MOLLY SIMS

Molly Sims: A Comprehensive Biography of the Model and Actress​

Early Life and Education

Molly Sims was born on May 25, 1973, in Murray, Kentucky, to parents Jim and Dottie Sims. She spent her early years in Mayfield before the family settled in Murray, where her father worked in the book industry. She has an older brother named Todd. After graduating from Murray High School in 1991, Sims enrolled at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, majoring in political science with aspirations of becoming a lawyer. During her time at Vanderbilt, she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. However, in 1993, at the age of 19, she made the pivotal decision to leave college and pursue a modeling career, a move that would soon catapult her into the fashion spotlight. ​

Modeling Career

Sims's entry into the modeling world began when she sent photographs to several agencies, leading to her signing with Next Model Management. Her career quickly gained momentum, with appearances on the covers of Vogue Spain in April 1997 and Vogue Paris in September 1999. She became widely recognized as the face of Old Navy, featuring in their advertisements with the catchy slogan, "You gotta get this look!" In 2001, she graced the runway of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and secured a multi-year contract with CoverGirl. Sims's modeling portfolio includes work with renowned brands such as Jimmy Choo, Escada, Giorgio Armani, Michael Kors, and Chanel. She was also a frequent feature in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, appearing in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2006. Notably, in the 2006 issue, she wore a diamond-studded bikini designed by Susan Rosen, valued at $30 million. ​

Transition to Acting

Building on her modeling success, Sims transitioned into acting. She hosted MTV's "House of Style" from 2000 to 2002, a role that had previously been held by supermodels like Cindy Crawford. Her acting breakthrough came with the role of Delinda Deline on NBC's comedy-drama series "Las Vegas," which aired from 2003 to 2008. Sims's filmography includes appearances in movies such as "Starsky & Hutch" (2004), "The Benchwarmers" (2006), "Yes Man" (2008), "The Pink Panther 2" (2009), "Fired Up!" (2009), and "The Wrong Missy" (2020). She also made guest appearances on television shows like "Crossing Jordan," "Royal Pains," "The Carrie Diaries," and "Men at Work." ​

Personal Life and Philanthropy

In her personal life, Sims married Netflix executive Scott Stuber on September 24, 2011, in a ceremony held at a Napa Valley vineyard. The couple has three children: sons Brooks Alan (born 2012) and Grey Douglas (born 2017), and daughter Scarlett May (born 2015). ​

Beyond her professional endeavors, Sims is actively involved in philanthropic work. She has participated in charity events benefiting ovarian cancer research and serves as a global ambassador for Population Services International's Five & Alive program, which addresses health crises facing children under five and their families. Additionally, she supports Operation Smile, an organization that provides free surgeries to children with cleft lips and palates. 

Advocacy for Body Positivity

Reflecting on her early modeling career, Sims has spoken candidly about the pressures she faced to conform to the industry's standards during the "heroin chic" era of the 1990s. She recalls being labeled "too fat" and "too blonde," which led to a strained relationship with food and self-image. Now, as a mother and advocate, Sims promotes body inclusivity and a balanced approach to health and wellness. She emphasizes the importance of embracing diverse beauty standards and hopes that future generations will not experience the same pressures she faced in the fashion industry. ​

Business Ventures

In addition to her modeling and acting careers, Sims has ventured into the business world. In 2004, she launched "Grayce by Molly Sims," a jewelry line featuring necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets. The collection has been available at retailers such as HSN, Henri Bendel, Scoop, Ron Herman, and Matches London. ​

Sims continues to engage with her audience through various platforms, including her lifestyle blog and social media channels, where she shares insights on fashion, beauty, wellness, and motherhood.​

Through her multifaceted career and personal experiences, Molly Sims has established herself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, known for her versatility, advocacy, and entrepreneurial spirit.​