Heidi Klum is 50! Look back at her major modeling, career milestones

Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY

Updated June 2, 2023 at 1:23 AM·4 min read

Heidi Klum is kicking off the month of June with her 50th birthday!

The German model, born June 1, 1973, career continues to expand over the years, from Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover star to television host and "America's Got Talent" judge.

Klum has been an international household name alongside fellow supermodels Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen, Cindy Crawford and Tyra Banks ? all of which became powerhouses in the 90s.

Despite her success, Klum's career was slow to pick up. "The thinner you were or the more you were hanging around in poses, the better it was," she told James Corden on "The Late Late Show" in July 2021. At the time, she was considered "too curvy" and her energetic personality was branded as "too happy" by a lot of agencies.

As Klum celebrates 50, we're looking back at her milestones from her career to motherhood.

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Heidi Klum's modeling career skyrocketed in 1998

Klum gained wide recognition for modeling when she appeared on the 1998 cover of SI Swimsuit. The cover opened the door for her to become the first German Victoria's Secret Angel. She worked with the lingerie company for 13 years.

Heidi Klum worked with Victoria's Secret for 13 years.

In 2004, she further cemented her authority in the industry as the host, judge and executive producer of "Project Runway." She has also been a judge for "Germany's Next Topmodel" and "Making the Cut."

Heidi Klum has been married 3 times

Klum is currently married to the 33-year-old Tokio Hotel guitarist Tom Kaulitz. The couple wed in August 2019 barefoot on a yacht in Italy.

"It was great," the TV personality told People in October 2019. "We danced until the sun came up, and it was nice because no one’s feet were hurting. It was so magical."

Kaultiz is the model's third husband. She was married to stylist Ric Pipino from 1997-2002. She later married singer Seal in 2005, and filed for divorce in 2012.

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Heidi Klum has 4 children

Klum and Seal share four children together, including Leni, 19, Henry, 17, Johan, 16, and Lou, 13. Her eldest child's biological father is Italian businessman Flavio Briatore, however, Seal legally adopted Leni in 2005 shortly after marrying Klum.

Leni Klum and Heidi Klum attend 2022 Harper's Bazaar ICONS & Bloomingdale's 150th Anniversary on Sept. 9, 2022.

While appearing on the "Jennifer Hudson Show" in February, Klum was asked about whether she would consider having more children. "

"I mean it's a lot. I've done it four times," she said. "And I breastfed eight months each time and then I was pregnant again. Three times in a row," Klum added, referring to her close-in-age older children.

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Heidi Klum's daughter Leni is following in her footsteps

Klum's daughter Leni is taking after her as a model. The 19-year-old made her big debut on the cover of Vogue Germany's January/February 2021 issue with her mom.

"I'm so proud of you. And not because you chose this path. I know that whatever path you choose, it will be your own. You always know exactly what you want and what you don't want. You're not a mini me. And I'm happy for you that you can now show who YOU ??are," Klum gushed in an Instagram post written in German. "

She added: "Vogue is the best way to launch the career you dream of. And even if it's a bit difficult for me to let you go into this world, I will always do everything to make you happy and make your dreams come true. I'm proud to be your mom!"

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Heidi Klum hosts an annual Halloween bash

Klum's first Halloween party was in 2001. She dressed as a a spooky version of Lady Godiva, complete with a horse to arrive to the celebration. Over the years, she's shocked guests as an exoskeleton, an old lady, Jessica Rabbit and more.

Leni attended her mother's mega annual Heidi Klum Halloween bash for the first time in October 2022. The 19-year-old stood on a ladder to get a glimpse of her mother's costume on the red carpet. She then joined her mom to take a few photos. Klum's costume that year did not disappoint: The model took an unexpected route for a costume as she inched her way in to greet party guests in a human-sized earthworm costume.