' (nee Leslie Hornby) burst upon the fashion scene and revolutionized it as a teenage icon of the "swinging 60s. " Though the world will never forget her larger-than-life beginnings, she modeled a mere four years (and never walked a runway) before forsaking the industry to enjoy a …
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Job Title

Actor, Music

Born

September 19, 1949

Career Milestones

2001

Co-hosted the English magazine program "This Morning"

1999

Returned to New York stage as Lawrence in Off-Broadway production "If Love Were All", a revised version of "Noel and Gertie", directed by Lawson; what set this edition apart were its tap numbers in period style; starred opposite Harry Groener as Coward

1998

Played Gertrude Lawrence in the biographical stage musical "Noel and Gertie" at the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, Long Island

1997

Acted in London stage revival of Noel Coward's "Blithe Spirit"

1991

Co-starred in the ill-fated CBS sitcom "Princesses"

Cast as Hannah Chaplin, mother to Charles, in the British TV-movie "Young Charlie Chaplin"; aired in US on PBS' "Wonderworks" in 1989

1988

Had supporting role in "Madame Sousatzka", opposite second husband Leigh Lawson

1987

Played a vaudeville performer in the British TV special "The Little Match Girl"

1983

Broadway debut in the musical, "My One and Only", starring and co-staged by Tune; earned a Tony nomination

1981

Starred as Eliza Doolittle opposite Robert Powell in Yorkshire TV production of "Pygmalion"

1980

Made cameo appearance in "The Blues Brothers"

Hosted own British TV series, "Twigs" and "Twiggy and Friends"

Appeared in several West End shows including "Captain Beaky Presents" and "Funny Face"; also toured in "Funny Face"

1974

Made second feature, the thriller "W/I Want Her Dead"; co-starred with future husband Michael Whitney

1974

Made West End stage debut in "Cinderella"

1971

First leading role in features as Polly in Ken Russell's adaptation of Sandy Wilson's pastiche of 1920s musicals "The Boy Friend"; initial collaboration with Tommy Tune

1971

Film debut as an extra in Ken Russell's "The Devils"

1967

Mattel issued a 'Twiggy Barbie'

Became a top fashion model in the 1960s

Originally nicknamed 'Sticks' because of her figure; later changed to 'Twigs' and then 'Twiggy'

Raised in Neasden, England

Awards

1971

Golden Globe Award for New Star Of The Year - Actress

1971

Golden Globe Award for Actress in a Leading Role - Musical Or Comedy in The Boy Friend