Quick Profile

Category	Details
Full Name	Heidi Klum
Date of Birth	June 1, 1973
Age	52 years (as of 2025)
Birthplace	Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
Nationality	German-American
Profession	Supermodel, TV Host, Actress, Entrepreneur, Producer
Famous For	Victoria’s Secret Angel, Project Runway, America’s Got Talent
Height	1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)
Marital Status	Married to Tom Kaulitz
Children	Four
Net Worth	Estimated $160 million+
Years Active	1992–present

Introduction

Heidi Klum is one of the most recognizable supermodels and television personalities in the world. With a career spanning over three decades, she has evolved from a high-fashion runway model to a global media icon, successful businesswoman, and influential TV host. From her early start in Germany to her rise as a Victoria’s Secret Angel and her major roles in hit shows like Project Runway and America’s Got Talent, Klum continues to solidify her name as one of the most successful and versatile figures in entertainment.

This full biography explores Heidi Klum’s age, early life, modeling journey, acting career, business ventures, marriages, children, achievements, and her impressive net worth.

Early Life and Background

Heidi Klum was born on June 1, 1973, in Bergisch Gladbach, a small town outside Cologne, Germany. She grew up in a supportive middle-class family; her father, Günther Klum, worked as an executive at a cosmetics company, while her mother, Erna Klum, was a hairdresser. This early exposure to beauty and fashion would later play a major role in shaping her career.

At the age of 18, Heidi entered a national modeling competition called “Model 92”, hosted by Petra, a popular German magazine. Out of 25,000 contestants, Heidi not only won the competition but secured a modeling contract worth $300,000. This marked the official beginning of her modeling journey and opened doors to the international fashion industry.

Although she initially planned to study fashion design, her competition win changed the trajectory of her life forever. After high school, she moved to the United States, prepared to take on the global modeling scene.

Rise to Fame in the Modeling Industry

Heidi Klum’s modeling career skyrocketed in the mid-1990s. She appeared on numerous magazine covers, including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Sports Illustrated, and Harper’s Bazaar. However, her global breakthrough came in 1998 when she graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, earning instant international attention.

Becoming a Victoria’s Secret Angel

One of her biggest accomplishments was joining Victoria’s Secret, where she became a leading Angel from 1999 to 2010. Heidi’s confidence, charisma, and signature runway walk made her a standout figure in the brand’s iconic fashion shows. She wore several Fantasy Bras throughout her VS career—an honor reserved for the brand’s most elite models.

High-Fashion and Commercial Success

Heidi’s modeling portfolio is exceptionally diverse. She has worked with luxury brands such as:

• Givenchy
• Dior
• Balmain
• Zac Posen
• Vera Wang
• Valentino

Alongside fashion modeling, Klum became a recognizable face in commercial campaigns for companies like McDonald’s, H&M, Coca-Cola, Jordache, and Volkswagen.

Her ability to remain relevant across decades showcases her adaptability and continued influence in the fashion world.

Transition Into Television

Heidi Klum’s television career is one of the most successful crossovers from modeling to mainstream entertainment. She is widely respected for her natural hosting ability, strong on-screen presence, and leadership skills.

Project Runway

In 2004, Klum co-created the reality fashion competition Project Runway. The show quickly became a massive success and won several Emmy Awards. Heidi served as the host and executive producer for multiple seasons, helping aspiring designers compete for a chance to launch their careers.

Her catchphrase, “Auf Wiedersehen,” became iconic, adding a personal touch to the elimination process.

Germany’s Next Topmodel

Heidi also hosts and judges Germany’s Next Topmodel, a reality show that has been running since 2006. Her leadership style combines glamour with mentorship, guiding young aspiring models through rigorous weekly challenges.

America’s Got Talent

In 2013, she joined America’s Got Talent (AGT) as a judge alongside Howard Stern, Mel B, and Howie Mandel. Klum quickly became a fan favorite, known for her fairness, humor, and supportive feedback to contestants.

Her return to the AGT panel over multiple seasons has solidified her role in American television.

Acting Career

Beyond hosting, Heidi Klum has appeared in numerous films and TV series, showcasing her versatility as a performer.

