Tiffany Haddish Named Cover Star for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

Tiffany Haddish is stepping into the modeling world as one of the cover stars for the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Joining her are Hilary Duff, Alix Earle, and Nicole Williams English, all featured in vibrant bikinis.

Haddish, age 46, humorously noted her initial reaction, saying, “I have to make sure the cuckoo doesn’t get out.” She went on to express her concerns about the size of the swimsuits, admitting, “Those swimsuits were very tiny and I was like, ‘My booty is going to eat this.’ I wanted to keep it classy.” It’s a relatable thought, reflecting that universal struggle we often face with, well, swimwear.

The shoot, captured by James Macari, took place in the picturesque waters of Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, where she smiled against the backdrop of gentle waves. In different poses, Haddish exuded confidence—one moment she stood with her hands on her hips, showcasing a striking purple Dolce & Gabbana dress.

Haddish also made a splash on Instagram, sharing a behind-the-scenes glimpse of her photo shoot in various outfits, like a shimmering black Saint Laurent bodysuit and a playful green thong bikini. Notably, she wore a hot pink two-piece from Shani Shemar.

Fans reacted positively, with comments praising her look. One commenter remarked, “She epitomized this,” while another added, “👏👏👏Yeah, Queen.” It seems she really resonated with her audience.

Reflecting on her journey, Haddish told Sports Illustrated, “What made me happy last year isn’t necessarily going to make me happy this year. I want to keep growing and evolving, so I keep doing that work.” Ahead of the issue’s launch, she shared how this experience allowed her to reconnect with her body: “I was so proud of my body because it aligned perfectly and did everything I was told to do.” It’s a thoughtful reminder of the importance of self-love and personal growth.