Lauren Hutton

Lauren Hutton – Life, Career & Legacy

Learn about Lauren Hutton — trailblazing American model and actress. From her breakthrough modeling years to her film roles, signature style, and advocacy, here’s a full portrait of her life and influence.

Introduction

Lauren Hutton (born Mary Laurence Hutton; November 17, 1943) is an American model, actress, and style icon whose career has spanned decades. Known for her natural beauty, expressive presence, and refusal to conform to rigid industry norms (notably retaining her gap in her teeth), she helped redefine ideas of beauty and aging in fashion.

Over the years, she has remained active not only in modeling and acting, but also in advocacy, design, and sustainability.

Early Life & Background

Lauren was born as Mary Laurence Hutton in Charleston, South Carolina on November 17, 1943, to Lawrence Bryan Hutton and Minnie (Behrens) Hutton.

After her parents separated, Lauren moved with her mother to Florida, where she spent much of her childhood in Tampa.

She graduated from Chamberlain High School in Tampa in 1961, then studied for a time at the University of South Florida and later at Tulane University (Newcomb College) in New Orleans.

Modeling Career

Breakthrough & Early Years

In the mid-1960s, Lauren moved to New York City to pursue modeling. Initially she was discouraged by agents to hide her prominent gap between her front teeth; she even tried using wax and caps, but eventually embraced it as part of her distinctive look.

Her uniqueness soon became an asset. In 1968 she appeared in a Chanel advertisement shot by Richard Avedon, which helped raise her profile.

The Revlon Contract & Peak Success

In 1973, Hutton signed a then-record contract with Revlon cosmetics, becoming the face of their Ultima II line. It was reported to be one of the largest modeling contracts of its time.

She appeared on the cover of Vogue numerous times (a record 26 times, according to her biography) and worked with many of the leading photographers and fashion houses of her era.

Later Modeling, Comebacks & Longevity

Even as fashion trends shifted, Lauren continued modeling into her later years. She walked in runway shows (for example Tom Ford’s collection in 2012) and collaborated with contemporary brands.

She was chosen as the face of Bottega Veneta’s Spring/Summer 2017 campaign at age 73, signaling her enduring relevance in fashion.

Her career is often held up as a model for how style, confidence, and authenticity can transcend age.

Acting & Media Work

Lauren also pursued acting, taking on roles in film and television alongside her modeling career.

Some of her notable screen credits:

• Paper Lion (1968) — her film debut.

• The Gambler (1974)

• American Gigolo (1980) — she played the female lead opposite Richard Gere.

• Television roles included Paper Dolls, Falcon Crest, Central Park West, Nip/Tuck.

She also hosted her own talk show, Lauren Hutton &…, from 1996 to 1997.

Style, Identity & Influence

Lauren Hutton’s impact goes beyond mere modeling. Some of her contributions:

• Embracing “imperfection” — Her gap-tooth smile, once considered a blemish, became a signature, a statement that beauty can include what’s unique.

• Longevity & age positivity — She challenged fashion’s youth bias by continuing to work and represent beauty in later life.

• Advocacy & environmentalism — She is a scuba diver and conservationist, supporting marine preservation and shark protection.

• Authenticity & voice — In interviews and features, she’s expressed strong opinions about beauty, aging, and artistic integrity.

Personal Life

• Lauren was in a long-term relationship with her manager, Bob Williamson, lasting about 27 years until his death in 1997.

• She later partnered with Luca Babini, whom she met in the early 1990s.

• In 2000, Hutton was involved in a serious motorcycle accident, suffering multiple injuries.

• She has lived in various places, including New York City and Taos, New Mexico, and remains active in public life.