Some of her acting roles include:

• Blow Dry (2001)
• Ella Enchanted (2004)
• The Devil Wears Prada (cameo)
• How I Met Your Mother (guest appearance)
• Parks and Recreation
• Ocean’s 8 (2018)

Her acting style is often described as playful, confident, and charismatic.

Business Ventures and Entrepreneurship

Heidi Klum is not just a model and TV host—she is a savvy businesswoman with multiple successful ventures.

1. Fashion and Clothing Lines

She has launched several clothing and lingerie lines, including:

• Heidi Klum Intimates
• Heidi Klum Swim
• A maternity clothing line for Motherhood Maternity
• A children’s clothing line with New Balance

2. Perfumes and Beauty

Heidi has released multiple perfume collections and partnered with beauty brands to develop skincare products.

3. Brand Partnerships

Her long-term collaborations with major brands have contributed significantly to her net worth. She has worked with:

• Amazon
• Victoria’s Secret
• ProSieben
• Macy’s

4. Production Work

Klum co-produces both Project Runway and Germany’s Next Topmodel, giving her creative control and ownership rights that strengthen her business legacy.

Personal Life

Heidi Klum’s personal life has often drawn media attention, not only because of her celebrity relationships but also due to her openness and positivity.

Marriage to Ric Pipino

Her first marriage was to stylist Ric Pipino in 1997. The couple divorced amicably in 2002.

Relationship With Flavio Briatore

In 2003, Klum dated Italian businessman Flavio Briatore. Their relationship ended shortly before she gave birth to her first daughter, Leni, in 2004.

Marriage to Seal

Heidi married British musician Seal in 2005. Together, they had three children:

• Henry
• Johan
• Lou

Seal also adopted Leni, strengthening their family bond. The couple became famous for renewing their vows annually. They eventually divorced in 2014.

Marriage to Tom Kaulitz

In 2019, Heidi married Tom Kaulitz, a guitarist from the band Tokio Hotel. The two share a joyful, public-loving relationship and often appear together at red-carpet events.

Children

Heidi Klum is a proud mother of four:

1. Leni Klum – Born 2004
2. Henry Samuel – Born 2005
3. Johan Samuel – Born 2006
4. Lou Samuel – Born 2009

Leni, her eldest daughter, is now a successful model, following in Heidi’s footsteps. Their mother-daughter collaborations often trend in fashion magazines internationally.

Awards and Achievements

Heidi Klum’s career has been recognized with numerous awards, including:

• Emmy Award for Outstanding Host of a Reality Program (Project Runway)
• German Television Award
• Peabody Award
• Multiple nominations for fashion and entertainment achievements

Her contributions to the global fashion and entertainment industries make her one of the most celebrated German exports of all time.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Heidi Klum’s estimated net worth is over $160 million. Her income comes from:

• Modeling
• Hosting and producing television shows
• Business ventures
• Endorsements
• Acting roles

Her ability to diversify her income and remain relevant for decades shows her exceptional business strategy and star power.

Philanthropy

Heidi Klum is passionate about giving back. She supports charities focused on children, health, and disaster relief. She has worked with organizations such as:

• UNICEF
• Red Cross
• Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
• amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research)

Her philanthropic work reflects her compassionate personality and commitment to making a difference.

Lifestyle and Public Influence

Klum is known for her vibrant personality, creativity, and bold fashion choices. She often goes viral for her elaborate Halloween costumes, considered among the best celebrity Halloween looks every year.

On social media, Heidi maintains a strong presence, sharing behind-the-scenes content from her shows, personal life, travels, and fashion projects. With millions of followers, she continues to shape global conversations around fashion, beauty, and entertainment.

Conclusion

Heidi Klum’s life story is a remarkable journey from a small German town to international superstardom. Her career spans modeling, television, business, philanthropy, and entertainment. Her longevity and influence demonstrate not only her talent but also her intelligence, resilience, and ability to evolve with time.

From Victoria’s Secret Angel to award-winning TV host and successful entrepreneur, Heidi Klum remains one of the most iconic figures of the 21st century. Her biography reflects a legacy built on passion, determination, and creativity—making her a true inspiration worldwide.