Renée Simonsen rose to prominence as one of the most recognizable faces of 1980s fashion, building an international career that placed her among the era’s most sought-after models.
Known for her striking look and presence on major runways, she became a familiar name across both European and American fashion circles.
Now at age 60, Simonsen is living a quieter life in her native Denmark, far removed from the spotlight that once defined her career. A recent vacation photo obtained by the Daily Mail shows the former supermodel appearing healthy and relaxed, reflecting a life that has shifted significantly from her years in high fashion.
From Small-Town Beginnings to Global Runways
Simonsen’s entry into modeling began unexpectedly while she was still working as a cashier in Denmark. As she recalled in a 1990 interview with Hello magazine, she had accompanied a friend to a modeling contest when a talent scout encouraged her to participate.
“It happened by accident,” she told Hello, explaining that she initially had no intention of entering. After winning the Face of the 80’s contest in Denmark and then in New York, she was offered a lucrative contract that changed the course of her life.
At just 17, she made the decision to pursue modeling internationally, later reflecting that what she expected to be a short stay in the United States quickly turned into years of success.
Within a short period, she became a major presence in fashion, securing covers of publications such as Vogue and Cosmopolitan and walking for top designers including Valentino, Versace and Calvin Klein.
Her career accelerated rapidly in the early 1980s. After early recognition in Denmark, she went on to win the Ford Supermodel contest in August 1982. By April 1983, she appeared on the cover of Vogue US, a milestone that established her as a leading figure in the industry.
Expanding Beyond Modeling
Simonsen’s work extended beyond the runway, including ventures into film and brand campaigns. She appeared in the 1985 thriller The Last Shot and later in the 1987 comedy Via Montenapoleone. She was also considered for a role as a Bond girl, though the opportunity did not materialize.
Throughout her modeling years, she became associated with major global brands, serving as the face of companies such as Clarins, Maybelline, Covergirl and Biotherm. She also appeared in the swimsuit issue of Sports Illustrated, further expanding her international profile.
Despite her success, Simonsen made a decisive career shift in 1988, stepping away from modeling and returning to Denmark. In her interview with Hello, she explained that the work no longer fulfilled her, describing the industry as lacking deeper meaning.
She initially pursued journalism studies before turning to psychology, a field in which she later earned a degree in 2002. Her post-modeling career evolved into writing, including children’s books and novels, as well as contributing a weekly column to the Danish magazine Femina.
Personal Life and Family
Simonsen’s personal life has included relationships with notable figures as well as a focus on family. In 1985, she began a relationship with John Taylor of the band Duran Duran. The couple became engaged but separated in 1989.
Years later, in 1997, she entered a relationship with Danish musician Thomas Helmig, whom she married in August 2000. Although the couple separated in 2014, they later reconciled.
She is the mother of three children. Her two eldest, Ulrikke and Jens-Kristian, were born in 1993 and 1995 from a previous relationship with Kristian Sandvad. Her youngest child, Hugo, is with Helmig.
